If daily life were more like the movies, getting a new job would take only about 10 minutes. You just wait for a family member to come along and make you a vice president in their company, or at least give you a chance to start out in the mailroom.
In reality, your loved ones may not be in a position to hire you. However, they can still be an excellent source of assistance and support.
It makes sense that anyone who cares about you would be eager to help. They may also have valuable suggestions because they know you so well.
Let your family and friends know how they can participate in your job search. Use these ideas to work together to advance your careers.
Asking for Practical Assistance:
- Clarify your goals. It pays to be specific and brief, whether you’re approaching a stranger or a close friend. The more you know about what kind of job you want and what kind of help you need, the easier it is for others to assist you.
- Find leads. Your family and friends may not work in your field, but they could have neighbors and friends who do. They can pass along names of contacts and, in some cases, write letters of recommendation.
- Rehearse interviews. Put on your business suit and stage a mock interview. Practice talking about your background and answering difficult questions while your sister plays the role of the hiring manager.
- Proofread documents. Ensure that your cover letters and resumes are free from typos. A fresh set of eyes can spot errors you’d miss.
- Master technology. Your next interview may be a Zoom call. Ask a friend who keeps up with the latest devices to look over your equipment and recommend anything new you might want to buy.
- Upgrade social media. Do you know someone with a great Facebook business profile? They might be able to show you how to market yourself online using a variety of platforms.
- Attend hiring events. Bring a companion with you to job fairs and networking sessions. Having an ally will help you feel more confident and show off your personality.
- Handle logistics. Think creatively about services that would come in handy. Maybe someone can give you a ride downtown or babysit your children.
Asking for Moral Support:
- Think positive. A cheerful attitude is contagious. Having others who believe in you makes it easier to feel hopeful about your future. Rely on them when you’re struggling through rejections and when you’re making progress.
- Share your stories. Discuss your experiences. Sometimes you just need someone to listen to your feelings. You may also benefit from hearing how they dealt with being laid off or other career challenges.
- Enjoy free fun. Remember to take time out to relax and refresh during your job hunt. Plan family movie nights, spend weekends hiking or visiting local parks for outdoor concerts and other community events.
- Stay in touch. If you’re between jobs, you may miss daily chats with your coworkers. Fight isolation by reaching out to others online and off. Even if they work 9 to 5, you can still call each other or meet for breakfast or lunch.
You’ll both be happier when you give your loved ones something more constructive to do than asking whether you’ve found a job yet. Letting your family and friends know how they can help may strengthen your relationships and shorten your search.
To your Career Success,
Katie Weiser
© Katie Weiser, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Katie Weiser with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
