Last week, a pretty amazing thing happened.
Mark Stelzner from Inflexion Advisors posted a hypothetical Tweet. He asked a simple question…what if each of us helped one person find a job? Think about the impact this could have for our family, friends, and colleagues not to mention the economy.
Well faster than you can say Malcom Gladwell and The Tipping Point, JobAngels was born. Its purpose is simple: make a pledge to help one person find a job.
I’m writing this post today to ask you to join the Bartender and take the challenge. Become a part of the JobAngels network. Now some of you might be saying…I’m not a Twitterholic like the Bartender, so I can’t get involved.
Wrong-o. JobAngels can be found on Facebook and LinkedIn as well. So you can use whatever your fave social network happens to be this week.
You might also be thinking, what can I do? I don’t know about any job openings. Don’t forget, helping someone find a job can take many forms:
Got an iPhone? Then download the latest job search applications (from iTunes): CareerBuilder.com (FREE), Job Search – Now Hiring ($0.99), iJobs ($0.99), and JobCompass (FREE). And when you’re hanging with your peeps, give them your phone so they can see what’s available.
Offer to review someone’s resume. A second set of eyes is always helpful and it could make a real difference.
Meet someone for coffee. I met a colleague the other day that has been out of work for over a year. She just wanted to have an engaging conversation about human resources.
It doesn’t take a lot of time (or money) to help. It just takes the desire to make a difference. So, what are you waiting for? Go get your halo on!
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Chris Havrilla says
It really is true — there are so many ways that people can help beyond passing on job openings (though that is awesome too). It has been so cool to see watch Mark Stelzner’s idea take shape into something real by people like yourself spreading the word through blogs and the power of social networking in general. People being generous with their network (again with little time or money investment) is another easy way to lend assistance to someone trying to get that job they are seeking. Great post!!
Mark Stelzner says
Well Sharlyn, I’m humbled by your post and this entire experience. It has been somewhat surreal to watch one tweet turn into over 750 JobAngels willing to help one another through turbulent times.
Your advice is perfect. As we know, the best way to find a job is via networking, and helping just one person is not an enormous “ask”. Plus, I’m discovering that participating in something as simple as helping one person find employment is tremendously fulfilling.
Thanks again and stay tuned for more developments as we wrap up our first week! All my best – Mark
Marie Adams says
Great advice on how to help people find jobs in ways that don’t necessarily involve passing along a new job opening. I’m a supporter of the cause and a JobAngels follower on Twitter. The fact there’s a network out there dedicated to helping others when they’re faced with a job loss gives everyone hope. Knowing that there is always someone on your side is a great feeling. To every Job Angel out there – keep up the good work!