The personal touch sets you off a bit from the number of online apps. I will send an online app/resume if necessary, but will try to mail it if at all possible. I want my resume to stand out from the rest of the printed emails. I like the way it is formatted. I like how it presents me. The online resume uploaders are crap. I can't say that I've ever gotten an call from an online application. But for all the jobs I have interviewed for and thought I might like, I have been offered them (except one).
If nothing else, he can work for a temp agency till he finds something. I did that, and showing ambition to work is better than no job at all - plus you make contacts with different companies the longer you stay. I had an offer on my first job with a big 6 (at the time) accounting firm - I met an auditor at the job and ended up working more for him.
Also he should be willing to start at a lower wage to prove yourself - especially just out of college. Years ago I started at 25k and was given a 20% raise in 6 months and another 15% in another 6 months. So took me a year, I got experience in the field, and the pay I wanted. If there are no bills now, lower wage isn't an issue.
Just one man's opinion,
Will