Looking for Work?

Last week, I began posting little, "tips" about interviewing and job-hunting. I have been on a major recruiting push in anticipation of the back-to-school season. I started a small series posting real fixes for the problems I encountered with my candidates.

• Job Tip: When an interviewer schedules part of their day to interview you, SHOW UP!
• Job Tip: Business casual is NOT flip-flops and a tank-top.
• Job Tip: If you put your sister's phone as your primary phone number on the application, she might get your interview.
• Job Tip: Your recruiter may not like being greeted by, "Big Pimpin'" while waiting for your carrier to, "locate the person I am calling."

I got quite a few humorous responses and a couple of inquiries about the sorts of positions I was looking to fill. Something occurred to me however, as I reviewed this section of my pages. The inquiries I got regarding work, were for friends of friends.

"I know so-and-so is looking, what kind of positions are you filling?"

I had only one primary contact who asked me directly for consideration. That one friend had been out of work for seven (7) months, and I was not even aware they were looking. Why?

He had been "updating" daily.I knew his kids were having a great year in soccer. I knew where he had lunch last Tuesday. I did not know he was out of work. Why? After I talked to him for a while about his needs and my positions, I too a second to ask him why.

"It's kind of embarrassing. I just didn't think that was the place to talk about it. You know, I'm not close enough a friend with most of my "friends" to burden them or ask for their help."

I had to point out that we all knew his latest cholesterol levels. His youngest daughters had FINALLY been potty trained, and his wife was awesome. I had to wonder why he didn't feel we would like to know he was needing a little help on the job front. We knew as much as most people know about their "best friends" but he didn't feel safe sharing this one important part.

How many people are out there sharing their lives but holding back from a group of people who may be able to help? Is there some unspoken code that one shall not share their employment status with their friends list? Linkedin is an obvious place where people are "expected" to link on a business level. Are Facebook or Myspace exempt from this activity?

I say NO!

As I write this article, I have 378 friends on Facebook. I administer an alumni board that has 1630 members. I consider each one of these people a potential resource. They may only be able to provide a bit of humor or moral support when I am down. Some may have potential work for me. Still others, may know my next boss and be able to introduce me to them. I do not believe this violates any code of friendship for these sites. I believe it is actually, in line with the true purpose of the networks.

The axiom, "it's not what you know, it's WHO you know." is very true. Social media is a huge resource on the "who you know" side of that equation. You know hundreds of people who in turn know hundreds more. "Six degrees of separation" is the rule of the day on these sites. He knows a guy in that field. His contact know a guy who is in HR. They know the hiring manager with the very firm you are seeking to join.

And so on
and so on
and so on...

I know, for a fact, that I would certainly announce my change in employment status to my network if it were to change. I would routinely post updates on the hunt. I would seek out those within my field to see if they knew any one or had anything. These are my friends after all. (At least to some extent.)

I too know that I would seek to give business to those within my network who provide services I may be needing. I have a couple of photographers in my friends list. You can bet that one of them will be doing the portraits for my book cover. My friends in advertising will be consulted regarding my marketing campaign for said book. If anyone in my list is in printing, I may have them help with my brochures or fliers. My contacts are a valuable resource in working both sides of the friendship equation.

I look forward to welcoming my friend to the training room in weeks to come. I am glad we reconnected and that I was able to find a place for him. (He is more than qualified by-the-way.) I know that he has changed his view of how social media can help him. He will certainly be posting his job status soon. I hope he does not have to post any changes to that status again any time soon.

(I hope I don't either.)

David Fields Has worked in customer relations and sales since 1987. He is dynamic supervisor, recruiter, trainer, and coach for a major retailer. He speaks passionately about associate engagement, customer service, and human nature. He welcomes inquiries regarding training, speaking, and coaching in these areas.