Long-term unemployed people rely heavily on careers advice and support during January according to new research released by the National Careers Service.
Fifty per cent of careers advisers questioned by the National Careers Service reported more demand from long-term unemployed for inspiration, advice and guidance at this time of year. In addition, over half (60%) of advisers report that people vow to make changes to their professional lives at the start of the New Year.
More than three quarters (77%) of advisers say that January is the time of the year, when people need most help from the National Careers Service. Data from the National Careers Service also shows that advisers received over 20,000 calls in January 2013.
The most common request for assistance is for help to develop a CV, with nearly three quarters of careers advisers (71%) asked for advice and tips on CV building. This is in addition to 55% of advisers reporting that people ask for advice on finding a new job after seasonal positions end, while 52% contact advisers to enquire about changing their careers during this period.
Generally, careers advisers report the areas of work of most interest to job-hunters in January are retail, social care and hospitality. According to the research, people are likely to look for aspirational careers and those that offer the best long term training options.
Additional new data from ICM also reveals that among those who are in work but looking for a change in job, the top sources of inspiration for a new post are more money (42%) and better training and development packages (27%).
Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said: “The National Careers Service provides sound advice and inspiration to people at any stage of their career, from those starting out, to those wishing to progress to the next level.
“With a record number of jobs available, the National Careers Service provides guidance to help people into productive careers that benefit not only themselves and the businesses they work for, but also the country’s economy giving us the ability to continue growing from a stable platform.”
The National Careers Service “Here for You” campaign will use simple, engaging and relevant YouTube videos delivered through the National Careers Service social media channels, to provide people with a tangible action plan to meet their career objectives.
National Careers Service Adviser Tracey Bell added: “Most people expect to have a bit of a break in January, as businesses are often a little slow during this month – but for careers advisers it’s the busiest time of year!
“Many people use the Christmas break to assess and re-evaluate what is important to them and this often leads to a shift and change in priorities. The reassessment can be in all parts of life, one of which is often work.
“I would advise anyone who is thinking of changing their career to consider their strengths and what they enjoy. The New Year is a particularly good time to do this as Christmas can provide some time for a pause. January is then the perfect time to set into action the ideas you planned during the festive break. Advisers from the National Careers Service are on hand – online, over the phone or face-to-face – to help with this process and next steps.”
Denise Parry from Gosport who found a renewed confidence and changed her career path with help from the National Careers Service said: “I had worked my way up to a position as a facilities manager when I found out I was being made redundant in 2010. I had been unemployed for three years and often felt a bit low before I contacted the National Careers Service.
“However, I decided to focus on the positives and be really proactive with my job search. I wasn’t quite sure of my options but my careers adviser was very friendly and helped me to revamp my CV and believe in myself again. With their support I approached a number of local employers and within no time I had secured a role as an internal temp at Portsmouth Council.”
