The 5 C's to Starting Your Own Job Group

You don't have to do this job search thing alone.

Sometimes when we're sitting at home, at the coffee shop or where ever we are doing our job search, we're essentially alone. A job group, or a group of people who gather on a regular basis who are also looking for work, can make it more fun, less lonely and best of all, provide leads and referrals we wouldn't have had otherwise.

Each time I found myself out of work it was one of the first things I would do: start connecting with others in the same situation. Looking for camaraderie as well as connection to people and companies I wanted to work with, a job group gave that regular, consistent connection to the outside world and got me out of my self-imposed exile. I was out of work, not a leper (and even they have colonies).

How about starting your own job group? If you choose to start one, I guarantee you'll feel better, more connected and make more progress than alone. Here are my 5 C's to starting your own job search group (really any group for that matter).

1. Connect: Find others who are in a similar situation (looking for work), have different career needs (so that you aren't competing with one another). Also look for people you connect with on a personal level. It's easier to build trust if you like each other first. LinkedIn is a great social networking place to start for those with a career mindset.
   
2. Consistent: Find a time to meet weekly on a regular basis. Even if it's on the weekend or an evening so you can free your days for interviews or temporary work. It's important to set the expectations so everyone knows when to show up, and does. It can become a welcome respite to a long week too.
3. Commitment: To be present, prepared and professional (on time). When we're looking for work, it's easy to get sloppy and stop caring (no one important is going to see me in my yoga pants and t-shirt right?). But you never know when one of those people in your job group will introduce you to someone who can give you a leg up in an interview, or even a job. Show up prepared, be ready to participate and be professional. You never know where your next referral, or job, will come from.
4. Creative: This is a great time to really think outside the box. You have the time, more resources than ever (in the people in your group) and the sky is the limit. Try mind-mapping, free form writing and brainstorming. A group of small committed people can change the world (and certainly their employment situation).
5. Celebrate: Make sure to celebrate each and every win. Whether it's someone getting an interview, making contact with some one in a company they wanted to interview at, or the eventual job, it's important to recognize the good things when they arrive. It's a great signal to the Universe that we want more of these kinds of things to happen and we're grateful when they do.

A few other items to think about:

• Involve food. No one thinks well on an empty stomach;
• Keep your group small. 6-8 is ideal so you can get to know everyone and their referrals as well as building a relationship, but you also have enough people to be creative.

If you follow the five C's you'll be well on your way to creating a supportive system to help you make it through this challenging time. You'll also be making connection a regular part of your week, getting out and making new friends and referrals. Misery loves company, but so does a good party.

Remember, you don't have to do this alone.

We're in this together!

-Sylvia