Help for the unemployed that actually helps -- Career Center Blog

November 12, 2012

Help for the unemployed that actually helps

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

It's usually the first thing you say when you hear that a friend has been laid off: "Please let me know if there's anything I can do."

There's not much else one can say other than general expressions of condolence and commiseration over the state of the economy. But that doesn't stop most people from offering empty platitudes about "getting back on the horse" or making the unemployed person feel even worse by bringing up the topic each time they meet.

There are, however, some things you can do that can have a positive impact on the job seeker in your life. Here are a few ground rules:

Think before you speak (or send). Your heart may be in the right place, but don't start sending every job lead you can find to your friend. During my many job searches, I've had some dear friends forward me notices for jobs in Chicago, New York City or Miami. The fact that I was neither qualified for these jobs nor remotely close to any of these locations didn't seem to faze them. Great leads are, of course, always appreciated. But unless you really know your friends are looking to make a move or a career change, only send them local leads within their chosen field.

Act as an inside connection. Job seekers can find most posted jobs just as easily as you can. What's really helpful is an inside tip about an upcoming position before it's listed. Personal recommendations from trusted colleagues carry far more weight than even the best resumes. So, if you know a hiring manager who is beginning a new search for someone that matches your friend's skills, make an introduction before the ad goes out.

Suggest some new technologies. Most job seekers today have some kind of professional digital presence. However, if you know someone who's pounding the pavement for the first time in 10 or 20 years, it might be helpful to let him or her know how much job hunting has changed. (For instance, you can tell your friend that no one "pounds the pavement" anymore.)

If your unemployed pals aren't signed up already, tell them how crucial it is to join LinkedIn and explore the site's extensive Advanced Search functions, or show them how to follow corporate feeds on Twitter. With these sites, they can discover connections they never knew they had and stay on top of the latest trends in their industry.

Just be there. Sometimes all a job seeker needs is a sense of normality. Unemployed readers have told me that some of their friends avoid them after a layoff because they feel awkward and don't know what to say. Although some job seekers understandably may not be in the mood for wild parties, most of them need to feel a connection to the outside world. Don't be afraid to ask them out for drinks or to go to the movies. Just being a good friend is probably more beneficial than any advice you can give them.

Also: If you know someone out of work who is feeling especially alone and vulnerable this time of year, invite that friend over for Thanksgiving dinner. There's always room for one more.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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JD | November 12, 2012 7:19 PM | Reply

Thank you for this post. I'd add something about not being discouraged or offended if a long-time job seeker explains why your job seeking advice is erroneous or not helpful.

It's a civic duty to stop the spread of misinformation and to encourage people to learn the truth.

Randy Woods replied to comment from JD | November 14, 2012 7:27 PM | Reply

Nice addition, JD. I agree that there's a lot of outdated information out there about what it really takes to land a job. Thanks for commenting!

not given | November 21, 2012 3:24 PM | Reply

my advice to the long-term unemployed is to volunteer at a place where you feel valued, stand up for yourself, and envision the job or life that you want. no matter what i do for the people where i volunteer, i get appreciation. this is a huge contrast to the people working for employers who in interviews put me down, judge me, and treat me poorly. of course this is assuming that they show up or phone in at the designated times. standing up for myself has left people bewildered - not necessarily apologetic - and i have learned to shut down the negative comments about myself that have nothing to do with me, my abilities, or the job. envisioning helps me to forget the crazy comments from people who think i want their crap and to make what i want come true in its time.