Key tips to navigating the job market in 2025
A new year brings the promise of fresh beginnings and opportunities, particularly for youth entering the job market who are eager to embark on transformative career journeys.
However, South Africa’s latest unemployment numbers paint a gloomy picture for the country’s youth navigating a challenging job market. According to the Youth Employment Service (YES), a leading South African 12-month, fulltime employment initiative, the key to overcoming these challenges and finding jobs is developing skills in ‘future-proof’ sectors.
YES works with the private sector to help create jobs for young South Africans, through fully funded 12-month work experiences. This gives participants the critical experience and skills that they need to secure future employment. The initiative has created nearly 170,000 jobs to date, with 45% of YES Alumni employed post-programme.
From skills development to mastering networking, YES’s Head of Youth Programmes, Aditi Lachman, has five tips for young jobseekers in South Africa to secure meaningful employment and seize the opportunities that the new year brings.
Develop skills for the future
According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025, more than 60% of businesses operating in South Africa identify skills gaps as a key barrier to business transformation by 2030 and are planning to upskill employees or hire new talent to meet evolving business needs.
The jobs of the future are in industries like information technology, AI, solar panel installation, tourism, creative, drones and robotics. To break into these industries, identify the skills required for the job you want and look for ways to get them. Notably, the report indicates that for businesses to expand their talent pool and improve skills matching, 34% plan to remove degree requirements, creating more accessible pathways to emerging jobs. This means that aside from pursuing formal education, jobseekers can build their skills by attending training programmes, gaining online free or paid for certifications, or seeking internships for practical experience.
Recognise the value of work experience
In a survey conducted by YES, managers indicated that two or more years of related work experience would compensate for jobseekers who only have a high school certificate. This means that even without formal qualifications, practical work experience can be just as valuable.
Network and seek growth opportunities
According to Lachman, networking is crucial for job seekers. “If you’re already employed, focus on building relationships with colleagues and supervisors, and seek opportunities for growth within your organisation. Share your career aspirations with colleagues and explore possibilities for advancement or taking on additional responsibilities,” she says. Networking also involves attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with as many people as possible in your field of interest. These connections can lead to job referrals and mentorship opportunities.
Get a side hustle, or start your own business
Starting a micro-business can be the first step you need to enter the mainstream economy. According to YES’s Youth Employment Survey, the biggest youth survey in the country with 38,000 respondents quarterly, at least 15% of all YES Youth (active and alumni) are engaged in entrepreneurial activities and cultivating the expertise needed to grow their business. Whether it’s selling handmade products, providing services, or launching an online venture, entrepreneurship builds valuable skills and income streams.
Prioritise mental fitness
According to a UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll, 65% of young South Africans have some form of a mental health issue, but do not seek help. Poor mental health is not only damaging to individuals but can have a ripple effect on families and communities.
A few common signs of mental illness include persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, and social withdrawal. It’s best to seek professional help to understand these symptoms, how to navigate them, and chart a way forward. To help youth deal with the pressures of unemployment and job seeking YES Mindful Matters, a programme for active YES Youth provides access to valuable online support services delivered by registered counsellors.
Finally, Lachman emphasises the importance of collaboration as we move forward into 2025: “Let this be the year we embrace collaboration by encouraging corporates to come together and share resources, expertise and passion to uplift the youth, grow our economy and invest in future generations.”