answer:Honestly, I think it would be hard to say anything without seeming to trivialize the situation. Anything that begins with “I’m sure…” or “At least…” is probably going to sound wrong. Lack of cheer isn’t his problem. Maybe the best thing is just to say you know it’s hard (but not that you know how hard it is, unless you do) and you hope he can keep looking without getting discouraged. Even with things the way they are, people do find jobs.