Inquiring family and friends for job search help is a good way to hear about job opportunities. Your friends and family care about you, and most of them will gladly assist you in any way they can.

Although, there are ways to reach out to friends and family that are more useful than others.

Tips for Inquiring Friends & Family for Job Search Help

The best way to reach out to family and friends is through an email or letter. Read below for advice on how to write the most effective letter.

Be specific. Your friends and family will be able to assist you better if you tell them what you are looking for. Are you hoping for job leads? Informational interviews? New contacts? Let them know what you want, so they can help you.

Keep it short. Your letter should not be too long; your friends and family are busy, and will be more likely to read a shorter letter or email. You might even use bullet points or a list to make it simpler to read.

Attach your resume. You might attach a resume to your letter or email to give more information to your friends and family. This will also permit you to keep your letter shorter.

Send few personalized letters. If you’ve specific friends or family who you would like to ask a specific favor – perhaps they work at a company you really want to work for, or they have a contact you would like to meet – send them individualized letters.

This will increase your possibilities that those people will respond to you.

Be patient. It is tough to be patient when you are job searching, but it is significant. Wait a couple of weeks or even a month before sending one short follow-up email. In this email, simply say you are still job searching, and would still appreciate assistance.

Avoid sounding frustrated or upset.

Be thankful. Individually thank every person in job search help who offers you assist with your job search. Even if their advice was not specifically helpful you will want to express your gratitude. Who knows when you will need job advice again, so it is important to remain kind and considerate. Also, remember to offer your help when someone you know needs a new job.

What to Include in Your Letter or Email

You will need to include a brief, friendly introduction to your family and friends.

After your introduction, elaborate that you are looking for a new job. Provide a very brief explanation of your background (a description of your last 1 – 3 jobs), your ideal job, and a list of 3 – 5 companies you would love to work for. You can include this information in paragraph form or in a list.

After this, explain what specifically you are looking for from your family and friends, whether it is alerts on job openings, informational interviews, or something else.

Conclude with a thank you in job search help to express your gratitude.

In your signature, include contact information; even if they are friend and family who know your contact information, it is still beneficial to include this.