The holiday season is a time for joy and festivities. Until an extended family member asks the dreaded question over dinner: "So, how is your job search coming along?"
The holidays can be stressful for college students or recent graduates who are on the hunt for their first job, especially when the topic of layoffs gets added into the mix before you've even gotten a job offer. This is compounded by the likelihood of well-meaning friends and family members asking about the status of your search. People are excited for you, and some may be worried about the state of the labor market, but it's ok to share what's happening in your life. If these questions do stress you out though, it’s also okay to give a short, polite answer and pivot the conversation.
So what kinds of job search questions might you expect to hear this holiday season, and how should you answer them? Here is a survival guide, based on where you currently are in the application process.
“When are you starting your search?”
If you’ve just started your search, you may not have heard back from any companies yet. In fact, the search can begin well before you’ve even sent in applications. You may still be at the stage where you’re getting your materials together and doing some preliminary networking. Frame this progress in a positive light – because it is!
Sample answer: I’ve already started! I’ve been working with the career center to polish my resume and LinkedIn profile, and I’ve identified a list of potential employers that I’m interested in. I am using the winter break to go on some informational interviews and apply to some of my target companies. I know the job market might not look great right now, but I’m keeping a very close eye on how things are progressing, and I'm still excited about my journey going in the new year.
“Are you sure you picked the right major?”
Ah, the dreaded major question. We’ve talked before about different paths for students who have majored in subjects like liberal arts, finance, and computer science, and the common thread is that your choice of major does not limit your career opportunities! To answer this question, you can focus on the skills you’ve learned in your classes and how they’ve been helpful in other professional experiences like internships.
Sample answer: I’ve learned a lot from my major in (insert major), especially (list a few soft skills or technical skills that you’ve learned). So far those skills have been helpful in my experience with (insert internship company name or leadership position that you’ve held on campus), and I expect they will also translate well to my interest in (insert chosen career path). Plus, you know I'm a fast learner!
“How much do you think you'll make?”
The answer is simply: you don’t know. Starting salary varies a lot by major, location, and industry. Instead of giving a number, talk about how you are putting yourself in the best position to optimize your earning potential.
Sample answer: I’ve been conducting some research into salary data at employers that I’m interested in, and it looks like it varies a lot by company and location. I’ve also been reading a lot about negotiation techniques so that when I start receiving offers, I’ll be prepared.
If you're midway through interviews:
“Why is it taking so long?”
Keep in mind this usually has nothing to do with you. With the holiday season upon us, job interviews can take even longer due to key people being out of the office or paperwork taking longer to process.
Sample answer: A lot of people are out of town for the holidays, so the process is taking a little longer than usual.
“Do you think you’ll get an offer?”
Maybe you’ve gotten positive feedback from your interviewer, but you really don’t know until an offer is in hand. Be honest about where you are in the interview process with a company (or companies).
Sample answer: I’m still going through the interview process, and there are a few more steps before the company will make an offer. In the meantime, I’m still applying for positions.
“Do you want me to see if someone is hiring at my company?”
Family members often mean well when they ask this question, but if the company is not in your field, it is okay to politely decline. However, if they know someone at a company you would like to work for, feel free to ask if they can connect you for an informational interview.
Sample answer 1 (not interested): Thanks for asking! I’m focusing my efforts right now on the companies I am currently interviewing with.
Sample answer 2 (interested): Yes, I am interested in learning more about Company X! Would you be willing to connect me with (person’s name at Company X) so I can pick their brain about their experiences working there?
“Are you going to take the offer?”
Don’t feel pressured into giving an answer prematurely. This is your career, after all! You can let the family member know if you’re leaning toward yes or no, or you can frame your answer as still weighing your options.
Sample answer: I’ve been weighing the pros and cons of the offer, and I want to start my career off on the best foot possible. I am going to reconnect with the recruiter next week to answer a few more questions about the job before I make my final decision.
“Don’t you think you’re being too picky, especially in today's climate?”
Some people have the mentality that any job is better than no job, and that a newly minted graduate is lucky to have a job offer at all – especially during challenging economic times. That said, it's your career and you want to make the right choice for your long-term career goals. Don't be afraid to stand by that!
Sample answer: I’d like to make an informed decision rather than rush into a job I won’t like and wouldn’t stay at for too long. I want to make sure the first place I go will have opportunities for long-term career growth.
“Don’t you think you can find something better?”
On the other hand, a family member might consider a job to be “beneath” you. Don’t let that get you down! Share your enthusiasm about the offer and what you like about the job and the company. As with the answer to the previous question, you might also choose to talk about how it will set you up for long-term career success.
Sample answer: I’ve had the opportunity to meet my supervisor and the rest of the team several times during the interview process, and I feel like I fit in with the company culture. I think it’s the right first step for my career, and I can see myself growing here as a professional.
The holidays don’t have to be an awkward time for interrogation about your job search. With some advance preparation, you can (briefly) share your progress so far and demonstrate your professionalism. Wherever you are in the process, good luck and enjoy the spirit of the season!