What’s the one time it’s okay to gossip?  When you’re looking for a job.

Discussion of your job search should not be reserved for close friends/family or headhunters or official networking events.  If you’re looking for work or thinking about looking for work, you shouldn’t hesitate to tell everyone you know the particulars, and encourage those people to talk to the people in their networks.  This is because you absolutely never know when you will meet someone, or be introduced to someone, who will be in a position to help you.    

Here’s an example.  One of my friends recently moved from New York City to Cambridge in the UK as a result of her boyfriend’s job.  For her part, she was in need of a senior-level position in a financial services firm.  So instead of relying on her resumes and cover letters to make their way across the pond, my friend simply started talking.  Turns out one of her good friends from college currently worked with a woman from Cambridge who was well-connected in the financial industry.  The college friend was able to set her up for several informational interviews as soon as she arrived in town.

Within three degrees of separation, my friend had a plum job offer in another country.   Not too shabby!