Life after graduation: how to answer nosy questions

Every end is the beginning of a new race. For graduands, the new race is answering some invasive and irritating questions about their future. The questions might remind you of surprise tests and forgotten assignments because there is no specific routine to them.

They can start at the graduation ceremony or still find you two years down the road.

Despair not. We have compiled a list of the most common questions and robotic answers so that you won't break a sweat in response.

So, do you have a job lined up?

As a graduate, your new struggle might be landing a job and the last thing you want is to be reminded or interrogated about it.

In your head, you might have a scathing response such as "please don't bother me with this question. I'm not looking for a job, I'm an entrepreneur. Leave me alone."

Here's what you can say: "I don't right now, but I’m keeping an eye out for new opportunities and I'm optimistic I will find something soon."

What are you going to do now?

Don't take offense. Sometimes people ask this question to make small talk or to be polite. They are mostly unaware of the fear you might be experiencing.

It might be a good time to actually be honest. Tell them you aren't so sure about specifics, that you are still figuring out what to do at the moment but you will be fine.

What are your friends doing?

This is not an invitation to compare yourself to your friends. Life takes each person in a different direction and that can cause feelings of being lost for everyone. If you talk to your friends, you may find that they share your nerves.

How to answer: "A few of my friends have been employed and some are still finding what they want to do."

Shouldn't you be looking for jobs?

Don't fall into the trap of feeling bad when you take a break from applying for jobs. The best strategy is to focus on making your applications as good as possible because you only need one job. Build your application to the best standards and then send it out in quick intervals.

What you can answer: I'm waiting to hear back from the places I sent my application. I'm spending more time on the applications to make them good."

How are interviews going?

Don't be embarrassed to talk about your bad interviews. They have much to teach you about job searching and how to handle future interviews. Polish on specific issues and improve your approach.

Your answer: I have only had a few interviews at the moment. However, they have given me great learning opportunities that will help me get closer to the job.

What was your grade?

Understand that some people are nosy and others ask this question as a formality. Either way, don't feel pressured to answer if you don't want to even if you got a great grade. Employers may also ask this question but you should aim to impress with your skills and experience rather than your grade.

You may think "that is none of your business."

Your answer: "I'm happy with my grade but I don't want to discuss it if you don't mind."

When are you moving out of home?

If you don't have money and a job or if you are starting out, don't be ashamed to move back home. It might feel wrong because you are giving up your independence but don't let that be a source of negative feelings. Unless your parents are asking, then you need to talk to them.

To other people, your answer is: It depends on the job I'm getting. I'm simply enjoying being at home for now."

Can you even do anything with that degree?

Your options are only limited by your scope of research. If at any point the capacity of your degree is questioned, simply mention the available options and what you are focusing on. Don't let the non-existent job offers make you feel like you are limited.

Your answer: "Yeah, there are surprisingly many options for this degree (list them). Actually, I'm having trouble choosing!"