6 Ways to Help an Out-of-Work Friend
These suggestions will let you be useful without adding stress
(This article appeared previously on AOLJobs.)
What is the best way to help your recently unemployed friend? The No. 1 thing you can do is listen and be there for them — but don't go overboard. As friends, we have a tendency to go big, but a job search is a highly stressful situation, something the job seeker needs to be ready for. Here are six ways you can be useful:
1. Listen carefully. Are they simply venting? Are they stuck in a dead-end job? Do they truly want to make a change? We have all vented about our jobs to a friend from time to time. The commute, the nosy coworker, the mountains of Excel work, endless business trips. Do they really want a new job or do they just need to de-stress? Before offering to look at their resumé or set them up with job leads, actually ask them what their next move might be.
(MORE: Comforting an Unemployed Adult Child)
2. Ask if they'd like help. Would they want you to act as a career coach? Someone who helps them stay accountable and also sends job listings? Some people have done their homework and know what they want, and that might not be at the end of a job listing. Other people are more open to it, so ask before you go ahead. Don't make empty promises. If you offer to set them up for an informational interview or connect them to someone in their industry, follow up on it.
6. Check in. Every friend and friendship are different. If you are very close, ask — but drop it if your friend isn't too chatty on the subject. Change gears and talk about other matters. Don't let your hangouts turn into marathon job-searching sessions. Your friend most likely wants a break from thinking about their dead-end job or unemployed status. Your friendly conversations act as an escape.
Jill Jacinto is an AOL Jobs contributor and Associate Director of Editorial & Communications for WORKS by Nicole Williams, a career website for professional women.
