somebody asking for career help

[globetrotter]

my son's sunday school teacher asked to meet me to ask me for some help networking to find a job. he's about 60, and worked in real estate. now things aren't very good for him. I am guessing that he is talking to everyone he knows. I have no idea how to help him out, aside from buying him a cup of coffee. any ideas what I should tell him?

 

[ter1413]

Stress the positive. Ask how he is networking/getting his resume out there. Tell him that you will see what you can do(even if you don't do anything.) Offer(only if you want to) to look at his resume. Basically, keep his spirits up as much as you can and let him know that looking for a new job/career can be a full time job...

 

[jgold47]

He probably wants you to say something like: Oh, you have selling skills, we have an opening. you should apply. But be encouraging. You may hear his qualifications and say, you know, you would make a good stevedore, I have a cousin who does that, and I bet you would be perfect.

 

[ShoeShopperJ]

I also receive this question from time-to-time primarily from two sources: (1) fellow law school graduates and (2) friends of my young brother just out of college.


If he previously worked in real estate, I think there are varied opportunities available. I sold my real estate company just a few months ago, but I know some leasing agents that do very well. He should consider obtaining a broker's, leasing, or sales agent license in his state. He can also work in short sales if he knows how to handle it. Property management is also booming because there are so many would-be-buyers that are forced to rent (entire families as a matter of fact).