December 2020 TPT Member Magazine

NEXT AVENUE - SPECIAL SECTION

Should You Use Your Connections in Your Adult Child’s Job Search?

By Randi Mazzella

When our daughter was beginning her post-grad job search, my husband offered to introduce her to some people he knew who might be able to help her. He's worked in finance for over 30 years and thought she might be interested in management consulting. Although she appreciated the offer, our daughter declined. She explained that she wanted to find a job solely on her accomplishments and not through her father's connections. Beth Hendler-Grunt, president of a career consulting firm, says: "Many young people want to pave their own path. They don't want to be reliant on their parents. Young people may think their parents don't know what they are talking about."

But is there anything parents can do to be useful in helping their adult children find work?

Parents can help initially by offering guidance about networking basics. “A parent can say to their child, 'I have a friend who works in your field. Would you like me to connect you?’” says career coach Katherine Akbar. Many young people will be intimidated or uninterested in making the next move. If yours is, let it go; it's their decision.

But if your child is agreeable, make the introduction.

Send an email like this: "As you know, Mary recently graduated college and is interested in a career in (blank). Would you be willing to speak to her about your industry or your role at the company to give her a better sense of the field?" These types of informal conversations can be especially beneficial, providing young people with an insider perspective as they job hunt.

Read the full story: Should You Use Your Connections in Your Adult Child’s Job Search? on NextAvenue.org

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