How you can help a friend who’s looking for work

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Job hunting can be an adventure. Every time you meet a new person, it’s like opening a doorway with unexplored opportunities on the other side. But looking for work can sap your energy and occasionally bruise your confidence. If you need a job, you know what I mean. If you don’t, please keep reading. The odds are that you have a friend or family member who is searching for employment right now. This person could probably use your help.

If you are a non-job hunter, it’s important that you understand a few things about the process. You should know that your job-seeking friend (or family member) is putting himself on the line every time he sends a resume to an employer, attends a networking event or arrives for a job interview. You should realize that job searching often comes with a daily dose of uncertainty and rejection, particularly for people dealing with mounting debt, monthly bills, unfocused careers or growing families.

Even if you and your friend have a close relationship, it’s possible that you don’t know how he feels about money or the future. Some people keep their fears and worries under wraps. That’s OK. You can still help your friend during this time.

Here are a few ideas:

Show up when you’re needed. Job hunting can be exciting, risky and deeply challenging. In order to navigate the rough road ahead, your friend may need to lean on someone that he trusts. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is make yourself accessible by phone call, text or in person. Listen without judgment.

Ask what you can do. Never be afraid to ask how you can help. Maybe your friend needs to vent his frustration for a while. Perhaps he could use break from the daily grind of researching, calling and e-mailing employers. He might benefit from a more tangible kind of support, like a ride to a job interview.

Don’t be surprised if your friend says that there is nothing that you can do to help. Before you take this response at face value, read into the body language and inflection in your friend’s voice. Some people aren’t comfortable asking for assistance when they need it most.

Share your network. Networking is one of the most effective ways to land a job, but it can be extremely stressful for some job hunters. If you respect your friend’s work ethic and would vouch for him as a manager or employee, introduce him to acquaintances, colleagues and other referral sources. If you hear about job opportunities, pass them along. Also, consider accompanying your friend to networking meetings or conferences. Your willingness to attend these events may provide much-needed motivation. Plus, your presence could ease the tension and help forge professional contacts.

Remember that help takes many forms. A free lunch. A ream of paper to print resumes. A promise to listen to brainstorming sessions as well as rants. Be available in any way that your friend needs you. Keep in mind that job seeking can be a thrilling adventure but it can also wear a person down. Your support might be the most critical factor in your friend’s evolving career.

Eve.GetaJob@gmail.com.