Getting (or trying to get) your first job can be both an exciting and stressful time. As a parent taking part in this adventure alongside your child, it can be difficult to find balance between helping, sitting back, or getting over-involved. The best way to help your child get a job is to be a supportive shoulder and active resource (while remembering that this is their adventure—and not yours).
From providing hands-on support to being in the passenger seat as they try (and maybe fail—which is okay by the way!), here are some actionable tips as you explore this new phase in life—together.
Help Them with Their Resume
The first and perhaps most important step in getting a job is perfecting your resume. One easy way to support your child in their job search is is giving them a hand in both writing and editing their entry level resume. This will be a collection of any community service opportunities, any purposeful activities they’ve done, any part-time non-traditional ‘work gigs’ (like babysitting, helping at a summer camp, etc.) or any positive extracurriculars they partake in.
Role Play It
Chances are, your child may be feeling nervous about making a good impression and answering all the questions thrown at them during the interview stage. So, why not help them out by pretending to be the hiring manager and running through it all with them?
Having mock interview(s) will boost their confidence and give them a good idea of what the interview will be like. This way they won’t worry so much on the big day!
Just make sure that you are neither too hard nor too lenient on them because being too hard will discourage them and too complimentary won’t give them room to grow and improve.
Teach Them Proper Etiquette
If it’s your child’s first job, they will know very little about the etiquette of applying for a job and attending an interview. They may not know what to wear or how to follow up without looking like a nuisance, and these are all things you can guide them on.
From the basics—like proper dress, how to address an email, manners, and appropriate behaviors—to properly following-up post interview with a thank you email, you will be your child’s best guide just based on your experience.
Be There for Them
If you want to help your child get a job, your most crucial role is to simply be there every step of the way. If they’re feeling overwhelmed, listen to their concerns. If they’re unsure, give them guidance (without too much hand-holding). I they want to be left alone, respect that. And if they succeed and get the job, take them out to celebrate!
Applying and securing that first job is a really big deal, so remember your role in fostering your child’s independence, confidence, and persistence.
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