Helping Your Student Navigate a Tough Job Market
- Lead With Curiosity
- Focus on Effort That Works
- Adjust Expectations
- Know When to Step Back
- Get the Right Help
- Give the Gift of Clarity
Thanksgiving is almost here, and for many families, that means your college student or recent grad is finally home. Between catching up and carving the turkey, one question always seems to come up around the table:
“So… how’s the job or internship search going?”
This year, that question feels heavier than usual.
The job market has changed dramatically. The economy is unstable with new tariffs and political shifts, and artificial intelligence is replacing many entry-level jobs that once gave young adults their start.
Recent grads are finding the process harder and longer than expected, and many college students are realizing they need to start early if they want an internship that can lead to a full-time offer.
As a career expert and a mom of a college senior, I understand how you are feeling.
You want your child to relax over the holiday break, but you also want them to have a plan. Here’s how to have the conversation in a way that feels supportive and productive.
1. Lead With Curiosity, Not Pressure
Instead of asking, “Did you find a job yet?”
Try, “What’s been the hardest part of your search so far?”
Many students are trying, but they are stuck. They apply online, never hear back, and start to wonder what they are doing wrong. They do not realize that many companies now use AI to screen résumés before a human ever sees them.
The goal is not to lecture. It is to listen.
When you understand what is getting in their way, you can help them take a more focused approach to finding the right opportunities.
2. Measure conversations, not applications
If your student says they are “job searching” for hours or applying to dozens of jobs each week, help them consider a new metric to track their success.
Since 80 percent of jobs are found through networking, please encourage them to measure the number of networking connections they speak with in person, via video, or over the phone.
This can include professors, alumni, or professionals in fields of interest. Even one authentic conversation can open doors that hundreds of online applications never will.
3. Adjust Expectations. The Market Is Hard
The reality is, the job search is taking longer for everyone. The industry average for landing a full-time role is 6 months. And even the most qualified candidates are getting ghosted. Companies are cautious.
Look for jobs within industries that are hiring:
- Construction & Skilled Trades
- Utilities, Oil, Gas & Mining
- Renewable Energy
- Information Technology & Cybersecurity
- Healthcare & Social Assistance
- Professional & Business Services
Students and grads who stay adaptable and proactive are still finding strong opportunities. Remind your student that their first job does not have to be forever. It is simply a first step.
4. Know When to Step Back
If your child is not ready to talk about their job or internship search, let it go for now. They may need a mental break before finals or some time to process their next steps. Sometimes giving them space now creates an opening for a better conversation later.
5. When They Are Ready, Get the Right Help
Many parents tell me, “We thought college career services would handle this. It is not what they promised.”
That is where Next Great Step comes in.
We help students and grads land internships and first jobs by teaching them how to
- Identify their top skills and career direction
- Network effectively even without connections
- Use AI tools wisely without letting them replace human effort
- Interview with confidence and professionalism
- Stay persistent and resilient in a challenging job market.
Even in this economy, 80 percent of our clients land the job of their choice.
6. Give the Gift of Clarity
If you want to give something meaningful this holiday season, I am offering a special $10 Holiday Promo for my Amazon #1 best-selling book, The Next Great Step: The Parents’ Guide to Launching Your New Grad into a Career. It is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you support your student without nagging or guesswork.
One final thought…This Thanksgiving, try focusing less on “What’s next?” and more on “How can I help?”
Belief in your young adult, especially during uncertain times, can make all the difference. If you are ready to help your student move forward with expert guidance, schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.
From my family to yours, I wish you a warm, hopeful, and peaceful Thanksgiving.
Beth & The Next Great Step Team
