Building Your Job Search Support Team

Building Your Job Search Support kollektivBuilding Your Job Search Support Team8Job searching is not a fun experience for most people, especially when facing it alone. Thats why creating a job search support gruppe prior to starting your search can be lifesaver. This gruppe can help hold you accountable, while also providing you with the support, resources, and tools to be successful at finding and landing your next gig.Creating a TeamTo create your job search support team, you need to consider the different areas in your search where you could use the most support. Once you establish these areas, you can pinpoint people in your life that would fit the role. These people can include friends, family, neighbors, and those you interact with during volunteer activities. If, however, you dont know someone to fit the role, you can meet new people through networking events, professional organizations, or ask for introductions from people already in your network.As you form your team, you wa nt to keep in mind not only the areas where you need support, but also people who are going to push you or keep you grounded. You also want to have people who are knowledgeable in your desired career field and experienced with job searching and networking.The Support TeamThe support team is going to be comprised of people who will help you succeed in your job search. These people will help you stay focused and on task, while also holding you accountable and helping you through the challenges you will face. Here are a few different personalities to consider for your teamThe Mentor This person should be an experienced professional, ideally in your field. They will have the knowledge to provide you with inside career information that can help you target your search. This individual will also be able to help you understand more about the career path that lies ahead.The Fun Guy Lets face it job searching can be frustrating and boring. You need someone to keep your search fun. This member of your team will help keep you focused, but will create engaging and interesting ways to search that wont feel so much like work.The Cheerleader Its easy to get down on yourself when youve been searching and havent had much success. Your cheerleader will be someone who can pull you out of those slumps. In addition to providing you with positive feedback and encouragement, your cheerleader will help get you re-engaged and energized in your search.The Competitor A little bit of healthy competition is good for everyone. Your competitor team member will be goal focused and willing to put you up to a challenge. This person is likely to be conducting a job search of their own and will provide you with a little motivation to step up your game.The Practical Guy Its all about perspective, and when you are job searching its easy to lose sight of your goals. The practical team member will help to keep you grounded and focused on the facts. This person will be great when analyzing job descrip tions that match your experience, or even setting goals that are achievable.The Networker Its a part of any job search networking. Your networking team member should have a lot of connections and be willing to help you out in meaningful ways. This person will be able to connect you with other professionals who can either help you in your search or connect you with others who can.The Writer/Editor A huge part of a job search is sending in documentation or written communications. Knowing someone with a writing and editing background will help significantly in ensuring that your communications are spot on and that your cover letter and resume are free from errors.The HR Director Want insider information? Get a team member with a background in HR. This individual can help you craft targeted cover letters and resumes. Additionally, when it comes to interview time, they can give your pointers and conduct mock interviews with you so that you are on your A game.The Social Media Expert Most people are engaged in social media activities in a personal sense, but what about professionally? Consider finding a team member who is social media savvy and can make sure you arent harming your chances of finding a job. The person can help you clean up your profiles, while also showing you how to protect your privacy and sharing abilities. Additionally, they can provide you with tips to engage more professionally on different platforms available.Readers, have you utilized a job search support team in the past? If not, would you utilize one in the future? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below