Real-life job skills

Congratulations to RIJI participants

Congratulations to the seven students participated in the RIJI (Real Industry Job Interviews) Program this year. This program allows students to experience an authentic job search situation and thereby improve their own skills as potential jobseekers.

Students selected a recently advertised job, and worked through the process of preparing a resume and cover letter specifically tailored to this job. Volunteers from HR departments in organisations from our local area, such as the Darebin Council, evaluated these applications, and students were invited to interview. Our team attended the Darebin event on October 19, and following their interview, each student received personalised feedback on all aspects of their application.

This feedback has given the students valuable insight into what they can do to improve their chances on the job market, which we all know has become far more competitive in recent times. Unfortunately, the Darebin, Moreland and Yarra local government areas record significantly higher youth unemployment rates compared to the Victoria and Australian data.  In particular, young people from 17-24 years of age face the challenge of making sure they are not amongst the 28% of young people aged 14-19 years in Melbourne’s north who are currently unable to find employment (14.5% for those aged 20-24 years). Thanks to the initiative of the INLLEN and the local councils for supporting this important program.

Kylie Witt

Careers and Pathways Advisor