An important question to ask your friends today – it could get you a job!

I write often about the need to surround yourself with positive, supportive people during a stressful period of job transition. Connecting with family and friends regularly lifts your spirits and reminds your network to keep an eye out for you. It can also provide you with important insider information about the job market in your local community.

I recently had lunch with a friend whose husband works for a Fortune 200 company in our city. As we were catching up, I casually asked her, “How’s Chris’s new job going?” My friend opened up about how stressful her husband’s job had become, and told me that his company was currently under a hiring freeze. Now, the day we had this conversation, this very company had hundreds of open jobs listed on its Web site. Their online application system would easily take each candidate at least 30 minutes to complete. Imagine how those applicants would have felt if they had known that no one would be reviewing their applications!

Your friends offer an invaluable perspective into your local economy and job market. A simple statement such as “John just got a job over at XYZ” can clue you in to companies that are hiring again. Many times our friends don’t realize the greater economic ramifications of the events they see going on around them, but those of you who are searching for any sign of economic opportunity will be able to see the broader patterns.

When you do find great nuggets of information don’t forget to have a great resume ready to share. Personal branding is a must and generic will never do if you want the interview.

 

Author Byline: Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, and presenter.
Author Website: http://www.greatresumesfast.com

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.