4 Surefire Ways To Find A Job Search Buddy

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If you’ve spent the last few weeks or even months searching for a job, chances are you might be feeling a little burned out.

Research shows the average job seeker gives up on their job search after five months. Instead of giving up on your job search, reach out to your friends and colleagues for help. These people can give you the support you need to stay focused during your search.

Job search buddies help job seekers stay motivated during their search. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the courage to attend networking events alone or remember to follow up with employers. By having a job search buddy on your side, you’ll make the most of your job search and discover more opportunities.

When you enlist in a job search buddy, find someone you can have a professional relationship with. Even if you reach out to a friend for help, make sure the relationship will be productive to your job search. Your job search buddy will help you find balance during your search, boost your accountability, help you prepare for interviews, and serve as a second pair of eyes on your resume and cover letter.

Are you thinking it might be time to recruit a job search buddy to improve your search? Here are some tips for finding a job search buddy and how you can benefit from the relationship:

1. Tap into your networks.

First things first, you have to find the perfect job search buddy. Begin your search by reaching out to friends, family, old coworkers, and colleagues.

Your job search buddy doesn’t necessarily need to be someone who’s also looking for a job. This person can simply be an individual who sends opportunities your way, is willing to look over your job applications, or serve as a mentor during your search.

2. Make sure the person holds you accountable.

As soon as you enlist in a job search buddy, it’s absolutely necessary they’re someone who’s willing to hold you accountable for your search.

Even if your job search buddy isn’t currently looking for a job, he or she can remind you about following up with job applications, writing thank you notes, and sending networking emails. This way you have someone to motivate you with job search tasks even when you aren’t feeling inspired during your search.

3. Create a plan with your buddy.

An important task you and your job search buddy must do is create a plan for your job search. This plan must be goal-orientated and driven by objectives in order to help you have a successful job search.

As you design your plan, focus on things such as employers you’ll target, people you need to contact, and what types of jobs you’ll apply for. Once you have a plan, you’ll be more organized during your search and will decrease the chances of missing important details as you apply for jobs and network with employers.

4. Utilize your buddy as a PR machine.

When it comes to find a job, it’s all about who you know. In fact, 70 percent of jobs are found through networking.

Your job search buddy will serve as a super connector as you look for jobs. During your search, have your buddy tell their friends and colleagues you’re looking for a job. The more people who know about your job search, the more likely someone will find an opportunity for you.

Finding a job search buddy can be one of the best things you can do for your job search. Not only do you have the opportunity for more support during your search, but you also have someone who is dedicated helping you find a job.

Do you have a job search buddy? How did this person help you during your job search?

Image Courtesy of bluegum

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Val Matta
Val Matta
Val Matta, Managing Director of CareerShift, co-founded the company in 2005 to help individuals bridge the gap between education and employment.  As a recognized expert in the field, Val is a frequent speaker on career management, networking, and job hunting strategies.  You can connect with her and the CareerShift team on FacebookLinkedIn, and Twitter.