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Parents, Let's Talk About Your Graduating Children...

  • Writer: ilenerein
    ilenerein
  • Jun 6
  • 6 min read


Congratulations, Parents!


Your kids have made it through college — years of late-night study sessions, coffee-fueled assignments, and uncomfortably expensive textbooks are officially behind them (and you).

While you're probably ready to sit back and celebrate with a large glass of champagne (as a parent, I KNOW you have earned it!), there’s just one more important step for you to launch your graduate into their career: the job search.


Let's be honest — handing them a copy of their résumé and saying, "Good luck out there!" is not going to cut it in todays competitive job marketplace.


I’ve had so many conversations with parents about the chaos that erupts when their adult kids are job-hunting. It’s the same story every time: parents hit them with the classic “Just go get a job!” and the kids fire back with “I’m trying!” And what does that accomplish?


Nothing, except maybe some eye rolls and awkward dinners. Sound familiar?


The reality is that this may be the last time your child lives under your roof. Preserving a strong, healthy relationship is a priority.


I will tell you that the truth is that they are genuinely trying to find a job. However, they haven’t been properly taught how to navigate the job search process in a way that aligns with how recruiters operate today.


This is where you, my fellow parents, come in with a game plan.





🔴 SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR EXPERT JOB SEARCHING STRATEGIES TO GET YOU HIRED RAPIDLY IN YOUR DREAM JOB:



The Challenge — Why College Career Services Aren’t Enough


Here’s the deal...


College career services try their best, but let’s be honest, they’re stuck in a "one-size-fits-all" rut. And, the reason for this is that they have to treat each and every student equally. Those cookie-cutter résumés and copy-paste advice sessions? Yeah, they usually leave graduates more confused than ever about what to do next. However, if they are out there on the open market, they can look BETTER and sound BETTER than their fellow graduates so they are the one that lands their dream job over other candidates. 


I often think back to the story shared on the first day of college. They told us, "Look to your left, look to your right—one of you won’t be here by graduation." At the time, we all thought it was just a dramatic statement, and we laughed at it. But for me, it turned out to be true. Nadine graduated with me, but Julie didn’t. What we didn’t understand back then was that even the person who graduates alongside you becomes your competition for that dream job.


The numbers don't lie. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), only 50-60% of college graduates land a job within six months of graduating. And even those who do often end up in roles that don't align with their career aspirations or degree. Why? Because they didn’t have a tailored strategy to guide their job search based on their unique skills and career aspirations. 


At the same time, the job market is evolving rapidly. and old-school tactics aren’t going to get the job done. Without the right tools and expert guidance with knowledge directly from a Recruiter and Job Search Strategist, most new grads get lost in the shuffle — or worse, ghosted by employers altogether. This means they will remain on the family payroll far longer than anticipated, which dips into your savings for your retirement fund.



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CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO


The Solution—Hiring a Job Search Strategist

Think of a Job Search Strategist as your graduate's personal career GPS - similar to the guidance that they received when applying to colleges and also their SAT prep. 


As an Executive Recruiter and Job Search Strategist, I don’t just hand over some generic tips and wish them luck — I'm talking about customized, actionable strategies to guide them every step of the way through the job search process until the day they become employed in their dream job. Forget cookie-cutter advice. I dig into what makes your kid unique — their skills, goals, and wildest dreams — and develop a personalized road map with a step-by-step plan to get them where they want to go.


Here’s the kicker: we’re not just helping them find any job. The goal is the right job—one that fits their vibe and sets them up for long-term career success. Because let’s be honest, landing a soul-sucking job right out of college isn’t exactly the dream. And really, isn’t this a way better grad gift than that Mont Blanc pen we all got? (No offense, but who even uses those anymore?)



Procrastination = Missed Opportunities


Here’s the deal, parents — starting early is crucial.


Many graduates think they’ll have plenty of time to “figure it out” after walking across that stage, but hiring cycles move fast. Major employers often start recruiting months in advance, and entry-level opportunities get snapped up fast. Waiting puts them behind the curve and decreases the odds of landing a top-notch position.


Applying early isn’t just a college admissions thing — it’s just as key when you’re gunning for your dream job. Getting your application in early can give you a serious leg up. 


But let’s be real—just hitting “submit” isn’t enough. You’ve got to bring your A-game to stand out in today’s cutthroat job market. 


Oh, and don’t assume your graduate will just figure it out on their own. Research shows that 70% of jobs are never even posted online. If your kid isn’t actively pursuing these hidden opportunities, they’re probably missing out.



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CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO



Checklist for Launching Their Career (and Their Independence)

Here’s where you step in as the super hero parent. Use this checklist to help give your grad a head start in their job search:


  1. Hire a Job Search Strategist: Seriously — it’s the smartest investment you’ll make for their future. It is the best graduation gift you can give them. Think of the benefits - you help launch their careers, they get off the family payroll, and your future grandchildren will be well supported!

  2. Teach Etiquette: Etiquette is more than just remembering to send a thank you note after an interview. It is the whole package. I know that this sounds silly. However, I do know the story of a person who lost out on a job because he held his fork the wrong way. 

  3. Prioritize the Long Game: Job searching isn’t about quick wins; it’s about finding the right path that aligns with their career and personal goals. The first job is a building block for the next job and the job after that. I am always looking at the long term career journey.



The Bottom Line


You worked hard to get your child to this point—shuttling them to activities (I carpooled to dance recitals, tennis matches, and robotics events!), tutoring through difficult math chapters (my son REFUSED to write out the steps in the calculus problem - however, he went through my job searching program Pounding Pavement 101 and is now a successful software engineer), and cheering them on through every major milestone. And every moment was truly my pleasure.


This final step, navigating the job search, is the bridge that takes them from being a student to a thriving, independent professional. Don’t leave it to chance. Give the gift that truly keeps on giving—a thoughtful, strategic entrance into the working world.

Trust me, they’ll thank you for years to come (and maybe even pick up the tab for dinner someday).


Job Search Strategist & Executive Recruiter




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Schedule a Job Search Consultation to strategize about your job search and how to get hired for your dream job in record time.

Searching for a job can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to fall into common pitfalls that hold you back from landing your dream role. Consider working with a professional expert Job Search Strategist to give you a competitive edge.

Schedule a consultation on my calendar to discuss your unique job search situation and learn how I can help you rise above your competition, become the candidate of choice, and secure employment quickly.

Together, we'll develop a tailored strategy to showcase your strengths and get you hired in record time.





Ilene teaches job seekers exactly how to market themselves with laser precision to employers using inside secrets from the Recruiter's perspective, exponentially increasing their chances of getting noticed and hired rapidly!


SCHEDULE TO SPEAK WITH ILENE REIN TODAY!
SCHEDULE TO SPEAK WITH ILENE REIN TODAY!


Smart, Ambitious, Successful Job Seekers who landed their dream jobs in record time using the Pounding Pavement 101 Foolproof, Job-Getting, Career-Building System.

You can be one of them too!


PARENTS

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GRADUATES

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STUDENTS

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PROFESSIONALS

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