Young Job Seekers’ 6 Challenges: Insights from Defimedia.info

Finding a job represents a critical phase in the lives of young individuals. However, this journey is often fraught with obstacles, making the transition from education to the professional realm particularly challenging. A recent Facebook post by Defimedia.info ignited a lively discussion on this topic, gathering numerous comments from users. Here are six major challenges faced by young job seekers.

1. Lack of Professional Experience

For many young people, the most significant hurdle is the lack of practical experience.

Numerous employers are seeking candidates with prior experience, creating a cycle where one cannot gain skills without employment but cannot find work without those skills.

Astrid Sylvie, HR Manager at Myjob.mu, noted that employers often prefer candidates with some form of professional background, even for entry-level positions.

To overcome this challenge, she is encouraging young job seekers to engage in internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience and to consider volunteer work to develop skills and secure references.

Ravish Pothegadoo, Director of Talent On Tap, highlightded the issue of short-term jobs listed on CVs.

He advised that applicants should explain any job changes directly on their CVs to prevent immediate rejection, which commonly occurs due to the rapid glance recruiters give to applications.

In such a competitive landscape, where recruiters can review hundreds of applications, even a brief oversight may lead to missed opportunities.

Comments from internet users illustrate this concern:

• Nassreen Toofail remarked on the paradox of needing two years of experience while still in school.
• Jérémie Foolchand pointed out the challenge of obtaining 10 years’ experience by the age of 25.
• Others, like Solena Ayg, expressed frustration over the unrealistic experience expectations set by employers.

2. Deficiencies in Interpersonal Skills, Communication, and Confidence

While many young candidates have the necessary academic qualifications, they often lack interpersonal and communication skills.

Ravish Pothegadoo assereds that young individuals frequently struggle to articulate their abilities during interviews and often exhibit a lack of confidence and energy.

Both Ravish and Astrid Sylvie emphasized the importance of presenting oneself positively during interviews, as employers look for candidates who can seamlessly integrate into teams.

To build confidence, Sylvie suggested practicing interviews with friends or mentors and attending workshops to enhance communication skills.

Users echoed similar frustrations in the comments:

• Marie Kristèle Rose identified a lack of motivation and discipline as reasons for candidate rejections.
• Maghe Sen voiced concerns about the unrealistic expectation that all competent individuals also possess self-confidence.

3. Mismatch Between Skill Sets and Market Demand

Another major challenge mentioned is the gap between the skills learned in school and those required by employers.

Young graduates often find themselves with qualifications that do not meet market expectations.

Pothegadoo recommended that candidates are enhancing their qualifications through internships, even unpaid ones, to gain relevant experience.

He emphasized the need for dedication and hard work to ensure career progression.

Sylvie noting that young people’s skills rarely align with current job market requirements. She is encouraging them to pursue online courses and certifications to bolster their qualifications.

4. The Requirement of Five Credits on the School Certificate

In Mauritius, the demand for at least five credits on the School Certificate (SC) is often viewed as a significant barrier.

Many young people argued that the current educational system failed to recognize diverse talents and skills.

For example, those excelling in practical or creative fields may struggle to achieve the necessary credits in traditional subjects, a sentiment reflected in user comments highlighting how this requirement often overshadows actual capabilities.

5. The Importance of Connections (“Backing”)

Many Mauritian youths cited having influential connections, commonly referred to as “backing,” as a major barrier in their job search.

Despite job openings being advertised publicly, some believed these positions are often reserved for those with connections to decision-makers. Internet users shared their experiences:

• Dorsen Perianen expressed frustration over public sector jobs that, although advertised, often go to insiders.
• Others highlighted corruption and nepotism as rampant in the job market, making it difficult for qualified candidates to succeed without connections.

6. Discrimination

Lastly, several young users expressed concerns about facing discrimination based on factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or place of residence.

Such biases seem to hinder their chances of acquiring employment despite their qualifications.

Comment reflected personal experiences of discrimination and call for a recognition of merit over background.

The Facebook post from Defimedia.info, titled “La parole est à vous. Quels sont les principaux obstacles rencontrés par les jeunes lorsqu’ils cherchent un emploi” garnered significant attention, reaching 173,000 views, resulting in 1,500 comments and 790 likes shortly after its publication.

This is underscoring the pressing challenges faced by young job seekers in Mauritius and highlighting the broader issues within the employment landscape.

Source: Defi Media