Alexandria Jaycees: Have Fun. Do Good!

Jaycees to Jobs: Network, Network, Network

In the real estate market, Realtors repeat this mantra - Location, Location, Location - all the time. It's often a key motivator for buyers in selecting their next home and for sellers in setting a competitive price.

In a job search, the mantra job seekers need to practice is - Network, Network, Network. Some studies show high percentages of jobs - up to 60% in some cases - are found by networking. A friend of a friend might hear about a job opening that hasn't yet been advertised; someone you volunteer with may be searching for someone for a job opening within their company; or your college alumni association may have a job board.

In the past two years I've hired 6 Jaycees from my Chapter for temporary or permanent positions. And, of course the Jaycees offer dozens of chances not only to meet potiential employers, but potential friends as well. During the "Rebuilding Together Alexandria" project, for instance, I saw lots of groups of volunteers talking animatedly and laughing from the belly - you know, those great and geniune laughs that come out when we connect most with those around us (click here to see). Since then, I've seen that same group of people get together on other projects or just going out for dinner.

Where do you start to network? Here's a great overview and action checklist of things you can do to begin using your network to search for a job. The bottom line - create a plan for assessing and developing your network (ideally before you really need it) don't be shy about asking friends, co-workers, etc. for advice, information and referrals.

The Alexandria Jaycees provide over 100 opportunities per year to adults aged 21-40 to meet new people - whether through attending an event, participating in a training seminar, chairing an event or serving on the board of directors. The cost to join is low enough to consider budgeting it - not only for the potential job network but the potential to meet new friends, get to know the Alexandria area, and give back to the community.

Here's a detailed overview from the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal of how to "mine" all of the different places, from your church to industry associations to online networking, that is very helpful.

Need some help in starting conversations? A good basic how-to is How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends, by Don Gabor. He gives an easy-to-read checklist for how to break the ice and keep conversation going.

If you want to read about more in-depth and action-oriented networking, I highly recommend Keith Ferrazzi's Never Eat Alone And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time.

Jaycees to Jobs: Developing the Job Skills You Need

Whether you're looking for a job (or looking for a promotion) in the nonprofit sector or in the for-profit realm, having the right skill sets is key. But what if you don't have any (or enough) job experience in an area - such as fundraising, management, or marketing - that is required for the job you want? How will you ever get the experience you need to move up or change careers?

One way to gain "transferable skills" is to volunteer with an organization that will allow you to learn and then try out the skills you need. Transferable skills are those skills you learn from your college courses, volunteer work, hobbies, sports, etc. and that can be used on the job.

Here is a good list of the skills you may want to develop further to take your next career step. Many of these skills can be developed by volunteering with the Alexandria Jaycees - such as public speaking, event planning, interpersonal relations, management, communications, and research & planning. You can gain these skills by working with one of our vice presidents or directors on specific projects/events as well as by serving on the board of directors (which requires your active participation in projects). If you're interested in doing any of this, contact me and I'll be happy to share more or help you develop a plan for making your Jaycee experience helpful in your job search.

Of course, once you identify and develop your transferable skills, you need to work them into your job search or career advancement plan. Here's a simple outline of the steps to take to communicate your skills to prospective employers.