My first memory of observing an individual’s struggle to find employment was characterised by Alan Bleasdale’s award winning drama “Boys from the Blackstuff” set in 1980s Liverpool.
Yosser Hughes, the scouse character played brilliantly by Bernard Hill, was a man driven to despair as he tried to get back into work after losing his job in the recession. “Gis a Job………I can do that” became his mantra as he randomly and indiscriminately marketed himself to anyone he came across performing any form of paid labour. I should point out that I wouldn’t be urging people to follow Yosser’s entire strategy for securing new employment. His use of the flying headbutt or Kirby Kiss when unsuccessful never really worked out for him! He did however demonstrate 3 important characteristics of the job seeker
- He wasn’t afraid to take control of his own job search
- He demonstrated drive and flexibility in what he was prepared to consider next. He did not pigeon hole himself
- He asked!
Yosser also demonstrated that the journey to finding another job can be daunting and stressful. His main problem was also one of the biggest challenges of the job search – desperation management. The art of the successful interview has often been described as making them want you more than you appear to want them. Yosser wore his desperation like a suit of armour hence why he was so often rejected.
The pressure now on the UK economy is inevitably going to see a lot of people out looking for work and they too will be managing their inner desperado as they get into the interview room.
Coming next………Yossers back to illustrate the 4 types of interviewee.
