Who is the Perfect Job-Search Buddy?

Finishing a task is not always easy. Some people may face many distractions.

The same can happen during a job search. Job hunters may feel discouraged because of multiple rejections and uncertainties. Feeling demotivated can cause them to quit altogether.

This is why having a job search buddy is important. The buddy system can help you focus on your goals and provide moral support. Here's a guide on job search buddies and where you can find them.

Who Should be Your Job Search Buddy?

A great buddy system can positively affect your job-hunting journey. Here are the qualities you should look for in a job search buddy.

Relatable

Find a fellow job hunter who can share their search experiences and tips. Studies have shown that social connections can improve a person's welfare.

Reliable

Your companion should help you practice for interviews and support your goals. They should comfort you through rejections and celebrate your wins.

Honest

An objective buddy can help you avoid mistakes and highlight your strong points. They hold you accountable for your job applications and goals.

Good listener

Venting to a job search buddy who actively listens can alleviate your stress. A good listener knows when to provide advice and when to empathize.

Who Should NOT be Your Job Search Buddy?

Not everyone in your social circle fits your buddy system. Here are people who may distract you from your job search.

Family

Some relatives may not tell you the truth to prevent conflict. A buddy outside your family can be a reliable source of truth. They have an objective perspective on your job hunt.

Spouse or partner

Your spouse or partner may be unable to support your job search. The emotional attachment could weigh on their decision-making. This also applies if they have a different career and job-hunting experience.

Neighbor

Neighbors do not usually know what you're going through unless they are your friends. They may not have the best advice on job hunting. They may also distract you because they have different life experiences.

Good friend

You may have shared job search experiences with your friends. But empathy can only do so much if they're not currently job hunting. A buddy outside your friend group can help you objectively with job hunting.

Where to Find a Job Search Buddy?

A buddy system for your job search can come from anywhere. Here's where you can find them.

Social media

You can easily find a buddy on social media. They may be on Facebook, Twitter, or online job boards with social features.

Professional associations

Join professional associations to find someone for a buddy system. A job search buddy in your field can help you better prepare for interviews and exams. They can also share opportunities you might like.

Chamber of commerce

Find a job search buddy in a chamber of commerce-sponsored event. Do this if you're seeking leadership positions. A chamber of commerce consists of leaders with shared interests and experiences. They can mentor you through your job search and teach business practices.

Church

A buddy from your local church can also support your job hunt. Religious people can commit themselves to just causes. They can give you spiritual support and lend an ear when needed.

Support groups

Offline support groups can also be helpful through face-to-face communication. You can learn to understand non-verbal cues and body language. This is important when attending interviews and negotiating job offers.

Invest in a Solid Buddy System

Job hunting has many uncertainties. This is why a reliable buddy system can improve your journey. We at Career.com can support your job-hunting journey, too. We have jobs in different categories to make job hunting easy. Find your next job with us today!