If you are getting requests from people you (and people you don’t know) to help out with their job search, you are not alone. It is indeed a noble endeavor to do so, however it could quickly eat up into your time and you’ll end up becoming overwhelmed.
Here are some quick tips from the article and you can read it here.
- Start by asking callers what they want — whether it’s an introduction, job search advice or résumé assistance — and then determine if you can help
- If you plan to refer the caller to someone in your professional network or at your company, take time to sit down with the candidate first, because your credibility is on the line
- If the best you are prepared to offer someone is general career advice or information about your industry, you can talk over the phone
- Use your connections sparingly and wisely, and tap your most treasured contacts only for very important favors
- If you know you will never be able to help the person, tell him or her that you appreciate the call but don’t think that you can be of any assistance
According to the article, if you happen to the job seeker requesting for help, here are some pointers:
- One of the worst things you can do is to ask point blank if a contact knows of any jobs
- Give a very brief — and well-prepared — explanation of your skill set, background and what you have to offer an employer
- Approach your networking call as you would an informational interview
- Have very specific requests like
asking someone you know at a company to forward an e-mail you have written to a hiring manager, as opposed to asking that person to write an e-mail on your behalf
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