Never search alone

Strangers helping strangers

When I lost my job recently, I discovered just how massive the job-search services industry is—career coaching, resume writing, interview prep, LinkedIn makeovers, you name it. And they come at a hefty price. One consultancy quoted me a staggering ten grand to help me land my next role. That’s a hit to the severance package.

But here’s some good news: I found an incredible resource that costs only $10. And truthfully, you can even skip that by borrowing the book from the library. The book is Never Search Alone by Phyl Terry, laying out a step-by-step strategy to transform your approach to job searching. The main idea is to find your “candidate-market fit”—the intersection between your career goals and what the market is actually looking for.

Packed with advice

Never Search Alone is packed with practical advice and innovative ideas, but the real value lies in “Job Search Councils” (JSCs) which bring together small groups of job seekers who have never met, to collectively stay motivated, accountable, and hopeful through an otherwise very isolating experience.

Never Search Alone makes job hunting less isolating and lonely with meaningful connections and resources

Who knew strangers could have so much to offer? In his book, Terry cites the research of Harvard Professor Mario Luis Small, a researcher who found that nearly 50% of the time people are more likely to share their serious worries with strangers or so-called “weak ties” than with close friends. Terry embraces the idea of “cognitive empathy” or the idea that even complete strangers build trust with each other when they face similar challenges…misery does, in fact, love company.

The power of the network

I’ve already seen this play out in my own JSC. After just one 90-minute Google Meet, our Slack channel is buzzing with feedback, ideas, and support. One member, in the middle of salary negotiations, leaned on the group when she was lowballed. Though she ultimately declined the offer, the group’s encouragement helped her feel confident in standing her ground and reinvigorated her to seek higher-paying roles.

Job Search Councils bring together job seekers to network, support, and inspire each other.

This work has not only energized me in my own job search, it’s opened up my network through the connections of four people I never would have met. Three of us live just miles apart in the Bay Area. We’ll probably grab a coffee at some point.

Job hunting sucks, that’s a fact. But many others have turned this grind into something collaborative and even fun. It’s job-hunting with a squad that’s got your back. That beats staring at my in-box and refreshing LinkedIn all day.

Check out the Never Search Alone website, join a Job Search Council and join the LinkedIn group for more information.