Help Them Look for a Job from the Sidelines

College students are really good at surfing the net for job opportunities but, being kids still, have a hard time making a phone call or doing an interview in person. They still don't know how to sell themselves. You don't want to give them a handout by securing a job for them and not giving them the opportunity to learn. Make them do at least a little of the work, but help them along the way. Make suggestions on where to look, give them names and contact information, and help them practice for the all-important interview. Don't give them a handout now or they'll look to you to rescue them from their fears of approaching potential employers the rest of their lives (take it from someone who was in your kids' shoes).

Family Financial Values

If your college grad comes to you for financial advice, pass on family financial values such as saving, giving charitable contributions, and living within your means. You should be trying to instill sound personal finance principles in them from a young age, so usually just a reminder of what they already know can help get them on the right track to financial success. Your child will take your advice to heart and live it.

Health Insurance Concerns

Most health insurance providers stipulate that children are dropped from your health coverage at a certain age or when they graduate college (whichever comes first). If your children graduate college and don't have a job, they are in a very vulnerable position. If something happens now that costs a lot, they could be screwed as far as personal finances goes for a long time. Medical emergencies cost large amounts of money. If your child isn't making money and they are uninsured, they could be suffering from the repercussions for years afterward. Help your kids out by extending your coverage until they have a job or have become financially secure, or help them out by finding inexpensive insurance that covers the basics and paying for it for them so they aren't totally screwed if something happens. Your kids will thank you and you'll thank yourself if the need for insurance arises.

Have Faith in your Kids

Your child just had a huge success in their life: they graduated college. They are going to be okay. Have a little faith in them. If you've passed on good personal finance values then you have helped them secure their financial future and gotten them on the right track. If they need help, they may not ask for it, but you can extend it. If they don't accept, it's okay, they can do it. Have faith in them and they'll do alright.