August 24, 2009

Job Seeker Network forms 'tribe' for the Eastside

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At last Thursday's Seattle Job Social event, the view of the pink-orange sunset over Puget Sound was a breathtaking sight from the 76th floor of the Columbia Tower. At least I think it was breathtaking. I only caught a few glimpses because I was so busy chatting with the various eager job seekers and recruiters that filled the Columbia Tower Club with a buzz of activity.

While many of those looking for work expressed continued frustration over their six- to nine-month job searches, there was a generally upbeat vibe at the event, as many recruiters mentioned that some tech firms appear to be ready to start hiring again. Few at the Job Social, however, were as positive as Lesa Keller, a human resources veteran and founder of a new employment support group on the Eastside known as the Job Seeker Network.

Launched in January 2009, during one of the deepest troughs of the recession, the Job Seeker Network was created to develop a community not only for those looking for work, but for other employed people who want to support others. "I promote the concept of a 'tribe,' " Keller says, regarding job-search efforts. "Many of our members keep in touch well after they've already found work."

The Network, Keller says, meets about twice a month, alternating between Bellevue's Newport Way Library and the Mercer Island Library. At each meeting, there is an introduction and discussion session, followed by a guest speaker who provides advice on the best ways to find employment in the current economic climate. Keller also provides ample time to mingle and network with other job seekers before and after each meeting.

Keller's next Network meeting will be Communication: Pathway for Advancement, held this Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 5:45-8:30 p.m. at the Newport Way Library. The speaker for this week's event will be communications expert Melanie Hope, founder of Hope Speaking in Kent. Using examples from her "Grammar Police" series of seminars, Hope will focus on how the correct use of language can help improve your employment search. She will provide tips on interviewing skills, such as common "filler words" to avoid that can give the wrong impression, as well as resume-writing advice.

Other upcoming events for the Job Seeker Network include:

• The Anatomy of a Novice Job Seeker's Search, presented by Mikhail Surkan on Thurs., Sept. 10 at the Mercer Island Library.
• Authentic Job Interviews, featuring presentation skills trainer Pamela Ziemann on Tues., Sept. 22, at the Newport Way Library.

Admission for the meetings is free, but RSVPs for the limited seating are required. For more information, contact Keller at lesa_keller@earthlink.net.

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

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2 Comments

Lesa Keller on September 17, 2009 9:30 PM | Reply

Randy,

This is very kind of you to write! Thanks so much!

I have a budget of zero and the energy of contribution comes from many! I appreciate the folks who have come forward to help with the presentations; the recruiters who attend for our moral support; and the authentic and caring participants. All together we have a good thing!

Thank you!

Lesa

Randy on November 16, 2009 9:14 PM | Reply

Just curious, is this networking group ("tribe")still active? And, how might I find out more information about upcoming events and venues?

Thanks!
randy

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