Job Search Support Groups

One of the best sources of job leads is other job seekers. They are the front-line soldiers in the battle for jobs, and as a group, know more about where the openings are than probably any other single source. Except in the rare instance when two people are looking for the same type of job -- at the same level -- in the same geographic area, most job seekers are eager to share their knowledge and leads with others.

That is why I strongly recommend all job seekers connect with at least one job search group.

In addition to being an excellent source of leads and comradery, job search groups are normally facilitated by a career professional who can offer suggestions for improving your job search strategy. There are a number of excellent job search groups that operate on a regional or nationwide basis. You can find job search groups locally by asking for referrals from your friends, checking your paper for notifications of meetings or by speaking to your local reference librarian.

Here is a sampling of some better-known groups that operate on a nationwide basis:

ExecuNet: Targeted to chief executives, vice presidents and their direct reports, ExecuNet provides members with an array of services including listings of executive jobs online, access to their knowledge and resource centers, and entrance to facilitated networking meetings. A membership fee is charged.

The Five O'Clock Club: Members include professionals and managers, those trying to break into the professional ranks, and senior executives. They offer weekly seminars featuring individualized attention to your specific needs in small groups supervised by career counselors. Members have the opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, and even role-play with other job searchers and career changers. If there is no branch near you, you can participate in weekly teleconferences. A membership fee is charged.

Job Search Support Groups by State: Job-hunt.org maintains an extremely comprehensive state-by-state listing of job search support groups on this page.

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