It’s time for Meme Monday again! If you have a great idea for your own job search meme, then create one (we use quickmeme.com) and send it along to rachel[at]ziprecruiter[dot]com. If it’s a good fit, we’ll feature your meme and credit you in our blog.
The meme
Sheltering Suburban Mom
The scenario
Your parents have gone too far in assisting your job search. They don’t merely proofread your job application or send you job openings that are a good fit for you. No, that would be just fine. But your parents call prospective employs to plead your case, accompany you to your interview, and then call the employer again when you don’t get a job offer (or when you get the offer, but aren’t offered as much money as your parent believes you’re worth).
Michigan State University conducted a survey of 700 employers who were actively recruiting college graduates. The survey results showed that the above scenario is a reality. Of the respondents:
- One-third said that parents submit job applications on behalf of a son or daughter
- 25% of employers were contacted by a parent advocating for a child’s employment
- 4% interviewed candidates whose parents were present for the interview
What you can learn from Sheltering Suburban Mom
The job search process can be overwhelming, frustrating, and even intimidating. I won’t deny that fact. But as SHRM’s Margaret Fiester explains, helicopter parenting can backfire, as “it definitely does not show great leadership or decision-making skills.”
You don’t want employers to see you as someone who can’t or won’t advocate for his own career success. With that being said, do ask your parents for for help proofreading your job applications and prepping for your interviews, but don’t have them submit the applications or go to the interviews.
Have you dealt with a helicopter parent during the job search or recruitment process? How did you feel about it?
