Small Acts of Kindness Have Made My Career

After four months and more than 400 job applications, I finally got an offer.

The irony? It wasn’t from a job I applied to. A friend who runs an agency saw one of my LinkedIn posts, thought I might be a good fit for an open role on her team, and put me through the process.

That one act has changed everything.

It reminded me of 2007, when I was laid off for the first time. A colleague I had once introduced myself to as an intern—someone who happened to know my department was being downsized—reached out with a job opportunity. I don’t even remember interviewing. She was just looking out for me.

Michelle, who’s now a friend, probably didn’t realize the impact she had in that moment. But I’ll never forget it.

These experiences are why I try to show up for others, especially during times like this. I’ve been lucky to have people show up for me when I needed it most.

During my recent job search, friends, colleagues, and strangers sent job postings, shared my résumé (one even printed out my résumé and left it on the hiring manager’s desk), and quietly advocated on my behalf. In a market like this, those small gestures are all many of us have to get a leg up.

Because of my experience, I’ve made a quiet commitment over my career, but in this market, it’s more important than ever: if someone reaches out to me about a job, I’ll do what I can—forward a résumé, make an introduction, or if I’m the hiring manager, offer an informational chat. Not because I have all the answers, but because sometimes being seen and supported is enough to help someone hold on to hope.

If someone reaches out to you, please take a moment. You never know what it might mean to them.