It is human nature for people to want to do things for themselves. We are taught to be self-sufficient at an early age, and most of us are reluctant to ask for help. Unfortunately, this issue often extends to a job search and a person seeking to do it all on their own, rather than seeking assistance.
There are three main questions that immediately come to mind when thinking about reaching out for help in your job search. When to do it, who to reach out to, and how can they help you? Let’s take a look at all three of these questions.
The answer to “when” is an easy one. Immediately! You should not wish to have any unnecessary time go by when you need (or want) a new job. Your competition is moving forward with their best effort and so should you. Everyone should always be ready to start a job search on a moment’s notice. If you are starting to think that you may need a new job, then start your search and reach for help.
The” who” in these questions is also an easy one to answer. Really anyone that you think can help you. You may have a slight filter on the professional front if you are running a confidential search, as there may be some people (such as co-workers or direct reports) that you don’t wish to know you are leaving. Former colleagues from previous companies or ones who have left your current employer may provide great networking assistance. Don’t forget the perasonal front, as family and friends can also be very useful in your search.
Now comes the main question…how to use these people who have agreed to help you. Your job search could use some assistance in a variety of areas. These include:
• Behavioral Support: Doing a job search can be a very emotionally challenging process. Everything from the dejection of losing employment to the rejection of not getting call backs or receiving offers can be very damaging. Surrounding yourself with family and friends who know you and care can play a critical role in keeping you upbeat and focused on the work in front of you.
• Proofreading: All written documents and communication going to a prospective employer should be perfect from a spelling and grammatical perspective. Leverage others to read your work before sending it out, to make sure that it meets this very high standard.
• Practice Partner: Perfect practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to preparing for an interview. Reach out to someone who will give you real feedback and role play the interview with them. You can have them present you with the most frequently asked questions and allow you to prepare how you will answer.
• Referral/Job Leads: Most companies’ #1 source of new hires are the referrals given to them by their own employees. The hiring number jumps even higher when factoring in all of the other referrals they may receive from social networking and other related tactics. So, look for anyone in your network who works for companies you have targeted. If you don’t have someone already existing, then keyword search the company and connect with people who already work there.
• Advice: No one knows everything there is to be known about conducting a job search. Even if you have successfully done it in the past, practices and laws change all the time, requiring a refresher. Being able to call, text, or e-mail someone whenever you have a question, need an opinion, or someone to listen can be critical to your own mental health situation.
• References: If you reach the offer stage, then you will generally be asked to provide references. References should be selected ahead of time and already coached regarding key items that they may be asked. Your references should come from a variety of sources such as a previous manager, co-worker, and direct report. Those selected to help you should be good speakers who can communicate clearly your key skills and previous accomplishments.
While someone may generate some self-satisfaction by completing their job search on their own, it is usually quicker and easier (and with better results) when a person pulls in others. Take a look at your personal and professional network, and determine who, when and how they can assist you in landing your new job. There are many ways you can receive help; all you need to do is overcome your fears and ask for it.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
