Helicopter Parents: Don't Hover!

60% of Human Resource professionals have stated that young people graduating from high and college are not ready for the work world. This staggering statistic demonstrates the need for more attention toward our youth's educational experiences. While our high schools focus on test taking and graduation rates, our colleges focus on course principles and theoretical practices, the ultimate goal of education - to assure the creation of a self sufficient and productive labor force - is often lost.

Unemployment rates among young people ages 16-24 are reaching record highs which spells devastation for the future of our labor force. Well, some parents have decided to take things into their own hands. According to a study by Michigan State University, nearly one-third of more than 700 employers surveyed stated that they have received resumes from the parents of students applying for employment. "Helicopter Parents," as they have been named, are attempting to assist their children in a tough economy. What they don't realize is that they are doing their children a disservice.

Often parents are not aware of the latest employment trends, resume writing tips or strategic hiring strategies. Let's face it, today's work world is quite different than it was 20 years ago. The skills that employers seek today didn't even exist then: social media skills, technology know how and even the ability to Skype into a meeting! Although parents, mean well, they may actually do more harm to their children's success in job searching than good.

The best advice for concerned parents is this: assist your child in creating an adult network that can support their goals, make sure that your child receives the soft skills training vital to becoming employable by enrolling them in community workforce programs and let them do what they can do better than anyone - sell their skills and talents to employers who can put them on the road to success.

To read more on "helicopter parents," check out Helicopter Parents Are Leading the Job Hunt for Milliennials .