Image from www.rockfordareacareers.comSummer internships and entry-level jobs are just as competitive if not more competitive these days with a fresh crop of graduates and a shifting workforce. With parents striving to do what’s in their kids’ ‘best interest,’ it can be hard to draw the line on what is an is not acceptable in the way of giving kids an extra boost.
- Provide resources & connections: Aside from the opportunities provided by family businesses, there aren’t very many guaranteed jobs. It’s far better to provide resources (contacts, company lists, etc) to kids than to start by making calls on their behalf. Even if you are well connected in the community, applicants are respected for their self-initiative without the guaranteed push. Let them do their job search homework.
- Do not get involved: It is okay to talk with your son/daughter about their interviews or opinions, but do not call the potential employers to follow-up yourself about the interview, pull some strings, or debate their decisions. Not only is it unprofessional, it makes all parties uncomfortable and jeopardizes the job by making the candidate seem less autonomous. Don't be a "helicopter parent."
- Wait for the door to open: People will eventually find out that your son/daughter is looking for work by their own merit. When they contact you, it opens the door to speak highly about them and to see what opportunities might exist through a more natural conversation. From here, it would be appropriate for you to begin connecting your "emerging adult" with individuals since a conversation has already been started.
Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina
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