Many jobseekers poopoo the fact that they need to get out and attend networking functions. Using very lame excuses, this group of people miss the opportunity of meeting the very folks that could and most likely would be the key to their next life opportunity in the occupational world. Key groups in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex include all the groups associated with the Career Search Network (www.careersearchnetwork.org) and the Southlake Focus Group (www.southlakefocusgroup.com) who entertains over 300 participants in weekly meetings every Thursday.

These groups meet and further hone the networking process by directing  jobseekers to SIG’s (Special Interest Groups). These groups consist of other job seekers posessing certain skills such as Project Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Sales and Business Development, Marketing etc. I see jobseekers benefit weekly from these skilled groups because of the ability to talk shop with others that are looking for the same type opportunities. The big surprise is – how people are so willing to help each other by the sharing of experiences and other opportunities that arise through similar network settings.  Just one example I observed last week involved my friend Jon who was contacted by a recruiter for a job in Ft Worth that fit his background. Jon was not interested in driving from McKinney to Ft Worth given the fact that he lives in north McKinney. Jon’s next move was to inform his friend Hank (whom he met in a SIG) that lives in Ft Worth.  Hank quickly applies for the job and gets an interview that next monday which culminated in his obtaining an offer letter which he felt was below his salary desires. He talked with the hiring manager about his slightly higher salary needs, and the higher salary was quickly met by the company and Jon and Hank promptly had a dinner celebration party with their wives.

This and many other occurances are being observed in these networking groups every week here in the DFW area.  Many of these meetings result in a previously depressed jobseeker finding the hope and encouragement that lifts the spirit, further resulting in the ability to interview more effectively and that results in jobs offers being offered. In summation I feel these networking groups are providing hope to a community that is affected by the constant bad press that the job market is given these days. My suggestion to all jobseekers is to visit the afforementioned websites in order to find a networking group that is in close proximity to your residence.

Foster Williams
Managing Principal
Search 4 U Inc.