ICAD Group launching 'Job Club' for Corridor professionals

IOWA CITY -- Professionals typically find that "It's not what you know, but who you know" when you are searching for employment.

With that in mind, the Iowa City Area Development Group is launching a Corridor Job Club that will promote personal and Internet social networking as a path to securing mid- or upper-level positions in what some have described as a "hidden job market."

DaLayne Williamson, ICAD Group's workforce business services director, said many talented workers are sidelined for almost a year before they find the right position that fits their skills and talents.

"National figures estimate professionals take up to nine to 10 months to find a job," Williamson said.  "We're trying to connect job seekers to each other for support and brainstorming to help them with their job search. We also will try to connect them with employers that are seeking higher level people to fill the jobs they have open."

Williamson said the Corridor Job Club will be launched with a workshop, "Using LinkedIn as a Networking Tool," from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 2 at the Coralville Public Library, 1401 Fifth St.

The free workshop will be presented by Mark Hennessy from Vangent and Margie Peskin from Search Forward, who will share tips on how to expand networks using LinkedIn as well as creating an effective profile on the business networking website.

"There are new strategies and theories about what should be on your resume," Williamson said. "We will have a local person who will work with people on their resumes and doing some coaching as far as interviews -- what to say and how to say it.

"We also will have a suggested reading list that we will share with job seekers. We want people to share employment opportunities that are not necessarily right for them, but would be a better fit for someone else."

Williamson said LinkedIn will provide ongoing information on the Corridor Job Club as well as providing an opportunity for professionals to post their resumes as well as skills and experience. She said about 25 members have signed up for the Corridor Job Club's LinkedIn site and more are expected to sign up after the March 2 workshop.

Williamson said the first meeting of the Corridor Job Club will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 6 at ICAD Group's office, 325 E. Washington St., Suite 101, in Iowa City. She said the location of future meeting could change if those attending are traveling from other areas of the Corridor.

"While we have 25 people signed up for our LinkedIn site, we really don't know how many will attend the first meeting of the Corridor Job Club," she said. "Hopefully, as more professionals are able to secure jobs in the Corridor, we will be able to develop mentors who can share their experiences and strategies with those who are seeking employment."