Like any endeavor, you’re going to need some tools and some help along the way, and your job search is no different. Besides your high quality resume paper, dry-cleaned suit and not-too-hard-but-not-too-soft handshake, you need people. Good people.
Although much of your job search is done alone, hours on Craigslist, LinkedIn, and every school that would let you use their Career Services website, you need people to help you make connections and give you confidence when you’re down. My job search may not be over, but I sure can tell you the five kinds of people you need to help you make it to the wonderful land of employment.
The Inspirational Speaker
The Inspirational Speaker’s pep-talks may be long, but his words are wise. You need someone to give you a speech, tell you it’ll be okay, and will let you cry, just a little, before he makes you stop. He will convince you to go after your dreams, even though you may not feel like it anymore. This person is important to have on your job search team to keep you motivated and focused. He is likely a good source to talk to about whether or not you should continue to interview for a job, even though you’re not sure if the work is the right fit for you.
The Eternal Optimist
You need an Eternal Optimist to stay glass-half-full, so much so that she convinces you that this next one will be the ONE. If some other people had her kind of confidence in you, you’d think they were crazy and not believe them, but her enthusiasm is never insincere. You believe her more than you do most people around you. This person is the ideal candidate to call when you initially hear back from a post, or immediately following a job interview. She will boost your spirits to get you excited for what’s next, no matter how many job applications you’ve already submitted.
The Networker
Generally someone in or with connections in your field, the Networker shares everything you do with everyone she knows. Never one not to ask for help, she goes through her LinkedIn friends to see who is in your city and helps you arrange meetings with them. She speaks well on your behalf and is always shocked no one has snatched you up yet. She says her boyfriend would start a business with you. This person is great to bounce off some industry tidbits or ideas on what to do next. She gives great feedback, support, and connections. It is great to have someone NOT in your family speak so highly of you.
The Industry-Celeb
This person’s words are weighed with gold in your industry. A great person to know, check-in with from time to time, but never ask from. He understands how much he can help you, and will do so only when he thinks it’s right (and he’s not super-busy himself). This person doesn’t exist for a lot of people in their job search, but I was lucky enough to have one in mine.
The Similarly Unemployed Friend
When you’re feeling down and beat by the system, who else to go to but your best friends? Many of my best friends are as supportive as they can, but I get the best benefit from my Similarly-Unemployed Friends. They know what you’re going through and can sincerely empathize with your situation. For some reason hearing, “We can do it,” is much more assuring that “You can do it. I already have.”
Thanks to ALL of my job search helpers, even those not listed above. You mean the world to me.
Who has influenced your job search the most? Do you think I’m missing anyone?