November 9, 2009

Tear down those walls and start networking

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Twenty years ago today, the Berlin Wall fell, an event that shocked the world not only for its remarkable speed but also for the nonviolence that surrounded it. The most concrete symbol of the Iron Curtain, which most people expected to remain in place for many more generations, was breached in an exuberant few days and a hail of impromptu pickaxe swings.

In honor of this historic event, I urge Hire Ground readers to follow in the example of the "Peaceful Revolution" of 1989 and take your career into your own hands. The Wall did not come down of its own accord; it was preceded by months of demonstrations and a committed effort by a weary populace to affect change. In a similar way, a job search cannot be conducted from home or online. You must get out into the job market, meet new contacts face to face and develop a network of people who can alert you to new openings.

OK, perhaps it's a stretch to compare the fall of Communism with landing a job interview. But in this economy, it can sometimes feel like you need a grassroots political campaign behind you to reach hiring managers. To help inspire you to create you own career revolution, here are a few free networking and career development events this week.

Tonight, Nov. 9 -- Microsoft's Professional Development and Recruiting Event. Hear Microsoft executives discuss their latest business challenges and mingle with recruiters at this mixer, sponsored by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Keynote speakers from Microsoft will include Kirt Debique, general manager, office productivity applications, and Shane Kim, corporate vice president, strategy and business development. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Where: The Commons Mixer, Microsoft Studios West Campus, Redmond.

Tues., Nov. 10 -- Seattle Career Fair. Dress for success, bring your resume and meet face-to-face with hiring managers from top local companies. Participating firms include Vertafore, Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Macy's, Interstate Bankers Corp., Guardian Security, Emerald Queen Casino, Prudential and many others. When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Seattle Center Northwest Rooms.

Wed., Nov. 11 -- Get 'Er Done Event. Got too much on your plate? Need a kick in the pants to jump-start your job search? Well, don't look for sympathy here. Join career counselor Laila Atallah in a session devoted to focusing on organizing your plans to find a new job. Atallah will be on hand for an hour to circulate among the group and provide one-on-one consultation. When: 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Where: Mosaic Coffee House in Wallingford.

Thurs., Nov. 12 -- Inside the Business Journal: Bellevue Career Search Seminar. Join business development expert Elizabeth Case in a discussion about how to stand out in a crowded job-search market. Find out tips about how to use the Puget Sound Business Journal as a helpful tool in your job search. When: 3 to 4 p.m. Where: Union Bank, Bellevue.

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

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