We don’t need to tell you how hard it is for recent graduates and young people looking to get into work right now. For anyone with kids at university, you will have had to help them through an impossibly difficult last twelve months, as campuses locked down then sent everyone to work from home. Many of the usual avenues into employment are suddenly looking a lot less promising as businesses across all sectors have been sent reeling by the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit. When you feel like you’ve been doing the right thing at every step, it’s hard when forces out of your control change the rules.
However, there are plenty of opportunities still out there and it’s important to remember that there is still plenty that you can do to help to make sure that you child has the best possible chance at landing that dream role. Here are a few ideas to help you get them started.
Make Sure Their CV Is Up To Date And They Have Plenty Of References
A simple one to start off with, but it’s important to remember that every time that your child applies for a job right now, they will be going up against a huge number of other applicants. One of the best ways you can make a good first impression is with a well-crafted CV.
Remember to keep things brief but informative, with bullet points that clearly demonstrate skills and experience without going into unnecessary detail. Show personality with some key areas of interest but remember that you should be looking at no more than two sides of A-4, if not one. You should also make sure that you have some good references lined up, so don’t be afraid to aim high with those. Most people want to help if they can!
Head Online For Practical Resources
Job hunting can feel overwhelming at the best of times, but when you’re looking for that first role, it can feel like you’re jumping off a cliff into a sea of job ads and unanswered emails. Right now, when it has been estimated that the employment rate for lower-qualified leavers could drop to just 40%, it’s important to use the tools at your disposal. There are some fantastic sites online where you can find resources and information that will help your child take that first step on the career ladder. Embracing Future Potential has been helping young people navigate the job market, with resources available for disabled jobseekers, school leavers and young people who have been made redundant.
Remember To Keep Talking To Them
Given that finding that first job can be so difficult, it’s so important that you make sure that you keep communicating with your child throughout this tough process. The effects of the pandemic on the mental health of young people are starting to become clear, and giving your child support, motivation and perspective will help enormously. If they are starting to struggle with the job search, help them to create a structure for their day that includes research and skill development as well as that job site trawl.