How to help a job seeker this holiday season

The holiday season is stressful. Anyone that’s been in an airport during a holiday travel week probably has a horror story to tell about security lines stretching into the parking garage, overbooked flights, delays, etc. Even those of us trying to travel by other means are often caught out by traffic or unexpected Winter storms (it once took me 14 hours to get from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA due to a blizzard, for instance). Financial concerns are ever-present (especially with inflation increasing the cost of nearly everything). And let’s not forget the family gatherings...

As tough as all of that can be, it’s much more difficult when you’re unemployed. And unfortunately, there are a lot of people facing that reality this year given the RIF's at employers of all sizes. More than 91,000 employees have been laid off from tech companies in 2022 (to date), joining workers from Financial Services, Media, and other industries in the unemployment line. Hiring has slowed significantly, too: LinkedIn analytics show that the pace of hiring in November was 20.5% lower than November 2021.

Imagine not only worrying about how to pay rent or health insurance-now you have to tell your family that you can’t afford the plane ticket home. Or stressing out about buying gifts for family and friends when unemployment barely covers the basic household expenses? Declining yet another invitation to a holiday dinner out because you can’t afford it?

Know someone out of work this holiday season? Here are a few possible gifts to give them:

·?Invite them to coffee and check in. A layoff is often an unexpected and traumatic experience--and having it happen just before the holidays only makes things worse. Being a compassionate and supporting friend who is willing to make the time to connect and listen can be a huge support.

·?If they have a list of companies or jobs they are targeting: Offer to walk through your LinkedIn network with them to see who you might know & be able to facilitate an introduction with. I've done this for more than a few friends who were targeting a company and/or a specific role, and have been able to facilitate a connection that has helped them land a great new job.?

·?Read a book that really helped you in your career search, or in a shared technical domain area? Buy them a copy or share yours.

·?Going to a holiday or New Years party? Invite them along. These events are great ways to meet people and network. I made two networking connections at the last holiday party I attended.

·?Give them a gift card to Starbucks or their favorite coffee shop… If they are managing their job search well, a job seeker will likely be spending a fair amount of each week meeting people for coffee. That cost can add up.

·???…or to an online retailer or local boutique. Someone who is looking for a job may end up going to the same company multiple times for interviews, and hence need multiple outfits. If they’ve been out of work for awhile, they aren’t likely to spend money on new clothes. A new item of clothing doesn’t have to be expensive; but it can be both a great addition to their professional wardrobe as well as a nice boost of confidence.

·?Take them to do something you know they enjoy but aren’t doing due to the cost. Go tour the new art museum exhibit and get lunch–your treat. Have a spa day. Buy tickets to see a hockey game. Go see a holiday concert or show together.

·?Get them out of the house! It’s easy to self-isolate this time of year when it seems like doing things with friends means spending money you may not have. It doesn’t necessarily have to be that way, though! How much does it cost to walk through a neighborhood that has great holiday light displays? Or (in many communities) to watch the holiday ships parade past? Go listen to a holiday music program? Or even just inviting them over to watch a classic holiday movie with a big bowl of popcorn and a warm beverage.

Tis the season for giving. A little bit of thought on your part will be viewed with immense gratitude and appreciation by your out of work friend. Even more when they get a great new job thanks to your help.