| Help Your New Grad Find A Job |
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As parents of graduates facing the toughest job market in years, what can you do to assist your son ordaughter in transitioning from the secure world of classes and residence halls to the unknown reality of whatlies ahead? Here are some suggestions: Ask how you can help Your daughter may have specific ideas about ways you can assist her. Your editing skills may be the secondpair of eyes needed to critique a resume; your managerial skills could be useful as a mock interviewer; your research skills might uncover some new job leads. Think about how your role as something other than mom or dad could be helpful.But don't be pushy: Let her take the lead. Suggest a visit to the campus career center The campus career center provides a wealth of job search resources: Job postings, career fairs, resumeassistance, and career counseling, just to name a few. Make sure your son or daughter is aware of theoffice. If your new grad isn't near his alma mater, suggest that he call the career services offices at localcolleges and ask if help is available. Offer networking contacts Networking is the most effective way to find jobs in the hidden job market—where many opportunities are discovered. With your son's permission, talk to your co-workers about your son's job search. Discuss it with neighbors and friends. You never know who may know of a job opportunity. Be ready to hear new ideas Your son may mention attending graduate school. Or, your daughter, who has discussed a career in journalism for years, may suddenly talk about sales. Listen to your new grad's ideas with an open mind, making positive suggestions when appropriate. Ask your new grad open-ended questions: This will show your son or daughter that you're interested—and the answers will help your new grad think through the new ideas they're considering. Provide a sounding board when frustrations overflow The nightly news about unemployment is stressful. Imagine trying to complete your studies and conduct job search, too. If your daughter calls to talk, but she really needs to vent, listen to her. Sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing at all. Give an early graduation present with the job search in mind Don't wait until May to say congratulations. Now is a great time to give a graduation present that will be used during the job search and first year on the job. Looking for ideas? Interview suits, briefcases, portfolios, and memory sticks are great gifts for the new grad. Reassure your new grad that this bad job market is temporary The ebb and flow of the economy is constant, and brighter days lie ahead. You've likely experienced similar ups and downs. Convey your experience to them. Look and listen for signs of depression If your son or daughter talks about skipping class, exhaustion, or loss of appetite, he or she might need some help. If your student is still on campus, contact appropriate campus representatives (residence life offices, counseling centers, etc.) for help. Remind your new grad that you are proud of his or her accomplishments A sour economy should not take away the success of earning a college degree. Be sure your son or daughter knows that you are proud of this achievement. Send a card or make a phone call to specifically convey this message. From an article by Kelli Robinson |
