How to Ask Friends For Help in Your Job Search

It’s well documented that 85% of new jobs are secured through networking. We all know this, and we know we should be enlisting the help and support of our network, but what is the best way to do this?
This short list should help you provide clear, concise information to your friends and colleagues to improve their ability to help.

1. DO NOT just send your resume out to everyone. You should customize your resume for each job you apply to so that you are highlighting the skills most relevant for each particular job. Sending out a blanket resume may end up getting the wrong version of your resume in front of a recruiter.
2. Sit down and clearly identify the value you bring to your work. What is your experience? What skills have you mastered? What are the key words people use to identify the work you seek?
3. What job are you seeking? If you just ask your friends for ‘a job’, chances are, nothing will happen because you’ve now asked them to do the work for you. Be specific. “I’m looking for a Technical Program Manager position”. Or “Does your company have an openings for a Software Developer?” This will ensure not only that your friend knows exactly what to look for, but will increase the chances that anything sent your way will be a fit. Help your friends help you.
4. Take the time to identify companies that you would like to work for. Company culture can make or break a career, so do the research ahead of time and create a short list of companies you feel would be a good fit. Nothing is demoralizing than starting a new job only to learn the company culture isn’t a fit for you. You’ll be unhappy and your performance will likely suffer….right along with your reputation.
5. Ask for introductions. Using LinkedIn makes it extremely easy to identify people who may be able to make introductions for you in a desired company. Write a short note to your friend and ask for an introduction. Securing an introduction allows YOU to make the contact and have a conversation, speaking for yourself and not relying on someone else to do that for you. The new contact hears your voice, your energy, your personality and can make a personal connection with you. This GREATLY increases your chances of getting noticed by the potential employer. For more on how to ask for the introduction, read this article.
6. Pay it Forward. Whenever you have the opportunity to help someone else, do so. It helps a friend, it makes you feel good, and it builds good will.
7. Pace yourself. If you’re working fulltime, you don’t have 40 hours a week to spend networking. I recently wrote about how you should divide your time during a job search. Spend your time wisely, know your limitations and schedule to optimize your time.

So, now you know how to reach out for help effectively. Go ahead and try it out. See how well it works, and how quickly you’ll reap the rewards!