Tips for Helping a Friend (or Family Member) Find Job Opportunities
When your friend (or family member) finds it challenging to find new job opportunities, there are many ways you can help them. Sometimes it depends on what the person wants or is expecting from you. Some may need your moral support, and some may actively work according to your advice. Here are some tips you can follow according to the situation of your friend.
Help to proofread and update resumes for jobs
An attractive resume free of mistakes in a proper format is a must-have for applying for any job. Correcting writing may get difficult sometimes. During this time, another pair of eyes is helpful. You can help proofread and update your friend's resume.
Identify job searching platforms
There are many online and social media platforms present for job searches, such as Indeed, LinkedIn and Facebook. Make your friend aware of all the effective job sources and platforms that you know.
Offer professional referrals
Introduce your friend to people that can help them in finding jobs. The referral can be to an employee at the target company or a helpful Recruiter at a company or a staffing agency. Send an introduction email along with a personal recommendation that introduces your friend to the targeted referral. Your recommendation and referral may make their job search end in getting a fitting job.
Moral support
Your friend needs moral support at this time. Tell them that it will take time, maybe a few months but hope for the best. Don't be critical and give a hard time, especially if your friend had previously been discharged from any job position. Be sympathetic and understand their situation as it may happen to anyone. If your friend does not have a brilliant resume, make the changes you can to improve it instead of just saying the resume is not great.
Help prepare for an interview
You can help your friend prepare for the interview, which is essential for getting a job. From attire selection to practicing their answers to questions like an interviewer, you can also record their interview to provide further insight into how they will come across in the interview.
There are some things you should avoid at this job-seeking time. Here are a few of them.
Don't ask for updates constantly
You may be anxious but avoid asking about updates regarding your job seeker friend's progress or interview call. If there is anything to share, they will communicate by themself. Sometimes frequently asking may be a source of embarrassment for your friend.
Avoid giving unsolicited career advice
Guide your friend about what you know about, and do not lead them in the wrong direction with any advice with incomplete knowledge. It might get them into a problem rather than helping them.
Don't take it personally
Even if your friend does not act upon your advice, don't take it personally. They might have their reasons for not doing what you said. Similarly, don't ask about every job advertisement you sent over and trust your friend.
Final thought
Helping a friend (or family member) struggling to find a job is something everyone would like to do. Be careful not to be critical and curious about updates all the time. Help them prepare a good resume, make referrals, and tell them about all possible contacts, including online platforms that give them information about vacant job opportunities. Help in the interview preparation and keep your moral support with them. Even if they do not act on your advice, don't take it personally and trust your friend. Ultimately, when your friend has found a job, congratulate them and celebrate their achievement.
