To stick with one of Skip Freeman's suggestions about networking, I'd like to introduce you to a website called MeetUp.  MeetUp allows members from around the world the opportunity to participate in offline (in person!) group  meetings centered on common interests in a particular geographic area.

While many of the MeetUp groups aren't work-related, you can do a search for groups in your area related to "business & career".  You have the option of participating in an existing group or starting your own.  The goal is to  network and share ideas, information, resources, or even job leads!  Either way, it certainly wouldn't hurt to connect with like-minded people.

If you join a group, let us know how it turns out!  You can learn more about MeetUp at http://www.meetup.com .

I mentioned this social networking website in today's article.  I would highly recommend you join LinkedIn.  It is geared more toward professionals, and may be a great avenue for you to meet other people in your field or with similar interests.  In our next article, we'll provide you with some tips on maximizing the use of your LinkedIn account.

http://www.linkedin.com

To keep with the theme of the article, Giving You an Edge in the Marketplace, we've included several websites where you can post an online career portfolio for FREE.

http://www.resumebucket.com
http://www.visualcv.com
http://www.opresume.com

Guess what?  We are still recruiting for the Virtual Job Club!
Several of you responded, but we'd like to get a few more members before we get started with the program.  This would involve a weekly commitment from you for a 60-90 minute call per week - with your peers and one of our staff. If you're looking for a job and are interested in participating, please respond by email ticket@human-solutions.net and let us know.
Make this part of your job search strategy!

I'd like to put another call out to anyone interested in being part of our "Virtual" Job Club.  It's geared for those of you who are actively seeking employment and ready to work.  We'll be meeting once per week as a group and discussing various job-related topics, providing support & suggestions, and working toward your goal of finding employment. It will also be a great opportunity for networking.

If you're interested, email ticket@human-solutions.net , and we'll add you to the list.  Applications for the group will be coming out soon!

I'd like to put a call out to anyone interested in being part of our "Virtual" Job Club.  It's geared for those of you who are actively seeking employment and ready to work.  We'll be meeting once per week as a group and discussing various job-related topics, providing support & suggestions, and working toward your goal of finding employment. It will also be a great opportunity for networking.

If you're interested, please hit reply to this email, and we'll add you to the list.  Applications for the group will be coming out soon!

If you'd like some additional assistance in locating jobs in your area, you may want to check out your local One-Stop Career Center. While the array of services may vary regionally, the goal of the centers is to provide community members with job search assistance, including access to job leads, job readiness workshops and a variety
of other resources.

In addition to a One-Stop locator, the website also has information about careers/occupations, salary & benefits, education & training resources, and other helpful tools.

To find the One-Stop Career Center near you, please visit:
http://www.servicelocator.org.