Graduating from school or university is an exciting milestone, but for many young people, stepping into the world of work can also be overwhelming. The job market is more competitive than ever, with employers seeking candidates who offer both technical expertise and valuable soft skills.
As parents or guardians, you can play a key role in helping your children prepare for this transition, whether it’s building their skills, crafting the perfect CV, or teaching financial literacy to keep their finances in check. This blog explores practical ways to set your children up for success once they graduate.
Developing Essential Skills for the Workplace
It’s not just qualifications that employers look for these days. Skills such as communication, critical thinking, and digital literacy often weigh just as heavily. Helping your children develop these essential skills could make all the difference when they begin their job search.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
From writing emails to conducting presentations, effective communication is invaluable. Encourage your children to practise clear, structured writing or speaking. Hosting mock presentations at home or proofreading their work together can build confidence. Help them understand professional etiquette, like writing clear emails or hosting productive meetings.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Critical thinking helps workers find solutions under pressure. Encourage your child to participate in activities that require problem-solving, such as strategy-based games, complex DIY projects, or entrepreneurial efforts like starting a small business.
Tech Literacy and Adaptability
Being familiar with digital tools (such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or AI tools like ChatGPT) is no longer optional. Free platforms, like YouTube tutorials or Google’s free certificates, are an easy way to build their skill set on a budget.
How to Strengthen These Skills
Enroll in online courses or bootcamps (Codecademy, LinkedIn Learning).
Suggest internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer projects to develop real-world experience.
Encourage creative personal projects or clubs, whether that’s writing a blog or joining debate societies.
Networking for Career Opportunities
The saying "it’s not what you know, but who you know" exists for a reason. Networking opens doors and provides insight into your children’s fields of interest.
Using Social Networks Like LinkedIn
Teach them how to create a professional LinkedIn profile that highlights both their skills and their enthusiasm to learn. Encourage them to connect with friends, mentors, and even recruiters to grow their industry network.
Attending Industry Events
Many industries host events designed for young entrants. These include conferences, webinars, or local meet-and-greets. Encourage your child to attend with goals in mind, such as meeting three professionals or collecting advice for their field.
Practical Tips for Networking Success
Teach your kids how to write a short 'elevator pitch' to introduce themselves.
Suggest preparing questions they can ask industry professionals at events.
Guide them on sending follow-up thank-you notes or LinkedIn requests after making connections.
Nailing Resumes and Job Interviews
Strong application materials can be the difference between landing an interview or getting ignored. Equip your young adults with tips to make their CVs shine and help them ace the interview.
Crafting a Stand-Out CV
Suggest they include:
Clear sections with consistent formatting.
Any relevant experience, internships, or volunteer work—even if it feels small.
Action verbs to make achievements sound impactful, e.g., "Spearheaded a fundraising project that increased contributions by 30%."
Preparing for Job Interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, particularly the first ones. Encourage practice using techniques like:
STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to answer behaviour-based questions.
Practising with mock interviews where they receive constructive feedback.
Speaking confidently about their interests and goals.
Teaching Financial Literacy
Managing money wisely is essential for young professionals who are starting to receive regular income. Basics like budgeting, understanding loans, and saving will ensure your children are financially stable as they gain independence.
Budgeting for Beginners
Help them design a simple budget plan:
List all fixed expenses (e.g., rent, food, transport).
Assign a portion of income to savings.
Identify what’s left for discretionary spending.
Student Loans and Investing Early
Explain how loan repayments work, focusing on the impact of interest rates. If possible, introduce basic investment concepts like stocks, ISAs, or employer-matched pensions to highlight the importance of growing wealth early.
Financial Tools to Consider
Personal finance apps such as Yolt and Revolut.
Online resources or books.
Free budgeting templates that explain expenses visually.
Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
No one knows what the future holds, but being a lifelong learner ensures your children stay ahead of the curve. Remind them that their first job doesn’t need to be a dream job, and adaptability is a superpower in today’s workforce. Encourage them to remain open to feedback, continue upskilling, and reflect on progress regularly.
Setting Your Child Up for Success
Navigating the post-graduation world can be daunting, but preparation makes all the difference. By fostering the right skills, encouraging networking, offering financial literacy, and supporting their career efforts, you can give your children the tools they need to thrive.
Need tailored advice or want to help your child connect with employers? At ACR, we specialise in helping graduates and young talent kick-start their careers. Contact us today to learn how we can help the transition from graduation to employment.
Resources:
Does your child need extra support? Sandra Howarth is a Peterborough-based professional with expert resources and content for launching careers. Check them out below!