Join Professional Organizations to Enhance Your Job Search

If you’re back on the job market after having relocated recently, you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about the importance of networking as part of your job-search strategy. While many people think that their job hunt will focus on searching endless online ads and submitting applications into the “virtual void” as you e-mail your résumé to potential employers, Vandover coaches consistently recommend networking as a better way to tap into local markets and increase your visibility as a job candidate.

One of the easiest ways to begin networking to support your job search is through joining a professional organization. Whether you work as an engineer, a teacher, an accountant, or in another area, you can probably find a professional organization for your industry or job function.

Why should you consider joining a professional organization in your new area? You’ll find there are many benefits to connecting with others in your profession, but here are three key reasons:

1. To stay informed or to learn something new
While you hope to find a job soon, in the meantime, you want to stay on top of industry trends and best practices. As a new resident of the area, you also need to learn something about the local economic climate and business environment for people in your field. You can’t understand the local business world unless you participate in it in some way. Joining a professional organization is a great way to learn about how things work in your new location.

2. To meet people
Your mantra as a job seeker should be “network, network, network.” Meet people, find out what they do, share what you do, and start to build meaningful connections with other professionals. At the same time, you’ll be building your knowledge of local markets and practices, and learning about companies and what to expect as you move into the area business world.

3. To get involved
Getting involved is a way to show that you are actively engaged in the community – and that you want to remain actively engaged in the community. Join a professional organization, volunteer to help out with events and activities, and you’ll also be investing in your networking and learning efforts. There’s no better way than through pitching in to get info and knowledge about the local climate for your career and to meet people who might help you connect to positions.

Thousands of professional organizations are available. Here’s a starting point to find some geared towards your emphasis:

Associations on the Net — This site, from The Internet Public Library, lists organizations that have a Web presence, enabling you to explore groups you might want to join.

Gateway to Associations Online — Maintained by the American Society of Association Executives, this site provides a comprehensive directory to websites of business and professional associations.

WEDDLE’s Association Directory — This site lists several thousand associations from around the world by their primary professional/occupational focus and/or industry of interest. Maintained by WEDDLE’s, a research, publishing, consulting, and training firm.