How to Support a Loved One Looking for a Job

Unless you win the lottery, come from a wealthy background, or are due a humungous windfall, we all need to work to get money, support ourselves, and live a pleasant and happy life. While you may have the job of your dreams and be financially stable, the rest cannot be said for your loved ones.

The great news is everyone can be of assistance when someone you know is looking for work. When a family member or friend is searching for employment, it’s only natural that you’ll want to help in any way you can. However, you may not know how to be helpful or where to begin. Here are some of the best strategies for supporting your loved one find a role.

Show Compassion and Understanding

First and foremost, you must share lots of compassion and understanding for your loved ones as they start their job search. We were all unemployed at one point in our lives, so try and put yourself in their shoes. Some days are going to be easier than others. For instance, one day, your loved one may secure a job interview and feel hopeful. The next, they’re not hearing anything back, which can dampen their spirits.

There’s no room for negativity when your loved one is looking for work. However, they feel it’s your job as someone from their close circle to be uplifting and empathetic about their situation. Being positive and offering encouragement will help your loved ones stay on track with their job hunt. If they ever need to let off steam, be there for them and give them opportunities to vent. 

Learn About Your Loved Ones Desired Job

Before your loved one starts job hunting, it’s a good idea to sit down with them and discuss their ambitions and career goals. If you have no idea what they want to do as a job, it will be hard for you to provide the right help and support.

Once you start conversing, they will share their dreams and aspirations. If some sound a little unrealistic, it’s your place to tell them to shift their focus onto something else gently.

For example, millions of us want to be actors and singers. If your loved one falls into this camp but has no experience in the field, you need to point them in the right direction and look at an alternative route. Once you learn about their desired job, you can determine what transferable skills and experience they’ll need to secure the role.

Share Information That Match Their Interests

You can help your loved one connect with appropriate job contacts and leads. It can be tempting to send any job lead to someone not working, assuming they don’t mind taking any job as opposed to being unemployed. However, this typically doesn’t work out well in the end.

Most people are looking for the right job, not just any role. Waiting for the ideal position could be about stable income, career advancement, or a better situation for their family. This doesn’t indicate they are lazy or not trying hard enough.

Be there to share information and leads that correlate with what kind of role they’re seeking. Once your loved one finds their perfect position, it’s time to congratulate them! Greenvelope has ideas on how to say congratulations on your new job for your loved one.

Using their guide and choosing the right tactic can boost your loved one’s spirits and set them up for a successful career. 

Offer Resumé Help

Whatever kind of job your loved one is after, they will need to have a professional resume in place. After all, it’s what employers look at first. Take a look at their resume and ways it can be improved. You don’t want your loved ones’ resumé to go straight to the trash can, so now is the time to get it up to scratch.

There are lots of minor changes you can make which can have a positive impact on their job search. This may include changing the layout of the resume or creating more engaging content to read. Be careful how you offer your help. Your loved one may feel like they’re being attacked if you are too pessimistic about their current resume. 

Conduct a Practice Job Interview

Your loved one will need a job interview first to secure any job. The purpose of this is simple. Job interviews allow the employer and employee to meet each other and determine whether they’re the right fit for the role. If your loved one hasn’t had a job interview in a long time, they’re bound to be nervous and apprehensive.

It’s easy to find the situation humorous, but you both must be severe when practicing! One thing you can do to calm their nerves is by conducting a practice job interview. Scour the web for typical questions that are asked in these interviews.

That way, your loved one will know what to expect when going in for it. Be professional about it too. 

Visit a Networking Event

If there is a networking event in your area, take your loved one along! This may be the perfect opportunity for your loved one to connect with local businesses and potentially find a job! Networking events are great ways to engage with employers, hand out business cards, and secure job interviews.

Before you both attend, make sure you’re looking at the part. This means wearing something professional and classy, not a pair of jeans and sneakers! Networking events can be daunting too.

To boost your loved one’s confidence in advance, reiterate that you will be by their side and make sure they know their worth! 

Create Social Media Profiles

When employers look for a candidate, they may go onto social media to find out more about the person before offering the job. If your loved one hasn’t social media, now is the time to set up some accounts. One of the best professional platforms to set up is LinkedIn. This is an excellent tool for being visible to employers and showing that you’re actively looking for work.

Like with a resume, you must ensure your loved ones’ LinkedIn account stands out for all the right reasons. Make sure to include any experience and skills they have and an about me section that paints them positively.

You can search and apply for jobs on LinkedIn too. Moreover, the platform may open your loved one’s eyes to new paths and careers they may not have considered before. Your loved one can also join relevant groups on LinkedIn, which can boost their chances of finding work.

In Conclusion

It can be challenging to see a loved one struggle to find work. However, there are things you can do to support them on their journey. Offering constant emotional support to help make their resume stand out when you provide a helping hand and guide them along the way can boost your loved one’s career prospects and opportunities.

Your family member or friend may not find work overnight. But, if they remain consistent and motivated and have your support throughout the process, this can help them gain employment quicker and get them back on their feet.