Family Members as Career & Professional Development Ambassadors: Part 1 — The Job Offer

By: Ray Angle, Career and Professional Development

This series of articles focuses on a variety of career development topics college students encounter and the role parents and family members should play. Our hope is that parents and family members see themselves as ambassadors (authorized messengers or representatives) of our office — Career & Professional Development (CPD). Each article will pose a career development-related question, and provide succinct ideas and examples designed to teach parents and family members how to be supportive.

Question 1: The Job Offer

How can I be supportive when my college student is considering whether or not to accept a job or choose among multiple job offers?

I have heard some parents say that their number one priority is to put themselves out of a job. More simply put, that they should help their children become independent adults who are self-sufficient and capable of making tough life decisions. A job offer can be one of the first tough life decisions students get to make. When your student is considering either one or more job offers, here are six strategies to consider along with questions / statements to help get the conversation going:

Serve as a sounding board

• This sounds like a tough decision, how can I support you as you make this decision?
• Why don’t you talk through what you are thinking and feeling about the offer(s), and I’ll just listen? Maybe talking through it will help you make the decision.
• If you were to make the decision based on your “gut” response, which offer (if there are multiple offers) is more attractive and why?

Remain objective

• What are the pros and cons of the job offer(s)?
• Does the position have good opportunity for growth?
• Do you plan to work for this employer your entire life, or do you see this as a temporary career move?
• Does the employer have a corporate identity that aligns with your personal values, ethics, or focus on social justice? (note that the items listed should be individualized to students)

Recognize personal bias and reveal it

• You know that I would love you to take a position that is close to home but please know that I am supportive of you taking a job that makes you happy no matter where it is located.
• I really like the job that pays a higher salary, but I recognize that there is more to life than money.
• I don’t think this position is a good fit for you, but I trust you to make a good decision about how well you would fit within the organization.

Ask probing questions

• Which work environment seems to fit your personality and values best?
• Do you need to gather more information before you make this decision?
• Have you considered asking for additional time to make this decision? I’ve heard that many employers give college students at least two weeks to make an informed decision.
• How does the benefit package for this position impact your decision making?

Emphasize reputation and ethics in the process

• Did you know that accepting a job offer is a matter of personal and professional ethics? Once you accept a position, the employer stops recruiting and interviewing, and it is expected that you will begin on the specified start date.
• After you’ve accepted a job, are you aware that you should withdraw your application from pending searches and stop interviewing?

Offer support after decision is made

• How can I help you as you transition from Gonzaga to your first job?
• Would you like my help creating a budget based on the salary for this position?
• What questions do you have related to benefits like health insurance and retirement?

Placing the responsibility for making career-related decisions, especially decisions related to job offers, in the hands of students is a vital step in developing career confidence and personal independence. Parents and family members can be integral to and helpful in this process if they remember to appropriately empower students with the skills they need to make these decisions.

Career & Professional Development staff members are always eager to help you learn more about supporting your students and their career decision making. Please call our office at 509.313.4234 to learn more about our programs and services.

O. Ray Angle is the Assistant Vice President for Career & Professional Development at Gonzaga University. With over 25 years of experience in college career services, Ray is leading Gonzaga’s effort to create a collaborative, campus-wide commitment to the success of Gonzaga students and alumni.