Is your child job-ready?

Employability isn’t as simple as having the relevant qualification. There are a host of factors that come into play, ranging from the appropriate soft skills and work experience to the way an individual presents themselves during an interview.

To ensure that their child is adequately prepared to secure a job, a parent should ask themselves several important questions.

Is my child familiar with the interview process?

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, particularly if the applicant is new to the caper. If this is the case, asking for advice from people who have been through the process before is crucial. Regardless of the industry, many elements of interviews overlap, whether it’s telling a prospective employer about yourself or recalling a previous work-related incident when responding to a scenario-based question.

There are other aspects to consider too. Being punctual, wearing the correct attire and general body language such as a firm handshake and making eye contact all might seem relatively minor but in reality, are hugely important.

Does my child possess the necessary soft skills?

Soft skills are the personal qualities that enable someone to work with others and be a valuable contributor to an organisation. Teamwork, leadership and initiative are all examples of soft skills that are advantageous in the job market, and these types of attributes, combined with technical prowess, are what employers are looking for.

If your child has been the captain of a junior sports team, make sure they include it on their CV. The same goes for any history of volunteering, community service and other extracurricular activities. These are all examples of soft skills in action and are a unique way of separating oneself from the rest of the pack.

Have they conducted relevant work experience?

Obtaining a degree or diploma is a prerequisite for many roles but given the sheer volume of students who graduate from any given course each year, competition is always going to be fierce. That’s why work experience in the industry is so valuable to employers as it demonstrates the applicant’s familiarity and competence within a professional environment.

Internships are a fantastic way for your child to get their foot in the door. While these positions are often unpaid, they tend to be worth it when it comes to landing a graduate or entry-level role. Aside from displaying a commitment to the field, interning can sometimes lead to paid employment with the same organisation in the future.

Have they prepared adequately?

Preparation is of the utmost importance when it comes to scoring a job. Employers don’t just want to know about your child and their qualifications; they will be looking for an individual who has taken the time to research the company that are applying at. Being aware of the organisation’s mission statement, competitors or target audience could be the difference between earning a second-round interview or being passed over for the position.