As unemployment increases, a new type of networking is emerging, which is much like the pink slip parties held during the dot.com bust — though now it encompasses ex-employees in every type of industry. Besides these parties, unemployed groups have been springing up all over, so that people can provide each other with job tips, resume writing help, and mutual support.

For example, one group I discovered in Santa Monica, normally thought of as an enclave of the wealthy, is the Unemployed Social Network founded by Jeremy Erickson, a former architect, who has found a highly profitable niche writing resumes for the unemployed – a perfect example of engaging in professional development to discover new highly marketable skills. By way of introducing his services, he has invited meeting participants to bring in their resumes, cover letters, and portfolios, so he can help them make these better – and hire him as a coach, mentor, and resume writer to help them further. He has been participating in numerous pink slip parties too as a way to let people know about his services.

He suggests some key rules for getting employed, which include: “Get out and talk to people…build a great looking resume…network, network, network…and send out as many resumes as you can per day.” He also advises playing the numbers game, doing what you can to stand out to get the attention of the employer, and don’t lose hope. These are also key skills for professional development, such as if you want to start your own business and appeal to clients. Just substitute bios or one-sheets for resumes and clients and customers for employers.

Besides these unemployed groups, there are a growing number of business networking and entrepreneur groups which include many of the unemployed. And these small businesses and start-ups are often a good source of jobs and opportunities. The idea is to constantly look for these networking opportunities as one more tool in your professional development repertoire.

To find such groups, check if you have a local networking group such as MeetUp in your area. If so, put in some relevant search terms, such as “unemployed,” “networking,” “entrepreneur”, and “jobs” to see what groups in that category exist in your area. Another source of such groups is the community section of Craigs List, where you can look for groups in your area.

Then, start going to these events. Bring business cards, as well as a folder of resumes or one-sheets you can hand out to those you meet who are interested. And be ready to adapt your resume or one sheet to the job or type of client you are seeking, which is easy to do now on a computer. Just rearrange and change your copy as appropriate, and keep copies of these different resumes, so you can easily print them up or e-mail them to prospective employers. Also, be willing to lower your salary range or hourly rates you are seeking if necessary to get work, especially at a new start up which could turn into a nimble new corporation of the future. Consider all these ways of presenting yourself part of your professional development package – like dressing yourself up for success in the new economy that will emerge from the economic collapse of today.

For more ideas on how to achieve what you want, you can see some chapters from my books Want It, See It, Get It (www.wantitseeitgetit.com).

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Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D. is the author of over 50 books and a seminar and workshop leader, specializing in work relationships and professional and personal development. Her latest books include Want It, See It, Get It and Enjoy! 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Everyday, both from AMACOM.

     

More on Topics: Employment, Networking, Professional Development, Unemployed, Unemployed Groups, Unemployment

Tags: Employment, Networking, Professional Development, Unemployed, Unemployed Groups, Unemployment

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