3 Questions to Ask Your College Student or Grad

Thanksgiving is quickly upon us. Whether your college student comes home for holiday break, or your young adult is joining you, spending time together can be great... or stressful. If your student or grad is looking for a job or internship, a conversation will inevitably arise about the job search.

The Class of 2024 graduated 6 months ago and many are still looking for work.

The Class of 2025 is seeking a post-grad job and has 6 months to go.

And sophomores and juniors are thinking about internships for next summer.

I speak with families every day and we find that this time of year is a “pivot” point… either to motivate and ramp up the job search efforts or to take inventory of how the job search is going or what needs to change.

Grads and students often tell their parents,

“I have it under control. I know what I’m doing with the job search.”

However, parents observe their kids spending 2-3 hours every searching online job boards or applying to dozens of jobs on Indeed or Glassdoor and often do not hear back.

Or fall for a job scam.

Or maybe they get an interview and then radio silence.

Families know something needs to change to break this cycle. As a career expert and mom to a college senior and grad school student, I get it. My advice…find some quiet time over the holiday break to spend with your young adult to see what they are struggling with and how you can support them.

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Ask these 3 questions:

What is your biggest challenge?

How are you spending time?

Are you seeking guidance from other resources?

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1. What is your biggest challenge?

This process is overwhelming and parents sometimes get frustrated with their grad's perceived lack of motivation or direction. Isolate what is holding them back. Is it the anxiety of preparing for an in-person interview? Do they stare at a blank page when writing a cover letter?? Maybe they are rethinking their career path which may differ from their college major. Break down the areas that cause the most concern and use that as a starting point to guide them and help give them confidence that you are there for them.

2. How are you spending your time?

Understand what they have done so far regarding a plan or timeline. This can provide ideas of what to do next. Encourage networking calls or meetings with people who have the desired job. If relevant, recommend a certification course or job shadow to gain more skills. I suggest grads seek a part-time job or volunteer role during this time to maintain structure in their day. It is not productive to job search for 8 hours every day. Or have them spend more time researching what potential roles are possible by speaking to people who have the job they desire. Remind them that people hire people.

3. Are you seeking guidance from other resources?

Sometimes the tension between a parent and child can cause both parties to feel frustrated. Seek out family or friends that your grad can speak with. Have your grad connect with a favorite professor or mentor for guidance. And when appropriate, seek outside guidance from a career coach or mental health professional. Your grad might need one or both.

We are here to help.

If you want to learn more about how we help college students and recent grads land the job they desire, schedule a Complimentary Consultation. Or call us at 973-577-6161 to learn more.

We wish you and your family a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving!