Tuesday's Event at the Affinia Hotel

Another great event last Tuesday. I have to tell you it is so fun for us to get to be at our events and watch people networking, interacting with the hiring organizations, getting tips from the expert and enjoying the speaker segment. The best part of our jobs is knowing that we are helping people and when we get to see that in action it truly makes our work worthwhile.

For those of you who attended the speaker segment I want to address a few things that were mentioned because they really resonated with me. I know we all had a laugh when Patrick asked the question about volunteering and mentioned it was a shameless plug but Tom’s answer reaffirmed what we already knew. Volunteering allows you to show you are active, helping others, keeping your skills sharp and building transferable skills that you can then put on your resume and offer to a potential employer.

Volunteer experience is “real” experience – it’s a job – just not one that pays in dollars. I want to encourage all of you to volunteer be it with us or with another group or non-profit. We can always use volunteers to help us in areas other than just working an event. Are you a great sales person? Do you have a marketing background? An HR background? Are you a tech wizard? These are all areas that we and other organizations always need help in. You can volunteer your time and skills in these areas. I know we would definitely be open to it so let us know if you are interested. To back that up even further Joy talked about “getting out and being productive” what a better way than to feel like you are doing what you are good at, sharpening skills, learning new things and the wonderful feeling that you are helping others. I thought both of our speakers were wonderful and gave very specific and useful things that you can use to take action right now.

Don’t forget that our big “Company Holiday Party for those with no Company” is coming up on December 9th! If you haven’t already registered go to the events page on our website and register. It will be a great night filled with lots of fun, food, drink, entertainment and gifts! It isn’t only for those unemployed either – it can be for entrepreneurs, employees of smaller companies that aren’t having a party or for anyone just wanting to get out and have a good time! The $10 registration fee not only gets you into the event but will also get in a guest under one condition – they have to bring a non-perishable food item for The Chicago Food Depository or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Remember that even if your situation is tough right now – there are people out there that are doing even worse – let’s help them out too!

Thank you again to The Affinia, all of our volunteers, our incredible volunteer coordinator Linda Kesselman and everyone who attended. We so appreciate all of you! Please continue to send us your feedback via the survey or directly to me – we can only get better if we hear from you on what you want and need.

Make the rest of the week a great one and we’ll see you in December!!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the great pics from this event now posted on our Photo Gallery