I am the first to admit, that when meeting graduates looking for work, I go into solution mode.  I have advice and ideas about  seeking good work, as well as lots of useful tips on the topics of ‘optimism’ and ‘self care’  BUT  as I step back and look at the situation from their shoes, I am not sure that I am always as helpful as I would like to be!  If anything, I think that my (often unsolicited) advice  can compound the feeling of (perhaps) overwhelm and frustration – and I hate to admit, irritation.  

So I am now thinking of other ways of being helpful – more practical ways: 

• Instead of asking “what are you doing now” (it can put a Graduate on the back foot if they have not yet found work), explore what they thought about their degree or course work.  What aspect of their studies fired them up?  What have they loved about university life?  And,  also be curious about their hobbies and other interests.  Graduates have so much to talk about and it does not need to be about their future jobs that they are struggling to get.

• However, it is worth gently finding about the kind of work they would like to be doing.  This is so that if YOU know somebody in that field you can take action and contact that person yourself, asking them if they would be happy to reach out and spend a bit of time with this graduate.  The more connections and contacts that our young can meet with and gain advice and wisdom from,  the better.  Your connections are potentially very helpful extremely valuable.   You never know, your friend might know somebody who knows somebody who can open up a door for this young person. 

• And LISTEN … listen to how they are feeling, their concerns and disappointments.  Just listen with real care.  If it is possible, I find that walking with a young person helps them to express themselves and often the walking and talking inspires fresh ideas.  

Let us all keep encouraging, supporting and reassuring our graduates as much as we can.  

And a few pointers to Graduates:

• Do open up and tell those around you what you are going through.

• Reach out to your friends, even if you do not feel like it.   Give them support and ideas.  Helping others will energise you.

• There will be people around you who do have some insights and ideas.  Keep asking.

• Each day, enjoy the rewards of accomplishing one task – no matter how small.   That might be making a telephone to a contact given; adding to your LinkedIn Profile; researching 2 companies that interest you; reading 3 articles that are relevant to your area of interest; reviewing your CV; or, writing a good letter.

• Ensure healthy habits.   Eating nutritiously; honor your sleep; move regularly.  Also, just writing down your intentions for the day gets your mind into the right gear!  

• And most importantly, keep reaching out.  And if we irritate you with our ideas and ‘how to’s’, just know that we do care very much and we just so want doors to open up to you.  And infact, even if the unsolicited advice is not useful to you, it might well be brilliant for one of your friends!