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Well, here I find myself a professional laid off in the Triangle after 10 years of service at a big digital advertising company. The last month has been... interesting to say the least! After doing lots of research and homework (including throwing many carefully keyworded and optimized resumes at the robotic applicant systems) I have come to the conclusion that the best way to get a new job is via networking. I knew this going in, but it's still amazing just how little response I've gotten from anywhere that has an applicant tracking system.
So my question to you is, what are some good local area events that I could be attending? Specifically for networking? Socially? I'm already a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and may pick up more volunteer work. Also taking some classes to brush up on skills.
Those that have been laid off, any advice? How did you structure your job hunt? What worked and what didn't?
I'm a horrible networker...but church. Church is a great way to network. Not sure if that is something you would consider but many have success with it.
Maybe head over to The Frontier in RTP - a coworking spot that is free at the most basic level (I think that means grab a chair). They have food truck rodeos, other networking events. So head over there to spruce up your LinkedIn and do some job searching, and talk to people there - seems like you're in a field that may be popular there?
Disclaimer: I've never been there. I telecommute so always mean to go there, but am rarely presentable enough.
Well, here I find myself a professional laid off in the Triangle after 10 years of service at a big digital advertising company. The last month has been... interesting to say the least! After doing lots of research and homework (including throwing many carefully keyworded and optimized resumes at the robotic applicant systems) I have come to the conclusion that the best way to get a new job is via networking. I knew this going in, but it's still amazing just how little response I've gotten from anywhere that has an applicant tracking system.
So my question to you is, what are some good local area events that I could be attending? Specifically for networking? Socially? I'm already a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and may pick up more volunteer work. Also taking some classes to brush up on skills.
Those that have been laid off, any advice? How did you structure your job hunt? What worked and what didn't?
You've been happily employed for the past ten years and I can assure you the landscape has changed drastically since then. You will not recognize it almost. The more flexible you are the more options open to you - especially if you expand your geographic options. To give you an idea, Im in a large metropolitan area and within the past year we posted a specialized job posting requiring a PhD and at least five years of experience - we received no less than 80 resumes at least half of who were qualified! The past year has also seen some slowdowns and several other backfill positions are on hold.
Maybe head over to The Frontier in RTP - a coworking spot that is free at the most basic level (I think that means grab a chair). They have food truck rodeos, other networking events. So head over there to spruce up your LinkedIn and do some job searching, and talk to people there - seems like you're in a field that may be popular there?
Disclaimer: I've never been there. I telecommute so always mean to go there, but am rarely presentable enough.
I am so glad you posted about this coworking space. I can't believe it's free. Thanks for sharing.
Hey all, thanks for the replies! I've had a busy week, things have been going much better!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cchampagne232000
Church
Not opposed to church, recently learned that many of them actually have job seeker groups.
Quote:
Originally Posted by m378
Linkedin
Yep, absolutely am on there and use it daily.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NorasMom
Maybe head over to The Frontier in RTP - a coworking spot that is free at the most basic level (I think that means grab a chair). They have food truck rodeos, other networking events. So head over there to spruce up your LinkedIn and do some job searching, and talk to people there - seems like you're in a field that may be popular there?
Wow, thank you for this! I have never heard of this, but it's just right around the corner from me. If nothing else, this would be a great place to go for a few hours a day just to get out of the rut of sitting at home and browsing job boards. Much appreciated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RoaminRebel
You've been happily employed for the past ten years and I can assure you the landscape has changed drastically since then. You will not recognize it almost. The more flexible you are the more options open to you - especially if you expand your geographic options. To give you an idea, Im in a large metropolitan area and within the past year we posted a specialized job posting requiring a PhD and at least five years of experience - we received no less than 80 resumes at least half of who were qualified! The past year has also seen some slowdowns and several other backfill positions are on hold.
Yes, almost everything about it has changed, I've had to re-learn so many things. And I try to avoid looking at the numbers on LinkedIn where it shows you how many applicants have applied to a job. I wondered for a while what I was doing wrong, because I would apply to jobs that quite literally were my dream job, only to never hear a thing from a recruiter or hiring manager. It really got me down because of the sheer number of people that were applying to the job, and how many of them had similar qualifications.
Geography is the one thing that I'm less flexible with, I really want to remain in the greater Raleigh Durham area. I would consider things just a little further out, but I absolutely love the area. I probably could have relocated with my last company and found somewhere to land, but it would have been in Dallas TX, no family, no friends, 16 hours away from any of them. Just couldn't do it.
Where I am flexible is industry. I have experience in graphic design, instructional design and training, and have held several analyst roles in operations and client success. There are many jobs that I could do and do well, but that's where I'm having a bit of a problem, because many jobs are very specific. So, I've tried to narrow things down a bit, and am spending a lot of time going after some of the skills these jobs ask for through sites like Lynda.com.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Repatriot
Check out the North Hills Networking FB page
Just joined the meetup group, thank you!
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Originally Posted by henriInCary
Join meetup.com ... there are lots of groups you can join based on your interest ...
Done and done, thank you!
Once again, appreciate all your replies, great advice, you've helped me a ton!
Forgot to mention, also doing some volunteer work.
If anyone would be interested in graphic design, videography and editing, or photography work for your volunteer organization, please let me know.
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