Controlling job-seeker mood swings via networking -- Career Center Blog

November 14, 2010

Controlling job-seeker mood swings via networking

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

Welcome to the holidays: The season of the Uncontrollable Mood Swing. It's known as a time filled with joy, family and peace, but it's also the time of darkness at 3 p.m., miserable weather and shopping stress. No to mention high expectations.

Job seekers got a little emotional roller-coaster ride of their own last week. First, we heard about a Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce survey of 1,200 local businesses, most of whom said they expected business to pick up in 2011. Forty-one percent of the respondents -- mostly small to midsize companies in the private sector -- said they expected to increase hiring, with particular growth predicted in IT, gaming, international trade, professional services, life sciences and healthcare.

Then -- slap! -- we got a warning from the state Employment Security Department about how Congress will most likely not extend unemployment benefits that are set to expire on Nov. 30. Barring intervention from Congress, this is expected to leave up to 2 million Americans, including as many as 238,000 out-of-work Washingtonians, without emergency benefits just as the holiday shopping season begins.

Feeling that joyeux noël yet?

Well, the worst thing moody job seekers can do is add to their stress about "inside-the-Beltway" events over which they have no control. Better instead to keep pressing on with the various networking events and workshops to help build your visibility among hiring managers. Fortunately, there is a ridiculous amount of networking events and workshops to attend between now and Thanksgiving. Here's just a few of them to use as a natural antidepressant:

MON., NOV. 15

Resume Workshop -- Paco Mesch, workforce coordinator for South Seattle Community College, will show you how to develop a résumé that will get past the "10-second screen." Where: Woodmont Library, Des Moines. When: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUE., NOV. 16

Resume Search Optimization -- In this ProLango seminar, Hire Ground's Paul Anderson exposes the resume myths that are holding you back from getting interviews and discusses whether you really need a cover letter. Where: Bellevue Place, Bellevue. When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

NWEN Pub Night: Speed Dating -- Kick back over a cocktail, appetizers and conversation and sign up for "speed-date-style" networking with one of five Northwest Entrepreneur Network experts. New member orientation starts an hour early and includes a free drink. Where: Spitfire Restaurant, Seattle. When: 5:30pm to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 for members; $20 for guests of members.

Jobtini Recruitment Event -- This "boutique job fair" sponsored by ColorsNW brings together job candidates of color with Northwest employers such as Microsoft, State Farm, Spring Creek Group, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center and more. Where: Spitfire Restaurant, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free.

WED., NOV. 17

NurseWeek -- Explore career options with local and national health organizations and discover the latest in healthcare trends in this day-long job fair for registered nurses. Where: Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle. When: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Are You LinkedIn? -- This workshop, presented by corporate outreach specialist Fabienne Mouton, provides an opportunity to converse with employers about best practices for using LinkedIn.com for job searches. Where: Bellevue College, Student Services Building, Bellevue. When: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cost: Free.

Connect: Eastside Happy Hour Networking Social -- At this Biznik event, meet people who are well connected locally and online, and share your story with other passionate Eastside business owners. Where: Lot No.3, Bellevue. When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Improve Your Career, Change Your Life -- Join the Puget Sound Marketing Association for networking and insights from career coach Alicia Caswell, owner of ImpactLife Now, who will speak about the natural patterns of change. Where: Spitfire Restaurant, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 for PSAMA members; $15 for nonmembers (includes one free drink and appetizers).

November Linked:Seattle Meetup -- Get together with more than 700 Linked:Seattle community members and tell them about your experiences as a Seattle area professional. Videographer Greg Palmer will volunteer to create mini YouTube vignettes for group members. Where: Tea Palace, Renton. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Young Professionals Network -- Mingle with Seattle's top young professionals at this popular Seattle Chamber event. Is your company not a member? Register for this networking event for a free "try out." Where: PNK Restaurant & Ultra Lounge, Pacific Place, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

THURS., NOV. 18

Nationwide Job Fair -- Bring resumes to this WorkSource event and meet with companies, including Verizon Wireless, Starbucks, FedEx, the Social Security Administration and more. Where: Best Western River's Edge, Tukwila. When: 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: Free.

The Secrets of the Government Job Search -- Heather Krasna, author of "Jobs That Matter," will provide tips about testing procedures, resumes and interviews for those interested in landing a government or nonprofit jobs. Where: Centerpoint, Building D, Seattle. When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $10.

Effective Networking for Employment -- Employment and training specialist Tanner Phillips will discuss common myths of networking and tips on developing a network system. Where: Redmond Library, Redmond. When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

FRI., NOV. 19

7 Tax Tips for the Self-Employed -- Seattle CPA Jennifer Zhou shows self-employed individuals how to negotiate the tax gauntlet by increasing deductible business expenses and avoiding nasty IRS surprises. Where: Internet webcast. When: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost: Free.

Advanced Interviewing -- This ProLango seminar covers how to tailor your interviewing style to an interviewer, the number one interviewing mistake and more. Where: Bellevue Place, Bellevue. When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUE., NOV. 23

Effective Networking for Employment -- Employment and training specialist Tanner Phillips continues his series of seminars about common myths of networking and tips on developing a network system. Where: Woodmont Library, Des Moines. When: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: Free.

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