Definition
Unemployable refers to individuals who are not able to secure employment because they lack the necessary skills, education, and experience required by potential employers. This group of people tends to be chronically unemployed, facing consistent barriers to entering the workforce.
Examples
- Lack of Skills: Someone who has not acquired technical skills or soft skills necessary for available jobs.
- Educational Deficit: A person without a high school diploma or equivalent may struggle to find employment opportunities.
- Inadequate Experience: Job seekers who have never worked or have significant gaps in their employment history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “chronically unemployed” mean?
Chronically unemployed individuals are those who have been out of work for an extended period or repeatedly face long-term unemployment. They often encounter substantial barriers that prevent them from securing employment.
What might cause someone to become unemployable?
Several factors can lead to someone being considered unemployable, such as lack of up-to-date skills, minimal educational qualifications, prolonged absence from the labor market, health-related issues, or other socio-economic barriers.
How can the unemployable improve their employability?
Improving employability often involves gaining additional education, attending job training programs, acquiring new skills, seeking internships or volunteer opportunities for experience, and receiving career counseling.
Hard-Core Unemployed
Individuals who have been jobless for an extremely long period and often face significant obstacles to employment, similar but more persistent compared to the unemployable.
Online Resources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Provides statistics on employment rates, educational attainment, and workforce development.
- Indeed Career Guide - Offers resources on improving skills, crafting resumes, and job search strategies.
- National Skills Coalition - Focuses on creating a policy environment in which every worker and every industry has the skills to compete and prosper.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Workforce Instability Dilemma: How the Dual Labor Market Theory Helps Us Understand the High Costs of Unemployment” by Chris Warhus
- “The Employability Skills Workbook: An Essential Guide for Getting the Job You Want” by Glen Fowler
- “Workforce Development and Skill Formation in Asia” by John Benson and Ying Zhu
Fundamentals of Unemployable: Employment Basics Quiz
### An individual without a high school diploma is more likely to be considered:
- [x] Unemployable
- [ ] Overqualified
- [ ] Underemployed
- [ ] Optimum candidate
> **Explanation:** Lack of basic educational qualifications, such as a high school diploma, often makes individuals more likely to be considered unemployable.
### Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to someone being classified as unemployable?
- [ ] Lack of skills
- [ ] Educational deficits
- [ ] Inadequate experience
- [x] Overqualification
> **Explanation:** Overqualification involves having more qualifications than necessary for a job, not a lack thereof, and is not a reason for being classified as unemployable.
### What term is used to describe individuals who have been jobless for an extremely long period?
- [ ] Underemployed
- [ ] Overqualified
- [x] Hard-Core Unemployed
- [ ] Skilled laborer
> **Explanation:** Individuals who have been jobless for an extremely long period and face substantial barriers to employment are often referred to as "hard-core unemployed."
### Which strategy can help the unemployable improve their chances of finding employment?
- [x] Attending job training programs
- [ ] Avoiding volunteer positions
- [ ] Reducing the number of applications sent
- [ ] Limiting job search to a specific industry
> **Explanation:** Attending job training programs can help the unemployable gain new skills, increasing their chances of finding employment.
### Chronic unemployment typically means an individual has been out of work for:
- [ ] A short term
- [x] An extended period
- [ ] One week
- [ ] A month
> **Explanation:** Chronic unemployment refers to being out of work for an extended period, often indicating deeper issues in acquiring employment.
### What can significantly help someone classified as unemployable due to lack of experience?
- [x] Seeking internships or volunteer opportunities
- [ ] Refusing entry-level positions
- [ ] Limiting job search efforts
- [ ] Enrolling in physical fitness programs
> **Explanation:** Seeking internships or volunteer opportunities can help individuals gain the necessary experience, making them more attractive to potential employers.
### High rates of unemployment often signify:
- [ ] A healthy economy
- [x] A struggling job market
- [ ] Overemployment
- [ ] Equally distributed job opportunities
> **Explanation:** High rates of unemployment often indicate a struggling job market and issues within the economy.
### Someone who repeatedly faces long-term unemployment is considered:
- [x] Chronically unemployed
- [ ] Temporarily unemployed
- [ ] Overqualified
- [ ] Underemployed
> **Explanation:** An individual who repeatedly faces long-term unemployment is considered to be chronically unemployed.
### Lack of up-to-date skills in a rapidly changing job market can lead to being:
- [x] Unemployable
- [ ] Highly sought after
- [ ] Overqualified
- [ ] Seasonally employed
> **Explanation:** Lack of up-to-date skills can often make an individual unemployable in a rapidly changing job market as their skills no longer match employer needs.
### Which organization provides valuable statistics on unemployment and workforce trends in the U.S.?
- [ ] FBI
- [ ] IRS
- [ ] FDA
- [x] Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
> **Explanation:** The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides in-depth statistics on unemployment and workforce trends in the U.S.
Thank you for diving into the concept of unemployability and tackling our educational quiz questions. Keep learning and growing your knowledge for a stronger grasp of employment dynamics!
