Using Professional Organization To Find Employment

            There are thousands of professional associations, clubs, societies and trade organizations that keep up with and communicate employment information pertaining to their field or industry of interest. Some of the best job information you will find anywhere can be obtained from these sources. Take the time to use them.

            The most popular approach is to go directly to their Web sites. Many have job listings available on the sites. The latest news releases are often on the Web pages as well as the latest trends. Frequently great contact information can be found. This source usually requires little effort from a job seeker. But there are other ways to look that may provide opportunities not available on these sites.

            There are information brochures, bulletins, new letters, conferences, seminars, and tapes available to interested job seekers. For those involved in a more aggressive campaign and needing contact information, there are membership lists and directories. Sometimes there is a charge and sometimes they are free.

            In situations where members only are provided information, a little ingenuity can go a long way in getting what you want. Just showing up at a conference can lead to contacts. Normally the latest information in the field or industry as well as the most recent membership is readily available at these events in the form of pamphlets or some other form of handout.

            There is often a lot of good information on agendas at these meetings. If there are no conferences or seminars coming up in the foreseeable future, request past agendas. They usually provide speakers that are experts in the industry. Experts often submit papers. Request copies. These individuals will often talk to you by phone or e-mail and can be very helpful in giving career direction or additional contacts.

            Finding these organizations is quite easy. They can be found on the Internet using general key words. They can be found in area phone books, in reference materials at the library or by just calling the 800 operator and asking for the industry or field with the word association or other key word included at the beginning or end.

            When looking for associations or societies consider dividing them up into two categories. First, organizations whose membership is comprised of individuals, groups or entities in a given field or industry are more likely to be open to you. They are set up to promote the interests of the field or industry.

            The second category is primarily comprised of societies that tend to be more private and less open to requests. Often knowing someone in the organization can prove beneficial in acquiring what you want. Expressing membership interest on the Internet or on the telephone may help you get information.

            Professional organizations can prove a valuable source when looking for employment. Take the time and put forth the effort and you might be pleasantly surprised by the results. At the very least you will learn a lot about your field or industry. And don’t wait until you are unemployed to use these sources. Most employers encourage their employees to be involved with these types of organizations. Many will pay for you to belong or at least go to their educational seminars and programs.