Rely on your network to dig you out of your hole -- Career Center Blog

October 16, 2010

Rely on your network to dig you out of your hole

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

This week, as the TV cameras of the world focused on the 33 Chilean miners emerging, one by one, from what could have been their tomb, half a mile below the surface, I marveled at not only their immense collective fortitude but also about the team of professionals at the surface who were committed to engineering a solution, whatever the cost.

Amid the hyperbole of the newscasters during the TV coverage, one statement that seemed apt was the comparison of the rescue effort to a NASA moon shot. The only way both massive undertakings can succeed, against such difficult odds, is through a mix of individual heroism and hard work by dedicated workers behind the scenes.

While today's long-suffering job seekers may not be in a situation anywhere near as dire as the miners endured for the last two months, it is a similar combination of emotional strength and teamwork that will ultimately solve their problems. While job seekers must do the heroic work of selling themselves to hiring managers and planting the flag, they are rarely alone. It is often the network of contacts and referrals that determines whether their missions even get off the ground.

Here's the latest lineup of networking events to come to the rescue of local job seekers through the end of the month:

MON., OCT. 18

MITEF NW Mix & Mingle -- Members of the MIT Enterprise Forum Northwest learning community will meet for an evening of network with current and future volunteers and entrepreneurs. A cash bar and light complimentary appetizers will be available. Where: Pyramid Alehouse, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUE., OCT. 19

Bellevue Small Business Success Story Networking Event -- Hear presentations from Carol Dearth, owner of Sizzleworks Cooking School, and Kenn Wildes, owner of Wildes Pianos, at this informal Biznik seminar and networking event for local small business owners and professionals. Where: New York Life Insurance Co., Bellevue. When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Cost: Free.

Résumé Search Optimization -- Join my Hire Ground colleague Paul Anderson at this Prolango seminar on the Eastside, giving you priceless advice about what to include in resumes that get the attention of hiring managers. Where: Bellevue Place, Bellevue. When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

WED., OCT. 20

Understanding the Labor Market: How to Plan for Your Career -- This workshop will show you how to find the latest labor market information and use it to help you refine your job search. Where: Bellevue College, Student Services Building, Bellevue. When: 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Cost: Free.

Young Professionals Network -- Meet some of the Puget Sound region's most talented and eager professionals at this popular monthly networking event, sponsored by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Appetizers, drinks and giveaways will be provided. Where: Miners Landing, Seattle waterfront. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at door.

Linked:Seattle October Meetup -- More than 600 members of the growing Linked:Seattle online business network are expected to attend this monthly mixer. The networking event will feature a Career Center area for job seekers and employers, and a B2B area for entrepreneurs. Where: King Cat Theater, Belltown. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Boo! Scare Away Boring Bios to Attract Clients Now -- Public relations expert Nancy Juetten will lead this workshop about enhancing your self-promotion skills and writing exciting bios that will attract both clients and hiring managers. Where: Friends, Philosophy and Tea, Bellevue. When: 3 to 5 p.m. Cost: Free.

FRI., OCT. 22

Advanced Interviewing -- This free Prolango seminar provides interviewing tips, such as how to tailor your style to the prospective employer and avoid common interviewing mistakes. Where:Bellevue Place, Bellevue. When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

MON., OCT. 25

Tacoma Job Fair -- Sponsored by National Career Fairs, this event gives you a chance to meet face to face with recruiters from several area employers. Where: Hotel Murano, Tacoma. When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUE., OCT. 26

Eastside Networking & Business After Hours -- Meet like-minded business owners from the Eastside for an evening of conversation, wine and networking. A raffle prize will also be offered. Where: The Melting Pot, Bellevue. When: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free.

THURS., OCT. 28

Eastside Networking Event -- Celebrate this LinkedIn networking group's first anniversary with more than 300 expected business professionals and representatives from companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Expedia, Facebook, Google and many local startups. Where: Rock Bottom Brewery, Bellevue. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free.

SAT., OCT. 30

Publishing Yourself: A Daylong Salon on Self-Publishing & Self Promotion -- This intensive, day-long workshop for local writers and entrepreneurs will provide tips and panel discussions on getting your work published. Wine and cheese networking social to follow. Where: Friends, Philosophy and Tea, Bellevue. When: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $98; $50 more for guest.

MON., NOV. 1

PRforPeople-Seattle - This month's professional networking event will feature a presentation by publisher local author, Jenevieve Fisher. Where: Mosaic Den Coffee House, Wallingford. When: 4 to 6 p.m. Cost: Free.

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