How to Pack for Cannes: 13 Essential Items for Marketers

Ahh, it’s late June. Time for thousands of eager marketers to descend on Cannes, France for the annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

My first time was in 2022. It was hot, it was tiring, and it was an absolute blast.

Whether it’s your first time or your 798678585th, here are 13 essential items every marketer should pack for Cannes in order to “optimize” their experience.

1. Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling anywhere outside your home country, you need to pack an adapter. This one has 4 USB ports (including Type C) and two plugs, and I’ve successfully used it in Europe, Asia, Africa, as well as the US.

There are ones with more bells and whistles, but this one is lightweight, compact and does the trick.

2. Sleeping Mask

Sleeping is not a priority at Cannes.

So when you have a chance to grab some shuteye, it’s important to get quality sleep.

This sleeping mask fits comfortably snug, gives your eyelashes space to blink comfortably, and best of all, shuts all light out. This is especially important when you’re trying to grab a quick disco nap back at the Majestic before the evening activities begin.

3. Smartphone Wrist Strap

You’re going to be on a yacht. Or, at the very least, you’ll be around water.

I’ve never lost my phone (or dropped it into various bodies of water) solely because of this item. It hangs securely from your wrist so you’ll never be tempted to put it down (and leave it) on a bar, brunch table, conference booth, mobile tattoo station (looking at you @Pinterest), or DJ booth.

Plus, it helps you feel secure from a snatch-and-grab situation, which is shockingly common in Europe. Take it from me – it happened to me in London a few months ago…don’t let it happen to you.

4. Portable Charter

A portable charger has saved me from disaster so many times. This one can charge your phone (iPhone and Android, computer, camera, reading device, or even other chargers).

Just make sure your charger is always charged.

My Mega Tip: if you’re looking to network, having a full portable charger will easily make you the most popular person in the room.  💁🏼‍♀️

5. Portable Fan

Cannes is hot.
Like, hot hot HOT.
You’ll be walking from one end of the Croisette to the other, in the blazing hot sun. Do yourself a favor and bring a portable fan to keep yourself cool and dry.

This one has 6 speeds and a USB port for yet another charging device. Win-win.

Don’t let yourself get sticky and wet with sweat. You want to make a good impression on everyone you meet, so prepare for the heat and use this fan as you stroll from your hotel to the Palais.

6. Mack’s Earplugs

New York may be the city that never sleeps, but during late June, Cannes doesn’t get any shut-eye either.

Earplugs are an ab-so-lute essential, and these are the best.  They fit comfortably in your ears (tip: squeeze the end into a point with your fingertips and shove ’em in there) and block out all of the ambient street noise from roving groups of tipsy marketeers.

My Mega Tip:  these are also useful for planes, trains, and automobiles if you want to tune out and enjoy the journey.

7. Breath Mints or Mouthwash

Do your best networking, late night at the Gutter Bar, with the confidence of good breath. (trust me, you’ll end up there for at least one late night!!)

Chewing gum is annoying and you certainly don’t want to be smacking it in someone’s face. Use this travel sized oral rinse to ensure you leave a good impression, instead of blasting your new friends with dragon breath.

My Mega Tip:  have a package of mints in your pocket or purse. It’s another great way to endear yourself to anyone who needs one in a pinch!

BONUS Mega Tip: get a tongue scraper and change your life. Bring the travel size to Cannes and scrape your tongue before you brush and after any meal.

8. Breathable, yet Professional Clothing

The dress code for Cannes is light, breezy, and airy. Do not wear jeans, tight clothing, or a wool suit – you will regret your decision, tout suite.

LADIES
For ladies, stay cool and comfortable in a sleeveless top, linen pants, or a light, loose-fitting dress. If you’re sensitive to the sun, I’d also suggest a fashionable hat for daytime.

MEN
For men, I saw everything from linen shorts to bowling shirts to a full bespoke suit, complete with matching pocket square. I’d recommend staying cool with lighter fabrics, colors, and definitely leaving the tie at home (though bowties are always welcome!).

9. Liquid IV Sticks

Alcohol and coffee are two of the biggest diuretics. You’ll have no trouble finding water (and even less trouble finding alcohol or coffee), so keep yourself hydrated and in tip top condition with these Liquid IVs.

My Mega Tip:  my favorite flavor is the Sugar-Free Rainbow Sherbert or the Passionfruit. Stay hydrated, my friends.

10. Comfy Shoes

I love the sneakers/trainers with dresses look. I also love sneakers/trainers with pants or a skirt. Unless you have a 100% guaranteed and *thoroughly tested* pair of heels or sandals, I’d recommend a pair of sneaks.

You’ll be doing a lot of walking, standing around, and traipsing through grass and sand. Do yourself a favor and choose a comfortable, yet cute, pair of trainers like these.


11. Sunglasses

Your future is so bright, you gotta wear shades!!!!

For real though, it’s 🌞 very sunny 🌞 in the South of France so protect those beautiful eyes with a pair of polarized sunglasses like the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer.

Plus, it gives you cover to surreptitiously scan the room and strategize for how to approach that CMO you’ve been wanting to meet. With a pair of cute sunnies, you can people-watch and celebrity-spot to your heart’s content.

My Mega Tip:  I lose or break every pair of fancy sunglasses I’ve ever owned. Since I’m only allowed to buy cheap sunglasses these days, here are some good dupes on Amazon.

12. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

This viral mask was recommended by many jet-setting influencers. For that reason and that reason alone, I resisted buying it.

I was a fool.

In my professional opinion as a full-time traveler, this mask is the real deal. It’s thick, non-greasy, and melts into my skin. It’s like the travel version of the Augustinus Bader moisturizer, my fave.

Use it to replenish moisture after you land or any time your skin needs a hydration boost.

13. Sunscreen

This sunscreen is simply the best. I love Supergoop too, but this one is lighter and way less expensive. It’s not greasy at all and absorbs quickly so you’re not walking around with white streaks on your nose.

It’s available at your local drugstore or handy-dandy Amazon. Stock up before you go to keep yourself protected from those hot Cannes rays. ☀️☀️


Get ready for an exhausting week of networking, deal-making, creativity, drinking (coffee, alcohol, and water with Liquid IV), and enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Cannes.

Have fun and see ya at Gutter Bar! 🍻


*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means that if you buy through the link you support the site at no extra cost to you. All reviews and suggested items are items I have used and loved and am now singing from the rooftops about.

How To Beat The Job Search Blues And Stay Motivated


According to an article in the NY Times, depression can set in at around 10-12 weeks of a job search. You start to feel dejected, pathetic, humbled, frustrated, etc. The list of terrible adjectives goes on and on, but most of all, you feel hopeless. In other words, you’ve got the job search blues.

In addition to the obvious coping mechanisms (e.g. stick to a daily routine, don’t beat yourself up, lean on your network), here are 10 additional ways for how to cope with the job search blues, stay motivated and keep things in perspective until you find your dream job.

Photo by Daniel Korpai on Unsplash

1. Play a Game

First, do something fun. Play a fun, silly game on one of your devices or a game console.

It’s On Like Donkey Kong

The reasons are two-fold.
First, you feel like you’re accomplishing something. For example, I play Clash Royale which involves battling with baby dragons, skeleton armies, and a mohawked barbarian riding a hog (my personal favorite). Every time I crush someone in battle, I feel a bit better about myself. ‘See? I’m not a total unproductive loser today, because I beat a 12-year old from Japan!’ [claps for self] Consequently, it’s a small, but effective, dose of accomplishment…and fun.

Allow Yourself To Power Up

Secondly, the game will give you a much needed break from the daily monotony of job searching. You can even turn it into a motivation. For instance, ‘if I slog through reading these 10 soul-crushing job posts, I can play 20 minutes of Candy Crush.”

Make sure you’re not allowing games to be a time suck. Play games in 10-20 minute increments to chill and unwind. But otherwise, stay productive.

My Mega Tip: Some of my favorites:
Clash Royale
Homescapes
Words With Friends
Candy Crush Saga
Elevate
The Sims (oldie but goodie)

2. Work Out. Every Single Day.

girl working out at gym class to beat job search blues
Photo by Geert Pieters on Unsplash

If you’re a procrastinator like me, when faced with an unpleasant task like searching for a job, sometimes you find a slightly less unpleasant task to do instead…like working out.

Exercising is an excellent way to get your mind clear. Whether you attend a class, grind on the elliptical, or take a long walk, by spending an hour working on your fitness, you are giving your mind, body, and soul a break. It’s tough to find opportunities to exercise while fully employed, so appreciate and take advantage of this time. As a result, you will reap physical benefits – work hard to look good!

My Mega Tip: Watching TV during the day is off-limits because it’s a slippery slope. BUT, I’m allowed to watch whatever I want at the gym…especially the trashiest TV possible. Therefore, if you’re dying to see what those frisky Housewives are up to, get to the gym and find out.

3. Go Outside and Take a Walk

girl walking on boardwalk to beat job search blues
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

If you’re keeping regular office hours for a job search (highly advisable), assign time on your calendar to go outside and take a walk. Even if it’s for 10 minutes, stroll around the block and clear your head.

I listen to motivational podcasts and walk my dog for 2 miles each day. It gives me an excuse to get out of the house and enjoy some entertainment, without feeling guilty. You can also use this time to chat with friends, brainstorm, or just appreciate the outdoors and nature. In particular, getting outside is especially important if you’re starting to feel very low and frustrated — fresh air always makes you feel better.

Listen Up 🎧

My Mega Tip: my favorite podcasts for a walk:
Motivational: Modern Wisdom | How I Built This | Tim Ferriss Show | TED Talks Daily (these are 10-20 mins, perfectly bite-sized for a short walk) | We Can Do Hard Things
Business: Second Life | Goal Digger | HBR Ideacast | A16z
When You Want To Learn: Huberman Lab | Fresh Air | This American Life | The Daily
Celebrity/Pop Culture: Celebrity Book Club | The Rewatchables | NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour | Life is Short | Everything Iconic | WTF w/ Marc Maron | Wiser Than Me w/ Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Humor: How Did This Get Made? | Smartless | My Dad Wrote A Porno | Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend | Fly On The Wall w/ Dana Carvey & David Spade

4. Reconnect With Your Network

Reach Out & Touch Someone

Job searching can get very lonely. You sit alone, plugging away at the computer for hours on end, so it’s easy to feel isolated and out of touch from your network. Therefore, it’s imperative to reach out regularly to people who can distract you, offer helpful advice, or just be a supportive listener.

Over the last few months, I’ve contacted old bosses, coworkers, and friends in other cities, and pretty much anyone I haven’t talked to in awhile. I’m not a phone person but after each one of these calls, I’ve hung up feeling 1000x better. Your network is there to support and encourage you. Furthermore, it’s an ego boost to be reminded by colleagues about how great you are and how you can do anything!!

Put Yourself Top Of Mind

Beyond just reconnecting with people who build you up, it’s a smart move to get your name out there and put yourself top of mind for people. Your long-lost friend in Albequerque might know someone who works at a company you’re interested in and can make the connection. Or, your old boss may have turned down a job that he’s overqualified for, but you’d be a perfect fit.

My Mega Tip: People who care about you are rooting for you. Thus, it feels really good to hear their encouragement and support…you just have to reach out and ask for it.

5. Talk To A Professional

sign saying "it is well"
Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash

I’m a fan of therapy, in general. I think everyone should see a therapist because it gives you a chance to talk to someone who doesn’t have any agenda. They have zero feelings for you. You are literally paying them to sit there and listen. I always feel 20-lbs lighter when I leave my therapist’s office because I’ve unburdened myself, in a 50-minute diatribe, without being interrupted. It’s pure bliss.

The job search blues are an amalgamation of heavy feelings — unworthiness, fear, frustration and especially rejection. Sure, you can lean on your network of friends and family to build you up, but seeing a therapist for ancillary support will give you coping techniques to help bolster your day-to-day mood. Plus, they will never get tired of listening to you complain or whine or repeat yourself ad nauseum…as long as you’re paying them to.

My Mega Tip: If you are feeling listless, apathetic, unmotivated, and/or emotional for days on end, you may be heading into depression territory. Gut-check if you have these signs of depression. Then, get professional help ASAP.

6. Learn A New Skill

fried eggs on a plate
Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash

To beat the job search blues, you don’t need to learn Mandarin, web design, or how to make Baked Alaska (though, if you do, mad respect bro) but you should challenge yourself to take on a new skill. Learning something is an easy, effective way to get a much-needed jolt of accomplishment and productivity.

For instance, while on a break from reading job posts, I learned how to make the perfect medium-boiled egg. I watched YouTube, practiced every day, and now have the ability to produce a flawless gelatinous yolk…perhaps the best eggs in the entire world. I also learned how to use WordPress to create this blog you’re reading. I took some SEO/SEM courses. I joined my local Toastmasters to get better at public speaking. I studied machine learning on Coursera. I got certified in Google Analytics. I taught my dog how to beg, shake, and spin. I’m slowly working on my high-school level French via Duolingo (tres bien, oui?)

The best part? All of this learning and development was FREE.

Educate Yo’self!

Expand your skills and tap into all of the resources available —
Business: CheatSheets (get better at Excel!); Google Academy; Coursera courses; LinkedIn courses; TED Talks
Cooking: Tasty Presents (how to make perfect eggs!); Tastemade
Multimedia: Digital Photography School (love their articles); lookgoodinphotos on TikTok; How to Use Lightroom; How to Edit Movies in iMovie

Health / Wellness: How to Meditate; CPR Training; Tank Top Arms Workout
Languages / Public Speaking: Duolingo; Memrise; Toastmasters
Home Improvement: DIY Shiplap; Interior Design tips
Hair / Makeup Tutorials: MattLovesHair; AliAndreaMakeup; ChrisAppletonHair; JustClassicallyCassidy; KellyStrack (drugstore makeup dupes!)
Learn How To Do Anything on YouTube or TikTok:
dog training
crack your back
calligraphy
contour your face
meditation 101

emily mariko salmon or make chick-fil-a chicken at home
make an expensive looking bowl
install wood floors
(Sidenote: you could lose yourself for entire days going down rabbit holes on YT so be careful here. Stay productive!!!!)

My Mega Tip: As you complete these new skills and certifications, you can add them to your resume, though I don’t think a prospective employer will care that you learned the perfect cat-eye or push-up. (though, I do care and am SO IMPRESSED. Gold star for you!!!)

7. Take Mental Health Breaks

woman hugging dog to beat job search blues
Photo by Wade Austin Ellis on Unsplash

Throughout the week, take some time for your mental health and give yourself a break.

Meditate. Snuggle with your pet. Read a magazine or book. Write in a journal. Finally learn all the lyrics to your favorite song (still working on this one). Look through photos. Take a long shower or bath. Shoot hoops. Work on a puzzle. Try to speak in a foreign accent (start by saying “rise up lights”. You’ll sound like you’re saying “razor blades” in a flawless Aussie accent). Drink some sparkling water. Make a doctor’s appt. Take some silly selfies. Sketch the human form (good luck!). Scrub your toilet. Go for a bike ride. Work on your cartwheel. Eat some blueberries. Try to do the Thriller dance. Pop a pimple. Wash your sheets. Or, all of the above.

The point is — get up, get away from the computer, and go do something. Not social media. Not reading articles online. Not watching TV or videos. Not playing with TikTok filters (although that can be fun too). Just do something that will make you feel good (it’s watching animal videos for me).

My Mega Tip: All things considered, mental health breaks are essential to keeping you sane and motivated.

8. Plan Something Fun To Look Forward To

woman riding bicycle in park to beat job search blues
Photo by Blubel on Unsplash

By scheduling a future activity or getaway, the anticipation build-up will motivate you through the job search drudgery and give you something to work towards.

Get Outta Town

For instance, plan a weekend trip to a fun destination (helpful packing list here). Visit a friend or take a roadtrip to a city you’ve never been to in your state…the world is your oyster. Take advantage of this free time because once you are gainfully employed, your freedom will be limited.

Explore Your Local Scene

If budget is an issue, there are lots of affordable (or free!) options. Take a picnic lunch to a local park or beach and spend the afternoon reading. Roadtrip somewhere within two hours of your home city and play tourist for the day. Look up events in your hometown — discount days for museums, Groupon discounts, search Google to find free yoga or bootcamp classes, attend a Meetup for one of your interests (they have all sorts!). Go for a long bike ride and explore your neighborhood. Meet a good friend or your significant other for a fun lunch. Go to an afternoon movie (AMC offers reduced ticket prices on Tuesdays!). Join a book club. Set up a potluck supper for a group of friends. Go to a local sporting event (minor league baseball teams, soccer, college or high-school level).

My Mega Tip: Bottom line — put something in your calendar to look forward to. When the weeks drag on and time seems elastic, seeing that one bright spot on the calendar will help get you through the rough days.

9. Eat Healthy [or at least try to!]

colorful food on toasts
Photo by OLA Mishchenko on Unsplash

This is hard. You will probably be tempted to snack or graze all day long, out of boredom, procrastination, convenience, seeking comfort or even using food as a reward. ‘I’ve job searched for 3 hours straight. I deserve this bowl of ice cream!!!!’

The problem is, when you’re “rewarding yourself” with a bowl of ice cream + bag of chips + handful of nuts + Reese’s peanut butter cups + can of soda + bowl of cereal…etc., you will start to gain weight, which will only make you feel worse. Using food as a reward can be an effective technique but only for necessary, scheduled breaks, like lunchtime or a singular afternoon snack.

When you start to aimlessly head over to the kitchen, take a moment and ask yourself, “am I feeling bored/idle/uncomfortable/frustrated/needy/overwhelmed or even just thirsty?” If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these, grab some nice cold ice water and keep on walkin’. Don’t eat your feelings, people. (at least not all day long. Once in awhile is OK. I understand your pain.)

Prepare For A Snack-Attack

My Mega Tip: My favorite healthy-ish snacks:

  • PB powder & apple slices
  • Avocado (or guac) + rice cake + lemon + Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel salt + splash of hot sauce (Crystal with garlic is my fave!)
  • Sliced tomato with muffaletta olive salad
  • Spinach artichoke dip & celery sticks (the one from Costco is THE BEST!)
  • Chocolate hummus and/or peanut butter & banana (@TX peeps, the hummus from H-E-B is amazing)
  • Half of a vanilla protein shake or One bar (chocolate chip cookie dough is my fave)
  • Turkey rollup with cheese and mustard
  • Louisville Vegan Jerky (I am not vegan but holy cow, this jerky is good. No pun intended.)
  • Carrot sticks
  • Cherry lime La Croix with 3-5 maraschino cherries & splash of cherry juice (this satisfies your sweet craving in a BIG way)
  • Buffalo cauliflower (recipe)
  • Unsalted almonds
  • Cup of yogurt with blueberries, granola, and light agave nectar
  • Tuna + sliced green olives + lemon + salt/pepper + sriracha and these magical crackers which taste like tortilla chips. (sidenote: why is Sriracha still so hard to find!?!?)

10. Maintain Your Perspective…and Keep Your Sense Of Humor

girl laughing against colorful wall to beat job search blues
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Keep Yourself In Check

Look, it’s easy to lose your way when you’ve got the job search blues. You feel frustrated, isolated and rejected, often on a daily basis. The best panacea for this is to keep everything in perspective. Yes, you may be conducting a fruitless, painful search every day. However, you will get through this. You will find a job. You will earn a paycheck again. Stay the course and everything will be fine.

To help put things in perspective, take some time to volunteer — at a local animal shelter, senior living center, school (be a lunch lady/man!), organization, church, or soup kitchen. By giving your time to help someone else, you’ll feel better about yourself and your current situation. Plus, if you make it a regular thing, you can look forward to these breaks in your schedule where you can do a productive good deed.

Don’t Forget the LOLs

But above everything else…you must keep your sense of humor. Droll job postings are pretty much the opposite of funny. But, laughter can be an awesome stress reliever, so find those giggles wherever you can! My favorite example is when I received a “personalized” Indeed.com job alert to be a Chick-Fil-A cow mascot at a local restaurant. I’m pretty sure the Indeed algorithm read my resume incorrectly, but it gave me a good laugh as I immediately screen-capped the email and sent widely to my friends and family. (sidenote: I’m still considering the position as a side hustle, because…free nuggets!!).

My Mega Tip: Seek out funny people, entertainment and moments to keep your spirits up and beat those job search blues.

Keep those job search blues away!

Hopefully you’ve found some ways to help you cope with the job search blues and stay motivated. If you’re so inclined, please leave any additional tips or ideas in the comments! Or, LMK if you have a good podcast reco. I’m always looking for more!

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means that if you buy through the link you support the site at no extra cost to you. All reviews and suggested items are items I have used and loved and am now singing from the rooftops about.

How To Support Someone Who Is Looking For A Job

two friends laughing together

Looking for a job is hard. And sometimes, knowing how to support someone who is looking for a job is even harder. It’s tricky to strike the balance between being a supportive cheerleader and a well-intentioned, overbearing nuisance. Here are some ideas for how you can help a Job Seeker get through this difficult time and find their dream job.

Show up. Listen. Support. (repeat, repeat, repeat)

two friends riding on bikes during sunset to provide support
Photo by Everton Vila on Unsplash

Your Job Seeker is having all the feels at the moment. They might feel rejected, sad, lonely, unsure, doubtful, scared, and a lot of other intense emotions…often at the same time. They may want to talk about it, and they may not. Either way, show up. Let them know you’re there, if they need to talk it out, whenever they’re ready.

If you’re long-distance, make time in your schedule for a marathon phone or FaceTime catch-up session. The Job Seeker will appreciate the distraction and a serotonin boost from chatting with a familiar face.

If you live in the same area, make plans to sync up. It can be very therapeutic to talk things through, especially if there was a difficult release from their prior employment. Plus, the Job Seeker needs an outlet to vent their frustrations and work through how they’re feeling about their future. Draw them out, let them talk, and, most of all, LISTEN with a sympathetic ear.

Communicate & Commiserate

Check In, But Don’t Harp

Otter opening mouth and baring teeth. Show support to someone looking for a job but without being a nuisance.
Photo by Jason Hafso on Unsplash

Checking in intermittently with a Job Seeker is key; it lets them know you’re there for support. But, make sure you’re approaching it the right way.

Most likely, your Job Seeker has a wide support network of friends, family, work colleagues, etc. Consider the possibility that if each of those people sends your Job Seeker a text like, “What’s the latest with the job search????” or “Got any nibbles yet????” or “Any interviews scheduled????”, on a regular basis, the Job Seeker can feel embattled, like they have 438493794739 bosses they need to report their status to.

Not to mention — if they’re trying to do something else to distract themselves (some good suggestions here!), fielding an update request lands them right back into a frustrated mindset, especially during weekend or after-hours when they’re likely trying to destress.

Listen, I know your intentions are good. But the truth is, the Job Seeker is probably a little more sensitive right now and likely to feel hyper-conscious. Give them a break and try to put yourself in their shoes…especially if you’ve worn those shoes before and remember how hard and frustrating the process is.

Laughter Is The Best Support

A better alternative is to send a message to keep their spirits up — perhaps a funny gif, video, or picture, and/or a motivational message like, “Hope you’re having a great day and finding the best job EVER. I know the right thing is out there for you and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.” Or even just a simple “Thinking about you and sending you a long distance high-five. You got this!”

Speak in your voice and share something uplifting that will resonate with your Job Seeker. The goal is to give them a bump of support and let them know you’ve got their back.

Offer Your Talents and Assistance

Share Your Experiences

two people sitting on a dock - Provide support to a job seeker by sharing your own experiences
Image by pasja1000 from Pixabay

These days, it’s common to have a job-loss story of your own, or at least from someone you know. Have you ever been laid off? Did you once job search for six months before you found the right fit? Did you ever bomb a job interview? By sharing these experiences, you’re letting the Job Seeker know they are not alone, it’s happened to the best of us, and they will get through it.

Show empathy and share your anecdotes about how a disappointment led to a better opportunity and how you learned from the experience. Your survival story and commiseration will be very meaningful and resonant to someone who’s in the thick of it.

Review Their Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and/or Portfolio

two hands pointing at computer screen.  Provide support to a job seeker by helping them with their resume.
Photo by Jason Hafso on Unsplash

If you’re experienced within your Job Seeker’s industry, or if you’re just word-savvy, offer to give their resume or LinkedIn profile a review. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes (tip: it helps to read it backwards!), look for formatting errors, and point out any missing information. Give it a careful read and make helpful, constructive suggestions that could plus-up their documents and help them get noticed, or at least past those pesky ATS bots.

When someone is looking for a job, they have probably tweaked their resume 4,790 times (and counting). It is nearly impossible for them to look at it objectively anymore; you will see things they can’t. Share what you see first, where your eyes jump on the page, and what sections are difficult to read. Does the resume convey their breadth and depth of experience? Does it include quantitative, measurable information to show how they grew/saved/managed/sold/created for a company? Cast a critical (but helpful!) eye and make that resume shine.

Share Your Goodies

woman in sunglasses offering leaf to viewer
Photo by Mert Guller on Unsplash

Offer to share your resume, cover letter and standout thank you notes for inspiration or even straight-up plagiarism. Even if the Job Seeker gets a few good “action words” or phrases (e.g. enabled, collaborated, data-driven, acumen), any little bit helps, especially if their resume could use some sprucing up.

Cover letters and thank you notes should be tailored to each job and, thus, can be a huge time-suck. By sharing your documents, the Job Seeker can have more variety to choose from when crafting their correspondence to make a good impression on a potential employer. When they’re under pressure to write THE BEST COVER LETTER EVER for a job they really want, it is *super helpful* to use someone’s template or borrow a few powerful keyphrases.

Role Play

two men sitting at a table practicing interviewing
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Navigator on Unsplash

Offer to practice interviewing. This can be especially helpful if your Job Seeker has been out of the job search for awhile and needs to brush up on their interview skills. Role playing with you as the interviewer allows them to practice their situational stories and get their STAR interview response technique down pat.

They can polish their answers for the dreaded, “what are your strengths and weaknesses?”, or “tell me about a time when you failed”, and the inevitable end-of-the-interview question, “Sooooo…do you have any questions for us?”. And, most importantly, they can get comfortable humble-bragging about themselves and how they once saved their prior company, like, $10 billion dollars. NBD.

Take Them Out For A Treat

two ice cream cones in a cheers toast

Take your Job Seeker out for a treat – ice cream, coffee, drinks, dinner, movie, a round of golf, whatever – and don’t let them payeven when they offer. They’re just trying to be nice — don’t let them.

You’re earning a paycheck right now, they’re not. Just consider it a benevolent gift and quality time spent. Plus, they’ll probably return the favor once they’re gainfully employed again.

In the meantime, you’ve been a bright spot in their week and made them feel good. Be the generous, lovely person you are and treat someone who may be feeling low.

Be A Hype Man (Or Woman)

Coffee Talk

woman in striped shirt having coffee with man
Image by Rachel Scott from Pixabay

Check if there’s anyone within your network you could connect your Job Seeker with. Even if a potential job is not available, informational interviews over a cup of coffee can help the Job Seeker learn more about a company or job function and get their name out there.

You can also facilitate a simple intro on LinkedIn to connect someone you know at a company your Job Seeker is interested in. It’s easy to do, takes 5 minutes, and can give them an edge amongst the other applicants vying for attention.

Since 70% of jobs are found through networking, by connecting the Job Seeker with someone in your network, you’re giving them a better shot at finding something permanent.

Build Them Up (Buttercup)

young man wearing sunglasses offering a fist bump
Photo by Slim Emcee (UG) the poet Truth_From_Africa_Photography on Unsplash

If you are a former colleague of your Job Seeker, take a moment to share your thoughts about their job performance. Remind them of how they went above and beyond to help you on a project, or when they taught you how to improve your negotiation skills, or how they’re a really strong writer.

Everyone likes to hear praise, but Job Seekers reallllllly need to be reminded, especially when facing frequent judgment and rejection during the job search. So, tell them how awesome you think they are (the more specific, the better) and let them bask in the warmth of those compliments for a few days.

Be A Taskmaster

two people cooking.  Cutting lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

Ask your Job Seeker for help doing a task they’re good at, or might really enjoy. When job searching, you can start to feel a bit inadequate. By asking your Job Seeker for assistance, the halo effect can benefit you both — they are empowered to accomplish a challenge and you get to reap the benefits.

Perhaps ask them to: organize your closet; cook a delicious dish; repair something in your house; teach you how to use Instagram; help fix a computer or electronics issue; design a custom workout routine; create an awesome playlist; or put together an itinerary for an upcoming family vacation. In effect, you will help them flex their “work skills” and channel their energies into something really productive and beneficial to both of you.

Offer A Welcome Distraction

two people hanging on side of the pool.  Only feet are visible
Photo by Joe Pizzio on Unsplash

When job searching, it is common for a Job Seeker to feel isolated and alone. They are probably spending large amounts of time reviewing endless job descriptions, working on various cover letters or applications, and/or following up with contacts and recruiters.

So, offer yourself as a fun distraction. The absolute best way to support someone looking for a job is to spend quality time together. Giving someone your time and attention will divert them from the day-to-day doldrums and make them feel lighter and happier.

Take a walk together outside, meet at a local park for a picnic lunch, bring dinner over, have a play date with your kids (or dogs!) or just the two of you. It doesn’t have to be extravagant (a long, gossipy walk is free!), but again, don’t let them pay for anything. The point is to spend quality time, connect with someone you care about, and get their mind off their troubles.

Celebrate Their Victories

how to support someone looking for a job - celebrate their victories
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

And finally, FINALLY, when at long last, your Job Seeker secures that shiny new dream job that totally completes them in every way, take them out to celebrate.

Your Job Seeker has made it through the unstable, demoralizing, scary, icky job search, and you were their unwavering support all along the way.

Now celebrate!!