'Tis the season to catch up with people you haven't seen or spoken to for awhile, and chances are someone in your network is out of work. The best present you can give them this year isn't a gift card ... or your pity. Give them the gift of your time (and connections) instead. 1. Acknowledge how hard their situation is. Sugar coating doesn't help; your sympathy will. Try not to be afraid of their sorrow or anger, and by all means don't treat their unemployment as if it's contagious. 2. Offer to get together after the holidays. Treat them to a lunch or cup of coffee; when you're worried about money, this goes a long way. And don't talk exclusively about their job search. Have a real, human conversation. Make them laugh, if possible. 3. Ask them specifically what they're looking for and identify quality contacts in your network for introductions. Stay on the lookout for job openings, as well as new contacts who might offer the next step in the process. 4. Stay in touch. There's nothing lonelier than looking for a job. 5. Ask: "How can I help?" and then deliver. Ghosting is an exceptionally hurtful thing to do to a job seeker. …see more