Why would someone I don’t even know help me in my job search?

Good question.  Let me ask you something.  If you had the opportunity to help someone, would you?  Of course you would.  Guess what?  So would just about everyone else.  Just because someone doesn’t know you doesn’t mean they won’t help you.  How many people have you opened a door for – without ever introducing yourself?  How many times have you done something nice for someone without ever expecting them to return the favor?  I’d like to go on record right now and thank everyone on the airplane who has ever helped me put my luggage in the overhead compartment.  What do I pack?  Rocks?

We live in a helpful society.  Sometimes it’s more helpful than we want it to be.  But when it comes to job search, if someone who’s out of work has the ability to help a fellow job seeker, it makes them feel good.  It brings them joy.  Please don’t deny a person the opportunity to have joy!  It might be the only joy they have all day!

Often times at our Executives Network meetings, people will end their request for help by telling everyone what companies they can help with.  One person in particular comes to mind.  Kevin would always end his spiel with “And I can help you with the following companies….” What a waste of our time.  Did someone previously ask for help at those companies?  Then speak up when they ask.  Maybe you weren’t listening.  Quit zoning out and start paying attention.  It’s only through really listening to others that you’ll figure out how to help them.  And if you can, speak up right then.  Don’t wait.  If you wait, it appears as though you weren’t listening. 

While Kevin thinks he’s doing us all a favor, we’re left with the perception that Kevin doesn’t listen.  Plus, while Kevin is listing all of the companies he can help with, everyone else has forgotten the companies Kevin needs help with (because sometimes we all have a little ADD!).  So…Kevin leaves the room not only being perceived as a bad listener…but he doesn’t get any help from the group.

In the world of job search, be a little bit selfish.  Give others the opportunity to help you. Don’t worry if you can’t help them yet.  Eventually you will find a way.