What If You Helped Someone Network?

On Friday the Bureau of Labor and Statistics announced that only 74,000 jobs were created or added in December, 2013 when that number was expected to be 200,000. Insiders said these low numbers could in part be blamed on the severe cold weather in December and that it kept people inside rather than out looking for work.  Hummmm, that kind of makes me scratch my head. On top of this, 347,000 people just dropped out of the workforce in December. They just gave up. That's a number I believe. 

This news brought me back to a class I gave a few days ago.  A participant asked about re-entering a field that he had left several years ago and how difficult it is to get a foot back in the door. We were talking about networking at the time and how up to 85% of jobs are filled through someone you know. He said he tried the tips and thought he was doing everything right but no one, not even the friend with whom he used to socialize after work would get back to him. What was he doing wrong?  I don't know the technique he used but I have heard this before and have to say that I don't think that he is doing anything wrong.  I think that the people on the other side of the network call or email are just not helping. 

What would happen if just one person passed along the resume of a friend to a hiring manager or HR department? Think of the difference it would make.

Helping a network contact is not like hugging someone with leprosy; you won't catch it and lose your job too. Lend someone a hand; give someone a break. Then, after your help, it's up to them to prove themselves.

The numbers for December are discouraging and it looks like things aren't going to change.  Wouldn't it be nice if we all stood up and offered to help a friend by making a network introduction? Everyone knows someone. Everyone. Give someone a second chance.