Networking for a Job with Relatives

For some people asking a relative for anything is difficult, but when it comes to supporting your family sometimes, you have to swallow your pride and ask, “Do you know of anyone hiring?” Where to find a job is difficult and networking for a job with a family member is different from a business situation because of the very personal relationship you have with them. Often family members know your best qualities and your worst. This can make them somewhat reluctant to giving personal referrals so ask them about their business connections with other companies. As with any job networking effort, you must make a plan of action for the best results.  

First, create a list of the companies with positions of interest to you and plan what you want to say. Remember you are going to contact everyone in your family so organize what you plan to tell them about the type of job you are seeking, the companies where you would like to work, and the locations where you want to work.

Secondly, create a list of ALL your relatives from the ages of 18 to 90. Then review your list of family member to make sure you have not forgotten second, third and even fourth cousins and their spouses.  Set a goal to ask each relative for the names of three people who may know of any potential employment leads. If you have created your company list and wants the process of targeting whom to call first, second and third happens automatically. Make sure you thank everyone you call and do a follow up with them once you have talked to the person they recommended. Job networking within the family can be embarrassing, but it does increase your chances of finding an inside person within the companies where you would like to interview.

Get Fit While Job Hunting

Image is everything when hunting for a job. People think you're organized if you "look" neat and first

Joliet's Run Like a Greek 5K Race

impressions are everything.  For my personal fitness, I enjoy a good run and working out with weights.  It helps me stay energetic and youthful.  Running is the cheapest form of fitness.  You don't need a gym just some running shoes.  Just set a goal and go for it!  Walking is also a good form of exercise.  Just remember to keep a fast pace to get your heart beating. 

Once you have a fitness program in place, consider setting goals to keep you motivated.  Once example is running small 5K races or marathons.  There are many running groups around the country that provide information on local races and new ones are being offered yearly.  This year if you live in the Joliet area All Saints GOC is offering their first 5K called Run like a Greek. Here's their information:

Run Like a Greek!

All Saints Greek Orthodox Church

Presents

“Taste of Greece”

5K Run/walk

Sunday, July 13, 2014  

Starts 8:30 a.m.

St. Sava’s picnic grounds

3457 Black Road, Joliet

(next to the library)

Call 815-722-1727 

For a registration form visit

www.allsaintsjoliet.org

 

Facing Financial Hardship While Unemployed

 Unfortunately, one of the realities of unemployment is the loss of income. This is especially difficult because our finances are often tied to our personal identities. When unemployed we sometimes overlook signs that we are getting into financial trouble until it is too late because we are so focused on finding new employment.  One of the central themes in my book “ A Recruiter’s Inside Guide to Getting a Job” is the need not to seem desperate while interviewing. Desperation  can be avoided if you cut back on expenses as soon as your income is limited. Here are some questions that indicate that you should consider a debt management or settlement program.   

• Are you shuffling the bills? Do you find yourself never paying the full amount billed or  late in paying your bills   
• Do you use cash advances to cover your family’s living expenses? If you are doing this, STOP immediately! Many cash advance businesses now garnish checking accounts for their payments.
• Are medical expenses such as a dental and doctor visits put off? Do not defer healthcare needs, contact your state’s Medicaid offices to see if you qualify for a medical assistance program.   
• Do you worry about your home mortgage? Call your mortgage company immediately to let them know of your situation.  Many companies offer deferred or reduced payments until you find work or for a short period.

 You have many options to help with finances while unemployed. Debt Settlement is one  way of reorganizing your finances so that your credit score and history doesn’t hold the stigma of a bankruptcy. Just remember to review your current budget and cut out the extras such as entertainment expenditures, sports fees, beauty procedures such as getting manicures and eating out. Do these reviews before you make any major decisions on how to handle your new financial reality and remember financial desperation gives off a vibe that many hiring managers notice.