Liam Paschall’s Post

Liam Paschall I agree with part of your post, but I have a real problem with your comment about telling someone that you will keep them in your thoughts and prayers not really doing anything. Thinking about someone and praying for them can do miraculous things. It can change hearts and minds. It means that they are important enough to me to ask our creator to comfort and strengthen them. It means that I hurt with them. It means that I will pray that God will help me think of ways I can help them rise above their challenge. It may not be a LinkedIn introduction, but it is an introduction full of heart and soul.

I respectfully disagree. It's up to the job seeker to take the initiative and research who they are interested in connecting with. I personally did this when I was impacted by a RIF, and it proved to be the most effective way to build meaningful connections. Here's how I approached it: 1. Identify an interesting job. 2. Visit the company's page and explore the list of employees. 3. Check for 1st and 2nd level connections. 4. If you have 1st-level connections, reach out directly. If you find 2nd-level connections, ask your mutual connection for an introduction. 5. Research other interesting companies even if they don’t have openings right now and repeat the same steps.

Liam Paschall I agree with your post wholeheartedly, but along with that the job seeker also needs to put some effort into the process too. I can't tell you the number of times someone has said to me 'Let me know if there is a job I would be a fit for'. I find it more helpful when they tell me things like 'I am looking this 'role' at Company ABC - do you know anyone there that you can introduce me to that can share more about the company, culture and maybe get my resume around HR?'. Both sides need to put in the effort.

I’d like to know more about aspirations and any limitations first please.

Liam thank you for your post. I have been laid off a few times in my career and know the terrain well. I have helped a ton of friends, colleagues and complete strangers find work, format resumes, get them on desks, and get connected. When I was looking for work i have asked for introductions from people only to be ignored or ghosted. Some walked the walk and got me in touch for hiring managers or people in the group who could advocate. I think someone reaching out to offer a connection is a nice gesture that demonstrates they are willing to help (not everyone is in a position or has the time to help) should a job seeker come across someone in their network is a great way to get past the recruitment wall and start the conversation.

My 🥅 Career Goal(s): I’m on the lookout for Director or VP roles in Operations, Lean/Continuous Improvement, Sales Optimization, or Fractional COO roles. And because I like to keep it chill like a California breeze, I prefer these gigs to be remote or hybrid (but onsite is fine) within Riverside, Orange County, or Los Angeles. Career Highlights: 🚀 Boosted an architectural lighting brand by $100M over 5 years. Yeah, that’s right, I lit up the place – literally and figuratively! 💰 Achieved $25M+ in lean savings. Because who doesn’t love finding extra change under the couch cushions? 🌟 Maintained a 9.8/10 CSAT score. That’s like getting an A+ in a class where the professor actually has standards! 💼 Built a multimillion-dollar business from scratch before a successful exit. Think of it as my personal “Seinfeld” – started small, ended up a big deal! Who is willing to make some introductions? 100% agree with you Liam Paschall as I've been on both sides of the fence with layoffs. I do feel that people who have been laid off should put more into sharing what they want, what they've done in their career, etc. so it makes it easier for someone to help them. It's often generic "I just got laid off. I'm looking for a new role."

Once, when a former coworker lost her job, I sent out 400 individual messages to people in my network, that were relevant contacts. I spent quite a bit of my time to help someone who was desperately seeking employment. Most people wouldn’t lift a finger, but I always believe in going above and beyond in life. Pay things forward and be a giver in this world. All this to say she got hired within 2 weeks of losing a job. Networking is supposed to work. You all know it’s who you know over luck any day. 🙂

Great post. I always ask one simple thing of people who might need my assistance. I will say “message me with your contact info so I can connect you to some possible opportunities”. If the person who was laid off-and presumably is not independently wealthy-can’t take five minutes and send me an email, I will most likely not connect them with my peers. I’ve had many times where I connected someone who was looking for an opportunity to one of my connections only to have the connection say “that guy never got back to me”.

Spot on. I heard this from several “friends” and at the end of the day nothing was done. Personally there are only a few in my circle I help, but I actually try to help by making calls, sending intros, etc. Not only do you look good for actually doing something, but it fills your soul a lot more knowing you can offer real help.

I agree! The next time you think about typing "feel free to use my network". Take real action to proactively help. It doesn't take too much to create a 3 way DM. Ask the job seeker for their high level intro or whatever materials relevant. If helping is too much work. Refrain. If they are your connection and it's too much work, consider removing that connection. There's no point if helping a job seeker out isn't possible.