Catherine sent me an item the other day and suggested that I use it in the Friday SafetyXChange careers newsletter. The story is about seven nice things a person can do to help a friend who's out of work. My first reaction: No dice. This is too corny.

I'm a New Yorker, a lawyer, in short, a cynic. And I adamantly refuse to allow mushy and sentimental "Hallmark cards" into SafetyXChange.

But then Lauryn submitted her piece about unemployment. I remembered that there are so many people out there who are hurting and need help. So I decided to give the "Hallmark card" one more look. And I experienced my own personal Scrooge/Grinch moment. Suddenly, I saw the article as poignant and realized that printing it in SafetyXChange is an opportunity to do some genuine good for people who so badly need it.

So, without further ado, here are the seven special gifts that you can give to a person who's out of work without spending a dime (Note: The rest of the story is cited from the press release and I didn't write it.):

1. A Phone Call

You don't have to be a job-search expert to reach out. Especially at the very beginning, when you've just learned that someone has lost a job, say something like: "Joe, I'm sorry to learn you got caught up in the changes at the XYZ Company. I heard that they let a lot of good people go."

2. An Attentive Ear

Although bestowing this gift takes a lot of patience, just listening and allowing the person to vent is key. You don't have to have a job lead, or a contact to honestly ask a friend, "How are things going?" and have the courage to listen and be supportive.

3. A Networking Contact

It's estimated that every person knows approximately 200 people. Think of just one person who could be a good contact for your friend. Perhaps you know someone who has just finished a job search and is willing to talk about his/her strategies.

4. A Little Positive Feedback

You don't need special training to give positive feedback. Listen carefully and point out the positive things the person is doing. Be sincere and natural. Never offer any criticism, unless it is strictly constructive. (See gift #5)

5. A Tactful Suggestion

If your friend isn't job searching effectively, tactfully suggest different approaches. You might emphasize that looking for a job is a full- time job. Always being supportive, suggest an increase in hours, especially after the holidays when companies will be doing more hiring.

6. An Invitation

Invite a friend to a business expo or other gathering where he/she might make good contacts. Or extend an invitation to a social get-together. We're all busy, but make yourself available.

7. A Bit of Humor

There's nothing like a good laugh to turn a situation around -- or at least lighten it up. Above all, when we give of ourselves to others, life becomes much more enjoyable.

SOURCE: Career Partners International

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top