The job market is getting tougher every day.

Computerization is making many jobs redundant.

The Internet and modern telecommunications have allowed companies to outsource jobs to third-world countries where wage costs are much lower.

In fact thousands of jobs have already been shed in United Kingdom as several major banks have outsourced their call center operations to Indian subcontinent.

Other companies are following suit, sending their back- office and Information Technology jobs same way.

This is a major trend that's only going to accelerate.

Have you ever wondered how your kids will get on when it's time to look for a job?

With population increasing and with more people competing for fewer jobs, companies can now pick and choose from very best applicants.

But wait a moment....

What do we mean by "the best"?

Whether you like it or not, "best" generally means best qualified.

Employers, of course, have always used academic qualifications to shortlist job applicants for interview stage.

But what is emerging now is a reliance on exam results for even seemingly ordinary jobs.

For example, did you know that average call center employee in India is educated to degree level?

Qualifications are becoming more important than ever before.

And while not everyone is a natural-born exam prodigy, there are steps parents can take to help their kids gain better exam passes.

Here are 5 tips to get you started:

#1. Make learning enjoyable

We all do things better when we enjoy them, so bring out joy of learning for its own sake.

One way to achieve this is by having family discussions about exam-related topics. Try to inject some drama (or at least some interest!) into topic.

Another way is to embrace different technologies outside of classroom. The Internet, multimedia CD-ROMs, and TV services like The Discovery Channel all help to liven up learning.

#2. Develop problem-solving skills

Breakfast

Eating a good breakfast boosts your concentration and revs your energy, particularly in morning when you may need it most. Without breakfast, you're more likely to make that second pot of coffee by mid-morning.

Instead, keep your blood sugar on an even keel with complex carbohydrates. Avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and white sugar. These have a high glycemic index, which can cause spikes and dips in your blood sugar levels.

The right complex carbohydrates provide your brain and muscles with steady flow of energy they need. Grains are great sources of B vitamins, which aid in metabolic production of energy. The best carb choices for breakfast are natural whole-grain breads and cereals.

For best breakfast, add a low-fat protein, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or skim milk, and watch your fat intake as well as your meat consumption (meat takes more energy to digest).

Mid-morning snack

Turns out, snacking may not be such a bad idea. Eating every few hours helps your body use nutrients more efficiently. It stimulates your metabolism, keeps your blood sugar levels steady, reduces stress on your digestive system, and decreases hunger, which means you'll be less likely to overeat when mealtime finally rolls around.

If you're craving carbs, which many of us do at this time of day, choose whole-grain bread, cereal, or fruit.

Fruits and vegetables deliver a low-fat, high-fiber alternative to vending machine choices. Raw carrots and sugar snap peas, for example, provide a crisp, satisfying crunch and won't zap your energy. Challenge yourself to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.