5 ways to help an out-of-work friend

Thom Singer (www.thomsinger.com) is a networking and personal branding expert. Over the years, he has coached many friends through layoffs and corporate downsizing.

A popular author, speaker and business development consultant in Austin, Texas, Singer says being laid off or in the midst of a career crisis, even with all the press coverage about the economy, can make someone feel very alone. When it happens to someone close to you, knowing how to help can be tricky.

Singer has five tips to help you help them:

First, be available. While it is hard to grasp when you have a job, being able to see friends, family and former co-workers is important while un-employed. Your regular calls, emails and visits make a difference in keeping people motivated and feeling connected.

Second, don't always ask about the job search. Nobody wants to be "Debbie Downer" to all their friends. If all you do is ask people about their job search, you will make them feel bad. They will avoid wanting to talk with you to avoid the conversation. Engage them in other areas of discussion, not just job search.

Third, talk them up to people even when they are not present. If you want to help someone find a job, bringing them to business events and introducing them to others in the industry is a good thing... but talk it further and have conversations with people you know who might have connections to jobs ... but do it when the person is not present. It avoids putting either of them on the spot, and if they really want to help they can volunteer. Plus, they sound more special when you are praising them when they are not standing right there!

Fourth, pick up the tab (without making a big deal about it). Often those who have lost their job have to pay extra close attention to their money, but do not want to be a charity case. Find ways to pay their registration for events or pay for lunch without making a big deal about it.

Lastly, never let them give up. When people are out of work they can get discouraged. As a friend or a family member you can help them by motivating them, encouraging them, and never letting them give up. Opportunity will knock, but not if they are sleeping in and watching Oprah.

THOM SINGER is the author of six books on the topic of networking, including, “Batteries Not Included: 66 Tips to Energize Your Career,” and has been featured by The New York Times, Forbes.com and Entrepreneur.com. His mantra is: “network like your job depends on it – because it does.” Also known as “The Networking Specialist,” Singer has trained thousands of professionals in the art of building professional contacts in his 20-year career.