Why It’s So Hard for Your College Graduate to Land a Job — and How You Can Actually Help
Your child worked hard, earned that degree, and now they’re… back in their old bedroom, endlessly refreshing Indeed. You’ve offered advice, encouragement, maybe even a few “back in my day” stories — but nothing seems to help.
And now, what started as “How’s the job search going?” has turned into tense silences, hurt feelings, or full-blown frustration for both parties.
If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath. You’re not failing them, and they’re not lazy. The truth is, the job market your child is facing today is nothing like the one you entered.
Your child worked hard, earned that degree, and now they’re… back in their old bedroom, endlessly refreshing Indeed. You’ve offered advice, encouragement, maybe even a few “back in my day” stories — but nothing seems to help.
And now, what started as “How’s the job search going?” has turned into tense silences, hurt feelings, or full-blown frustration for both parties.
If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath. You’re not failing them, and they’re not lazy. The truth is, the job market your child is facing today is nothing like the one you entered.
The Rules Have Completely Changed
When you graduated, the process was simple: see a job posting, drop off a résumé, shake someone’s hand, and maybe get hired on the spot.
Today? That world’s long gone.
Most résumés are screened by algorithms before a human ever sees them.
“Networking” happens online, not in person.
Interviews might happen over Zoom with three people your child will never meet again.
Even “entry-level” jobs demand years of experience.
It’s a whole new game — and no one gave you or your child the rulebook.
Why Your Well-Meaning Advice Isn’t Landing
When you tell your child to “just apply everywhere,” “follow up with a phone call,” or “print out your résumé and go in person,” you’re not wrong — you’re just speaking a different language.
Today’s hiring systems often penalize those moves. Most companies don’t accept walk-ins. Recruiters are flooded with hundreds of online applications per day. Following up without a digital connection can even backfire.
So your advice, while rooted in experience, can unintentionally make your child feel like they’re doing something wrong — or worse, like you don’t understand what they’re up against.
The Emotional Toll at Home
That disconnect hurts because you both want the same thing — for your child to feel confident, independent, and ready to take on the world.
But it’s hard to stay calm when every “How’s the job search going?” turns into a reminder of everything that’s not working.
That’s where an outside guide can help.
How I Help Families Bridge the Gap
As a career coach who specializes in working with recent graduates, I help young adults (and their parents) translate potential into a clear, achievable career plan.
Together, we:
Turn academic accomplishments into marketable skills.
Build résumés and LinkedIn profiles that actually get seen.
Teach job search strategies that fit today’s digital world.
Practice interview skills and confidence-building.
Keep communication between parent and child positive and productive.
I’m not here to replace your guidance — I’m here to make sure it works in this job market.
The Bottom Line
Your child isn’t unmotivated. They’re navigating a completely different landscape — one that’s harder, more competitive, and less forgiving than it used to be.
With the right support, they can absolutely land that first real job — and you can both breathe a little easier.
👉 If this sounds like what your family needs, let’s talk.
