Beyond the Diploma: A Guide for Parents and New Graduates Navigating the Job Market

The caps have been thrown, the diploma framed, and your college grad is ready to dive into the workforce. But what happens when the transition isn’t as smooth as you both envisioned? Yet, for many recent graduates, the career path isn’t as seamless as they (or parents) imagined.

As a coach, I'm constantly asked by parents for guidance about job searching, feeling stuck in the process, and keeping a long-term positive outlook.

Here's what I tell them:

Job Searching Has Changed (and continues to change....)

In the current job market, 75% of job seekers turn to online platforms as their primary means of job hunting. Sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor have revolutionized the way we seek employment. And while these platforms are incredibly resourceful, depending solely on them no longer works. Why?

The Power of Networking

74% of people who secure jobs do so through their network or their extended network.

But I get it. For many, especially those fresh out of college, the term “networking” can be daunting. Images of forced smiles, awkward zoom calls, and rehearsed elevator pitches often paralyzes many with fear. It’s essential to pivot away from this outdated perception and focus on relationship building.

Here’s how recent graduates can begin to build relationships and strengthen existing ones:

Reframe Your Mindset: Don’t approach networking events or meetings with the sole intention of finding a job. Instead, go in with the mindset of learning from others, understanding their journeys, and fostering connections.

Engage in Mutual Activities: Join clubs, groups, or organizations that align with your interests. This way, you’re naturally around like-minded individuals, making it easier to build relationships without the pressure of job hunting.

Offer Value: Think about how you can provide value to someone else, whether it's by sharing a useful article, volunteering your skills, or providing a connection to someone in your own network.

Stay Consistent: Building relationships isn’t a one-time thing. Regularly check in with your contacts, send them updates when appropriate. Remember, most people like to talk about themselves when asked the right questions.

Seek Mentors, Not Just Jobs: Finding a mentor can be transformative. They can provide guidance, introduce you to their network, and often become strong advocates for your professional growth.

Use LinkedIn: While online platforms are great for job searches, they're also fantastic for building relationships and creating your own mini personal website. Engage in meaningful conversations on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and share thought leaders posts with your own unique comments.

Explore ChatGPT: Use this tool to review your resume, research companies, expand job titles you may be interested in pursuing and improve your cover letters to maximize keywords. There are a vast array of videos on YouTube from experts explaining how best to incorporate the tool into your job search.