Make 2012 The Year You Help Someone

Instead of thinking about yourself in 2012, considering thinking about others.  Look for ways to help them get what they need.

Whether young or old, experienced or not – one area many people need help with these days is career.  

My client Linda inspired me recently by really going out of her way to help someone land her first job.  In Linda’s own words, "I feel really strongly about people trying to help each other find their next stop along the career highway." And it shows!

To help someone in 2012, here’s what you can learn from Linda:

• Be open to informational interviews. — Linda spent time with a career newcomer to explain both a high level understanding of the work environment as well as a practical and realistic idea of what is expected in the position. Linda went even further than just talking about her work, and gave a full tour of her workspace complete with explanations of how all the pieces and team roles fit together.  Having this kind of bird’s eye view gave an inspiring context to the job seeker and an ability to see a career path. 
• Share your network. — Linda offered up additional connections that would help expand the network of the job seeker.  She made an introduction to a former colleague who had been in the business a long time so that the newcomer could hear firsthand what it’s like actually doing the job day in and day out. For many this inside scoop is the perfect research to know if a job will fit their talents and personality–invaluable insight to know before going into an interview.
• Offer to help going forward. — Linda asked to be kept posted on the person’s job hunt and offered to role play on the phone for any upcoming interviews.  Given that she used to interview people for the job the person was going after, this kind of support was extremely valuable.  It’s important to recognize that when people like Linda invest their time, they want to know how things progress with your search so be sure to keep them up-to-date at least monthly.

What ways have you helped others or been helped?  I’d love to hear your story.  Here’s to a New Year where you give (and get) all the help you need on the career highway! 

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” –Kahlil Gibran

(Photo courtesy of Flickr user Asenat29.)