Utilizing your parents in the job search

July 1, 6:01 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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For those of you who haven’t landed entry-level jobs yet, chances are you’ve moved back home. Even if you haven’t moved home, you’re part of a generation whose parents are known as “helicopter parents”—they hover over you, wanting to be involved in nearly every facet of your life. I say take them up on that offer when it comes to your job (or internship) search!

In a recent interview with John Salveson and Sally Stetson of the Salveson Stetson Group, they gave a few suggestions for “getting off the family payroll and into a job”:

1. Visit your parents in the workplace. Go to work with your parents, and determine what you like and dislike about their jobs. Use that knowledge to help guide your own job search. From the office setting to the amount of social interaction, figure out what will make you happiest. Look for a job that suits your personality. Just because you do well in math classes doesn't mean that you should be an accountant.

2. Think of yourself as a commodity. Parents are the toughest critics. Practice promoting yourself to them. Discuss your strengths and weaknesses and how you can best emphasize your skills. Don’t tell an employer what you want from them; tell them what they can gain by hiring you. Sell yourself.

3. Recognize the transition taking place. This can be a frustrating time for you and your parents, particularly if you have moved back home. Be patient, and know that looking for a job is a challenging, possibly long-term process. Use your parents as a support system, and understand that your job search is difficult for them, as well.

4. Get into the conversation—network. Finding a job is a contact sport; face-to-face interaction is crucial. While the Internet can help you research, it most likely will not get you a job. While your parents may not be able to find you a job, they can provide valuable contacts for you to meet with. Expect to network with at least 50 contacts. Remember to send thank you notes after every meeting, and stay in touch with your contacts. Maintaining relationships with your network will be beneficial throughout your career.

5. Utilize LinkedIn. The social networking site is a simple way to view and become familiar with your parents’ network of friends. Sign up together, and look for contacts that might be useful for you to connect with. Post your résumé, and join relevant groups to develop a network.

6. Create a contract with your parents. It is easy to lose motivation during this frustrating time. Sign a contract with your parents detailing the specific things that you will do during the job search, including factors such as how much time you will spend every week looking for a job. Additionally, promise to maintain a set routine for weekdays including waking up early in the mornings, dressing in business casual attire and limiting relaxation time in front of the television or computer. (Note: “Get into a healthy, work-minded routine” and “Calm your parents’ frustrations with your job search” might be good articles to read as an extension of this tip.)

7. Tell your parents how they can help you. Decide what role you want your parents to play in the job search process, and try to keep them informed of your progress. It can make your life easier to let them know how much you want them to be involved.

8. Set up a regular appointment with your parents. Choose a time on a weekly basis to meet with your parents to discuss your job search progress. Have an agreement that this is the only time that you will discuss the search with your parents. This will allow your parents to feel involved without becoming nags.

9. Prepare with your parents. Your parents have most likely been through the job search and interview process. They will have valuable tips and advice based on personal experience. Talk to them about their experiences. Practice mock interviews with your parents and draft answers to potential interview questions. Planning ahead of time can help you to control your nerves and remain confident.