Finding a job: what if you asked your friends and family for help?

There are many ways to find a job. Reaching out to your network primarily complements traditional job search methods. Yet, it is a very effective tool, responsible for a significant share of hirings. It is even essential in certain professional sectors dominated by the hidden job market, such as sales or executive recruitment, for example. But where should you start, who should you contact, and how can you make the most of your connections? Discover the key steps to finding your future job!

Clarifying your career plan

First and foremost, it is essential to have a clear idea of what you are aiming for! To target the right contacts and get your message across, you need to define your career plan.

Reflect on your career path, identify significant experiences, and highlight your strongest assets.

Then, prepare a very concise and impactful professional presentation. You need to know how to talk about yourself to convince others! This pitch will be just as useful during an informal meeting as in a job interview.

Take this opportunity to update your CV, prepare a cover letter, and possibly a digital business card (QR code linking to your LinkedIn profile.

Tip: at this stage, you can already reach out to your friends and family! Have someone proofread your CV and cover letter. Test your presentation on a loved one and ask for their feedback.

Qualifying your contacts

Next, you will need to define your network. There is no question of handing out your CV left and right. But remember that your acquaintances move in circles outside your own. Any of them could potentially hold a job opportunity!

Do an initial, fairly broad sort: above all, ask yourself who, among your strong ties (family, friends) and weak ties (acquaintances, social media networks, associations...), can act as a facilitator:

• they know you well;
• they can vouch for your skills and soft skills;
• they enjoy helping out;
• they can offer advice;
• they have a wide and diverse network of their own;
• they can provide information about a company or sector.

Tip: remember that these close contacts will primarily serve as a bridge. Don't rule out your cousin who works as a healthcare worker just because you're looking for a job in catering. Who knows if they don't have "a friend who knows a friend" in their network?

Making contact

Dare to speak to those close to you about your job search. Be proactive and authentic, but... take it easy! Don't "beg" for a job, but rather ask for advice and information. The goal is to get leads.

Make sure to personalize your contact requests. You will definitely get more responses than if you send a generic group message!

If necessary, follow up, but never push too hard. You would leave a bad impression.

Finally, if you haven't been in touch with someone for a while, show genuine interest in them too: they will be much more inclined to help you.

Tip: don't forget to thank your loved ones for their help. Keep them updated if your exchange leads to a contact, or even better, a new job. A simple gesture with a positive impact.

Expanding your connections

Be social! Seize every opportunity to meet people, in real life or virtually: job fairs or online discussion groups, networking events or meetups related to your field or passion! In doing so, you will expand both your professional network and your personal circle.

Ultimately, remember that networking requires a minimum of personal investment and is built on mutual exchange!

Tip: while social media is a great complement to your personal network, prioritize face-to-face meetings afterwards (open days, trade shows, etc.). Everything is an opportunity to meet people "in real life" after adding them to your LinkedIn, X, or Facebook network. You will leave a much more lasting impression.

Would you like support in your job search or help pulling the right levers for your career transition? Contact your Actual advisor!

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