Did I mention I’m looking for work? Well one of the best things I’ve done for my job search is joining a support group. I had several people recommend this to me, but I was skeptical. I’m shy, and though I like to commiserate I wasn’t sure how helpful that would be. And I didn’t know what else to do in a support group but to commiserate.
Then a new colleague-friend who was also looking for work suggested we invite others to meet and talk. I suggested we meet at a coffeeshop nearby and just make it up as we go along. The first couple meetings were indeed commiserative; but we shared our goals in addition to our frustrations. I left with a few ideas and suggestions that I didn’t have before.
As we continued to meet, it got better and better.
- I learned to talk about what I want to do with more clarity and confidence, and that makes me less scared to talk to strangers (i.e. networking).
- I really like the people I’ve met. I hope I’ll keep in touch with them.
- I get bursts of motivation before and after meetings, which helps me get things done.
- Your group members know people who can give you information or maybe hire you.
- I got varied and useful feedback on my resume, that I used to create a magic resume that makes people want to talk to me more when they read it.
So if you are creeped out by finding a support group, just start one! Find a friend who is looking for work, and each of you can invite one other person you know is looking for work too. Tell everyone they can invite other people. Soon you’ll have a cozy group, hopefully with varied interests, and probably soon after that you’ll have a job.
Now because it’s Friday, let’s go out on a happy note, courtesy of Cute Overload:
