Exam results: the day after. And employability hacks for young people

There is a feeling of relief this morning I suspect for many parents that the waiting is finally over, irrespective of the results, and that young people can move forward with their plans for the future. But after the media frenzy yesterday focusing on exam results and what to do if your grades were not as expected, I have reflected on the context of exam results generally in the mind and life (full of digital, social, climate, mental health, pandemic, lockdown, recession looming) of a young person today.

I am not questioning the value of studying, taking exams, having goals, working hard, but I am suggesting that context and thought needs to be given about WHY exams exist in the first place and what motivates young people to take them. Most prominent will be thoughts about future opportunities and employability, so let's just take employability for a second....and the questions I have asked myself, honestly this morning. Its been a bit of a revelation for me as a parent of two teenagers and a positive observation on how the changing face of employability is effectively opening up better opportunities for young people to secure more relevant roles in a new era that focuses much more on attitude, interests and character during the interview process.

• do I care what university a job applicant went to? No
• do I care what subjects they took? Maybe, but only so I understand what they are interested in
• do I care about their exams grades? No, just demonstrate you applied yourself and worked hard
• do I care about the title of their dissertation? Yes, shows areas of interest and thinking
• do I care that a job applicant went to university? No, just demonstrate you can apply yourself and work hard

What do I care about when a young person is interested in a job at Genoa Black?

1. A referral (right or wrong this feels lower risk for many employers) and at Genoa Black there is proof in the pudding, whether from my mum Gaynor Duthie ! or friends and associates Thomas Barton Barbara Taylor Douglas Bowden-Smith Dionne Wood
2. An email explaining 1) what you are doing now and why, 2) why you are interested in Genoa Black and 3) relevant skills you think would be useful
3. Arrive for the interview at least five minutes early
4. Dress smart and look fresh
5. Bring a notebook and pen
6. Look engaged and excited as you walk into the office
7. Look me in the eye, show me you are honest
8. Talk about things you have enjoyed and when you have applied yourself and worked hard (I need to know what makes you tick)
9. Ask me questions that show me you have done your research and that you are generally interested in the company
10. Follow up with an email to thank me for the interview and connect with me on LinkedIn

And if you don't get the job, keep connected, keep supporting - because timing is everything.

Did I mention exam results? No..... that will be for discussion when we agree a job description and the best projects for you to work on....

Does that mean taking exams it is not important? Does it mean your exam results are not relevant? Of course not. It's just that they are part of you, not the whole of you.