How parents can help their grads find a job

A recent college graduate who can’t find a job is justifiably frustrated. So, too, are the parents who probably helped pay the tab, only to see a son or daughter be well-educated but unemployed.

Here are ways parents can help their struggling college grads:

Look for internships.

Encourage them to pursue unpaid internships and other such opportunities. Those can often lead to full-time employment, says Jay Meschke, president of CBIZ Human Capital Services, a staffing and recruiting company based in Cleveland.

Stay location-flexible.

Look to locales that may be less popular with many job seekers. “Be open to all geographic locations that might be unappealing to the general population, such as rural, remote or Third World locations,” Meschke says.

No blank checks.

If your recent graduate is struggling financially, think carefully before offering any assistance. Try to focus on financial help that can help boost her employment prospects, such as money for interview clothes. If you grant your graduate a loan, write down all the specifics, including any interest and payback provisions.

Cast a wide net.

Finally, encourage your graduate to focus on all sorts of opportunities rather than just high-paying jobs that are exceedingly scarce. As Meschke notes: “Don’t get caught up on initial monetary rewards. Low compensation is better than 100% of nothing.”