Job Seeker Support Groups

One of the best sources of job leads is other job seekers.

People who are unemployed or under-employed are finding strength in support groups. Members of these groups are the front-line soldiers in the battle for jobs, and as a group, know more about where the openings are than probably any other single source. Except in the rare instance when two people are looking for the same type of job -- at the same level -- in the same geographic area, most job seekers are eager to share their knowledge and leads with others.

That is why career strategist and counselors (and I) recommend all job seekers connect with at least one job search group. I recently created such a group.

It's called the Frustrated Job Seeker Lounge.There are no membership fees or other costs associated with the group. You can make friends, network, ask for and share job leads, exchange ideas and experiences, role-play with other job seekers, and you can participate in the group whenever you want from the comfort of your home. Membership is open to anyone who is unemployed, under-employed, or considering a career change.

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Training Older Workers for Regional Industries

The U.S. Department of Labor announces a $10 million competition to connect workers 55 years and older to career opportunities in local industries. "This $10 million competition will result in opportunities for older Americans who want to receive skills training and extend their participation in the workforce," says Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. This solicitation for grant applications under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative is open to local workforce investment boards as well as other entities that have the support of the local workforce investment board or that demonstrate how their activities will connect to regional talent and economic development strategies. Awards are expected to range from $750,000 to $1 million. Currently, 12.4% of the U.S. population - or one in every eight persons - is over the age of 65. More than 25% of the working population will reach retirement age by 2010. In the global economy, a region's ability to develop, attract and retain a well educated and skilled workforce is a key factor in maintaining our nation's competitiveness. Successful regions connect workforce skills and lifelong learning to regional economic and talent development strategies. Successful proposals will recognize that older workers can contribute to economic growth and their respective regions' key industries.

To find a workforce investment board in your area Google the terms "workforce investment board (type your state)" (Ex., workforce investment board utah) without quotation marks.

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