Helping Someone In Their Job Search

I am an optimist by nature.? So when I read 3 milestones from a jobs report in the Washington Post, I am led to believe that the economy is humming along nicely this year.? Yet, I have also noticed a slight uptick in layoffs nationwide.? Forbes has a 2023 layoff tracker,?which confirms these downsizings.??In sitting with this complexity, I ask "How can both be true at the same time?" For those of? you who are currently benefiting from the strengths of the 2023 economy, I want to offer a friendly reminder about how you can be helpful to those who might be in a career transition. We have all been there.? At some point in your own career, you have needed to make a job move outside of your organization either voluntarily or involuntarily.? I imagine there were people who helped you make that career transition. My question to you is, how are you being intentional about offering help to those in your network who might be impacted by a reduction in force (RIF)? Perhaps the organization went through a leadership change and someone was no longer a fit on the executive team.? A friend or family member may have been laid off, and we want to be supportive.? Too often, we want to start by giving advice on a resume or their LinkedIn profile. Here are some more practical ideas to truly support their next step:

1. ?Ask them what they want to do – Responding to “what do you want do?” is actually the most critical part of beginning an intentional job search. The more the person can articulate what they want to do, for example specific industries, specific employers, or specific roles, the more they can connect with and meet people working in those areas.
2. Let them process emotions – There is a lot of uncertainty that happens when someone is let go.? Where will my next job come from? How will the rest of the world see me?? It is ok to just let the person vent their concerns without jumping into advice giving.
3. Agree to check in with them – Job seeking can be a lonely experience.? A weekly or monthly check in can let the friend or family member know they are not alone.? It can be a though a text, email, direct message or hand written note.? It can be an offer to go for a walk outdoors or grab a coffee.
4. Encourage interim, contract or part-time work – There are so many opportunities to work part-time during a transitional period.? Encourage them to seek out temporary roles to both earn a little income and have a purpose during the week.

Another way to support those in your network who are in transition is to share this webinar?on how to handle a layoff and find a new career opportunity.?We are in this together!? Let's make some authentic and genuine connections in 2023.? One day at a time. One supportive conversation at a time.

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