Some of the best advice I could ever hope to offer any individual job seeker is not to be an individual job seeker. By this I mean, do not engage the job search process alone. In most every city or town of any size there is a local networking group that is helping people transition their careers or get back on their feet after losing their job. These groups are powerful resources and can do much to send a job seeker in the right direction. They often have guest speakers addressing many facets of the job search process. There are people there to critique your resume and offer suggestions on what you can do to sell yourself.
Most job searching networks are free and are held at community centers or churches. There is no need to be of a particular denomination and typically there will be no discussion of faith. These are people helping people and it is a beautiful thing. Even if you are trying to move across the country a local support group can help you in many ways. Most likely, you will also meet some new friends. The job search is a draining experience in so many ways. When people brave harsh circumstances together, a certain authenticity comes to the surface. People tend to be more sincere and open as to who they are and what they are up against. It will not be a waste of your time.
Lest you believe that the networking groups are for losers, you will be amazed at the considerable number of tier one, top-notch, alpha males/alpha females, that are looking for jobs. These people will remind you that you are not alone. The typical job seeker will look for a job every 3-5 years. By going to these support groups you will be assured that it is perfectly okay to be looking for a job. You are molting professionally and when you emerge from this cocoon you will have the wings of a butterfly.
A great resource for finding Job Networking Groups in your area can be found at job-hunt.org. job-hunt.org was founded by Susan Joyce after she was laid off from Digital Equipment Corp. Take a gander at this resource page,
http://www.job-hunt.org/job-search-networking/job-search-networking.shtml
The job search – do not do it alone!
Can you share any other sources of job networking groups? Please post them below.
