Professional Networking Groups (PNG)

If you are currently unemployed, concerned about losing your job, or just plain looking for a new career opportunity, Professional Networking Groups may be the vehicle to help you get to where you want to go.

Professional Networking Groups provide individuals in job transition the opportunity to network with others in similair circumstances as well as sharpen their job search skills and stay motivated and focused throughout the job searching process.

Usually run by volunteers, these groups are open to workers of any kind and level. Anyone can participate for no cost or for a small contribution. These groups generally meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. They provide the participants with insight and assistence to connect you with people and ideas beneficial to your job search and quality of life. Such groups meet to encourage and help participants find jobs. Job networking groups provide major benefits such as:

• Inspiration and encouragement
• New ideas for work you can do and where to find it
• Leads on who to talk to at different companies and organizations
• Small group networking
• Job search resources
• Guest speaker presentations and workshops
  

There are also paid membership groups such as the Five O'Clock Club. A national career counseling network with certified career counselors across the United States, Five O'Clock Club members meet weekly in job-search strategy groups with career coaches. If you live in an area with no in-person meetings, meetings or conferences by phone and handouts offer the same content. The Club also certifies coaches that you can hire directly. The Five O'Clock Club reports that members who use its job search methods and get regular career counseling find new jobs and new skills.

Click here to go to the Lynnwood Workshop Calendar, which includes information about the PNG and its current schedule.