In an ideal world, the hiring process is always a positive experience.

The job applicant leaves his interview knowing he is a strong contender for the job; this is confirmed with a callback for a second interview or employment testing. Next, a background check and drug screening are performed, and the results arrive quickly. Then, a formal job offer is extended for pay befitting the job experience of the applicant.

When a job applicant is not asked to proceed through the process, but instead is told that other, more qualified applicants were selected, it can be disheartening.

Things You Will Need

  • Computer

  • Word processing software (for resume editing)

  • Internet access

Put in a word on behalf of your friend at your company. If your company has a talent-referral process, research it and check out job openings. Even if your friend or relative is inexperienced in your industry, but has the skills or education required for the job, he may land an interview with your employer.

Advise him to contact the interviewer via e-mail or phone for feedback, specifically in regards to traits or training he should improve to better qualify for this position in the future. This can help your friend discover ways to improve his interview skills, and can help if he plans to interview for a similar role with another company.

Encourage networking. If you have business-minded friends, relatives and former co-workers who work in various industries, invite them to socialise. This could be an opportunity for your friend to network, and meet potential co-workers. Encourage everyone to exchange contact information at the end of the night, and schedule future nights out once a month. Your group can also attend local professional networking events together.

Furthermore, as Wendy Harris of Black Enterprise magazine advises readers, "In the business world, networking is considered social capital. Spending yours successfully requires a plan, the proper place, advance preparation, and a little bit of patience."

Encourage him to consider alternative job search methods. If the sole job hunting activities of your friend include highlighting entries in the Job section of the local Sunday newspaper, or driving past businesses in search of "Now Hiring" or "Help Wanted" signs, it is time to introduce him to Internet job search methods.

Websites such as Monster, Indeed, CareerBuilder or Sologig, to name a few, provide listings of job openings in multiple categories across the country. If he does not have an Internet connection in his household, allow him to use your computer and make snacks you can both enjoy while you help him get familiar with the joys of modern job hunting.

Help update his resume. Sometimes, when a highly-qualified job applicant is not presented with a job offer -- or even an interview -- it is the result of his painting too vague a picture of past work experience. Review the resume of your friend to make sure his relevant job experience aligns with the needs of his prospective employer. If you are not skilled in resume preparation, perform a keyword search on your favourite Internet browser, and e-mail the links of helpful sites to your friend, or review them together.

Tip

Each application must be accompanied by a resume that indicates the applicant is targeting a specific position, and details his relevant work experience for that job.