September 4, 2010

Networking events to help you ride out the storm

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While assembling a list of job search events this past week, I've kept one eye on the breathless coverage of Hurricane Earl as it freaked out half of the Eastern Seaboard and thought about how the media so dearly loves to predict the end of the world.

Even though the National Hurricane Center had been saying at least a week in advance that Earl would be give just a glancing blow to the East Coast, the news media treated it like the second coming of Hurricane Katrina. Sure enough, here we are, watching Earl spin itself out in the Canadian Maritimes, exactly as predicted, leaving little more than some heavy surf and a soggy start to the holiday weekend.

Around the same time, the Labor Department came out with the latest report on unemployment claims, and I couldn't help think of those silly weather reporters waiting for an Armageddon that never came. Sure, the unemployment rate rose slightly, from 9.5 to 9.6 percent for July, but, once again, those who had been paying attention knew that this increase would occur due to a large amount of people re-entering the job-search arena as the last of the temporary U.S. Census jobs expired.

In fact, the private sector exceeded predictions by creating 67,000 jobs in July, which was the eighth straight month of job growth. Was this point even mentioned in media reports? Yes, but usually by the fourth or fifth paragraph, buried under a pile of alarmist, hand-wringing statements about the terrible state of the economy.

Surely not everything is sunny and calm on the job front. But I do believe that finding a job in a struggling economy involves a good deal of self-confidence. Reading these sensational headlines about the economy -- and believing the hype -- can only chip away at your resolve. So this Labor Day weekend, as you plan your networking strategy for the next couple of weeks, I urge Hire Ground readers to stop listening to the blowhards who thrive on conflict and to realize that these economic storm clouds will pass like yesterday's hurricane.

TUES., SEPT. 7

Kirkland Small Business Success Story Networking Event - This event for small business owners will feature a short presentation about real-life success stories and a chance to mingle with Seattle's entrepreneurial community. Where: Simplicity Décor, Kirkland. When: 7:30 to 8 a.m. Cost: Free.

WED., SEPT. 8

Veterans Career Fair - Military Sealift Command, which transports equipment and supplies to U.S. Armed Forces worldwide, will showcase dozens of immediate openings on seagoing vessels for those returning from military service. Where: WorkSource Affiliate Rainier, Seattle. When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

Career Transitions Panel Discussion - Guest speakers will share stories about how they made significant career changes. Attendees will have a chance to network and have their resumes reviewed by a professional career coach. Refreshments and appetizers will be served. Where: Seattle Design Center, Atrium Room, Seattle. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free.

THURS., SEPT. 9

YWCA Resource and Job Fair - More than 20 employers will be in attendance to meet with job seekers about immediate openings. Bring resumes, meet with employers and learn about community job-search resources. Where: YWCA Greenbridge Career Development Center, Seattle. When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUES., SEPT. 14

Retail and Customer Service Job Fair - Find out about the latest openings for residents in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties. Where: WorkSource, Everett. When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.


Seattle Career Fair - Meet face-to-face with hiring managers from dozens of employers in the greater Seattle area. To avoid the wait at the door, pre-register to receive a VIP Pass to bring you directly to hiring managers at this event. Where: Seattle Center, Northwest Rooms. When: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

THURS., SEPT. 16

Top 5 LinkedIn Uses for HR - At this Society for Human Resources Management breakfast, Matthew B. Youngquist of Career Horizons will show you LinkedIn tips for recruiting, vendor sourcing, job hunting, career management and professional development. Where: Washington Athletic Club, Seattle. When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Cost: $35 for SHRM members, $45 for nonmembers, $15 for student.

NorthEnd Connectors Networking Event - Here's a chance for entrepreneurial Biznik members in the North Seattle area to build business relationships in a casual atmosphere. Where: Russell's, Bothell. When: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free.

SAT., SEPT. 18 

BizTechDay Seattle 2010 - About 1,500 entrepreneurs and business leaders are expected to attend this intensive one-day conference to share practical business ideas and technology strategies. For every full-value ticket sold, $100 will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Where: Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle. When: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; After Party: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $395 for full conference; $55 for After Party only.

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

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