Seattle Job Social: A new kind of networking event -- Career Center Blog

April 13, 2009

Seattle Job Social: A new kind of networking event

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

At many networking events these days, the average job seeker is apt to meet plenty of other like-minded individuals with 30-second "elevator speeches" at the ready. But finding a real, live company representative to whom they can make their pitches is often a rarity.

Tomorrow evening, however, hiring managers will be mingling with job hunters at a relatively new networking event, called Seattle Job Social. Unlike a job fair, the event, which will take place at The Parlor Billiards Lounge in Bellevue's Lincoln Square (OK, it's not exactly Seattle, but close enough), will have an unstructured, casual atmosphere. Companies present will not have specific tables or hold interviews.

According to event organizer Michael Michaels, a former recruiting manager for Robert Half Finance & Accounting, the Job Social is meant to be as educational for a company's human resources staff as it will be helpful for job seekers. "This is a great way to watch how the candidates are interacting with each other and with the hiring managers as well," Michaels explains. "It's meant to be a free-flowing event where everyone gets a chance to mingle and just chat."

As casual as the Job Social event will be, there are a few minor barriers to entry. Technically, it is by "invite only," but Michaels says anyone can register at invite@seattlejobsocial.com as long as they submit résumés for pre-screening.

The event, which begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening, will include HR personnel from at least 15 local companies, including co-sponsors Xtreme Consulting Group of Redmond and Vertical Move of Kirkland (see a complete list of participating firms here). Most of the companies will be in the high-tech world, although Michaels says there will also be firms involved in accounting, finance and marketing.

This will be the third Job Social held in the Puget Sound area, Michaels says. Each one has been quite popular, and a fourth event is now being planned at Twist in Belltown on May 21. To date, roughly 350 candidates have RSVP'd for tomorrow's shindig in Bellevue. See you there.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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4 Comments

Dixie M. Sheary on April 16, 2009 12:49 PM | Reply

How can I register for the next event and forward my resume.

Zo Mack on April 19, 2009 5:35 PM | Reply

I noticed the website(seattlejobsocial.com) for this event has not been updated.

Can I volunteer my services? I love the idea!

Mark on April 20, 2009 5:45 PM | Reply

if you have questions about SJS, please email me at mark@seattlejobsocial.com

RH on April 21, 2009 3:03 PM | Reply

"A new kind of networking event"

Perhaps, but the tried-and-true basics of networking and developing relationships still apply in full.

Especially in these times I'm thankful for and I flat out love ideas that bring people together online or offline. And though online approaches do have their advantages(convenience and "speed", perhaps) there is a lot to be said about good 'ol fashioned face-to-face, let's have a drink together chit chat and schmoozing and -- even more exciting -- problem solving and roadblock busting!

I plan to attend the next one and hope this really takes off and sustains itself(in an evolved form, if need be) even after most folks have found their jobs. There will always be a need for face-to-face forums to facilitate QUALITY relationships in this area.

RH
Seattle, WA
zomackadindin@yahoo.com

Seattle Job Social: A new kind of networking event

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