Sometimes finding a new job can feel daunting, overwhelming, and isolating. Especially if you are fresh out of school and are seeking your first job or you’ve been searching for a while and haven’t made much progress. Family and friends can play a pivotal role in your job search, so it doesn’t need to feel like a solo journey. Here are some ways they can support you in landing your dream role.
Connecting You with the Right Opportunities
Expanding your network is one of the most impactful ways your family and friends can support you in your job search. In an article on Forbes, they write, “Friends and loved ones often have professional networks of their own. Accessing their networks can offer exposure to a larger working community. Another practical avenue to explore can be using professional networking sites such as Linkedin. Once there, you can look at the profiles of specific hiring managers, employees and others that may currently have positions you’re interested in. Sites like this can provide a wealth of information and provide direct access to contacts that can help see if there are openings and whether the position would be a good fit. You may even see that a friend is connected to them and can offer additional insights. If you plan to network in person, perhaps at a job fair, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or loved one if they’d like to join. They can offer a sense of solidarity and support helping ease any social anxiety and even help open some doors.”
Offering Feedback and Advice
Family and friends, especially those who work in a similar field to the one you are pursuing, can be valuable sounding boards. They can help you refine your LinkedIn profile, update your resume, and conduct mock interviews. They might also have suggestions on how to reframe and tweak your work experience to show you’re an excellent fit for the roles you are applying for.
Emotional Support
Sometimes it can feel defeating and discouraging to be on the hunt for a new job. While it’s important to stay positive and patient, rejections are often a part of the job search process and can be difficult to endure. Having those close to you to talk to during this time can help you process your emotions and feel less isolated. Friends and family can be a safe space for you to vent and express your feelings without judgment. They can also validate your feelings and help you stay positive by reminding you of your strengths, accomplishments, and successes so you don’t let any small setbacks hold you back.