This is some solid advice from Nancy Anton over on ERE.net about how to help out when you get those calls from downsized friends and family seeking your help finding a new job opportunity. I’ve always wondered what other folks do with this situation and this seems like a good list of ideas to start to help out the displaced workers in your personal life. If the person seeking advice/networking/leads is in my inner circle I would also add a meeting with them to do a gutcheck/career assessment to help them clarify their goals and develop a more focused search plan. When faced with an unexpected job search, many people over focus on the breadth of their skill set rather than the depth of their core strengths. It seems counterintuitive, but it is easier to look for a few narrowly targeted opportunities than it is to cast a wide net for “any job”. The narrower search is also a hell of a lot more likely to result in a longer lasting change than the scattershot approach. As a recruiter, I know this is true, but it is so hard to tell your friend that their rudimentary knowledge of Microsoft Access doesn’t mean they should pursue that SQL Server DBA position you are working to fill.

Any other hints for helping out with displaced friends and family?