Has your son or daughter been trying to get a job since graduating from university?
Have they been sending out application after application without hearing back?
If so, this experience is likely getting them down and making you feel a bit worried or concerned about their graduate job prospects.
Here are some tips and ways you can guide your son or daughter if they are in this situation.
1: Their CV doesn’t Demonstrate their Achievements
The first step towards interview success begins with a well-crafted CV. Encourage your child to tailor their application materials to each job they apply for.
Emphasise the importance of showcasing key employability skills, qualifications, and experiences to make a strong first impression.
Many fresh graduates make the mistake of focusing too much on their education on their CV. Whilst many graduate roles will have an entry requirement of a 2:1 or a 2:2, grades won’t make your child stand out. Employers are much more interested in gauging candidates’ skills and competency-based on their achievements in work settings.
Additionally, ensure that their CV is ATS compliant as many companies use ATS software to screen CVs.
2: They do not have enough Work Experience
In today’s competitive job market, having experience is not just nice to have, it’s essential.
Suggest that your child seeks internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to their field of interest. This not only enhances their skills but also makes their application stand out.
If your son or daughter has already finished university and doesn’t have any work experience, they may wish to do an internship or work experience placement first to build up their CV before applying again for full-time graduate jobs.
3: They do not know what Job is Right for Them
Many graduates leave university without knowing what job is right for them. Under the pressure of needing to get a job after university, graduates begin applying for jobs despite not really knowing exactly what they want to do and why.
The problem with applying for jobs willy-nilly is that graduate recruiters can tell. Typically, if you do not have a genuine interest in a particular job that you’ve applied for, the application will be generic rather than tailored and it won’t stand out.
Encourage your son or daughter to first reflect on their interests and skills before applying for jobs after university.
Here at Graduate Coach, our coaching programme is designed to help students and graduates to discover their career paths and ultimately land their dream graduate position. If your son or daughter is struggling to get a job, we can help them.
4: They are not being proactive about networking
Remind your child of the value of networking.
Encourage them to attend job fairs, and industry events, and connect with professionals in their desired fields. Additionally, they could get in touch with alumni.
Sometimes, personal connections can open doors to interview opportunities that might not be advertised publicly.
If you have any professional connections, make an introduction. This could lead to your son or daughter getting invited to more interviews.
5: They need to Craft Compelling Applications
This ties in with point 3. Graduates must know what job is right for them, and then tailor every aspect of their application to that particular role.
A tailored application shows genuine interest and effort. Graduate recruiters are not only looking for graduates that can do the job, they are also looking for graduates that want the job for genuine reasons. This is because graduate programmes are designed to help graduates to hone their skills, but you cannot train someone to be enthusiastic and passionate about something.
Ask your son or daughter if they would like you to review their CV and cover letter before they send out an application.
6: They have not yet started leveraging their professional Online Presence
In the digital age, an online presence matters.
Help your child review their social media profiles to ensure they project a positive and professional image.
Many employers research candidates online, so a clean digital footprint can make a significant difference.
Once their LinkedIn profile has been optimised, they can proactively contact recruiters themselves.
7: They Need to focus on Skill Development and Training
Identify any skills that are in high demand in their chosen industry.
Many graduates make the mistake of making career decisions solely on the idea of a role or something related to their degree in some way. However, they forget they forget that the job market is driven by supply and demand.
Currently, there is a huge demand for technical and digital skills.
Encourage your child to invest time in acquiring these skills, either through online courses, workshops, or certifications. A robust skill set can boost their chances of getting noticed.
This leads us to our next point nicely.
8: They are not considering Job Market Dynamics
Sometimes, external factors play a role. Research the job market trends in your child’s chosen field. If the industry is experiencing a slowdown, it might take longer to secure interviews. Encourage them to stay persistent and flexible.
9: Encourage them to start preparing for Interviews in Advance
Securing interviews is one thing; acing them is another.
Offer to conduct mock interviews and provide constructive feedback.
Focus on communication, problem-solving, and presentation skills to help them feel confident when facing interview panels.
Here at Graduate Coach, we offer graduate interview coaching to help students and graduates to become interview confident, and excel in any interview, not just in their early career but throughout their entire career.
Conclusion
As parents, we play an invaluable role in supporting our sons and daughters as they transition from their time in education to the workplace. This support is greatly appreciated as they navigate the challenges of the graduate job search. By focusing on CV building, networking, application refinement, skill development, and interview preparation, we can guide and empower our children to unlock the doors to interview opportunities. Remember, every step in the process is a learning experience, and with dedication and perseverance, success is just around the corner. Also, remember to take a supportive role whilst allowing your child to take the lead.
Featured image by Edmond Dantès from Pexels
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