Encouragement from Jobseekers of PTC

GEN readers, here's a letter from an email sent out by Jobseekers of Peachtree City. It's addressed to one of the Jobseeker's leaders, Dave O'Farrell, and it just proves how important it is to network when you're looking for work!

"Dave,

I wanted to write and thank each and every one of you at JobSeekers for helping me in my search for a job. Not only did the weekly presentations help, which included tips and tricks for resume writing and interview presentation, you also helped me immensely with my self-confidence and self-esteem!

I would venture to say that I distributed approximately 300-400 resumes and applications via the Internet – with NO bites whatsoever. I started "networking" through what I learned at JobSeekers and contacted many old co-workers and classmates. One of my old friends from high school told me her company might have a position coming available so I forwarded her my resume. She personally walked it over to the head man's office and he sent me an email within two days letting me know he had it "in-hand" and there was indeed a position he would like to discuss with me if I was interested. I went in for an interview this past Friday afternoon, went to their staffing agency on Monday morning for my background check and drug screen, and started on Tuesday morning.

It is unlike any other position I have ever held, but so far I'm loving it. It is also much closer to home....

After being out of work since ...2009, this was a welcomed opportunity.

I just wanted to thank you all for your love and support over the past several months, and for the awesome program you provide for those out of work or looking elsewhere. I pray I do not have to go through this again any time soon, but I know I will be looking to you guys again should I find myself back in those unemployed shoes.

Sincerely,

(Name withheld for privacy)"

Jobseekers emphasizes not only networking in person and by phone, but also via LinkedIn.com. Read on:

"If you are not on LinkedIn, it's very likely that you are seriously impacting your job search. If you are not using LinkedIn to advance your campaign, you are quickly falling behind! Social media isn't a fad; it's a fundamental shift in the way we communicate. If you doubt my words, click on this link. According this video, 80% of all employers use social media as a recruiting tool; 95% of them use LinkedIn. Come tomorrow to hear LinkedIn expert Linda Wells share the secrets to leveraging LinkedIn for job search.

Who: All are welcome; the topics are targeted for professionals, managers and executives.

What: JobSeekers is a nondenominational career ministry.

When: Friday mornings from 7:30 to 10:00 am.

Where: First Baptist Church in Peachtree City; 208 Willow Bend Road.

Why: We work with you to find a job, and we walk with you on your journey of faith.

Attire: Business casual.

Agenda: 7:30 coffee / 7:45 welcome and devotional / 8:10 introductions and announcements / 8:45 job search training module / 10:00 adjourn to the Atlanta Bread Company

We look forward to seeing you on Friday!" - from the Jobseekers of Peachtree City, GA newsletter, by Dave O'Farrell. Dave's group meets every Friday.

Also--don't forget that the GEN group is going to carpool to the Roswell United Methodist Church career network meeting on Monday, Aug. 9. The meeting starts with a free dinner ($3 donation requested) at 5:45 pm, so we'll leave from First Presbyterian around 4:15. After dinner, the meeting breaks into small groups and workshops, and then there is a speaker. Everything winds up by 9 pm.

You don't have to be a member to go with us. Just give First Presbyterian a call at 770 942 0710, and ask for Lynn, no later than Aug. 8 to say you want to ride or caravan with us.

If you come, be sure to bring your resume, business cards, and to dress for a business-type meeting. To see more about this meeting, visit http://www.rumc.com/page.aspx?id=79363

Have a great weekend.
Lynn