4 Ideas for Really Helping an Unemployed Friend

4 Ideas for Really Helping an Unemployed Friend4 Ideas for Really Helping an Unemployed Friend2These days, almost everyone knows of at least one friend who is unemployed or underemployed. You probably feel the need to help them out somehow, but youre just not quite sure what to do. Your first reaction might sound something like this If I hear of anything, Ill let you know, which is a nice sentiment, but how helpfulare you actually being with this advice? There are often other ways you could be helping an unemployed friend.Here are four ways you can start helping an unemployed friend.Show up.Showing support your friend can manifest in a number of different ways. Just because youre not quite sure how to verbally comfort your friend doesnt mean you need to avoid them like the plague. Being unemployed is already emotionally taxing without worrying about how your newfound career position might affect your relationships. Try and engage with your friend as you normally would, while being mi ndful of their undoubtedly smaller budget.Lend a helping hand.Consider what skills you have that could help your unemployed friend find work. You could offer to lend a hand at editing their resume and cover letter, or offer to watch their children during any interviews. If you have professional experience with your friend, you could suggest writing them a letter of recommendation.If its not professional help they are in need of, make a nice gesture like bringing them coffee during their job search or helping them shop for a new home office setup. Its the little gestures that can help carry your friend through this challenging time.Network.While you should never make promises you cant keep about potential professional connections or jobs, you should scan your list of contacts for any promising connections. You probably know more people than you think. If possible, try and arrange informational interviews, or bring your friend along to your next networking event. Dont disregard the In ternet for networking as you can always make a professional introduction via email. Or if you happen to have a lot of experience networking, a highly desirable quality to have in todays professional world, spend some time coaching your friend since networking does not come easyfor everyone.Motivate them with a giftstoff certificate.What better way to introduce your unemployed friend to the world of flexible work than through a gift certificate to? They will have no excuse now to start applying for jobs. will provide them access to over 25,000 screened and verified job leads, in over 1o0 professional categories, from nearly 4,500 companies. With part-time and flexible scheduling jobs, your unemployed friend can take their time integrating back into the workforce. With telecommuting jobs, they will have access to jobs all across the globe, increasing their chances of finding employment without the risk of uprooting their current life. And freelance jobs are a great way to earn a salar y while potentially looking for a more permanent position. Gift certificates are available for all subscription plans 1 month for $14.95, 3 months for $29.95, and 1 year for $49.95. For more info on gift certificates, click here.There you have it. You can now avoid giving your mediocre sympathy spieland potentially a few months of awkward conversation while your friend finds work. You can step in, offer your emotional or professional expertise, and be the support that your friend ultimately needs.Readers, how are you helping an unemployed friend? Share with us below