The Riley Guide: Network, Interview, & Negotiate

Networking & Support Groups

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, and Enetworking.

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 the new CareerOneStop gateway.

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Online Groups

Company and Military "Alumni" Networks from Job-Hunt.org

...Job-Hunt.org is compiling a list of networking groups set up for former employees of various organizations as well as 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.

Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer

"Two years ago, 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.

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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
• EntreMate (for entrepreneurs)
• Ryze Business Networking

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Nationwide Listings & Organizations

Job Search Networking in Each State (Job-hunt.org)

...a huge list of job search support groups, employment services, and other potential networking resources for each of the 50 states plus DC. A great service provided by Job-hunt.org

Crossroads Career Network

This is "a non-profit ministry with the single purpose of providing Christ-centered career resources for churches to enhance or start their own career ministries and minister to their congregations and the local communities." Churches can join the network for a minimal fee, and then allow their members free access to the career exploration guide, career resources, networking and support meetings, and a job board (small at the time of review [January 2005]). However, if you do not have a member church nearby, you can buy an individual membership for a very small fee.

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.

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. If you have trouble with the graphic, use this text list.

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.

Ed's List (New England)

...a free weekly e-newsletter published on Tuesday's which lists Hi-Tech related networking events and parties in the New England area. Not really limited to high-tech, and also posts occasional job announcements. A service of Ed Swartz at Sandy Pond Consulting Group.

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.

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.

RING - Rhode Island Networking Group

..."dedicated to the promotion of professional networking." Your membership fee gives you access to member and employer databases maintained by the group plus much more. The group meets Wednesdays in East Greenwich, RI. Their website also lists several other area networking groups.

New Canaan CaTS (Norwalk CT)

...meets twice a month.

Trinity Career Networking (Southport CT)

..."meets informally on a weekly basis providing a forum for individuals to connect with opportunities, resources, information and other individuals who are similarly engaged in a search."

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

...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.

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. "Self operated and funded by Members, Alumni and contributions from other non profits, Forty Plus of Philadelphia can help you move your career to where you it want to be. Membership includes access to office space, equipment, professional counseling and networking opportunities that can help you to find the position you want." The Philadelphia chapter has a nice web site with info for employers (including brief profiles of members), info for visitors considering joining, links to all the other US chapters (so those of you not in Philly can find one closer to home), and some links to help you with your job search.

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.

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.

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

...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.

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.

Arizona Executives (AZ)

...a peer-networking group for management-level people currently in the job search. Formal, structured meetings take place alternating Fridays, but they also meet for a casual Happy Hour once a month. Meetings are in Scottsdale, and a nominal fee is charged for each.

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.

ProNet (NV)

...a northern Nevada networking association for professionals seeking re-entry into the workforce.

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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.

Church of the Nativity's Career Transition Group (MO / KS)

...based in Leawood, KS, this is a free networking and support group for anyone in or with ties to the Kansas City Metro area. Meetings are every Friday morning at 7:45. More information on the group, bios of the members, and an additional list of Kansas City support groups is available on the website.

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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.

Williamson County Career Events (TN)

...information on free weekly job search support, networking, and discussion groups for folks seeking new employment opportunities. All events are held at the Williamson County Career Center (info is on the website).

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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