The economy is not the only thing preventing this year's new grad from landing a job. Parents often offer poor advice and the wrong job search strategies that can derail their son or daughter without meaning too. Suggesting that they just "get a foot in the door" or "go after any job because that's a great company" is way out of touch with what is useful advice when launching a career and beginning the road to promotions and job satisfaction.
It is a very confusing time for the new grad as they face the world of worka world they often know very little about. Compound this with lacking job hunting skills and you have a formula for a lost son or daughter. Whether their degree is in business or liberal arts, many young grads simply "don't know" what the they want to do. Their exposure to the work world is narrow and limited. Don't add to your son or daughter's anxiety. Here are a few concrete strategies to help the grad truly "get ahead" and launch a career successfully.
Point out Skills and Natural Talents. Building your career on your strengths and natural talents is the fastest and most notable way to succeed. Help identify skills and talents that the grad may over look. For example, does the grad have natural sales or persuasive skills? What about artistic ability or being good with design or color? Is the grad a planner and well organized? Is he/she mechanical and able to fix things? Maybe he/she can write stories well. Really think about what your grad is good at. Identify what talents they have and how they are applied in various jobs.
Identify the job title. Help focus your grad on looking for a specific job. Guide them to narrow down options and decide on two to three actual job titles they want to pursue. If they say they want "something in business", realize that is too broad. Ask questions. Is persuading people something they might excel at? Consider sales. Are they great with numbers? Maybe an analyst job might be a fit. Liberal arts majors often feel the most challenged. A sociology major is unlikely to realize they might enjoy a human resources job. Help your grad by opening up the world to the different jobs available in all the areas where they have natural talent. If you aren't able to do that, a career counselor might be just what the doctor ordered to get them moving ahead quickly and not being lost for months or years.
Supply networking connections. New grads often need coaching before they go somewhere to network. They must know the job they want or recognize they are just learning details about what a job entails to better help them make decisions. Arranging to have your grad talk to someone at Microsoft won't help at all if the kid has no career direction and just says "It would be awesome to work here" and can't articulate what they'd like to do. Coach them on specific questions to ask and how to network properly.
Make over the kid into a professional. Pay for a new haircut, shoes (no flip flops or sneakers), a nice suit and some proper work clothes. If you can afford it, get them to a resume specialist or link them to someone who can provide interview coaching. Discuss the necessary transformation needed when you begin to work 40 hours a week. Hand them some books on job search and then discuss them with the grad. Entry level jobs are the target. You're direction and guidance can help your new grad to avoid career mistakes and years of wasted time unhappy in a job --if they get one at all.
Robin Ryan, author of "60 Seconds & You're Hired!" is Oprah's job search expert. A career counselor she provides individual career counseling, job search, resume writing and interview coaching services to clients nationwide. The bestselling author seven books including "Winning Resumes" and "Winning Cover Letters." Find more career help at www.RobinRyan.com.
Current Issue - May 2024