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Looking For Work? Don’t Be Shy

If you’re seeking employment, now’s not the time to be a wallflower. Especially if you tend to be a little bit reserved, do yourself a favor and try to counteract the inclination.

Speak up

People can’t help you if they don’t know about your situation. If your job has been eliminated, or you think you might be laid off, tell people. Don’t be timid. And by all means, don’t be embarrassed. Unfortunately, you have lots of company. People aren’t going to think less of you because you lost your job.

It’s very likely you’re going to find your next opportunity through your network. Somebody is going to know someone who can help you…someone will pass along a valuable tip…someone may know about a job that’s about to open up at his company. Professional associates are great, but they’re not your only potential sources.

What about a guy at the gym, a friend at church, the woman you volunteer with, an acquaintance you see at a party, the parent of one of your kids’ friends? You never know. You don’t have to spend the entire conversation talking about your employment situation. But you do need to make sure they know you’re looking.

Ask for help

Again…don’t be bashful!

Ask for that introduction. Let’s say you’re interested in Company ABC. Your friend Larry is friends with someone who works there. Ask Larry if he’ll mention your name to this guy…or maybe he’d be willing to connect the two of you via email, copying both of you with an introductory note …or perhaps he can tee things up in another way.

Ask a friend whose judgment you trust to critique your resume. Or ask a family member to help you conduct a skill assessment. Outside perspective can be invaluable.

And so on.

Most people want to be helpful. They can’t read your mind, though. Plant the seed by making them aware of your circumstances - and any specifics about your objectives that might be constructive for them to know. Then if there’s something specific a person might be able to help you with, ask. (Of course, it’s a lot easier to ask for help if you’ve been mindful of your circle of contacts all along. Surfacing out of the blue after years of radio silence tends to generate a less than enthusiastic response.)

Just remember one important thing when you’re requesting help: make sure you reciprocate. Find out what you can do in return.

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