Networking

Community Job Search/Networking Groups

Supporting individuals in pursuit of employment. For anyone in the Dayton area who is unemployed or underemployed and seeking employment. No registration necessary – just show up! Questions? Contact Pam Walker, Director of Connecting Ministries, in the church office (937-434-8627 ext. 154) for more information.

Thursday Mornings 9:00 – 11:30 AM

YMCA

Job Focus Support Group

The YMCA of Greater Dayton has begun hosting and sponsoring a weekly Support Group for individuals in the community who are presently searching for a job at several of their branches across the Dayton area. The YMCA has recognized the need to provide support for individuals who have been personally affected by the increased loss of employment in the Greater Dayton Region. The groups will be led by a trained facilitator and will provide support and encouragement to individuals who are dealing with the stress of being without employment and the challenges of searching for a job. Anyone in the community that would benefit from this support group, which is sponsored by the YMCA and facilitated by a YMCA Volunteer Chaplain, is welcome to attend at no cost. During this time of job transition, let the YMCA help you take care of your health - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Groups are currently held at the following locations and times:

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. - Kleptz YMCA, 1200 W. National Rd., Englewood, 836-9622, LeRoy Chambliss, Y Chaplain facilitator
Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - Coffman Family YMCA, 88 Remick Blvd., Springboro, 886-9622, Roger Hendricks, Y Chaplain facilitator
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - Preble County YMCA, 450A Washington Jackson Rd, Eaton, 472-2010, Nancy Amos, Y Chaplain facilitator
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - Huber Heights YMCA, 7251 Shull Rd., Huber Heights, 236-9622, Tom Hanover, Y Chaplain facilitator
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – Xenia YMCA, 135 E. Church St., Xenia, 376-9622, Rex Robinson, Y Chaplain facilitator

Linked Dayton

Linked Dayton, a group for professionals who are either located in the Dayton area, or who have a personal or professional connection to the area.

Why you need a Network

• What is Networking?  Networking is where individuals connect to form mutually supportive relationships.  Networks form for a variety of reasons, including career advancement.  Your network contacts can give you advice and provide information.

Guidelines to help maximize the benefits of networking

• Everyone you know is a potential member of your network.  Everyone you know can be a useful contact (current/former co-workers, former classmates, friends/family (your brother-in-law’s uncle’s cousin may be a recruiter in your field).  Someone may not be directly involved in your field, but they may know another person who is.
• Be willing to ask for help  In order to get help you have to ask for it.  Don’t be shy.  If you need advice call someone in your network.
• Be willing to give help.  You should be willing to offer your help to others as well.  If someone asks you to speak to their nephew about your job/career, you must be willing to do it.  Your network doesn’t exist only for your benefit!
• Don’t use your network only for Job Hunting  If you only use your network when looking for work, then guess what, your network will dry up.  Not only that you’ll become know as “someone who’s always looking for a job”.
• Keep in touch with your Network contacts  Check in with your contacts now and then.  Find out what their up to, let them know what’s happening  with your career.  It will be easier to track someone down after not talking to them for a couple of months than it will be after being out of touch for a year or longer.
• Thank your contacts for their help  When a contact gives you advice or provides a job lead, don’t forget to send a Thank You note.  You can use email to do this.

Additional Advice:

• Online Networking opportunities should be used with Caution.  Some online networking web sites are used primarily for social networking.  But when networking for career purposes, take care to put forth a professional image, use those sites with a “business networking” focus.