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Department of Labor’s Job Clubs Evaluation. USDOL commissioned study on Job Clubs NhNUSA was a participant in this study along with 17 others 
Grouping for Job Search
5 Reasons You Need A Community When Job Searching The LinkedIn Official Career Advancement Blog As we pursue our careers, each of us relies on mentors, teachers, parents, and colleagues for advice, motivation and support. Every member we met in our “Every calling is great if greatly pursued” series was lifted up by the people in their lives. As we build our network, it’s important to nurture them along the way. Below are a few important lessons we heard from our members about how to surround yourself with people who will cheer you on: Choose your connections wisely Articles on Job Clubs and Job Search Groups Grouping for job search offers an advantage over going it alone.The Role Of Job Clubs In A Job Search - John R. Fugazzie contributor to Aol Jobs Job clubs offer accountability and a chance to share leads About Terrence Terrence has just published on LinkedIn another article on Forming job search groups The Guide for Starting Your Own Job Search Support Group Terrence Seamon did an interview on Job Clubs on jeff Altman's show which is a great recap. http://www.examiner.com/article/the-power-of-job-search-support-groups Terrence Seamon, author of the guide for transitioners "To Your Success!" the leader's guide to engagement "Lead the Way" and the change agent's guide to improvement "Change for the Better" Facilitating Change - Achieving Results! http://about.me/terrenceseamon Organization Development & Training http://www.facebook.com/FacilitationSolutions Guide to Starting a Job Search Support Group Grouping for Job Search Support in Today’s Down Economy By Janice Lee Juvrud and Terrence H. Seamon Networking groups have been around for over a hundred years. Rotary Clubs began in the early 1900’s. Women’s Clubs formed during the late 1800s. While the primary goal of such groups was service to others, you can be sure that relationships formed benefited everyone involved. So what’s new? Due to the economic calamity unfolding since last year (2008), with huge job losses and downsizings, the primary goal of networking has become finding a job and helping others find a job. This has created an interesting surge in micro-groups: small, local, often church-based groups, started in many cases by people who are themselves looking for work, staffed by committed volunteers, operating on tiny or zero budgets, but with hearts overflowing with concern for others. We are part of this movement. We are members of such groups. (See our brief bios at the end of this article) Knowing that many of these groups are quite young, and knowing that many more are about to pop up like mushrooms, we gathered together the following wisdom. Think of this as a set of guidelines we hope will be helpful to you when you join, or start, a local support group. Let us know if this helps you. Our contact info is at the end. GUIDELINES TO CREATE JOB SEARCH SUPPORT GROUPS Purpose First things first, right? Why do you want to form yet another job search support group? Don’t get us wrong: we are NOT trying to talk you out of it. Rather, we want you to think first, then decide. Types of Groups Surveying the many groups that are out there, we have identified several “types,” and offer the following as a way to think about your purpose. Networking Groups: The primary focus of such groups is networking, i.e., providing gatherings designed for connecting with other people for the purpose of expanding your network. Job Leads Groups: The primary focus of such groups is sharing job leads, typically around a specific industry sector such as HR. Accountability Groups: The primary focus of such groups is mutual support of the members through weekly reporting on progress. Job Search Skills Groups: The primary focus of such groups is training and reinforcement on the essential skills for conducting an effective job hunt, including writing a resume, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, building a network, etc. In reality, many groups are blends of the above types. Some Points About Groups Bringing people together for a support group during a job search can reduce the stress and feelings of isolation that come with being “in transition.” In some cases, being part of a group actually helps to make job search a positive experience. In the best of circumstances, new friendships are forged. But, before we go further, there are some things to keep in mind about groups. Anytime a group comes together around a common goal, you get “group dynamics.” In other words, you get some very predictable forms of human behavior that occur in groups. Here are a few of special relevance to the early stage of group formation. What’s Going On Here? – Have you ever been in a small group and suddenly people are asking questions like, “Who put her in charge?” “I didn’t agree to that. How did that happen?” “Every meeting he’s talking about everything except what’s important.” “Would you please get him to stay on topic?” How Do I Fit In? - When new to a group, we are figuring out if we fit. Once we decide we fit, our attention turns to concerns about leadership, decision-making, distribution of power, procedures. You’re thinking, “Am I comfortable with my level of power, responsibility and influence?” Can I Be ‘Me’ Here? - Once fit and compatibility are ‘settled’ for me, the question is, How open do I want to be in this group? Shall I be open and express my feelings or shall I keep my relationships superficial and task-oriented? Can I find a comfortable middle ground? Who’s In Charge? - There is an inclination for small groups to come together without a leader thinking that equal participation and responsibility is appropriate for a group of accomplished professionals. However, a leader can provide direction and focus to support the group’s purpose and mission. Setting a caring, positive tone goes a long way to contain anxiety common for those in search. This will minimize the possibility of a stress in the group and increase the likelihood of successful landings for each group member. How Much Am I Willing to Commit To This Group? – Because this group is a volunteer activity, each group member is thinking some variation of the commitment question. The success of the group hinges on the commitment of the members. A common question is, “Am I required to attend every meeting?” These questions, and others in the early phases of becoming a group, occur naturally even if you’re not aware of it. Our suggestion - Balance your awareness between the Task (your goal) you have set for yourselves, with the Relationships (variables mentioned above). Both are going on simultaneously in the group. Both interact. Your group experience will be more enjoyable and successful when the relationships are strong and productive. COMPONENTS TO CONSIDER WHEN FORMING YOUR GROUP Design Team When thinking of starting a group, chances are you are collaborating with one or more friends or colleagues. Collectively, you all are the Design Team! Whether you realize it or not, you are designing the blueprint, so to speak, for an organization to become a successful support group that will help many people. Mission One of the first things to work out is your Mission: What do you want your group to do, and Who will you do it for? Scope After Mission, the most important early decision is about the boundaries around your group and its activities: What will you do and What will you NOT do. Another common concern is about the boundary between sharing the personal strains of being in transition vs. keeping to the task of finding a job. Note about Mission and Scope: While these are among the earliest decisions you’ll make, once made, they are not over. Both will continually evolve as members and experiences change. Values There are many groups like yours already operating in the greater NY, NJ, PA and CT area. What will distinguish yours? Some focus on networking. Some dedicate themselves to the skills of the job search. Some that are church-based make an explicit link to their sponsor; for example, the St Matthias Employment Ministry in Somerset NJ says “You may be the answer to someone’s prayers.” Name Your Group Agree on a name for the group that conveys the purpose of your group. This will support your outreach efforts, will help to attract people with similar goals of your group and attract folks who are more likely to fit in with the group. Location Another decision to tackle early on is: Where will your group be located? Will you have a home base? Will you float? OnLine Component In today’s wired world, may groups also have an online component or meet exclusively online such as a Yahoo group where job leads are posted, as well as notices about events like job fairs, workshops, webinars, conferences, etc. Schedule When will you meet? Will yours be a regular recurring meeting, e.g. every second Saturday morning? Outreach Depending on several variables: the size, type and longevity of your group; it may be important to have plans for outreach efforts. Consider outreach upfront as you clarify your purpose and mission. Show Me the Money Chances are if your group is like most others, you are operating in a zero budget situation. Still, ask yourselves, what kinds of things would you like to offer your future members? Might you want to offer coffee? Water? Bagels? In the future, would you want to invite a guest speaker? If you do, you might want to give them an honorarium of some modest amount. Creating the Right Mix of Members Look at your Design Team. Do you have enough people to launch this group? If you need additional people, think about the sorts of skills, personalities and work experience of folks you want to work with. Later, once you are up-and-running, you may want to invite subject matter experts to be guest speakers from time to time. People Will Come and Go Though we may seem out-of-place to mention this here, be ready for turnover. It’s natural. Things change in the lives of your members. Some will drop out. You’ll be sorry to see them go, but bid them farewell. And leave the door open for their return. On the flip side, once your group gets going, others will want to join you. While it’s exciting when a prospective member is interested in your group, be thoughtful about who to include. Suggest they come to one of your meetings to see meet everyone. This will give the group and prospective member the opportunity to determine fit. Getting Started Sooner or later, with all the planning you’ve been engaged in, you’ll need to launch. It’s exciting. It’s also scary. Who will show up? How needy will they be? Will you be able to help them? Learning Fast Because many other groups have arrived on the scene before yours, you do not have to reinvent the wheel. In fact, a good way to learn fast is to find an ongoing group or two and meet with them. Ask questions. Pick their brains. Find out what pitfalls they encountered. Ask them,What works? Getting Feedback After your debut event, and then periodically, it’s important to check in with group members for feedback. Is the group helping them? Do they feel they can contribute? What do they like? Dislike? What programming would they like to see? Renewing As your first year of operation comes to a close, it’s important to take stock of what you have experienced, what went well, what did not go so well, what you learned, and what you’ll do differently next year. Take time to celebrate. Plan a retreat just for the team. The Authors Janice Lee Juvrud is an Organization Development Consultant and Executive Coach based in West Milford, NJ. When downsized in 2006 she joined the Professional Services Group (PSG) in Dover, NJ. To reach her: [email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/janicejuvrud http://www.linkedin.com/in/janicejuvrud Terrence Seamon is a Training & Organization Development professional based in New Brunswick, NJ. As a veteran of corporate downsizings, Terry has joined many job search support groups, including PSG, the Breakfast Club, the CIT Group, and the Princeton HR Group (aka the “Dick Stone Group”) Plus he has started a couple: The St Matthias Employment Ministry in Somerset, NJ, and the virtual Yahoo group called the Human Resources Development Networking Group, designed to assist Training & OD folk who are looking for work. To reach him: [email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/thseamon The job search is a challenge unlike any other when it comes down to the variety of emotions and experiences you are faced with. While relatively wholesome in nature, a challenging job search–on its hardest day–can knock even the most confident and sane individual off their feet. But similar to the variety of challenges we face in life, the challenge of seeking employment is far easier to tackle when surrounded by a beneficial and unique group of individuals. These are people who will help lift you up on your worst days, challenge you to better yourself in areas where you’re weak, and even guide you toward your career goals. In an overarching context, this may be considered a support system, but I believe it takes far more than support to complete a successful job hunt. Inspiring a successful job hunt often comes down to the individuals you choose to surround yourself with. Here are five kinds of people you need during your job search: 1. The Supporter This person is your go-to for seeking out the necessary strength needed to succeed. Oftentimes this individual is a close friend, family member, or even your significant other. It’s not necessary for this person to have any job search expertise or even work within your chosen career field, their only duty is to lend an ear and the necessary encouragement to help you “keep on, keepin’ on”. 2. The Mentor The relationship you share with this person is generally of a professional nature. Mentors are often previous or current co-workers, managers, or professors who are willing to act as a sounding board for all that you’re faced with during your job search. They can provide you with sound professional advice, as well as insight into their own personal trials and tribulations. When seeking out a mentor, choose someone who isn’t afraid to be critically honest with you–this isn’t a place for a “yes” man or woman. 3. The Friend While many of the people necessary to the success of your job search may fall into the friend category, this person is strictly in place to help you do more than just search for jobs. That’s right–your job search needs someone who forces you to get out of your house to go see a movie, get a drink, or even just someone who keeps you laughing. Consider having an agreement where you must refrain from talking about your woes when you’re out and about. 4. The Motivator Every job seeker needs a cheerleader. There’s really no specifications for this person, other than their unending ability to send good energy and motivational phrases in your direction. For some, this may be a parent, while others may find their strongest motivational confidant to be someone also immersed in the job search. 5. The Expert Having a professional relationship–often considered to be network-based–with an expert can do wonders for your job search. This individual will act as your industry-insider and is likely to be a beneficial connection when it comes to finding job openings and expanding your network. Sometimes a successful job search comes down to who you surround yourself with. While having these five kinds of people will be key to your success, there may be one person in your support system who plays a multifaceted role. Who have you been surrounding yourself with during your job search? You might also enjoy:
The advantages of group problem solving can include: Greater output. Simply because of the number of people involved, each with differing experience, knowledge, points of view and values, a larger number and variety of ideas for solving a problem can be produced. Cross fertilization The exchange of ideas can act as a stimulus to the imagination, encouraging individuals to explore ideas they would not otherwise consider. Reduced bias The shared responsibility of a group in arriving at decisions can. encourage individuals to explore seemingly unrealistic ideas and to challenge accepted ways of doing things. Individual biases and prejudices can be challenged by the ,group, forcing the individual to recognize them. Group pressure can also encourage individuals to accept that change is needed. Increased risk taking Shared responsibility makes individuals more willing to take risks. The discussion of different points of view also helps the group to be more realistic in assessing the risks associated with particular courses of action. Higher commitment When goals are agreed it gives a common purpose to the group, within which individuals can gain a feeling of self-determination and recognition through their contribution. Individuals who have contributed to finding a solution feel a greater commitment to its successful implementation. Improved communication When .people who are affected by a problem or who will be involved in implementation are involved in finding a solution, they will know how and why that particular solution was chosen. Also, people with knowledge relevant to the problem can communicate that knowledge directly if they participate in solving the problem. Better solutions Groups of individuals can bring a broad range of ideas, knowledge and skills to bear on a problem. This creates a stimulating interaction of diverse ideas which results in a wider range and better quality of solutions. Article by Brittany Schlacter Brittany Schlacter graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in public relations and a minor in fashion. Before joining Come Recommended as a content creator trainee, she gained valuable experiences in public relations, community management, blogging, integrated marketing, and business operations. [email protected] | ||
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Skel's Holiday Adventure Paperback – Large Print, January 9, 2026
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Skel loves Halloween, but now he wants to celebrate every holiday!
Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars!
This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions.
Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together.
Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars!
This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions.
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Introduced in February
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Lily's Big Sister Surprise Paperback
Large Print, July 7, 2025 by John R. Fugazzie (Author), Matthew Fugazzie (Contributor) A Big Surprise Brings Even Bigger Joy! Lily is a young girl whose life is already full of love and adventure. But one sunny morning, everything changes with Mommy and Daddy’s special announcement: Lily is going to be a big sister! Follow Lily as she prepares for her important new role. With help from her loving family, Lily discovers that being a big sister isn’t just about sharing toys—it’s about sharing your heart. A tender, charming story about the joy that a new sibling can bring. It’s perfect for growing families ready to celebrate a new arrival! |
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All the brand, name, graphics, images, logos, web site support and related materials are the intellectual property of John R. Fugazzie and can be licensed by partners under a written agreement. John R. Fugazzie is the developer of presentations, courses, and workshops associated with the following intellectual properties: helping-Brands, Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Ask Professor John, helping-Women, helping-Veterans, helping-Latinos.and Skelclub
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