By
Thomas E. KennyMany of us know that the 7 step job search process from "
Win The Race for 21st Century Jobs" requires time and effort but in my experience it's very effective. Some of you may think the process is hard work, that is necessary, but not necessarily fun.
Well I've recently learned of a new beta web site named
jobtactoe.com which tries to turn your job search into a fun game. Their slogan is "Putting Play into Finding Work" TM.
I believe the premise of this job search web site is for you to establish and enter your job search goals and get support from your network who is also on this web site toward achieving your goals. It also provides tips along the way and you can obtain points as you complete tasks to compete with others on the site. The pages of this site have a cartoon-ish theme which I guess is suppose to add to the fun.
Although I think the web site leverages some good principles such as, setting and tracking goals, accountability to your network, and trying to have fun. I do wonder who these job seekers are that need a game to motivate them to obtain a job. Sure job seekers are in a race to find a job, but cartoons and peer pressure by competing for unaccountable points doesn't seem to add value to a professional's job search.
Host / Speaker: TBA
Location: Ocean County Library Toms River Branch - Toms River, NJ
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EST - REGISTER NOW - Get directions
Testimonials from previous attendees . . .
"Yesterday was the first meeting that I have attended, and I must commend you (and the rest of the group) on a very enjoyable and worthwhile meeting. Having others to support you (and to interact with at a professional level), whether you are "in between assignments" (as I like to call it), or "currently working at", is wonderful since it gives the individuals a new perspective on alternatives possibly available to them , by hearing what others are going through in their lives." - Shevi Batsheva Ph.D., Industrial / Organizational Psychology.
"Thanks very much for arranging everything. You did a fantastic job." - Michael Procopio, Web Services Developer.
"What a powerful group, and a great first meeting for me at JSNG. Thank you Rod and Tom for caring and giving so much energy and enthusiasm -- it is contagious.
To everyone: If you all have not read through Tom's LinkedIn FAQs, you probably should. Although I have been in LinkedIn for 3 or 4 years, mostly as a passive user, I have been using LinkedIn heavily the past two weeks since my position was eliminated. It is pretty intuitive, yet can be complex. For example, do you all know that you can simply ask your network a question? I did not until reading Tom's FAQs. ...
In my first meeting with ETP, I learned how to suggest ways I can help others while giving my introduction. I will have a more interesting intro for the group in October." - Bob Zimel, OD and Learning Executive.
by Thomas E. Kenny.
You have followed the advice of career experts and have "dug the well before you're thirsty." Preparing for your next job search by continually building and strengthening the relationships of your professional network. However, now that you are in a job search, you may be wondering how to leverage that network!
Asking your network for job leads is not a best practice of professional networking. Instead you need to find and determine jobs that you are a match for and then find advocates to assist you.
by Thomas E. Kenny
Although valuable communications with your professional network should be ongoing, a career transition (change of job) provides valuable opportunities for communication!
Communications going into transition.
Announce any unplanned job search via the status message of various online social networking sites such as: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. This is less intrusive and impersonal than broadcasting the same canned email to all your network contacts. If you have a warm trusted relationship with your social networking contacts, they will notice and respond to your change of status.
by
Thomas E. Kenny.
REAP is a concept I learned thanks to
Jason Alba's
JibberJobber Career Management radio show.
Many people get into networking and think it's just a matter of collecting names and contact info for reference later on. Or if you are in a job search adding to the list of people you can nag or beg for a job.
by
Thomas E. Kenny.
The LinkedIn (add-on) applications feature was added on October 28th, 2008. Although LinkedIn applications have been available for a while many may not be aware of them. There are currently 10 applications and I have grouped them into 5 categories below.
by
Thomas E. Kenny.
ETP Network's Jersey Shore Networking Group typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. On even numbered months we meet in Toms River, NJ. While on odd numbered months we meet in Manalapan, NJ.
by
Thomas E. Kenny.
Have you heard about
Pink Slip Parties? It seems the mass media has latched on to this catchy phrase and it's spreading like wild fire.
Pink slip parties are basically a new form of Job Fair integrated with a networking event. Rather then being at a hotel or conference center, pink slip parties are held at more relaxed venue such as a bar or restaurant.
by Thomas E. Kenny.
Prior to meetings of the Jersey Shore Networking Group, the registered attendees are provided with a list of attendees planning to attend. This practice comes from the Conference Commando chapter of Keith
Ferrazzi's book "Never Eat Alone." Since you are investing time and money in attending an event it is wise to maximize your effectiveness by planning which professionals you want to connect with most at the event.
