Planning

Finding the right job takes preparation, confidence and determination. It can also take some time—so your child may need to be patient. Encourage your child to first prepare a budget for living expenses. Suggest finding an interim job or devising a plan on how to pay for expenses until a position is secured. Make sure to have your child factor in costs, such as housing, insurance and other living expenses, along with what will be needed for the job search—such as résumés and new business attire for interviews. 

If your child has outstanding student loans, it is important to determine when to begin repayment of those commitments. Even if your child didn’t complete a degree, repayment on loans will still begin after the expiration of the grace period, following a drop to below half time status. Encourage him/her to set a timetable for accepting a position, and have an alternative financial plan if the search takes longer than expected. 

Offer to help your child draft a résumé, write cover letters and prepare for interviews. Direct him/her to different resources, such as the campus career center, professional recruiters and even Internet job sites. Be willing to provide feedback on the résumé prior to having it sent to prospective employers. Have your child practice interviewing skills with you, answering difficult questions. Many books and information sources are also available that can help with interview preparation.

Another important task is securing personal and professional references. Many companies require references and perform routine reference checks prior to hiring an employee. Most personnel departments also place more emphasis on professional references and those from former employers. It is always good to have references on a sheet of paper to present to the interviewer upon request.

Once your child is prepared, the search for available positions can begin. As an entry-level applicant, your child’s salary may be lower than expected to start, so he/she needs to make sure that the income offered is enough to survive. Also explain the importance of potential advancement opportunities and other employee benefit programs, such as investment programs (i.e., 401K). And, of course, money shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor when selecting a job. Explain the importance of job satisfaction as well. Will the job make your child happy? Will it utilize his/her skills and degree? Will the job work as a good stepping-stone on your child’s way to where he/she eventually wants to be?  Is the employee benefits package acceptable?