You've invested in their education. They've got the qualification. They're sending out CVs. And yet... crickets. 🦗🦗🦗
If your young adult is struggling to land their first job, you're witnessing a frustration common to many. After 25 years working in recruitment and now in career guidance, I see the same three challenges come up again and again:
1. They Don't Actually Know What They Want
"I'll apply for anything" sounds flexible, but it reads as unfocused. Employers want candidates who are genuinely interested in their specific opportunity—not just anyone with a pulse. When your graduate can't articulate why they want a particular role or what they're working toward, it shows in every application and interview.
2. Their CV Tells the Wrong Story
Most first-time CVs are either a wall of text about their degree modules (employers don't care about your semester marks in Accounting 101) or a sparse half-page that screams "I have no experience." The truth is, they do have relevant experience—they just don't know how to translate university projects, part-time jobs, or volunteer work into evidence of workplace skills.
3. They're Applying for the Wrong Things
Just because a job is advertised doesn't mean they should apply for it. I see graduates chasing roles they're not qualified for, ignoring opportunities that would be perfect entry points, or applying to companies where their values and the company culture are completely misaligned. It's like trying to force a square peg into a round hole—exhausting and unproductive.
How I Can Help (Spoiler: I'm Not Going to Find Them a Job)
Let me be crystal clear: I don't run a recruitment service. I won't be sending their CV to my "contacts" or getting them interviews. That's not what this is about.
What I will do is work with them to:
- Get clarity on what they actually want – Using tools like the Morrisby assessment to understand their strengths, interests, and what kind of work environment will suit them
- Craft a compelling professional story – Helping them translate their experience into a CV and LinkedIn profile that positions them as someone worth hiring
- Identify realistic opportunities – Guiding them toward roles and sectors where they'll actually be competitive, not just spinning their wheels
- Build a job search strategy – Teaching them how to find opportunities, network effectively, and present themselves confidently
Think of it as teaching them to fish rather than handing them a fish. The goal is to equip them with the clarity, tools, and confidence to navigate the job market on their own terms.
If your graduate is stuck, frustrated, or just needs someone with industry insight to help them find their footing, let's talk.