In today’s challenging labour market, finding employment has become increasingly difficult, particularly for young professionals and those affected by the recent wave of layoffs in the IT industry. The number of open positions is significantly lower than it was just two years ago, and many experienced experts are now left without jobs. This difficult situation has inspired Dr. Milan Milanovic, an industry expert with over two decades of experience, to take action by offering free mentorship to four unemployed individuals.
A Response to the Current Job Market Crisis
Dr. Milanovic’s decision to offer mentorship came after his company posted a job advert for four open positions. Despite the advert not being posted on any major employment platforms, it received over 200 applications, many of whom were either recently laid off or still searching for their first job. This overwhelming response highlighted the struggles faced by job seekers, particularly those just starting out in their careers. Reflecting on this, Milanovic stated:
“I like to work with young people, to educate them and help them in various ways, because I know how much I would have needed such an experience when I was their age.”
The Mentorship Program: Helping Candidates Find Jobs
Dr. Milanovic’s mentorship program is designed to last several months, with the ultimate goal of helping participants find gainful employment. Milanovic, who has a LinkedIn community of over 200,000 developers, uses this platform to share valuable insights and details about the program.
The process begins with an initial consultation, during which Milanovic assesses the participants’ job search experiences:
“Where exactly were the problems with finding a job, what was good, and where could it be approached differently?”
Once this evaluation is complete, the next step is to define the goal of the mentorship: securing a job. Milanovic has also prepared a comprehensive job search algorithm, which serves as the backbone of the program. The steps include:
- Defining the career pathway
- Setting job search goals
- Evaluating the current job market
- Choosing the right company
- Building a personal brand
- Optimizing the CV and LinkedIn profile
- Mastering the selection process
- Interview preparation, including mock interviews with tips and tricks for success.
Milanovic believes that by optimizing CVs and LinkedIn profiles to align with employer expectations, candidates will be better equipped to secure a job. Although he cannot guarantee employment for everyone, he is confident that his program will significantly enhance their chances, especially given his experience “on both sides of the interview table.”
A Win-Win Mentoring Process
Dr. Milanovic has opened the program to those who have been unemployed for at least three months or have recently graduated. Initially planning to mentor three people, he expanded the group to four due to the overwhelming response, with several dozen applicants reaching out for help. Some participants are even currently employed but are seeking to change jobs.
Mentoring, according to Milanovic, is beneficial not just for those seeking their first job, but also for those looking to advance or transition in their careers. He notes that having a mentor can accelerate career progression:
“Anyone who wants to engage in this should have an altruistic attitude towards people and a desire to help. Mentoring is a two-sided process in which both sides win at the end.”
The Importance of Mentorship
Milanovic emphasizes that those looking for a mentor should have a clearly defined goal for their mentorship, whether it’s guidance through a job search or simply emotional support during difficult times. Through his coaching and mentoring, Milanovic aims to continue assisting job seekers, both within and beyond the IT industry.
As the mentorship program progresses, Milanovic remains committed to helping his mentees overcome the challenges of the current job market. His altruistic effort highlights the importance of mentorship in career development and offers a beacon of hope for those struggling to find employment in these uncertain times.
