The Riley Guide:Network, Interview, & Negotiate

Networking & Support Groups

Why Join a Job Search Support Group
Government Services || Online Groups || Networking Websites
Nationwide Listings & Organizations || New England & Mid-Atlantic Groups
Mountain Region, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, & Pacific Island Groups
Midwest & Great Lakes Groups || South & Southeast & Caribbean Island Groups

The many job search and networking clubs around the country can be very supportive as well as helpful in guiding you and increasing your network. This is just a sample of the many groups available all over. You can find more networking and job search support groups in your area by asking at your local public library, local churches and houses of worship (even those you do not attend), college or university career centers, and local State Employment and OneStop Career Centers.

We also have information on Coping with a Job Loss, Networking Advice, Networking and Your Job Search, Where to File for Unemployment Benefits, and Enetworking.

This Google Custom Search will search this site plus select others that we feel will be helpful to you in your search for job and career information.

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Why Join a Job Search Support Group

Be Open, Be Brave, Be Strong (A Success Story), A Recruiters Guide to the Universe

"Sometimes you can do everything right in your job-search (networking, shaking hands, kissing babies, etc) and still not have it lead to interviews and offers." This is the story of one man who weathered the storm, was open to new ideas, and was successful with the help of his job search support groups.

Why Should Anyone Network with Me?, George Zeller (OpNocsNE.org)

"Many job seekers voice skepticism about networking. They often ask, "Why would anyone speak to me?" or, better yet, "Why would anyone take a time from his/her schedule to help me? " There are several possible answers to those questions:..." George outlines several reasons why others will want to meet you as much as you wish to meet them, so yes, get to those association meetings and networking support groups! I met George many years ago in Boston, and I am very happy to recommend him to you!

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Government Services

America's Service Locator

Partnered with America's Job Bank and America's Career InfoNet, this site connects you to local government offices providing the employment and training services you need in all 50 states plus Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes employment info, job search training, support for those coping with a job loss, and much more. Just enter your zip code or city/state and select how close you would like that office to be, and you will get a list of offices in your area along with address and phone number information. You can also review the phone directory with all listings for your state or territory or the web directory with links to all services. You will also want to look at CareerOneStop gateway.

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Online Groups

Job Loss Guide Network

...created by Jim Davis, a career coach in Tennessee, this is a place to share your stories, questions, and concerns and to get support from others who understand what you are going through. Mr Davis is creator of Family Corner.net.

Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer

"In 2001, The Cosmetic Executive Women Board of Directors' came upon a startling realization: Five out of some 40 board members had been diagnosed with cancer. Some told their colleagues at work. Others did not. But all continued to work during or following treatment and came upon similar dilemmas." Over 80% of cancer survivors return to work after treatment. This site is designed to help women, their caregivers, their colleagues, and their employers deal with cancer by providing a single source for information, news, strategies, and support. While it is focused on the needs of women in the workforce, I think men will find the ideas and information here to be very useful.

IM Unemployed

An online community for the unemployed, the "currently concerned" about their employment situation, or those who want to help the unemployed. There is a lot you can look at and read without registering, but participating in discussions or posting your own story requires registration. I cannot find any contact information for the operator(s) of this site and the domain name is private, so I leave it to you to decide if you want to register.

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Networking Websites

Networking Websites for Professionals

These resources are intended for professional networking, not merely socializing. Please read all privacy and use policies carefully.

• Networking for Professionals
• LinkedIn
• Friendster
• Ryze Business Networking
• Facebook

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Nationwide Listings & Organizations

Job Clubs, Networking, and Job Search Support by State (Job-Hunt.org)

...an extensive list of networking and support groups across the US arranged by state.

Company Alumni and Military & Government "Alumni" Groups (Job-Hunt.org)

...Job-Hunt.org is compiling lists of networking groups for former employees of various organizations, the government, and former military personnel. Not only can these connect you with old friends and colleagues but they can also connect you to potential opportunities inside and outside that particular company.

Crossroads Career Network

"Comprised of a network of member churches, we help people in our congregations and communities find jobs, careers, calling." They provide assistance through Online career resources and On-the-ground career groups with meetings arranged by the member churches, and all are welcome. "As a network formed with a variety of Christian denomination and independent churches, we seek to serve everyone in our communities regardless of their personal faith or religious affiliation." They base their work on their 2009 Career Guide and its 6-step process of career exploration and job search techniques. All visitors to the site are welcome to download this free guide in PDF format. As a registered member of the network, you have access to the meetings and the online resources, including a job database. While you are strongly encouraged to connect with a local network member, they realize you might not be near one. At the time of review (November 2009), individuals who did not have a member ministry nearby were welcome to register for free using a code given on the website. While you would not have the in-person support of others, you will have access to the many resources on this website.

Downtown Women's Club

...a social and professional network for businesswomen with many local clubs that allow you to add some high touch to your high tech network. There is a fee if you want to be a part of the online social network, DWC Faces, but it looks like you can sign up for a free "membership" just by signing up for their monthly newsletter.

ExecuNet

ExecuNet is a long-established and well regarded executive networking and career management service. Yes, they have job listings and career information you can use in a job search, but more importantly they have an extensive network of fellow professionals with whom you can interact for advice, support, and even career enhancement through local networking meetings. To locate meetings near you (US and the world), check under "Networking" on their website.

Executives Network

Fee "Executives Network is a national peer-to-peer network for executives in the job search." This is a networking group designed to allow members to interact with one another and share information that may lead to a successful search. At this time they have meetings in Phoenix (AZ), Chicago (IL), Dallas (TX), Denver (CO), Boston (MA), New York (NY), West Orange (NJ) and 4 locations in California, but persons outside of these areas are encouraged to join their national online network. Membership is limited to persons at the corporate director / vp / c-level. They get very high marks from their members. Molly Wendell, current President and CEO ( and a former member) has a marvelous blog with truly helpful articles that all are welcome to read.

The Five O'Clock Club

.. a national career counseling network with certified career counselors across the United States. You might have read some of the many books authored by their founder, Kate Wendleton. You buy a membership based on the number of sessions you think you want and your income level. If there isn't a club near you, they are now offering a "virtual club" via email and teleconferencing. Unused sessions can be given to others or donated to a central pool for others who need more sessions but can't afford them. They are also running a non-profit club in Harlem for a very small per-session fee. Their web site includes more info about membership, good articles, and a list of the books and other materials they have available for purchase.

40 Plus

40 Plus is the nation’s oldest non-profit organization dedicated to helping currently available managers, executives and other professionals over 40 years of age find jobs. This list of chapters across the US and Canada is courtesy of 40 Plus of Greater Washington (DC).

Jewish Vocational Service Agencies in the United States, Canada and Israel

...JVS offers career and job search services and support to the community without regard to religious affiliation. This list provided by the JVS MetroWest (NJ). Call your closest office for information on services and how you can benefit from their offerings. You can also review a list of these agencies through the International Association of Jewish Vocational Services.

Las Comadres Para las Americas

...an informal professional network of Latinas with local groups meeting face-to-face in many major cities around the US. (Non-Latinas are welcome if married to a Latino.) "Las Comadres was started in Austin (April 2000) by Veronica Rivera and Elizabeth Baird (now Garcia) as an informal gathering of Latinas. Nora de Hoyos Comstock, whose passion is building community and sharing resources, is credited with blending the face-to-face potluck gatherings with email connectivity and creating and building the national networks." If there is no local chapter in your area they will gladly help you set one up.

Work Ministry

...initiated in 2004 as a program to develop Job Support groups in Faith-Based Organizations in the Chicago area, Work Ministry offers job seekers a nation-wide database of jobs along with resources to support their search while supporting the job support groups. They are building a national network of job suppport groups, with seventy groups in fifteen states as of today (June 2005). Nice site, and definitely working to improve the world.

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New England & Mid-Atlantic

Includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia Links to information on employment services and unemployment compensation for these states can be found under Local U.S. Job Opportunities.

Nutfield Networking Group (NH)

...established to promote networking among residents of Southern New Hampshire, whether the individual is currently employed or not. The Group meets on a biweekly basis using a combination of free form and structured networking. Meetings are held in Londonderry, NH.

Acton Networkers (MA)

Acton Networkers is a volunteer networking group created to help those in job transition. Their 4 groups meet in 3 locations in Acton and Hopkinton. Information on the group, meetings, and much more is available on the website. They also have a YahooGroups mailing and a LinkedIn page.

Job Seekers Networking Group (Boston, MA)

..networking group operated by The Work Place, a one-stop career center in Boston. Meets Thursdays from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. You must be a member of The Work Place to attend an event or workshop. Call 617-737-0093 or register at the front desk. Membership is free.

CareerPoint (MA)

...located in Holyoke, this is a private, nonprofit corporation offering a variety of services, workshops, and networking opportunities to the community in both English and Spanish. Some services may charge a small fee. The Job Networking club meets on Tuesdays.

CareerPlace (MA)

...Chartered by the Metro North Regional Employment Board, and managed by Middlesex Community College, The Career Place helps customers find current job openings, assess their skill levels and interests, and enter education and training programs. Located in Woburn, MA, they also sponsor a Friday networking group.

Face2Face Job Search Network (MA)

...a job search and support network for New England professionals. Meetings are in Boxborough, MA, on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Nominal fee for each meeting.

Lowell (MA) Networking Group

Organized by John Nojeim, a fellow job seeker, the Lowell Networking Group is an open invitation group of individuals either in employment transition, or seeking to help others in transition. Meetings are held weekly on Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Brewery Exchange. Share needs and leads, and offer suggestions and support to those in transition. No website. For more information, email John directly (jnojeim at verizon.net) or check his LinkedIn profile through the link above.

WIND Networking (MA / NH / RI)

WIND ("Wednesday is Networking Day") has been operating in the Boston area since 1990. WIND offers weekly meetings in three locations allowing professionals from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire easy access to its networking and support group meetings. Information on the network, its services, meeting days/times/locations, and more can easily be found on the site. Not all of the meetings are Wednesday.

Rhode Islanders Networking To Open Doors To Jobs (Warwick, RI)

RINODtoJobs meets from 9 AM to 11 AM the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at Norwood Baptist Church in Warwick. This group, facilitated by Irene Sinteff, provides a forum to build relationships (networks) and learn about resources to help you in your transition to new employment, self-employment or the next stage in your life. No, there is no website at this time, so email Irene at RINODtoJobs@yahoo.com to register for the next meeting. $20 one-time member fee, $10 for each meeting you attend. Once you are a member, you can join their private groups on LinkedIn and Yahoo!Groups.

New Canaan CaTS (Norwalk CT)

....workshops are held regularly on the first and third Thursdays of every month throughout the year. The meeting location alternates between St. Mark’s Episcopal (first Thursday of the month) and First Presbyterian (third Thursday of the month). Workshops begin promptly at 7 PM and adjourn at 9 PM, and there is no fee. You can register for email alerts on their website.

Job Search Resources from Your Search Lights (CT, NJ, NY, PA)

...a new blog established by Janice Lee Juvrud, an Executive Coach, Facilitator, OD Consultant, and Author. The reason I'm listing it here is she's using this blog as an easier way to distribute her Job Search Resources newsletter. Started in 2006, this is an extensive listing of Networking Groups in CT, NJ, NY, PA and a few libraries offering services for those in transition. (love those Whine and Dine groups. Great name.) To get your copy (updated monthly or so), scroll down the page to the Downloads area on the right, then click on the Job Search Resources link. This will take you to the location of the actual PDF file, which you can then just click and download. Remember -- it's a PDF file so you will need a free reader like Adobe or Foxit.

FaceToFaceNetworking.com (NYC)

...this group hosts speed-networking events for business professionals on Long Island and in NYC. Yup, "speed networking". You have about 4 minutes to meet and greet each person in the event. Space is limited and reservations are required, but what the heck. You never know who you'll meet until you actually shake his or her hand.

Job Information Center Services, Queens Borough Public Library (NY)

...the QBPR Job Information Center offers public workshops in job search techniques, resume preparation, and interviewing on a regular basis, and these workshops are offered in both English and Spanish in both the main branch and the Flushing branch. In addition, the JIC regularly offers the Career Exploration Inventory, a self-scored career interest evaluation for adults, in both locations. Check the online calendar of events or call the nearest branch for information and assistance.

The August Group (NY)

...based in Rochester, NY, the August Group is a grass roots organization solely comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to helping folks get employed. It is free to join. Their website is currently undergoing some work, but you can look at their meeting calendar and contact the main folks with any questions.

Hire Ground: Unemployed parishioners find help in job search, Charles Paolino (NJ)

...an introduction to two job search support groups sponsored by Catholic Churches in Somerset and Annandale, NJ. The location, meeting time, and contact information for these support groups is given towards the end of the article. Non-Catholics are always welcome, but be aware that they frequently begin and end meetings with prayer. This article appeared in The Catholic Spirit, the weekly newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen (NJ), covering central NJ (Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties). One of the founders of the group at St. Matthias is Terry Seamon, who with Janice Lee Juvrud has co-authored a guide to starting these groups. You can request a free copy of his guide via email (info is at the top of this page).

40 Plus of Philadelphia (PA)

...40 Plus is the Nation’s oldest non-profit organization dedicated to helping currently available managers, executives and other professionals over 40 years of age find jobs. This chapter is working on its website at this time, but you can contact them for more information on services and meetings.

PAPEN - Pennsylvania Professional Employment Network (PA)

...a Pittsburgh-based networking organization that helps members advance their careers. PAPEN has four chapters that meet weekly. There is a single nominal fee for lifetime membership.

JobSeekers (Princeton, NJ)

Sponsored by Trinity Church in Princeton, JobSeekers is an instruction and support group for people who are unemployed or changing careers. Professionally-trained volunteer coordinators and volunteer speakers provide answers to questions concerning the job search. Weekly Tuesday meetings alternate between topical workshops by volunteer leaders one week and open discussion and support group the next. There is no cost.

Beltway Networking (MD / VA / DC)

"Beltway Networking was established by a team of networking professionals, whose goal was to provide an online resource for business networking events and information for D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Beltwaynetworking.com is an ad supported website. By being ad supported, it allows our community of networkers to post their networking event details free of charge." I like the calendars of events, divided into MD, DC, and Va events. The member directory is pretty full too, but I leave that to you to decided if you want to register. I'm not impressed by the Jobs listings (no dates, no screening for inappropriate listings).

The Creative Network (Washington DC)

"Hosts monthly networking events for creative and technical people in the Communications Industry. The events offer people the opportunity to meet each other, to exchange referrals and to create their own business opportunities. No agenda. No fees. Just drinks, conversation and, most important free food. So turn off your computer for a few hours, save the gym for later, stuff your pockets with business cards, and just show up." The events seems to be divided into meetings for Print & Publishing, Internet, or Marketing & PR, and you can register to make sure you are notified of upcoming events.

CLB Job Club, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (Washington DC)

..." The CLB Job Club provides a regular time and place for active job seekers to network and utilize the resources of Career Services at CLB."

Employment Support Center (Washington DC)

... low-cost services and support groups for job seekers in DC/MD/VA. They sponsor the Capitol Hill Career Support Group, which meets Monday evenings (excluding holidays) in The First Trinity Lutheran Church's 2nd Floor Library, 4th and E Streets, NW at 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

EXCEL! Networking Group (Washington DC)

...a non-profit self-help career development and educational organization created by people with disabilities for people with disabilities in the Washington DC area. Monthly membership meetings feature discussions by leading authorities on employment and career development issues as well as interactive exercises to improve members' work search skills and preparation. Each meeting begins with a networking session. Nominal annual membership fee.

Washington Network Group (DC)

...an independent, non-partisan, social networking group of professionals in business, finance, foreign and government affairs based in the Metro Washington (DC) area. There are no regular membership dues nor fees, but membership is by application and is not automatic. WNG sponsors monthly networking meetings and also publicize events not sponsored by this group but which support its objectives. You will also want to review their online job board.

WBIS: Women Building Investing in Success (Washington DC)

..."provides businesswomen from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area with a dynamic opportunity to network and gain support to nurture and grow their individual endeavors." Monthly luncheons feature guest speakers and opportunities to meet with and learn from fellow business women. No membership fee.

WorkCenter

...operating in the Washington, DC, metro region, WorkCenter is a nonprofit association of professionals and business people, working together to help others who need assistance in finding work or preparing for interviews. There is no fee for the meetings, and the free website allows you to view job openings posted by others and to connect with other registered users. Meetings are held in various locations and in and around DC -- check the "events" tab for information. One meeting site which was not listed at the time of review was Holy Reedeemer Church in Kensington MD on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 8:30 to 10 PM. Contact Stefano Ratti (rattigno@yahoo.com) for information on this particular meeting. I know you do not see a name/phone number on the site, but the domain name registration is public.

Networking in Washington DC (washingtonpost.com)

"Want to advance in your career? Learning how to network is key. Use our list of the top networking associations in the Washington, D.C., area to meet new contacts, share ideas and enhance your skills." The Washington Post has assembled directories of local professional and networking groups for Biotech, Finance & Accounting, Marketing & Advertising, Media & Communications, Technology, and Executive. Pick your list then pick a group to join. Contact info and links to available websites are included.

SER John Joyner Job Club (Northern VA)

...sponsored by Senior Employment Resources of Annandale, VA, this job club is for seniors who are looking for employment. Meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the VEC office in Alexandria, and there is no cost to attend.

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Mountain Region, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, & Pacific Islands

Includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Links to information on employment services and unemployment compensation for these states can be found under Local U.S. Job Opportunities.

Southwest Job Network (AZ)

This was called the Scottsdale Job Network, but they've updated their name to reflect their plans to expand beyond the Scottsdale/North Phoenix area. It is a non-profit community service organization of job seekers and others volunteering their time to help them in their career transitions. Meetings are held twice a month in three different locations (one is just getting started and will have a full meeting schedule in the Fall of 2009). Check the website for locations, dates, and event specifics. All events are free, but they do ask if you might contribute even $5 to help defray expenses. Also, occasional workshops might request a nominal fee, but those who cannot pay are still welcome. They are more concerned with helping you get back to work.

Forty Plus of Northern California (CA)

Forty Plus of Northern California is a non-profit self-help group of executives and professionals over 40 who are currently in career transition. This site also maintains a list of other North American chapters (see the entry under Nationwide Organizations, above).

Collectivenet (CO)

"Connecting people together to provide 'Local People for Local Jobs' on the Colorado Front Range". Collectivenet is a non-profit organization of career networking groups designed to maximize job seeking and employee search efforts by providing a central location of candidates, contacts, leads and information with no fees associated and volunteer operated. To join, you first join one of the networking groups, then follow their procedures for joining Collectivenet. Programs offered to members include resume and company databses, current event calendars, links to useful resources, and presentations. Sponsored by Workforce Boulder County.

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Midwest & Great Lakes

Includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. Links to information on employment services and unemployment compensation for these states can be found under Local U.S. Job Opportunities.

Networking and Support Groups in the Chicago Metro Area (IL)

...links to networking events, recruiters, mentoring and support groups from ChicagoJobTalk.org

Job Support Groups (MN)

This list of support groups in the Bloomington area is provided by the Minnesota WorkForce Center-Hennepin South

BBJ - Businesspersons Between Jobs (St.Louis, MO)

...a non-profit, non-sectarian, networking, volunteer support group dedicated to helping executives and professionals who are in a career transition. Participants pay a single, nominal lifetime membership fee.

Networking Calendar, Kansas City Metro Region (MO / KS)

...covers all kinds of events that offer networking opportunities and links to additional event calendars for this region of Missouri and Kansas. Maintained by a member of Top KC Professionals.

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South & Southeast & Caribbean Islands

Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the US Virgin Islands. Links to information on employment services and unemployment compensation for these states can be found under Local U.S. Job Opportunities.

Professionals in Transition Support Group (NC)

...This nonprofit group reaches out to unemployed and under-employed professionals in the North Carolina Triad region to help them deal with their experiences and search for new employment. They provide you with a safe, confidential, trustworthy atmosphere in which you can work rebuilding your self-esteem as you work towards re-employment. No one is turned away. Right now, they are only hosting a few meetings (info is on their website), but others can use some of the services and information resource made available on their website. For example, they have a terrific series of guides and articles on Coping with Job Loss, including how to negotiate severance with your employer, how to tell your family and friends about your situation, and how you can understand the "hidden benefits" of unemployment. (Yes, there are some.) They have a few job leads posted on the site which are generally available for 4-6 weeks.

JobSeekers Employment Network (GA / TN)

...a group of Christian volunteer businesspeople providing a supportive environment and network for those seeking new employment opportunities. They currently have meeting sites in Knoxville TN and 4 locations in GA, but are willing to help individuals establish more sites.

Career Transition Support Group, Brentwood United Methodist Church (Brentwood, TN)

"CTSG's objective is to help people who are in-between jobs or looking for a career change. We have a different presentation every week that is directed on the latest job search techniques. Topics include resume writing, interviewing skills, networking, setting goals, creating a target list of potential employers and negotiation." There is no fee for their services. The group meets Monday evenings (except holidays): doors open at 6 and the meeting runs 7 to 8:30 PM. The presentations vary week to week and people can join at any time.

WorkNet Pinellas, the Professional Placement Network of Pinellas County (FL)

...a private-partnership operating One-Stop Centers in Pinellas County (FL). This organization offers support, training, networking, and employment services for professionals while helping employers to connect quickly and effectively to the best candidates to fill their needs. Information on services, center locations, and local networking meetings are available on their website.

CareerBridge (Flower Mound, Texas)

Meets each Thursday from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm in the Ministry Center of Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church. Participants can receive professional assistance on a variety of topics, such as finding the right job, resume preparation, interview techniques and effective use of the internet in the job search process. They periodically feature speakers from local companies who provide insight into their company and available job opportunities along with a quarterly recruiter panel.

CareerConnection (Dallas TX)

Job leads networking group for unemployed mid-management professionals meeting Tuesdays from 9 am to noon.

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