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Today is the International Day of Friendship! Did you know that 68 percent of employees turn to family members or friends when job searching? Also, research has shown that employees are happier and more engaged when they have friends in the workplace. Needless to say, friends are a vital component of our personal lives and our professional lives! Has a friend ever turned to you for job search or career advice? Perhaps it was the other way around, and you were the one seeking advice. In this week’s blog we take a look at a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when asking for job search advice from friends.

Be specific. Tell your friends exactly how they can help you. Do you need help editing your resume? Do you need honest feedback on your answers for interviews? Do you just need a little love on LinkedIn? Whatever it may be, providing your friends with your specific needs, will better help them and you. This article provides some additional insights to keep in mind when asking for help.

Ask for opportunities. If you’re seeking job leads or introductions, tell your friends what kind of job you are looking for. If you know the job title, or even the types of companies you prefer, go ahead and tell them! Now, that doesn’t mean your friend will send you job leads that are a perfect fit, but it could help them keep you in mind if they find an opportunity or perhaps they can introduce you to someone who has better connections.

Verify advice. Believe it or not, you might get opposing advice from friends, and that’s okay! Depending on the industry, there may be career norms in one field that are taboo in another. For example, one friend may suggest developing a creative resume while another may suggest a standard resume. Once receiving advice, conduct your own research to verify what would be the best for you and the industry you are in (or seeking to enter.)

Friends might be a factor in your career success, which is why it’s important to keep in contact with friends and make the extra effort to keep and nourish relationships.

If you or a friend is looking to start their career path, call 855-994-8300 or click here for one-on-one assistance from National Able Network!