How To Help A Friend Find A Job

You can play an important role in helping a friend find a job

If you have a friend who is looking for a job, one of the most important resources he or she has is ...you!

More than 85% of the available jobs are never advertised. They are filled by word of mouth. Referrals. People knowing and recommending other people. Making contacts, getting his or her name around, calling people these are the surest ways to win at "job search."

Your contacts - other friends, suppliers, relatives, customers - are a resource your friend can use. In fact, they are the most valuable resource someone looking for a job can have.

Be a source of positive encouragement. Looking for work is a difficult task. Usually there are many "turndowns" before the right position is found. Help keep your friend's spirits up with sincere encouragement. A positive attitude is a powerful asset.

And who knows, that friend you assist today might be a help to you in the future - as a customer, a referral for business or even a resource when you are looking for a job.

Here are some specific do's and don'ts that will help your friend:

DO:

·         Encourage him to call you as often as he wishes or whenever he needs you.

·         Think of everyone who could possibly help in your friend's job search:

o   Attorneys

o   Accountants

o   Vendors

o   Your customers

o   Neighbors

o   Other friends

o   Your tennis group or golf friends

o   Relatives

o   Anyone and everyone you can think of

Would you feel awkward mentioning to someone in the list above that you have a friend who is looking for a job? Then think of how awkward it feels for your friend to not have a job. If you really do want to help, it won't make you feel uneasy - it will probably make you feel pretty good, especially when your contact leads to a successful job offer.

·         Encourage your friend to use your name, if appropriate.

·         Help her with practice interviews.

·         Ask for several copies of the resume, and send them with a note to people you know.

·         Encourage him to use the telephone vigorously.

·         Initiate contact from you in her direction, she needs to feel the support that your interest shows.

·         Ask how things are going - if your friend is discouraged, he needs to talk about those feelings. Getting the frustration off his chest can reinvigorate him.

·         Make suggestions about other people she should contact.

DON'T:

·         Tell your friend the job market is extremely tight.

·         Offer to call a contact yourself, unless you are ready to do it now.

·         Criticize his resume, unless there is a serious spelling, typographical or grammatical error.

·         Let him take you to lunch. Job hunting is both expensive and time consuming. Money and time should be conserved for the job search.

·         Send her on wild goose chases with "I heard X Company is hiring," unless you know they really are hiring in an appropriate job category for your friend.

One of the best ways to help your friend secure a job it practice interviewing. Here are some pointers for you, the interviewer, to help your friend get the most out the session:

·         Treat the practice interview in a strictly formal manner.

·         Invite him to your office for the interview. Take notes to help after the practice session.

·         Observe his dress, handshake, shoes, posture and eye Contact.

·         Ask fair questions, but don't be afraid to ask tough ones.

·         Make sure the interview ends with a definitive next step ("when will I hear from you?" or "when should I get back to you?").

·         Provide constructive feedback.

'Remember, even though some of these questions might be "tough" questions, the purpose of the practice interview is to help. Don't be overly critical your friend's answers. If you think the response needs improvement, offer alternative ways to answer the question. Your friend should leave your office after a practice interview with more confidence, not less.

Practice Interview questions:

·         Tell me about yourself.

·         Why are you leaving your employer?

·         What are your three greatest strengths?

·         What are your three greatest weaknesses?

·         How do you feel about losing your job at x company?

·         Why do you want to work for our company?

·         What do you not like to do?

·         What would your boss tell me about you?

·         What would your subordinates tell me about you?

·         What would you plan to do in your first six months?

·         Why have you not been more successful?

·         Why should we hire you?

·         What has been your greatest success?

·         What has been your greatest failure?

·         What can you do for our company that someone else cannot?

·         What kind of day-to-day schedule did you keep at your last job?

Dise & Company is a global human resource consulting firm that provides innovative and strategic solutions through corporate outplacement, executive search, and leadership coaching services. For a confidential consultation with no obligation whatsoever, please contact us today.

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