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The
Jobs Group is a group of ODLG members who are in a job search,
career transition, or are interested in helping those of our
community who are in those categories. The membership of the
Jobs Group revolves as the population of job-seekers changes
over time and as members "graduate" upon landing
their new jobs or reaching a point in their career transitions
at which their needs have been met.
In
keeping with the mission and goals of the ODLG, the Jobs Group
provides a learning experience for those who actively
participate. We have many opportunities to experientially
learn about job search techniques--to practice networking with
one another, to sample career management tools and resources,
to role-play interview scenarios, and many more. In addition,
by volunteering to facilitate a meeting or lead discussion on
line, ODLG members can practice skills that are fundamental to
OD professionals. Further, for OD practitioners interested in
honing skills in coaching, the Jobs Group is rife with
coaching and conversation-facilitation opportunities.
We
in the Jobs Group contribute and receive the following
services to and from each other:
- Networking
– We network with each other and share networking
contacts that have been helpful to us or may be helpful to
others.
- Resources
– We share resources, such as books, articles, and
websites, that are useful to job searchers and career
transitioners.
- Additional
"Sets of Eyes" – We get to know each other and
each other’s needs and goals in the job search, and are
therefore able to direct appropriate leads and resources
to members as they are uncovered. We funnel information to
each other as we discover it.
- Job
Leads – We share job leads. When members of our group
and the greater ODLG become aware of OD job openings, the
openings are sent out to the Jobs e-group.
- Support
– We support each other in our respective job searches
or transitions. We ask for help if we are
"stuck" in our processes. We offer suggestions
to each other.
- Advice
– We exchange advice on all aspects of the job search.
- Accountability/Contracts
– By making commitments to other members of the Jobs
Group, members have found that they are more motivated to
complete job-search tasks. For example, in the past,
members have committed to one another to complete resume
drafts, attend networking meetings, or initiate a number
of informational interviews by a certain date, usually the
next meeting.
- Resumes
and Cover Letters – We review resumes and cover letters
for each other. In past face-to-face meetings, we have had
group resume and cover letter workshops.
- Job-Search
Process Questions – We exchange advice on interview
preparation, salary negotiations, etc.
- Sharing
- We are open and we share. If a job opening turns out to
be not a good fit for a member, or if one doesn’t get a
job, or if one feels openly that "the best candidate
will win," we share job leads with each other in an
uncompetitive, unthreatened way.
- Facilitation
and Communication – The Jobs Group self-facilitates.
Members are expected to initiate, stimulate, and maintain
communication as it will best serve them.
To
join or learn more about the ODLG Jobs Group, please contact jobsgroup@learninggroup.org.
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