Creating a Job Club

A job club is a great forum for professionals in a similar field to get together to network, exchange job leads, and develop subject matter expertise through inviting speakers.  I started a marketing job club with the objective to bring together recently laid off marketing professionals from a variety of companies.  I began the job club in mid- April.  At our first meeting, I had five individuals attend.   From five members, the number grew to 65 active members by mid-June.  

We have a formal mission statement.    In addition, every week we feature new member introductions, announcements about job/marketing related events, and featured speaker.  We also network with each other and trade job leads.  

How did I start my club.  I did this through attending a job club called Lauchpad in Austin, Texas.  This job club has 8,000+ members.  I sent an email to the group asking if there was anyone interested in being a part of a marketing job club.   The outcome – I got ten interested individuals.  We initially met at a Starbucks.  Then  as the group grew, we re-located to a larger location because Starbucks could not fit us all.  Every week an average of 15 to 20 individuals attend meeting with 10 regulars.  Our group grew to 65 due to word of mouth.  

If you are interested in starting a job club in your city, please email me at ikrasnoff613@gmail.com.

Job Fairs and Networking

Going to a career fair can be daunting.   The lines are long and there are miles and miles of booths.  You go to the company booth of your choice, stand in line, and then provide your 30 second elevator speech to an HR representative who will tell you to go to their website and submit an application.  Some HR representatives will also take your resume.   Does not seem effective given that on a daily basis HR Departments receive hundreds, if not thousands of resumes.  

Therefore, how can you make the most  of a career fair?    

• First of all, dress professionally.  You never know who you will meet.  You may even end up being interviewed

• Besides copies of your resume, bring your business cards

• Strike up conversations with the person (s) standing in line next to you.  Ask them what type of job they are looking for.  Most of the time you will get a friendly reception.  Who knows you may get some leads.  After all every job seeker has friends and family members who are gainfully employed

• When you get to the HR or company representative, smile, extend your hand, provide your 30 second commercial/elevator speech.  Then ask questions about their company – types of positions, strategic direction of company,  key business challenges, organization culture etc.

• Solicit advice on how to get your resume on the hiring manager’s desk.  You will be surprised by tips they have to offer such as paying an in-person visit to the HR office

• Finally, if you are reading this and you are a job seeker/repository of valuable skills, best of luck finding the career of your dreams!

Finally, if you are reading this and you are a job seeker/repository of valuable skills, best of luck finding the career of your dreams!

Dealing with Job Interview Rejections

The competition for jobs is intense. Should you succeed in getting a phone call for an interview, chances are you are one of several candidates being interviewed. What if you did very well in your interview. You feel on top of the world thinking an offer is imminent, only to learn otherwise. When this happens multiple times it can be discouraging. Do not let all these rejections get you down. Interviewing is like dating. It is a journey toward finding the right match.

How do you stay upbeat throughout your search?

• Belief in yourself. When you feel confident and self-assured this comes through in all your interactions with people, including job interviews. Keep telling yourself that you will eventually succeed in landing the job that is the best fit for you.

• Remember you are interviewing them the same way you are being interviewed. Keeping this in mind alleviates the pressure of interviewing. Just as the hiring manager is seeking the right fit, you too are seeking the right job and organization culture.

• Make the time to actively network. Nowadays 80% of jobs are found via networking. The traditional way of applying online is not effective given that HR receives hundreds if not thousands of resumes. The more people you meet, the more likely you will learn about potential opportunities. Besides networking is a great opportunity for meeting new people.

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