Speaking the Same Language

Teaming up with someone you sat next to at a networking event or a job search workshop is especially wise since you both have a common purpose and are speaking the same language.  Here are a few things you can do with such a buddy that will help both of you to prepare for and succeed in the search:

•  Practice delivering your 90-second pitch to your buddy.
•  Help each other reduce your pitch to a 30-second version suitable for use in a bar or elevator.
•  Help your buddy tailor her/his pitch for an upcoming job interview with a specific employer.
• Share results of research for employers of common interest, i.e. entertainment companies with HQ in NYC, Westchester etc.
• Interview each other over a meal-not as easy as it sounds.  Splatter soy sauce, the horrifying discovery that you do talk with food in your mouth, a fork whose purpose   mystifies you-better discovered in a practice interview!
• Review each other's prepared answers to tough interview questions: the failure question stymies a lot of candidates, for example.
• Share phone numbers and offer to be a resource for when your buddy feels discouraged or has a question.
• Bring back information from an alumni panel, workshop, or job fair your buddy couldn't attend.
• Proofread each other's résumés and cover letters, to find what you actually typed instead of what you think you typed.