The job market in BC has been particularly tough for youth looking for work. Statistics for July 2024 show that the unemployment rate for BC youth aged 15-24 has increased to 11.9%, representing a 2.4% point increase from last year. With fierce competition for youth employment, it can feel overwhelming to differentiate oneself from other applicants. One significant factor contributing to barriers for youth is anxiety and a lack of confidence. A study revealed that the proportion of Canadians aged 15 years and older with a generalized anxiety disorder doubled from 2012 to 2022, increasing from 2.6% to 5.2%.
The Power of Confidence and Proactivity
Addressing anxiety and lack of confidence among young people navigating the job market is crucial for their future success and well-being. For many youth, the fear they feel about potential rejection and the intimidating process of interviews can be paralyzing, leading them to become stagnant in their job search efforts. On the other hand, the youth who approach the job search with confidence, know their strengths and pitch themselves to employers as valuable assets proactively are seen to succeed.
Take, for instance, the story of a young person who, after being rejected from a job at a sports shop, sent the supervisor a video demonstrating his skills. This proactive approach and resilience in the face of rejection showcased his abilities and demonstrated persistence, ultimately leading to a job offer. Such stories highlight the importance of confidence and proactive behaviour in securing employment.
So, how can you support the youth in your life in finding their confidence, being proactive, and conquering their anxiety?
Overcoming Challenges: Your Role as the Support System
The good news is that with dedication and the proper emotional and practical support, youth can tame their anxiety and develop their confidence. By offering encouragement and emotional support while helping youth access available career-related resources that assist with resume writing and interview preparation, adults play a pivotal role in empowering young individuals to overcome their fears and reach their goals.
When adults actively engage in emotionally mentoring and coaching youth, they help them develop essential resilience, which translates to life skills that extend far beyond the job search. Encouragement goes a long way in boosting a young person’s self-assurance, belief in their abilities, and awareness of their strengths. This confidence, fueled by the unwavering support of the adults in the youth’s life, prepares them to face rejection and continue working towards their employment goals.
Practical support is also essential. Youth employment programs, such as the START program (Skills Training And Readiness for Tomorrow), help with resume building to ensure that they present themselves effectively on paper and provide interview preparation guidance that equips them with the confidence to articulate their strengths in person. Additionally, they aid in giving constructive feedback, which becomes a tool for growth by allowing youth to learn from their experiences and refine their skills further.
Ultimately, by investing in young people’s emotional and practical support as they pursue employment opportunities, adults foster resilience, confidence, and proactive behaviour. This approach addresses anxiety and cultivates a foundation for long-term success in youth’s careers and personal lives. By understanding the emotional challenges youth face in the employment landscape and providing proper support to them emotionally and practically through programs like the START program, we can help young people build the skills and resilience needed to succeed in the job market and beyond.
More about the START Program:
The START program provides comprehensive career development opportunities for individuals aged 15-30. Participants earn $17.40 per hour for six weeks while participating in group sessions, obtaining industry-recognized certifications, developing resume and interview skills, and learning about career pathways and local labour market information. Upon completing the classroom portion of the program, participants can also access a wage subsidy for up to eight weeks.
For more information, please contact the START program at 250.478.9525.