Job Hunting Support Groups
A job-hunting support group can be a great environment to help you find your next job. It provides motivation and moral support at a time when people need it most. It can also be a place where lasting friendships are cultivated. According to the author of "What Color is your Parachute?" Richard Nelson Bolles, members of job hunting support groups have an 84 percent success rate at finding a job. However, those job hunting on their own experience only a 15 percent success rate.
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Types
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Job-hunting support groups come in many forms. They can be located at churches, libraries, workforce centers, restaurants and homes. Groups can cater to a center niche, such as moms seeking to return to the workforce, people laid off from the same company, veterans returning from a tour looking to get back in the workforce, recent college graduates seeking their first job out of college or retired people looking to re-enter the workforce.
Benefits
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The benefit of a job-hunting support group is that you are surrounded by people who are experiencing the same frustration you are with finding a job. Being around people who can keep your spirits up and provide motivation is important. In addition, a job-hunting support group allows you to share job leads, exchange resumes and business cards, provide ideas and improve your interviewing skills in a safe and friendly environment.
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Finding a Club
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It's important to find a club that fits your needs and will provide you with the support your need. You can start by looking in the employment or business section of local newspapers. Next, contact your chamber of commerce, local colleges, community education, churches and local employment offices.
Starting a Club
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If you can't find a club that fits your needs you may consider starting one of your own. Internet resources such as Craigslit and Meetup can help you find others who are seeking a job-hunting support group. Before you advertise make sure you have a clear idea of what you want out of the club and how you see it functioning. If you are looking for people to help you build a group, then mention that in your advertisement so people know what they are getting into. Some people don't want to get involved until a club is running with a clear purpose.
Details
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Most job-hunting support groups meet weekly, but your group can choose to meet at whatever frequency works best of the group. Typically, dues are not assessed unless you have to pay for things such as renting a space, you have guest speakers or you want to have snacks provided at each meeting. Setting ground rules will ensure that meetings run smoothly. Some basic ones are to make sure that people have respect for one another, don't let one person monopolize most of the meetings, keep confidential information in the group and start and end on time.
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References
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