Helping Someone Find a Job
Have you ever been approached by someone to help them find a job? For most people, it’s not an easy thing to do – to reach out to their contacts for help in finding a job. Finding a job is not as straightforward anymore. There are things we can all do to help out. It will take a bit of time and energy but wouldn’t you want someone to do the same for you if you were in their shoes?
Make time
Even if it is for a quick coffee, if it is someone you know and care about, make it a point to reach out to him or her regularly. I called a friend everyday when she lost her job. Sometimes, that is all that is needed – just letting them know you care and that you are interested. It also helps to boost their confidence. Someone I didn’t know very well came to see me one day and she was in tears because she lost her job. She spoke about her pain and how she didn’t make time for herself to heal when she suffered a serious illness and went back to work after her surgery only to find that she after all her sacrifice, she was let go some years later. I knew that she was very vulnerable and needed time to heal and I was due to travel the next day so I invited her to travel with me. She agreed and one of the trips I had to make was to a small orphanage in a village where I had donated some money. The children sang and welcomed us, both of us were moved to tears just seeing them so happy despite of having very little. This experience changed my friend, and when we returned to Singapore, she picked herself up and found herself an overseas posting, she has never looked back and is doing very well.
A Positive State of Mind
Sometimes when people are out of work, they tend to look at what’s not working… It is only natural to find reasons why they are in the current position and most of us tend to look for evidence outside of us to justify our reality. Don’t let them sink into a complaining mindset or buy into stories about job loss and bad market. As long as there are businesses out there making money, there are jobs. Get them to read something inspiring and try to get them to keep active – do some charity or voluntary work.
Introductions
If you know a recruiter, contact the recruiter and ask him to help your friend. Reach out to people you know within companies who are hiring. This is so important. Make time to go through your our contact list to see who maybe able to assist and call or send an email to open the door.
We get so caught up with our work that we forget to think about what someone who is out of work feels like. This simple gesture can sometimes go a long way. I know many cases where a “friend of a friend of a friend” found someone the right opportunity.
Testimonials and references
If you have worked with this person before, offer to write a letter of reference. Endorse them in LinkedIn if they have a profile there.
Invitations to events and conferences
Especially ones where they may get to meet prospective employers. People don’t get invited to the same events when they stop work so if you have an opportunity to bring a guest, do so.
Career coach
Sometimes getting professional support is useful; your friend may not hear what you have to say but may listen to what the coach has to say. If your friend can afford it, direct them to an expert who can help.
Project work
If you know of any openings for project work or if you have some deadlines to meet within your company and can employ some extra help, think about people you know who may be out of work and if they can do the task for a small fee. It is not about the money, many people I know who are looking for work, just appreciate the opportunity to be occupied and contribute.
Encouragement
We sometimes underestimate the power of encouragement. When you have an urge to contact your friend do so, can you think of times when you felt down and a friend called. Every now and then send them a video clip or nice quote or a card …every little bit helps.