What to expect

Job Search Jam Sessions are finally here on Friday October 1. We have over 50 registrations for this event going into the final day. Tickets will still be available at the door on Friday.


The Jam Sessions will be your time to find out what others know, get your questions answered from those who can answer them, and get to network with others to build your listing of valuable connections.


How should I prepare?

• Come to the event prepared to share something you have learned along the way. 
• Come prepared for learn. 
• Come prepared to network (bring business cards).

How should I dress?

Dress as you would for any other networking event, business casual or business comfortable. You still want to make a good first impression but a suit or tux is not required.

What does the facility look like?


Check out the brief video of the facility recorded earlier this year:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/05/video-tour-of-job-search-jam-session.html



What will the schedule be?

The schedule will be filled in the morning of the event. We do have some speakers confirmed and slotted but the final lineup is determined the day of to ensure we meet your needs. Check out the overall schedule here:

http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/05/draft-schedule.html

When do the doors open?

The registration/welcome desk will be open at 8:30 AM.

You can check in, pay at the door (if you elected to do that), and make a name tag.

Beginning at 9:00 AM (or thereabouts) we'll provide an overview of an unconference using the open space technology. 


If you want to read up on the unconference format, you can find info here

http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?AboutOpenSpace

here

http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?WorkingInOpenSpace

and here:

http://podcamp.pbworks.com/  scroll down the page to view the section on how to "host a podcamp"


What is the registration fee being used for? 

1 - We intentionally don't want to make money, we are all looking for work and recognize that funds are tight. 

2 - We did want to charge something to ensure a reasonable headcount for planning purposes. 

Hence, the $7 charge seems reasonable and allows us to plan a good event and to make a contribution to the church for the use of the facility.

Your registration fee ($7.00) paid via Eventbrite nets the organizing team approx. $5.50 (Eventbrite has a charge for processing the credit card).

From the $5.50 times however many people show up, we will plan for refreshments, lunch and will purchase accordingly.

All surplus funds will be donated to the St John the Evangelist Parish. The church has graciously allowed us use of the facility for free. A full accounting of the receipts and expenses will be provided to the attendees.

You can still talk about the event with your friends, neighbors and networked connections. Registrations will be taken at the door on Friday. You can share the event website  http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

or have them go directly to the registration page http://jobsearchjamsessions2.eventbrite.com/


Thank you! See you Friday!


The Job Search Jam Sessions organizing committee

It is worth taking the chance

You want to go to Job Search Jam Sessions but you're waiting for the phone call for that interview.

THAT interview. You know. The one that will land you in the dream job and get you off unemployment.

But you really would like to go to Job Search Jam Session. You heard it was such a great time in May.

Folks learned about negotiating, entrepreneurship, networking, resumes and LinkedIn. Someone from the Milford Career Center came to showcase their suite of programs.

It was held in Hopkinton and those who went really liked the event. They asked for more sessions. They asked for a longer day.

Now it is coming on Friday, October 1. A full day with more sessions. And yet you are waiting for that phone call.

You know, there is a way to solve that. You can register via the link below. You can either pay via credit card or select to pay at the door. If you get the phone call you can cancel out your registration and get a full refund (if you paid via credit card).

This is an easy thing to do. All the organizers know how you feel. Torn, frustrated with waiting. But if the phone call comes, you can get a full refund. We understand. We've been there. Some of us are still there. Your interview, your job search takes priority.

We do want you to register if you think you will be able to go so we can plan for the food accordingly. This operation is running on the little income generated by the registration fees. There are no major corporate sponsors. No one is paying for this. You and I are with our contributions of time and money.

Why? Because we can and should do this. Because we are all in this together and by helping each other. By learning, sharing and networking together, we will find the position that we should. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But we will find it.

Register here to take part. If you do get the call about that interview, let us know and you'll get your full refund.

9 Ways Job Search Advice Messes with Your Head

Ronni Ann writes:

... my best advice about job search advice is to read as much advice as you can stand – this way you do get to see different perspectives and find some sites you feel especially good about – but then (even for the very best sites) find a way to make it work for you and your own unique needs.

Ronni Ann goes on to list 8 Ways Job Search Advice Messes With Your Head

There is a very important 9th way that those in the general vicinity of Hopkinton, MA can use. The all important 9th one is to participate in the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1. There you will be able to discuss any of these 8 items and find out what has worked for others in this endeavor.


Register here to take part:

Be distinct

That is one key way to stand out from the crowd. If you have a creative instinct, you can do something like Biale.konie, an art director, you can do something like this.




How is that for distinct?


Will the Job Search Jam Sessions teach you how to juggle? No, but there will likely be something to spark an idea or two at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.


Thanks to the Position Ignition Career Blog for the pointer to this video
http://www.positionignition.com/blog/2010/9/23/5-funny-job-search-strategies.html


Register here to take part:

"the “peer pressure” of such a group will help boost your accountability"

Matt Younquist writes #8 in a list of nine items to create accountability for your the job search:

8. Join a job hunt support group.  Same idea as above, more of less, but this approach involves finding a job search support or networking group where the “peer pressure” of such a group will help boost your accountability level.  There are now dozens of such groups in every major city, sponsored through churches, community associations, and private career and outplacement firms.  Need recommendations for the Seattle area?  Drop me a line here and I can share some options.

I'll add a tenth item to Matt's nine. 


You can participate in the Job Search Jam Sessions Friday, October 1 to help get you started on the first nine. Denise Zazzera , for example, has a session planned to explain how a 'buddy group' works. Dur the Jam Sessions in May, a buddy group formed during that session. Maybe one will form this time? One way to find out is to attend. 

Register here to take part:

"In the end a positive attitude coupled with best practices for job search will take you far"

Being over 50 and looking for work can be a scary proposition. A recent New York Times articledetails the fears and realities of looking for work at a time in life when many expected to be thinking their upcoming retirement, not job search.  Although the article painted a grim picture, the reality is, a job search at 50+ does not have to be frustrating or fruitless.  There is a great deal mature workers can do to make the most of the opportunity and end up with fulfilling employment.

Read the full article here
http://blog.jobfully.com/2010/09/job-search-strategies-for-mature-workers/

In the unconference format, the sessions are confirmed the day of the event to meet the needs of the participants. There was a sessions last time on how to deal with this age question, If you want another one, we can arrange that. The place to be is next Friday at the Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

Register here to take part:

Unemployment Insurance 101

Should unemployment benefits be extended again?
Some folks say no. This should help to clarify the issue around unemployment.

I know from personal experience that these are not easy times. It took me 9 months to secure my first contract and when that expired, another 8 months to secure my second contract. Is that an improvement? Is the recession really over? If it is, we still have a long way to go.

UI_Benefits-101


With a little luck, we will be able to have a person from one of the MA Career Development Centers take part to show case the services they provide, as well as an unemployment specialist at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

If you are looking for work, Hopkinton is a good place to start. After all, 25,000 runner find their way their to start the Boston Marathon. You should consider starting there to help your job search.

Register here to take part:

What kind of sessions will there be?

We are a week away from Job Search Jam Sessions. The dedicated team of organizers has been hard at work to help prepare for a successful event. 


You will have a choice of sessions during each scheduled period. You will be able to pick the sessions that will help your job search. If you have a suggestion for a session, or would like to lead a session, there is still time to do so. Please fill out the form here.




So kind of sessions can you expect?


We are fortunate to get commitments from several of the speakers who helped us during the first Jam Sessions in May. 

• Suzanne Gray is scheduled to return to talk about Self-Employment & Franchising. 
• Joseph Mullin is scheduled for a session on LinkedIn.
• Bill Lippincott, the fearless leaders of the networking group in Norton on Tuesday mornings, will return to help on Networking and what ever else he can. 
• Denise Zazzera will return to lead a session on how to organize Buddy groups
• Bob Heiselmeyer will return to talk about the Milford Career Center programs. We are also expecting an unemployment specialist from the Milford Career Center.

Due to scheduling some of the others are unable to join us, however, we have  engaged some new folks for October 1.


We also have a surprise or two planned. If the technology angels are successful in watching over us, we will have a unique opening to set the stage for how the unconference format will work.




Register here to take part:

Don't sit in the dark!

I found this chair on the campus of Northeastern recently when visiting my daughter who is in her final year there. I did not have my Nikon camera just my Droid so the picture came out darker than I thought it would.

Still that is part of the point! Are you spending time sitting in the dark?

I hope not. There are multiple opportunities to network with those in your local or neighboring community.

You can check out Meetup.com, do a search for job search or networking or save some time and come to the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1. There will be at least one session there on networking.

You don't need to sit in the dark!


Register here to take part:

"Find a connection with the person you want to invite & personalize it"

Tim writes:

Using social media successfully requires engagement.  Authenticity.  And a personal touch. Especially if you are engaged in career networking.

Your first impression to others matters.  And if your first intro is generic, so does your relationship begin.

Read Tim's full posting on personalizing LinkedIn invitations (including the tip from @JulieWalraven quoted in the title above) and then come back here to register for the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1. There will likely be at least one session on LinkedIn where you can get good information like this on how to manage to create a good first impression.

Register here to take part:

My good buddy, Chris Brogan has this new offering you should be aware of:

human business works update
JULY 6th, 2010
Free Webinar for Job Searchers Hi Steve - I'm writing to invite you to a free webinar I'm giving on Thursday September 30th at 7PM ET (and yes, it will be recorded) on the following: ENHANCE YOUR JOB SEARCH WITH SOCIAL PRESENCE. One in every 10 people in the US (on average) is out of work. Several more are "underemployed." With so many people clamoring for jobs, the traditional methods one uses to find work aren't cutting it. Join this free webinar conducted by Chris Brogan (perhaps with special guests) to help you get more out of your job search by enhancing your social presence. It's free to attend, and you're welcome to forward this message to anyone you know who's in the midst of a job search: Click HERE to register. Things are ramping up at Human Business Works. We're just about ready to launch our first learning and mentoring community (for nonprofits), and we've got much more to share with you. This is just something we wanted to share because of the way things are going. I hope to see you at the webinar. --Chris...
Explore our site Home You Communities Articles Newsletter Us Events Our company About Us Contact Us Chris Brogan © Copyright 2010 Human Business Works, LLC.. All Rights Reserved. Unsubscribe 77 South Rd Fremont, NH 03034 view in web browser forward this email

There will likely be at least one session on Networking at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

Register here to take part:

5 tips that can turn your bummed out mood around

Margo writes:

We are facing burnout, and it is not the kind of burnout that comes from physical exhaustion.  Rather, it is a burnout that comes from discouragement, and a depletion of inner resources.  The most difficult times we face include those that come from trying so hard, and missing the mark.  It is worse when we throw in the towel.  Whether you are a job seeker whose faced repeated rejection, or a person whose frustrated because you are now doing the job of 3 people, I have some suggestions for you.  Here’s 5 tips that can turn your bummed out mood around.

1. Acknowledge your feelings.  What we resist will persist.  It’s important to face the feelings that are dragging you down.

2. When you feel like giving up, take baby steps. Just do something, even if it’s a small step.

3. Make a gratitude list: write down 5 things for which you are grateful for, and focus on what you have, rather than what you don’t have.

4. Draft a list of people you can talk to about your situation: identify your safety net of people you can trust, and share your problems.  Remember, a problem shared is a problem cut in half.

5. Make a decision to take new action.  Figure out what hasn’t been working, and do something different.  As the old saying goes: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I'll add a 6th - register and participate in the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.  You'll be glad you did!

Register here to take part:

Why aren’t more people figuring this stuff out?

Client: “Wow.  When you put it that way, you’re right, I guess I’m barely scratching the surface of what I could be doing to find a new position.  And I probably should make more of an effort to sell myself before I pack up the whole family and move elsewhere, which we really don’t want to do, or before I abandon a line of work I’ve been in for years, enjoy quite a bit, and actually am pretty darn good at — if I do say so myself.  With all the people out of work these days, coach, why aren’t more people figuring this stuff out, do you think?”

Coach: “Beats me!”

You can read the full script that Matt Youngquist put together between the job seeker and his/her coach here

Those like the client probably haven't attended a Job Search Jam Session like the one coming up October 1.  But you can. Read more about the unconference format here and follow the link below to register.


Register here to take part:

Who covers you while you climb the job search?

The climbing wall on the Crackerbarrel Fairgrounds is down when the fair is closed. Visiting the fairgrounds before the Creackerbarrel 5K run on Saturday morning gave this early view.

If you have a chance to use a climbing wall like this, it is good. The physical strength required to get to the top can be a wake up call. All who climb the wall are covered with a safety rope and some one to cover you. You may slip but you wont fall to the ground.

Does your family, friends and network cover you while you climb the job search?

If not, then come to the Job Search Jam Sessions and talk with those there, someone should have a tip or two to help. The Job Search Jam Sessions will be held in Hopkinton on October 1.

Hopkinton? Where is that?
Over 25,000 find it to begin their trek into Boston for the marathon each April. You should be able to find it easily enough to take the next step on your job search!

Register here to take part:

Time to get in the game!

I have heard some sports fans say that watching the NBA in anything but the 4th quarter is a waste of time. I see their point. Crunch time does come in the 4th quarter if it is a close game. However, there are games where one side get blown out by the other well before the 4th quarter. If they wait until then, they'll miss that part. If they are open, I'll raise the idea of watching both sides of the game (not just your favorite team). It is a challenge but well worthwhile to see the whole game. After all, it is only a game because there are TWO teams playing.

So what does this have to do with anything?

What is October 1?

October 1 is the day when the Job Search Jam Sessions 2 is held in Hopkinton.

October 1 begins the fourth quarter of 2010. For some businesses running their fiscal year according to the calendar year, this is a very important time.

This is the time to do more than watch.

This is the time to get in the game!

Are you ready? Do you have your 30-60-90 day game plan set?


There will likely be at least one session to help you prepare at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

Register here to take part:

Take this poster, please!

The poster for the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions 2. This will be held in Hopkinton, MA on October 1. This is an unconference for the unemployed and under-employed.


Job Search Jam Session 2 - Poster

Yes, please download, printout and post this in as many friendly places as you can find to help spread the word.

The Organizing Team thanks you!

Those who attend will thank you!



Register here to take part:

Do you have a 30-60-90 day plan?

In some of the interview feedback we've heard, you could get asked for a 30-60-90 day plan. What would you propose to do during your first 30-60-90 days on the job?

Well, October 1 is the 274th day of the calendar year, leaving 91 days left.

What is your 30-60-90 day plan for your job search in 2010?


There will likely be at least one session to help you prepare at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

Register here to take part:

"the key difference was in their ability to engage"

Dwayne Melancon writes:

For me, the candidates that really stand out go beyond cursory research.  For example, I've encountered candidates who have prepared a document with their thoughts on our company's strategy versus our key competitors' - with recommendations for how to make our company more competitive.  I've also run across people who have called our company asking for information from our Sales team to see how we position ourselves, what business problems we solve, and how we engage with prospects.

The difference wasn't in what these folks knew or that they'd put forth the extra effort (though that tells you something about a person).  No, the key difference was in their ability to engage in a meaningful discussion during the interview process.  They behaved like informed members of my team, which made it even easier to envision what it's like to work with them.

Read the full posting from Dwayne here


There will likely be at least one session to help you prepare at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.


Register here to take part:

 

Defy gravity

Try defying gravity! Go to Hopkinton; learn, share, network and then defy gravity on your job search!



There will likely be at least one session to help you defy gravity at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

Register here to take part:

Please share with your network!

Now that you have found Job Search Jam Sessions, I hope that you will want to spread the word about this event to your network and encourage them to attend as well.

• Use the post email feature to send to a friend or two or three
• Post the website link and some valuable insights to your Alumni Group on LinkedIn

Encourage your friends to subscribe via email or RSS Reader via the links on the right column.

Show them the schedule outlined for October 1 and/or make a suggestion for a session either that should be conducted or one that they/you would be willing to lead here.

View the brief video tour of St John the Evangelist Parish Center or find the directions to the center via Google Maps here.

And of course, encourage them to register for Job Search Jam Sessions. They can either purchase a ticket via credit card (via a safe online transaction) or register to pay at the door on the day of here. Registration helps us plan for the proper amount of food and drink for the day.

What will the day be like? Let them know that they'll get a bunch of information on the day including background information on the unconference format that we'll use here.

Ronni Ann Shares Interview Clues To Consider Carefully

Ronni Ann writes:

There is of course no way to know for sure whether to accept an offer from just a few interviews – and any of the potential red flags I mention could turn out to be inconsequential. But at the very least…remember you’re there to see if this is a fit for you as much as to show them how amazingly utterly perfect you are for them. If your gut signals “uh oh” even a little…listen. It may simply mean you need to ask more questions or nose around a bit (search engines, other employees, word on the street) to see what’s really going on at the company. Could be it’s a good opportunity after all.

Read Ronni Ann's full posting on the red flags to consider here:
http://www.workcoachcafe.com/2010/09/06/8-interview-clues-to-consider-carefully-before-you-decide-to-accept-an-offer/


There will likely be at least one session on Interviews at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

Register here to take part:

Neal Schaffer provides three tips

Neal Schaffer provides three tips on using the "Follow" feature for LinkedIn.

1. Follow companies
2. Follow thought leaders
3. Follow your competition

Read the details on Neal's post here:

How to Use the LinkedIn Follow Feature? Think Outside of the Box.

There will likely be at least one session on LinkedIn at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

Register here to take part:

 

Jason Seiden says "Use your story to make an impression"

Jason Seiden, one of the key resources of valuable networking and job search information, shared this presentation on "Live your story"

You can find the link to the latest information Jason shares in the Resources column along the right edge of this website.

However you begin your story, with your elevator pitch or something else, your story should contain the elements of every successful story.

What are the components of a successful story?
Jason outlines them here:

Live Your Story!

View more presentations from Jason Seiden.

What is your story?

There will likely be at least one session that will help you tell your story at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1. Register here to take part:

18 Ways to Build Confidence While Finding a Job

Tim Tyrell-Smith writes:

The process of finding a job can suck the life out of you. It can drain your best parts. When you need them most. Here are ways to get them back.

Of course to embark on the “getting them back” journey, you have to realize that you’ve lost them in the first place.

That’s the first hurdle. Because losing confidence doesn’t happen all in one day. And it doesn’t get reported on a computer screen as if you were playing a video game.

There’s no “confidence bar” that tells you when you’ve lost 25 or 50 percent of your strength after a piece of bad news or a bad interaction with someone in your network.

Tim goes on to list 17 ways to build your confidence during your job search:
http://timsstrategy.com/17-ways-to-build-confidence-while-finding-a-job/

I'll add one to Tim's listing - participate in the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1. Sharing what you have learned, learning from others, and adding new connections to your network will help provide confidence to your next step on your job search!

Register here to take part:

Making Memories Technician

Greg BD has a new job. He calls himself a "making memories technician."

Isn't that a good title? It says a whole lot if you think about it.

Kirk is a Chief Morale Officer.
Mignon is "The Grammar Girl"
Phil is the "Make it Great" guy
Scott is know as "That nametag guy."


What would your new title be? Have you thought about it?


There will likely be at least one session that should help you determine your next career opportunity at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1. Register here to take part:

Up on the tight rope

The job search is not an easy task.

You need to network (that can be hard for folks).
You need to be positive (that can be hard when all is gloom and doom).

It is like walking a tight rope, high above the crowd in a circus.





If you have a buddy group, they can act as a safety net. They can keep you from a free fall!

There will likely be at least one session on buddy groups, to help you 'walk the tight rope' at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1. Register here to take part:

Networking

Jason Seiden, one of the key resources of valuable networking and job search information, shared this presentation on "What is Networking?"

You can find the link to the latest information Jason shares in the Resources column along the right edge of this website.

Networking

View more presentations from Jason Seiden.

There will likely be at least one session on Networking at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1. Register here to take part:

How to keep in touch

Now that you have found Job Search Jam Sessions, I hope that you will want to keep in touch as the event planning progresses and October 1 arrives.

You can subscribe via email or RSS Reader via the links on the right column.

You can review the schedule outline for October 1 or make a suggestion for a session either that should be conducted or one that you would be willing to lead here.

You can check out the brief video tour of St John the Evangelist Parish Center or find the directions to the center via Google Maps here.

And of course, you can register for Job Search Jam Sessions and either purchase your ticket via credit card (via a safe online transaction) or register to pay at the door on the day of here. Registration helps us plan for the proper amount of food and drink for the day.

What will the day be like? You can get a bunch of information on the day including background information on the unconference format we'll use here.

Get your ticket to Job Search Jam Sessions here

Event management for Job Search Jam Sessions 2 powered by Eventbrite

If you want to pay at the door, please click on the "Show Other Payment Options" link to register. This will give us a good count to plan for the food.

Start in Hopkinton

Many marathon runners are in training today to qualify for BAA Boston Marathon in April 2011 when 25,000 runners will arrive in Hopkinton to begin their journey to Boston and the finish line on Boylston St/Copley Square.

You too, can start to take the next step in your job search by beginning your journey in Hopkinton on Oct 1. The Job Search Jam Sessions use an unconference format to provide a learning and sharing experience, as well as the opportunity to add new and interesting connections to your network.

What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into this site to keep up with what sessions will be offered.

The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.

By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.

Is your job search finish line in Boston? 
That is up to you, but we all will start in Hopkinton!