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Five Tips

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

A lot of situations in life are easier when you have a friend at your side. Take, for example, losing weight. Many people who have tried for years to shed pounds are more successful once they start working with a friend. Programs like Weight Watchers have a support system to keep members going, offer words of encouragement and provide a nudge when the going gets rough.

Now imagine what a similar support network could do for your job search. Utilizing a “buddy system” where you and a friend team up to look for new jobs may yield similar success. Here are a few ideas to get your own buddy system started:

1. Find a friend in a similar situation.
You're probably not alone in your search for employment. Ask a friend or neighbor who is in a similar situation to team up with you. This will work best if you and your buddy are not vying for the same jobs, so seek out someone who is in a different field. Make sure you join forces with someone you can count on and who is equally motivated to get a job.

2. Set ground rules.
If you were training for a marathon together, you would sit down and come up with a training plan, decide on the number of days and distance you would run together, and hold each other accountable. You and your job search buddy need to do the same thing. Talk about your goals and what you expect from the other person. Schedule a weekly “check-in” to share ideas and report on your progress. Your partnership could also include sharing of leads and contacts. Keep an eye out for opportunities that the other person would be interested in.

3. Develop your plan of attack.
Next, figure out how the two of you will approach the search. Will you share and critique each other’s résumés and cover letters? What about rehearsing interview questions? Consider attending job fairs together. Share online job search and company research results. Brainstorm contacts in your respective networks and swap names and information. Go shopping together for the perfect interview suit.

4. Tag team at networking events.
Networking events can be less intimidating and more manageable if you attend with a friend. Split up at events and agree to look out for the other person’s interests as well as your own. Let’s say, for example, that you are looking for a marketing position and your buddy is interested in graphic design. You are likely to find contacts for both at the same events, so agree to introduce each other and speak on each other’s behalf.

5. Practice, share ideas and support each other in challenges.
One of the best things about searching with a buddy is having a confidante you can talk to. You and your buddy can grill each other before interviews, discuss company facts, and debrief after each screening and interview. You can remind one another to follow up on leads and send thank-you notes in a timely manner. You can also bounce ideas off each other like salary negotiation tactics and money-saving tips to keep expenses down while out of work. Your buddy can also offer a big shoulder if you don't get your dream job and need a consoling ear.

There are many more things you and your buddy can help each other with, from critiquing your personal sales pitch to offering honest opinions on companies and offers. The bottom line is that two heads – and groups of contacts – are always better than one. Working with a buddy will double your resources and put another person in your corner to support you, no matter what.


Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.