WCT #75: Your Family, Your Career Advocates
Three Minute Read
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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, often, family gatherings. While these occasions are typically filled with warmth and camaraderie, they can also be an unexpected platform for discussing the more challenging aspects of life, such as unemployment or unhappiness with your current job. For many, broaching the subject of a job search during holiday festivities can be uncomfortable and, at times, even embarrassing.
However, it's essential to recognize that these gatherings can serve as valuable networking opportunities, tapping into the diverse connections within your family circle. Effectively communicating your job search status is not just about seeking sympathy; it's a strategic move to leverage the collective power of your family network. Here's a guide on how to navigate these conversations with grace and purpose.
Initiate with Confidence: Begin the conversation with confidence and positivity. Acknowledge the elephant in the room, stating that you are currently in a job search. Confidence breeds comfort, making it easier for others to engage in a meaningful dialogue.
Be Specific About the Role(s) You Are Seeking: Seeking a new job should begin with an inward look to surface the types of roles and industries that are most suitable for your strengths and interests. You don’t want to go out with the message, “I’ll do anything for anyone.” Hopefully, you have taken the time to identify those role or roles that are right for you. Share them with your family to inspire potential connections they can make.
Express Your Value Proposition: Clearly articulate the unique value you bring to the table. Highlight your key strengths and experiences, helping others see how your skills align with potential opportunities. This clarity is essential for family members to act as effective advocates on your behalf.
Make Yourself Easy to Help: A key to effective networking is to make yourself easy to help. One way is to offer to send them an email, on which they could add their own cover comments, that they could share with people who might be open to speaking with you. This email should convey a bit about who you are, your career interests, and say you’d like to meet people who might shed some light on your target roles or provide advice on your plan. It’s best if they copy you on those emails so you have an opportunity to follow up. The message in the email is to open up curious conversations, not to ask, “Do you know of any jobs for me?” That question begs for a “yes” or “no” answer, cutting off opportunities to build relationships. Don’t include a resume in an email that seeks a networking meeting. A link to your LinkedIn profile will do.
Be Open to Suggestions: During these conversations, remain open to suggestions and advice. Family members may have insights, some of which might be “out of the box,” that could prove invaluable. Demonstrating openness not only makes you approachable but also maximizes the potential of your family network.
The Bottom Line
While discussing a job search during holiday gatherings may feel daunting, it's an opportunity to transform what might be an uncomfortable conversation into a powerful networking moment. Approach these interactions with confidence, share your story authentically, and leverage the diverse connections within your family. Making yourself easy to help involves clarity, openness, and a positive mindset. By doing so, you not only navigate the holidays with grace but also harness the collective strength of your family network in your pursuit of new career opportunities. Remember, in the spirit of the season, your family may be your most powerful advocates.
I coach and advise people to land amazing jobs and manage their career journeys. I also transform resumes and LinkedIn profiles to attract more interviews and offers. Learn more about my career coaching and contact me or request a free 20-minute Career Solutions Call.