Many parents tell us: “My child is smart and hardworking – I’m sure they’ll find something.” We hear this every year. We also see equally bright young people who, months after graduation, are still: Unsure what to apply for Sending out CVs with no response Feeling increasingly behind their peers The difference is not intelligence. It’s whether they are truly job‑ready – in the way employers define it. Here is a practical checklist you can use as a parent to assess your child’