When someone hasn't worked/has a blank CV

[JaneyGee]

My nephew is in his 30s and has never worked. He went completely off the rails in his 20s (mental illness, addiction, etc). Problem is, he was never registered as unfit for work. He didn't claim benefits, just lived off his parents (and grandparents). He's a totally different person now and keen to change his life. But what do you do when you just dropped out of the world from 21 to 35? He has a degree in literature and history, but no other skills or qualifications. I'm sure his family would support him re-training in something, but what can you do when you have no experience and a blank CV? How do you explain all those lost years? I guess the best thing would be to work for himself somehow. Any ideas? I suggested something like sports massage.

Does he have any preferences? Any particular skills?

Is he willing to start from entry-level, menial jobs and work up? Retail/customer service jobs?

Volunteering in an area or type of work he's interested in?

Signing on? After six months people can be forwarded to the Work and Health programme which is a bit more nuanced than the "just apply for jobs" advice the standard work coaches might give.

Get a job. Any job. To Show that he can get up and go to work every day if nothing else.

I'd tell the truth to employers about the lost years.

You say he’s keen to change his life. Has he looked into and arranged to sign up for any benefits or Jobseeker’s Allowance? Is he looking into any kind of funding or initiatives for re-training? Is he looking into gaining new skills and qualifications?

Agree with a PP, he needs to do some volunteering alongside getting a job, any job to prove that he is capable of committing to working.

If asked about all those years I would be honest if I were him, because there’s simply no hiding getting to age 35 having never worked, and he can’t make up lie about it.

I was in a similar position but with only 4 lost years after graduation.

I started volunteering at a charity shop, and also started a tiny business giving private tutoring in my degree subject, gradually increasing my hours. Those things gave me confidence, structure, and something to put on my CV. I also put a lot of effort into my cover letters, tailored to each organisation. I think as long as someone meets the minimum requirements, a great cover letter can help get them through the door - at a minimum it demonstrates good written English and communication skills.

At interview I was honest about the reasons for the gap (mental and physical illness), but emphasized that I was now fully recovered.