Who Can Actually Help in Your Job Search (and When to Reach Out)
After more than 10 years as a career coach, working with hundreds of clients and going through a few transitions myself I’ve learned one thing for sure:
Job searching is a team sport.
But here’s the catch: it only works if you know who’s on your team, what they can (and can’t) do for you, and when it makes sense to reach out.
Too often, people waste precious time trying to figure it all out alone. They don’t know who to ask, what to ask for, or when to ask. The result? Missed opportunities, extra stress, and feeling stuck longer than necessary.
To make things easier, here’s a quick overview of who’s who in your job search—so you can get the right support at the right time.
Who’s Who in Your Job Search
Career Coach
What they do: Help you find clarity, confidence, and your next step—with a concrete plan. When to reach out: If you’re unsure what you want, switching fields, or simply need structure and accountability.
Recruiter (External)
What they do: Connect candidates with open roles at their client companies. When to reach out: Once you’re job-ready in a clear field and want access to roles that aren’t advertised publicly.
Hiring Manager
What they do: Make the actual decision for the role you’re applying to. When to reach out: During your application process—tailor your message and don’t hesitate to connect directly.
Jobcenter / Agentur Coach
What they do: Offer coaching vouchers (AVGS) and access to funded training or programs. When to reach out: If you’re unemployed or registered with the Agentur. Early contact can open up great support options.
Mentor
What they do: Share guidance and feedback based on real-world experience in your desired field. When to reach out: Anytime. Mentors are invaluable for perspective and encouragement.
Community (Meetups, Slack, LinkedIn)
What they do: Provide leads, insights, encouragement, and connections. When to reach out: Always! Some of the best opportunities come from peer connections, not job boards.
The Big Picture
You don’t need to talk to everyone—but you do need to know who can help with what.
And the earlier you reach out, the more momentum you’ll gain. Job searching doesn’t have to feel isolating—when you build the right support system, it becomes faster, lighter, and a lot more effective.
Ready to Find Your Next Step?
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, I’m happy to take a look at your situation and help you map out the next smart step. Sometimes all you need is a little clarity and direction to move forward with confidence.
