{
  "id": 1877674,
  "title": "How to ask people for help landing a job and actually get a response",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/how-to-ask-people-for-help-landing-a-job-and-actually-get-a-response",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-19T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91589872/how-to-ask-people-for-help-landing-a-job-and-actually-get-a-response"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "If you are actively seeking employment and have sent out numerous messages without receiving replies, it's possible that the issue lies in how your request for assistance is framed. The job market has become increasingly challenging to navigate, with an average duration of unemployment in the U.S. reaching 25 weeks in July. During your career transition, it's crucial to understand that others may not know how to support you, as the request may seem too broad or unclear.\n\nThere are three distinct ways to request assistance during a job search: obtaining a specific opportunity, refining your career story, or learning about in-demand skills. Each type requires a different approach.\n\nThe first method involves requesting help in landing a specific job. This could include referrals, introductions, company suggestions, or connections with hiring managers. However, it is essential to remember that you are responsible for driving your job search, as others can only support you but cannot run it for you. Suitable candidates for this request include higher-ups or well-connected individuals such as ex-bosses, headhunters, or mentors. To make this type of request, you could say, \"I came across a role at your company that aligns with my background. Would you be comfortable providing insights or considering a referral?\"\n\nThe second approach is to seek advice on how to present yourself effectively. This could involve reviewing your resume or LinkedIn profile with someone whose opinion you value, such as a former colleague, mentor, or college friend. By asking, \"Would you be open to reviewing my resume for 15 minutes and providing feedback on whether my expertise aligns with the roles I'm targeting?\", you are making a more manageable and specific request. This type of assistance is particularly helpful in refining your career narrative and ensuring that you are communicating your value proposition effectively.\n\nThe third method is to ask for guidance on the skills that are currently in demand in the job market. As you review job descriptions and engage with potential employers, you may start noticing patterns or gaps in your skill set. In this case, your network can help identify resources, courses, or learning opportunities to acquire or deepen the necessary skills. A suitable request for this type of assistance could be, \"Do you have any recommendations for resources or courses that could help me strengthen my knowledge in [specific area]?\"\n\nBefore sending your next job search message, take a moment to reflect on what kind of assistance you actually need. Determine whether you require help with securing an opportunity, refining your career narrative, or acquiring new skills. Once you've identified your specific need, tailor your message accordingly. Be clear about your goals, highlight any steps you've already taken, and inquire about the person's availability or willingness to support you in that particular way. Understand that a lack of response does not necessarily indicate a lack of caring; people may simply need a clear indication of how they can assist you.",
  "summary": "“I am actively looking for a job. Can you let me know if you see something relevant?” If you have recently been laid off, are worried about your current role, or are proactively looking for your next opportunity, you may have sent hundreds of similar messages across emails, LinkedIn DMs, WhatsApp messages, or text. And then you waited. Some people acknowledged your message. Some responded with…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}