Who is your best Buddy in a job search?

I understand that oftentimes job searches are confidential and very few people know about your intentions or desire to leave a current job.  But at some point it is likely a good idea to seek counsel from a friend, a colleague, or a significant other.

The clear value in seeking out some of that objective advice is having another pair of ears and eyes to review the details.  Someone with a vested interest in your success, but also someone that will tell you what you need to hear.

Another person that you can count on to advise you during a job search or interview process is a third party recruiter.  It does not have to be someone currently representing you either.  Many times I am introduced to a candidate that I cannot directly help, but I eventually review an offer, de-brief after an interview, or prep them for a final meeting.

Whoever you have in your close circles, be sure they meet a few criteria if you are hoping for serious dialogue:

1)  They can be objective, especially when talking money.  One person that may not be able to do that is your spouse.  Don't hear what I'm not saying - I am not suggesting leaving your spouse out of this discussion.  They are the first and the last person to always talk to in these situations.  They may not, however, have as good of a pulse on the job market as a former boss or colleague.  Someone you trust inherently.

2)  They will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.  We all have friends that are eternal bubbles of optimism.  While we all need more people like that in our lives, they may not be the best ones to ask about a job change.  You need someone who will ask you directly why you are looking to leave your current employer.  Is staying possibly the best thing for you right now?  What do you know about a potential employer you are interviewing with?  Do they have a good reputation for a employee-friendly culture?

3)  They have experience with job changes themselves, have managed others, or have counseled others successfully through a job change.  I tell people all the time that I am not necessarily smarter than anyone else, but you see a lot in 13+ years of recruiting.  Maybe I have seen a familiar experience with another candidate that could prove helpful for someone else's current search.

The last thing I will tell you is that it is good to have more than one of these people in your life.  And preferably before you get in the 11th hour of an interview or job search.  No one person is going to have all of the answers and it is good to have more than one "Buddy" in your corner at all times.