Using Professional Associations to Find Job Opportunities

Recently, I started a contract with the Kauffman Foundation that I got through a source you may not have considered in your job search - a professional association. The first time I attended the Kansas City chapter of The International Association of Business Communicators I met a representative from LandaJob Advertising Staffing Specialists. We talked at the luncheon -- I followed up with a resume AND with a list of contacts at a former employer that I thought would help Landajob with other staffing concerns. A few weeks later, Landajob called with an opportunity that fit my qualifications perfectly.

Many professional associations give participants who attend their meetings an opportunity to speak about their job search. At the IABC meeting, the presider asked if anyone was looking for a job and gave people a chance to stand and speak about their qualifications and opportunities they were looking for. I've heard from those who attended local Human Resources professional associations that they also give attendees on a job search time to market themselves. I'm certian others have similar opportunities.

Looking for local professional organizations in your field to help with your job search?

Check out the Directory of Professional Associations by the American Society of Association Executives. You can search by name, interest area, or geographic location. I found several associations pertinent to my field by putting in "web" and to where I live by putting in "Kansas City." The results give location, contact information, and web site.

You don't have to join a professional association to attend one or two meetings. However, you will probably have to pay to attend the meeting -- the ones I attended cost about $25. But it's a great investment if you make contacts that lead to a job.

Thanks to the job search site QuintCareers where I got this link.