We’ve discussed the ways in which parents inappropriately intervene in their kids’ job search here before — filling out applications for them, calling employers on their behalf, debating rejections … all wildly inappropriate and all things that hurt, rather than help, their kids.
But there are some things parents can do that will help their job-hunting kids. Over at U.S. News & World Report today, I talk about some legitimate ways for parents to be involved. Please check it out here.
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Also, at least in my experience, parents can help with networking. I got an internship last summer through a friend of my parents; they mentioned to him that I was looking for an internship in computer programming and passed on to me his email. But my parents were never involved after that – I’d have been horrifically embarrassed if they had been!
Good tips. Hopefully the parents that need that advice the most will stumble on it!
One thing I really appreciate my mother doing for me when I was job hunting was going to the mall with me to shop for an interview suit. I had never owned a suit before and so her assistance really helped.
Networking has been really helpful. Even though I’m 7 years out of college, my parents still want to help. I like what I do, but not the company I work for. My dad was able to put me in touch with friends and coworkers of his who were in HR and other fields I was looking at. These weren’t necessarily companies I was applying to, more informational interviews. These contacts were great to chat with to get feedback on my resume, get suggestions for other fields where I could apply my skills, and learn more about the related industry they work in.
These could pretty much go for spouses, too.
I’m one of those people who feel most supported when my parents don’t talk about the job hunt. The idea of silence as support is counter-intuitive and so sometimes I feel rude when I’m annoyed by their “supportive” questions. I’m pleasantly surprised to see the silence-as-support option mentioned in your article.
Sometimes I think very well-meaning comments can come across as pressure, and it can be really hard for parents to realize that if they’re not actively paying attention to how the kid might be taking it.
I think parents are the good friends ..and they always be ready to help their children …