Land Your Dream Job
Careers that help you move from intention to action

13 Ways to Job-It-Forward

A cup of coffee next to a drawing in a napkin.

Last March, we wrote about how much we loved J.T. O’Donnell’s “job-it-forward” idea. There are many ways each of us can help our friends find new opportunities, so we put together a short list of tips to help you get started. While it might be easier to do these things if you are currently working, a spirit of generosity also helps if you are looking for a job, so don’t be afraid to help others!

Make an introduction

Join your friend at a networking event

  • It can be intimidating to go to a networking event, especially if you’re unemployed. Go with a friend to one of these events, help them make connections. You might benefit from the networking as well! Here are five ways to make the most of a networking event.

Recommend them on LinkedIn

Survey your network for job opportunities

Help a friend identify specific types of jobs they are seeking

Mentor a friend in your industry

  • If an out-of-work friend is interested in your line of work, dedicate a few hours a week to showing them the ropes so they can begin to test the waters. Learn how to get started as a mentor.

Review a friend’s resume

Offer to be a professional reference

  • For many job seekers, asking old contacts to be a professional reference can be stressful and unnerving. If you’re in a position to speak to your friend’s work habits and history, offer yourself as a reference. Learn how to master the art of giving a job reference.

Practice interview questions

Help a friend craft a personal mission statement

Set up an informational interview

  • Sometimes, no amount of LinkedIn connecting, job post reading, or online researching can answer your tough questions about a particular job. If you have a co-worker or contact that has a job your friend is interested in, connect them for a brief meet. Here’s how to prepare for an informational interview.

Share a useful resource

Listen before acting

  • It’s always a good idea to be generous, and you might want to jump in and help a friend who just lost their job. However, no one likes to be pestered about their job search. Before doing anything, ask your friend how you can be helpful.


Did you enjoy this post? There's plenty more where this came from! Subscribe here for updates. 


by Aaron McCoy

Explore Jobs on Idealist