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PDFNetworking is the best way to find your next job. As much as 80% of jobs are never posted because they’re filled with internal candidates or referals by current employees. Networking is not necessarily meeting with other job seekers. Networking includes meeting with anyone who could potentially lead to a job.
Austin Area Job Clubs
Other job clubs in the area you should take a look at.
Austin Job Seekers Network
Has a well structured program for job seekers and a substantial network.
LaunchPad Job Club
More tech oriented due to its proximity to downtown Austin. Sponsors a volunteer group that does free projects for non-profits called Leap-to-Success.
Austin Area Networking Groups
Other area groups that promote networking.
Austin Tech Happy Hour
Austin Tech Happy Hour is the place to network with people in the emerging technology community in a relaxed atmosphere. Limited free and early bird discount tickets are available to the monthly get-togethers.
Capital Factory
Capital Factory hosts many entrepreneur and small business oriented groups.
Meetup.com
Supports groups with all interests. Look for groups with similar interests to yours and just go to talk. Someone might know of a job, but even if they don’t, taking a little time to focus on something other than your job search will help you de-stress.
- Includes Local Austin LinkedIn, a meetup group to meet other Austin area people who use LinkedIn and want to meet in person.
Network After Work
Professional oriented networking events on a large scale. Ticket price includes your first drink and hors d’oeuvres. Events are typically held at large venues that may also offer other ammenities, like billiards and karaoke.
TechRanch Austin Campfire
Campfire networking is all about connecting you to the larger tech startup community. Every 3rd Thursday at 5:30 PM, TechRanch gathers interesting, accomplished people from across Austin’s vast entrepreneur ecosystem so you can get the introductions, insight, and help you need to move your business forward, while also helping others. If the group is small, you may be asked to introduce yourself, tell everyone what you can offer, and make a request for anything but money from the group.
Networking Tools
karmaPond
karmaPond is a platform to ask a favor from the community at large. It can be a contact person, suggestions on where to look for the jobs you want, for a subject matter expert to help you decide if you want to pursue a new path, or whatever else you need. The more specific the better. This can be a way to network your way into a company when you don’t have contacts there on LinkedIn.
Business Cards
You need business cards to be a good networker. Consider printing your own cards at home if you’re not sure what direction you want to pursue. It costs a little more, but gives you a lot of flexibility to make changes.
Do not get free cards from on-line sites that are only free because they advertise their own site on the back of your card. Business cards are meant to advertise you, not the company that printed them. Larger on-line sites may offer lower prices, but slower turn-around time. Local businesses may have higher prices, but can sometimes provide cards same day.
Avery Office Supplies
BuildASign
GotPrint
Office Depot
Printology
Staples
VistaPrint
