Before you gather support for your job campaign, you must first understand that it is ok to ask for help. Reaching out for help should not feel daunting or embarrassing. It will be a game changer in your job campaign journey. Here are some practical ways to overcome hurdles so that you can gain support as you search for your next job in your job campaign.
We all need encouragement in life. It helps us gain confidence and move forward. It is an indication that we did a good job and that we should continue what we started. Either by kind words or supporting actions, the power of encouragement helps a person to rise on his feet and achieve his dreams. Be a person who encourages others, and who accepts and appreciates any encouragement he receives.― Noora
Recognize Your Network - Who Could Help Offer Support
Take time to look at the people in your life. Your network includes friends, family, former colleagues, mentors, and acquaintances. Each one of these people can bring individual value and opportunities to your job campaign journey. For example, there may be a former colleague of yours that is in the perfect position to springboard you to an opportunity. Or perhaps a friend you grew up with knows someone that works in your industry and is happy to connect you. This not only helps you find someone who could potentially recommend you for a job, but it also helps grow your network even more. So take some time to think about who is in your network. You know more people than you think.
Engage Your Network - Talk About Your Job Campaign Wherever You Can
Think of the people in your network you really trust. That is the easiest place to start. Ease into reaching out to them, first. You can do this by sending a casual message to a former colleague telling them that you wish to reconnect and discuss possible job opportunities. You can also reach out to a mentor and ask for guidance as you navigate the job market. Or you could simply tell a close relative, “Hey, I’m looking to make a career move, have you heard anyone talking about this kind of job?” Whatever your engagement may look like, it’s a great step in the right direction.
Many people get nervous and end up going through their entire job campaign alone. Unfortunately, that only makes the job campaign harder for you in the long run. The more people you talk to about your goals and campaign, the more opportunities you will find in the “Hidden Job Market” - which you can learn more about in a recent YouTube video.
Be Specific in Your Ask
It is extremely important to be transparent while seeking support. Be specific about what you want help with. This may be advice about your resume, asking for introductions to important contacts, insights into a certain industry, or opportunities that they might know about. Everyone you ask might have a different skill set that could help you - so what you ask one person may differ from another person in your network.
Utilize Online Platforms
Use social media and professional networks such as LinkedIn as leverage. Share your job campaign goals on the platforms and ask for recommendations or referrals. Join groups on the platforms that are industry specific so you can connect with professionals in your desired field. Depending on your current role, you may not want to create a post asking for job referrals. Remember, that’s not the only goal of a job campaign.
In a job campaign, while you may be looking for your next position, you are also looking to make overall moves toward your long-term success. So, a good example of what you could say in a public LinkedIn post is, “I’m always looking to learn more and grow in XYZ industry. So I’m seeking a mentor who has done XYZ in their career. Does anyone know of someone who would be a good fit and have time for a coffee chat to discuss my objective and progress?”
Attend Events and Workshops
Career workshops and networking events are opportunities that can give you invaluable support. Be sure to attend any conferences or seminars related to your industry to help you expand your network. Use workshops and webinars to stay updated on industry trends while also enhancing your skills. You never know what kind of connections you may make at these events and workshops. Not to mention, the knowledge you’ll gain from industry leaders here that you can leverage in future interviews or conversations. It is important to assure you are seen as ‘relevant’.
Show Gratitude
Always make time to express your gratitude to those who have supported you. This can be done on social media, through email, or a handwritten note. These gestures will help to build goodwill while nurturing the relationships. You always want your supporters to know how much you respect and appreciate their assistance.
Pay It Forward
Remember how much the support you receive means to you and pass support along to others. You can pay it forward by sharing job posts, offering advice, and making introductions. This will help strengthen your network while creating a positive culture of reciprocity and goodwill. Even just forwarding along emails with opportunities in them or sharing job postings on LinkedIn could be a huge help to your network.
Stay Persistent
While job campaigning, you may start to feel fatigued or lose hope. If this happens, stay persistent in your networking and open to new opportunities. A positive attitude goes a long way while on your job campaign journey. Each connection you make is bringing you one step closer to finding your dream job! It seems like a long road, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay persistent in your job campaign and job search and you will find that bright light.
Join Supportive Communities
Find like minded individuals to surround yourself with during your job campaign. This will provide you with a community of support with other job campaigners. You can find these local groups online or in person that will allow you to communicate about experiences, receive advice, and provide encouragement in similar situations. I co-hosted and led a job club for a number of years - the perfect place for support.
Remember that while you are on your job campaign journey, asking those around you for support does not show weakness but does show resourcefulness and courage. The support that you receive will build meaningful relationships while increasing your chances for success. We all need support even for small tasks. If you are sitting down right now, a chair is providing you support. Step out of your comfort zone and find the support that you need to become successful in your job search.
So next time you're struggling, instead of berating yourself for your weakness, look for whom God might have put into your life to hold you up. It might not be the people you imagined, but someone will offer you their strength until you can hold yourself up again.
― Rev. Elizabeth Ingram Schindler
You've got this!
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