A recently published article on Forbes.com highlighted advice and guidance from experienced LinkedIn career experts. One executive recruiter shared, “Always be connecting and networking 365 days a year—not solely when you are looking for a new job. Being curious about others will help you do this naturally.”

And that wasn’t the only strong admonition that came from the article regarding networking. The writer also quoted a senior talent acquisition partner who said: “Keep networking and engaging, find a mentor in the industry you’re interested in and continue building your community of people who inspire you.”

Similarly, the web site Inside Higher Ed recently stated in an article that one of their most emphatic of career insights from the past year is “Networking always plays a key part in professional and career development.” 

Form Your Own Strategic Partnerships.

When you think of the term Strategic Partnership, what comes to mind? I guess the answer would vary with the context in which you would apply the concept. 

More specifically, when it comes to your job search, what partnerships could be strategic to helping you hear God calling, maximize your potential, and get the right job?

When it comes to the journey of anyone who is unemployed (and currently in career transition) or unfulfilled (and perhaps about to enter into a season of transition) one thing is for certain: Job seekers need relationships that provide the following three things:

Support

A person in your network who provides support means having someone share the burden of the career transition. Who is there to support and encourage you? Who can you be confident will pray for you when you need it most? Who is there to listen, and provide you the empathy you need to know you’re not going it alone? Preferably, this is not someone who is equally affected by your state one way or another. So, while a spouse would be super supportive, their stake in your search may be a little too burdensome for them to carry to also help you carry your burden. 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Advice

Who can give you useful tips on your career journey—tips that will actually bear fruit? Oftentimes, we fail to seek advice from people who are “ahead” of us. Whether it’s pride or shame that gets in the way, we often shun wise career counsel by never asking for it in the first place from those most qualified to give it. There is always someone ahead of you who can offer advice to help you cut through the clutter of transition. Because misery loves company, however, some people tend to confide in and seek advice from people who can’t be helpful. Don’t think what, think who; as in, WHO is experiencing the life and career that more closely resembles what I want. Seek wise counsel from those people. 

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 11:14

Expertise

There are others who can help us strengthen our job search by helping us identify better strategies, tactics, and approaches. These people would be experts in the job search process. More than likely they are insiders who know what employers are looking for and how to best get their attention. Sometimes we can be so close to our resume, or so accustomed to our way of answering interview questions that we don’t know it’s time to make some necessary tweaks for today’s job market. Having someone in your network who can provide expertise in the job search process can be a difference-maker in how long it takes you to get the right job.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

Next Step: Connect with a Guide

Do you need someone to help guide you during this time of transition? As part of our mission to help you hear God calling, maximize your potential, and get the right job, Crossroads Career is offering free online career assistance through a network of volunteer Guides. If you’re looking for help and hope in your career, we’d love to help you by setting up a time to talk to someone who can provide personalized career assistance and spiritual support to you during this critical time. Click here to begin the process.

How Does It Work?

Requesting free career guidance is easy. To get started:

1. Fill out this form to request career guidance: Connect with a Guide .
2. You’ll be matched with a Crossroads Career Guide by our Operations Manager. Your guide will be in touch with you via email (within about 48 hours) to set up a conversation via Zoom.
3. The Operations Manager will follow up with a request for your feedback after your consultation.

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Will Graham is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, based out of the Atlanta, Georgia area. He has been involved with Crossroads Career as a Consultant since 2019.