Two job-seeking certainties: Networking and taxes -- Career Center Blog

April 10, 2011

Two job-seeking certainties: Networking and taxes

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

Well, after much ado about egos and posturing, it looks like the federal government will continue to function unabated following Friday night's 11th hour "compromise" in Congress. Aren't you happy now that you can pay your income taxes to fund the preceding political theater?

If you're anything like me and expect to owe money to the government this year, you're probably starting to gather your IRS forms and 1099s, oh, right about now, with just a week to go. (Thank goodness they're extending the deadline until midnight on April 18, to give us one more weekend of tax-code misery.)

For those who may be filing tax returns for the first time while conducting a job search, remember that some of your related job-seeking expenses can be deducted -- even if you are still employed at your current job. Expenses such as resume preparation costs, career counseling, outplacement agency fees, phone charges and certain types of related travel can be deducted.

There are more than a few catches, however. Your deductible expenses must not exceed 2 percent of your income. Also, you cannot make these deductions if:

You are looking for a work in a new profession.

A substantial amount of time has passed since you left your last job.

You are looking for a job for the first time.

To read about more than you ever wanted to know about what you can and can't deduct for your job search, please visit the Publication 529 link on the IRS.gov Web site.

Now, let's take a look at the various networking opportunities available after your tax returns are safely filed:

SAT., APRIL 16

Professional Networking and Technology Workshop -- This free, half-day WorkSource course teaches how to create electronic career documents, perform internet research and use social networking as a job-search tool. Where: WorkSource Connection, Central Library, Seattle. When: Noon to 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

MON., APRIL 18

Mastermind Net-Together -- Celebrate the power of group intelligence at this monthly Biznik brainstorming and networking event. After introductions from each participant, the meeting will break into smaller groups, where each member can discuss how to solve problems and meet business goals. Where: Unity Library, Bellevue. When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free.

Eastside Health Professionals Meetup -- Enjoy some great food and meet other local healthcare practitioners on the Eastside at this event to build strong referral relationships. Come prepared with questions about healthcare-related issues for the group's Question Roundtable. Where: Crab Pot, Bellevue. When: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

TUE., APRIL 19

Business Elements Happy Hour -- Come reignite your entrepreneurial spark and enjoy a conversation with career coach Judy Kinney and communication designer Shannon Garcia, who will help you meet new people and get your unique message to the right contacts. Where: Bai Pai Restaurant, Seattle. When: 6 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free.

WED., APRIL 20

Jobbernaut's Greater Seattle Job Fair -- Jobbernaut is back! If you only make it to one job fair this year, make sure it's one of these quarterly events, which feature hundreds of jobs at more than 30 companies. Where: Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle. When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free.

NorthEnd Connectors Networking Event -- Each month, this group of Biznik members, located between Kirkland and Bellingham, gets together to build relationships, meet new professionals and have fun. Where: WineStyles, Bothell. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Young Professionals Network -- If you're between the ages of 21 and 39 and want to make connections with other young professionals, this is the monthly event for you. Not only does this popular Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce group have great networking potential, there will also be prizes awarded. Where: Citrus Restaurant & Tapas, Seattle. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at door; $15 in advance for Chamber members ($20 after April 18).

THURS., APRIL 21

Career Search Optimization Seminar -- This ProLango Consulting seminar will help demystify the job market and warn job seekers about avoiding pitfalls so they can find employment faster. Hire Ground's Paul Anderson will also share tips about how to stay off an employer's "blacklist." Where: Sheraton Bellevue. When: 10:30 a.m. Cost: Free.

FRI., APRIL 22

The Toast of Seattle -- One of the Seattle Chamber's most successful networking programs, this event features three structured networking rounds over breakfast at some of the region's best venues. Where: Pyramid Alehouse, Seattle. When: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Cost: $25 in advance; $35 after April 20; $20 in advance for Chamber members.

MON., APRIL 25

Microsoft/State Farm Diversity Recruiting Event -- This career fair is intended for the experienced student and industry professional looking to network or discuss career opportunities one-on-one with recruiters from Microsoft and State Farm. Note: Job seekers must submit resumes before the event. Where: Microsoft Studios West Campus, The Commons, 2nd Floor, Redmond. When: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: Free, with resume submission.

TUE., APRIL 26

Happy Hour with White Center Business Owners -- Mingle with members of the White Center Business Owners organization at this relaxed networking event, open to anyone who wants to get to know neighborhood entrepreneurs. Door prizes will also be offered. Where: Company Bar, Seattle. When: 4 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free.

Connect After-Hours Networking Social -- Meet new people in a wide variety of industries and reconnect with familiar faces at this monthly mixer, sponsored by Kreate Media + Productions. Where: Gene Juarez Salon & Spa, Bellevue. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $15 for one; $26 for two.

Shine On: Short Film - Big Impact -- Looking for inspiration? See this encore screening of the Biznik-produced half-hour film "Shine: The Entrepreneur's Journey," about the elation, fears, dreams and pitfalls that are part of every entrepreneur's path. Breakout-group discussions to follow. Where: Office Nomads, Seattle. When: 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free.

WED., APRIL 27

Technology Professional's Networking Forum -- Share ideas, meet new people and explore new approaches to business among the Biznik and local technology-related communities. The event will include a networking "round robin," so all attendees with be introduced. Where: Mosaic Den, Seattle. When: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: Free.

Multi-Organization Networking -- Members of Eastside Entrepreneurs, the Eastside Business Association, Le Tip and Biznik will converge at this happy hour event for a lively round of cross-organizational networking. Where: Laughs Comedy Spot, Kirkland. When: 5 to 8 p.m. Cost: Free admission (just pay for what you eat and drink).

THURS., APRIL 28

The 3-Hour Midlife Crisis -- If something doesn't feel quite right about your career, don't panic! Come to this seminar, hosted by life and business coach Dike Drummond, who can help you discover what you are uniquely prepared to do in the next chapter of your life and business. Where: Friends, Philosophy and Tea, Bellevue. When: 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: Free.

Fremont "Geek" Meetup -- Calling all geeks! Come to this second meetup of the Fremont "Geek" Group, where like-minded techies and IT professionals can network, share resources and get referrals. Copious munchies, beverages and free wi-fi (of course!) will be included. Where: History House, Seattle. When: 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free.