One of the topics
being discussed among parents of college graduates is how much and
what kind of help should a parent provide to help their grad get a job. Recent studies report parents have gone
well-beyond writing resumés. They are attending job fairs, showing up on job
interviews, negotiating salaries and more. (I would rather have died than have my parents sit in on a job interview.) Although I've read the studies and
have no reason to doubt the research methodology or findings, I don't know of any parents who have gone that
far.
Although that
might be extreme helicopter behavior, I am curious about the parents who were
actively involved in their child's college selection process — what are they
doing to help their college grad? Where are
they getting information that could be helpful? So I asked. Just a small sample
of parents but the responses are worth sharing.
Networking on
behalf of their child seems to be the primary activity they are/will do to help
their son or daughter find a job. Networking with friends and family and their
personal business connections. Some parents told me their child's job search is
not their responsibility. They will
answer questions when asked and will review resumés and cover letters but that
is the extent of their help.
The overwhelming
response from parents is that they simply do not know how to help. Which
confirmed my hypothesis —there are no organized support services/resources (as
there are for the college selection process) for parents with children
launching their professional careers. If your son or daughter's college career
center isn't doing it (most reports from students and their parents indicate the
services provided are failing these kids) where can both parents and their
grads get support and guidance.
I propose the following questions to you.
Thinking about your job search.....
How involved do you want your parents to be?
What activities should they be engaged in?
Post your comments.
© 2012 More Than A Resumé
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