Headlines regarding the current job market in the USA are not encouraging and provoke stress and anxiety for job seekers. We all know this is a competitive pandemic job market. As a job seeker I have had my ups and downs during my search. During a job search, especially a prolonged search, you need a support network to help ground you and get you through those periods where you might feel a bit lost, lacking confidence, and overwhelmed. I am fortunate to have friends, family, and previous coworkers offer to support and help me on my journey. I appreciate all the help, but there are more ways than just networking that I needed support. I have started to ask for specific activities which feel more genuine to my friendships and less transactional. Below is a quick list of activities you can either ask for support around, or if you are an amazing and compassionate friend offer to help the job seekers in your life. 1. Sharing an open job posting with a quick explanation of why you think this role is a good fit. When a friend sends me a job with an explanation why this would be a relevant it is a huge confidence boost and helps me to rethink the roles I restricted myself to. My friends see qualities in me that I often neglected. 2. Let friends shadow you at work Often when you are searching for a job, you forget what it is like to be in a workplace environment. Seeing someone else’s “typical” workday is helpful and just really fascinating to see another person’s routine and work culture. 3. Invite friends to a work happy hour The casual, informal networking can be a confidence boost and great practice. 4. Ask your manager for feedback on a friend’s resume or cover letter Hiring managers can lend a different perspective and could offer tips or insights to help your friend stand out. 5. Go on a hike or do an activity to give them a break Job searching is stressful, give your friend a break and get them away from their computer. Also, don’t focus on how their search is going. Give them an excuse to focus on something else. 6. If they have kids or pets, offer to babysit. Help them worry less before a big networking call or interview, offer to watch their kids or pets. 7. Help them to take new head shots A LinkedIn selfie is not ideal, make this a fun experience by adding a mini makeover to a photo shoot to boost their confidence and feel amazing.