BEGIN A JOB CLUB – NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

If you are like many career development professionals across the country, the current recession and record unemployment rates are causing your calendar to be busier than ever. In an effort to be most efficient and help record numbers of people, Job Clubs should be revisited. In the early 90’s, the poor economy and massive layoffs of mid to late-career professionals brought a new wave of Job Clubs. If you have been in the field for over 15 years, perhaps you led such groups. The following is a review of formats and some ideas for job club logistics.

Consider partnering
In an effort to reach out, career professionals may consider partnering with a church, organization experiencing massive layoffs, or University Alumni club. Partnering not only brings diversity to the group, but different perspectives, contacts, and job leads. Many organizations are willing to offer free meeting space, refreshments, and event advertising.

Basic Formats
Job clubs usually meet on a weekly or biweekly basis for anywhere from one to two hours. At the beginning of each session, it is prudent to discuss some ground keeping rules and confidentiality guidelines. Ground keeping guidelines may include let everyone have the opportunity to speak, disagree respectfully, remain professional and supportive of others in the group etc. As for confidentiality, attendees are asked not to share personal or sensitive information outside of the group etc.

Next, allow time for introductions and to practice 30-second commercials. As simple as they seem, 30-second commercials are still an area where most clients struggle. Regular practice will certainly pay off with networking efforts and in the interview process. Follow with a short job search related speaker or topic of focus. Guest speakers could include members of the community with knowledge of job search strategies, interviewing techniques, and hiring practices. Club participants could even sign-up in advance to research and share tips on an aspect of the job search. At some point in the meeting, allow time for each participant to share a job search highlight or some good news from the previous week and offer any leads to others in the group. This would also be a good time for attendees to ask for specific industry or employer contacts or leads. Lastly each client will publicly state a goal for the week such as number of resumes to submit, contacts to make etc.

As a facilitator, it is important to keep the group environment positive and encouraging. Facilitators should also develop a list of referral resources in case the need arises (i.e. One Stop Job Centers, food banks, financial or psychological counseling services, etc.)

With the dismal economy and so many people out of work, consider using this time as an opportunity to provide a beneficial and much appreciated community service and an opportunity to showcase your relevant knowledge and expertise.