Prepare your children for employment
By Dickson Tumuramye
As a parent, it is reasonable
that the idea of imparting the essential skills of job application and
interview techniques to your children has not crossed your mind. It is
conceivable that you, as a professional, have attempted numerous job
applications, navigated successful interviews, and accumulated a wealth of
experience from diverse occupational environments. However, the scenario of
assisting your children in crafting a job application and preparing for an
interview for the first time they are to apply for a job may present a unique
challenge.
Consider the advantages of
instilling these fundamental skills in your children from an early age.
Engaging our children in a spectrum of activities within the confines of our
households can serve as a foundation for their future professional pursuits.
Thus, we can provide our children
with the opportunity to apply for specific responsibilities within our
households. We guide our children through an application and interview process
and issue appointment letters accordingly. To facilitate this process, a
curriculum vitae format is developed for them to complete, prompting them to
outline any relevant life experiences they may possess. This approach serves to
instill a sense of purpose in them, encouraging them to approach tasks with
intentionality and view them as valuable work experiences.
Our aim is to cultivate a sense
of professionalism in our children. For instance, you can designate positions
such as house manager, spiritual leader, games manager, chef, and other
positions within the household, particularly during school holidays, and draft a
detailed job description for each. Subsequently, ask the children to apply for
these roles based on their abilities and interests. Following a shortlisting
process, successful candidates undergo interviews and you appoint them to their
respective positions.
Please remember to designate a
specific amount of money as a salary for the tasks assigned. Such responsibilities
should not be perceived as child labor, as they entail activities that are
already part of their daily routine within your household. The primary
objective is to cultivate skills that will serve as a foundation for pursuing
greater opportunities in the future and to encourage ambitious aspirations. By
engaging in these tasks, they are gaining valuable insight into the job
application process, acquiring work experience for their CV, understanding the
dynamics of a job interview, and being instilled with a sense of
professionalism from a young age. With this preparation, there is no reason why
they cannot evolve into exemplary employees or even employers themselves.
If you happen to own a business
or consultancy, consider creating job openings for your children specifically
tailored for them to ensure they feel deserving of their roles and to gain
skills. For instance, instead of a position as an office cleaner, you could
refer to it as a maintenance officer, shop attendant as a customer care
specialist. By assigning these more prestigious titles, you are not only
boosting their self-esteem but also providing them with credentials to include
in their CVs for future job applications. Please consider encouraging your
children to include such work experience in their CVs for future job
applications.
When your child has a job
interview, it may be beneficial to arrange a mock interview to enhance their
confidence and align their skills with the job requirements. Many parents focus
on prayers for their children but don’t offer any assistance to prepare them to
become more proficient speakers during the interviews. Organize one and offer
constructive feedback during the process, aiding them in meeting the
expectations of interview questions. If you are unfamiliar with common
interview inquiries, consider consulting HR professionals or conducting online
research.
By embarking on this journey
regularly, we can assist our children in excelling in professional job
interviews and guiding them through the developmental stages from childhood to
adulthood. This endeavor not only benefits our children but also contributes to
fostering diligent individuals within our households. We must provide them with
the necessary guidance and resources to excel in these areas, ensuring they are
well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
The writer is the Executive Director of Hope Regeneration Africa, parenting coach, marriage counselor, and founder of Men of Purpose Mentorship Program.
*Follow more articles on:*
#facebook/Dickson Tumuramye
#twitter @Tumudick
#email: tumudickson@gmail.com
#tel: 0772851863/0702851863
-------------------------------------
Dickson Tumuramye is also a passionate speaker on:
#Positive parenting
#Marriage and family
#Child counseling
Comments
Post a Comment