Build a job search support team

- Our most successful jobs seeking clients and students have one thing in common, a strong tribe of support. - And the best tribes are well-vetted and composed of people in four specific roles. We're going to walk you through those four roles so you can start to build your job seeking dream team. - The first role on your team is the Ally. The Ally is your cheerleader on your team. They know you well and care deeply about your well-being and success. They've earned the right to weigh in on the big and small things in your life. You trust them to give you those hard truths and help you up when you've hit them at. Suz, who would that ally be for you? - I'd have to say my sister, Lynn after over 50 years together, she gets me, she loves me and she wants what's best for me, even if that means telling me something I don't want to hear. - Yeah, next role is the mentor. The mentor is someone you know and admire they share their knowledge and experience with you so you can succeed. You may have worked with this person or maybe it was an old boss or colleague, maybe there's someone who's doing work in a field or industry that interests you. - The best mentors, and Kelly and I know this firsthand, are eager to help you and they're honored that you asked. - Absolutely, okay. The next role that needs to be filled on your team is the connector. - The connector has a lot of tentacles out in the world. They're well-connected and well-respected in the community and workplace. You don't have to know this person well, they may only be an acquaintance but their key attribute is that they're willing to tap into their network to connect you with others. Think about who in your world fits this description, the last role on your team is the employer or stakeholder. - This person could be a connector too but they have the added benefit of understanding the job market and current hiring trends. And although you're not reaching out to this person for a job, they have hiring authority at their organization. For now, you'll be looking to the employer for insight on your research and critical feedback on how to make yourself the most marketable. There is one more role though Susan. - Yeah, sure is. And this one we don't like to give too much airtime to because it's not a role you're looking to fill but it's out there and you have to be aware of it. This is the role of the disruptor. - The disruptor is someone who can derail you. It can be an actual person but just as often, it might be a voice in your head. The disruptor comes at you with criticism and judgment but you can turn them into a valuable contributor on your team by giving them a 2% truth spot. Let's say a former coworker says to you, ugh, it's next to impossible to get a position in that department that you're looking in and they want to look somewhere else, 2% truth, getting a role that you want in that particular department, it's going to be a challenge and now you're aware of it. - But the discouragement the disruptor intended won't keep you from taking on the challenge. And it's important to keep this in mind throughout your job search journey. - Exactly, so there you have it. You are now armed and ready to build your job seeking support team. Use the exercise file to help you get started. - And if you're looking for more personalized job search help, please visit us online for information about our courses and coaching services and thank you for spending time with us. We hope that the clarity and resilience you've developed gets you right where you want to be.