Searching for a job can be stressful. It is easy to feel alone while pursuing what can seem like a monumental challenge. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Join a job club. These groups, also known as job search support groups, bring together people who are looking for work and offer encouragement, shared resources and a supportive network. Several academic studies have found that members of job clubs find employment faster than similar job seekers who don’t belong to one.
Job clubs can range from small, informal gatherings to larger, organized groups. They offer opportunities to help one another with resume development, practice interview skills, share job leads, boost confidence and, perhaps most importantly, provide encouragement and connection during what can be a difficult time.
There are different types of job clubs, and each has its own benefits.
Small group job clubs
These informal groups typically include eight to twelve members, though they generally work best with no more than twenty. Meetings are usually held once a week, but the schedule can be flexible based on member preferences.
A group leader selects a convenient location, such as a library meeting room, coffee shop or virtual platform like Zoom. Meetings often follow a set agenda, which may include:
- Progress updates from each member
- A focused discussion topic
- Guest speakers
- Industry research sharing, if members are pursuing similar roles
- Goal setting for the upcoming week, such as number of applications, networking contacts or cold calls
Members benefit from accountability, shared learning and mutual encouragement.
Attending job fairs
Job clubs may also attend job fairs together. While many were once held in person, virtual job fairs are now common. Preparing as a group can improve outcomes, if you:
- Research participating companies in advance
- Prepare thoughtful questions
- Set measurable goals, for example, making 10 new contacts or submitting 15 resumes
Working together helps reduce anxiety and improves effectiveness.
You may find informal job clubs on meetup.com. If you cannot find one, consider starting your own. You can recruit members by creating a listing on meetup.com or asking a counselor at your local America Job Center to connect you with others seeking similar roles.
Formal job clubs
Formal job clubs are typically sponsored by organizations such as:
- Libraries
- Churches
- Chambers of commerce
- Nonprofits
- Workforce development agencies
These groups may be larger and often include professional facilitators. Meetings may occur weekly, biweekly or monthly, and are commonly held in person, though some offer hybrid options.
A typical formal job club meeting may include:
- Introductions
- A guest speaker or workshop
- Success story sharing
- Networking time
These clubs provide an opportunity to meet a wide range of people from different industries and backgrounds, creating valuable networking opportunities in a supportive environment.
How to find a formal job club
There are thousands of job clubs across the U.S., and there’s likely to be several to choose from in most major cities.
A simple online search for “job search networking groups in (name of city)” can help identify local options, and you can visit their websites for meeting date details and other information.
Attending a job club, whether informal or formal, can provide structure, encouragement and valuable connections. For many job seekers, joining a supportive community can make the job search more manageable, more productive and ultimately more successful.
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