“John graduated with 3.8 from UCONN’s business school…. I don’t know why….”
Cindy, a Fairfield, CT mother, called. I finish her sentence in my mind: ….
he doesn’t have a job.”
Parents, who invested enormous time, money, and energy into ensuring that their children would be financially independent and thought that getting a job upon college graduation was a given, are learning that the current job market requires extra time/money/energy for many graduates.
This is not the go-go 90s when many parents graduated from college.
Or the 2000s, which were more cyclical. Or even the 2010s, where things became shaky.
The 2020s – even unrelated to COVID – have created a confusing job market.
Here are some thoughts about what to do:
You’ve identified your target jobs. Now it’s time to execute. That means getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and making sure you’re ready to impress in interviews.
Your resume needs to do two things: beat the bots and hook the human. Start by mirroring keywords from the job posting. If the job calls for “project coordination,” don’t say “managed timelines.” Use their language. ATS software screens for exact matches.
Use a clean format—no columns, graphics, or fancy fonts. Keep section headers clear: “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills.” Tailor your bullet points to highlight achievements and outcomes, not just responsibilities. Numbers help. Instead of “Helped with events,” say “Coordinated logistics for 5 campus events with 200+ attendees.”
Once your resume gets you in the door, you need to prep like a pro. Research the company thoroughly—know their products, mission, and recent news. Practice common interview questions, but also prepare stories that highlight your problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers clearly. Keep your energy up, your answers concise, and don’t fake enthusiasm—find real reasons why the role excites you.
At Career Counseling Connecticut, we help grads craft resumes that clear ATS hurdles and develop interview skills that land offers. The job market is tough—but with the right tactics, you’ll stand out from the crowd.
I also suppose we provide vital emotional support during this pressure filled time.