DFW Support Groups

There are several job search support groups in the DFW area. Most of these are non-profit and are either free or charge a small nominal fee.

Association of Career Professionals International - a variety of executive coaches and outplacement counselors can be found through their panel of experts. Search for someone in your area.

Career Connection - niche networking groups specializing in the Sales/Marketing profession and the High technology industries. Primary focus is to provide and exchange job leads. Weekly sessions connect each job seeker to internel contacts with target companies for information and possible job opportunities. Time - Tuesday, Newcomers orientation 8:30am-9:30am; Networking 9:30am-11:30am. Location: Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas,75230 (park in east parking lot). Voice mail - 214-739-7153.

Career Transition Workshop - the best "how to" workshops for job seekers. Presented by John McDorman, Managing partner of Transition Consulting. Mondays 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Northwest Bible Church - 8505 Douglas Avenue - Northwest Hwy. at North Dallas Tollway - 972-516-4341.

CareerLink Network - the CLN Organization (CareerLink Network) provides a complete pre-employment assistance program supporting all facets of professional and personal development. CareerLink Network offers members access to both services and products including educational materials and resources, web portals, facilitated discussion/peer networking, counseling and specialized support helping the job candidate “re-source” and market him/herself more effectively to prospective employers. Meetings are held Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 6:30PM. Locations vary by date - see the group calendar for exact location/schedules/topics and available links for addresses/maps to meeting locations.

Employment Transition & You! - this group provides an eight-week series for job seekers and the under employed covering: How to Organize a Job Search, Resume Tips, Networking Skills, Perfecting the 2-Minute Presentation, Interviews and Negotiations. Meets each Wednesday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The church also hosts a weekly lunch program called Power Lunch. Approximately 500+ attend each week. Cost is free. Personal Mentors available for individual assistance. at the Prestonwood Baptist Church, Main Bldg Rooms 205-206, 6801 W. Park (at Park & Midway), Plano, TX 75093. Tel: Church: (972) 820-5111 x. 6119. E-mail: guillory.netm@gte.net.

ExecuNet - this executive networking group continues to attract high-level employed and job-seeking executives, entrepreneurs and recruiters to its dinner meetings the third Thursday of every month from 6 - 8:45 p.m. at the Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, TX. Both members and non-members attend, armed with their two-minute commercials and a desire to help each other network effectively.

Human Resource Job Net - networking opportunities covering job leads for DFW Human Resource professionals. Job leads generation and interviewing tips for local opportunities are the focus. Resume are placed in job bank books and are reviewed by local companies. Take six copies of your resume. Meetings are held on Thursday, 8:45-10am at Park Plaza Bldg, 2501 Parkview, Fort Worth. Contact no. 817-334-4099.

JOB LINK - this is a resource for Human Resource professionals, sponsored by the Dallas Human Resource Management Association, Inc. JOB LINK networking meetings are 8:30 a.m., 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Every meeting features a program on a job search topic sponsored by Drake Beam Morin, a professional outplacement firm as well as an opportunity for networking. Staff Extension sponsors the refreshments for Job Link. JOB LINK also provides employers with many top Human Resource professionals who can fill the needs of companies in search of the right person for the right position. There are candidates ranging from entry level to senior management, for full-time, part-time and temporary positions. For information on attending a Job Link meeting, please contact Denise Raver via email at draver@aivia.net.

Job-Net of Plano - an organization to provide support, encouragement and networking opportunities for people in the community who are in career transition or seeking career change. They educate people on current job market and conditions, share job leads,provide information on hiring practices and other groups and access to centralized job referral service. Meeting is held on Thursday 7-9pm at Reformed Church,5333 Independence Pwy, Plano. Contact no. 972-867-6704.

Jobs Now! - this is a one-week workshop covering the how-tos of improving job search skills, including resumes, networking and interviewing; job leads; no charge; call for schedule. 1723 Hemphill Road, Ft. Worth, TX, Tel: 717.927.4050.

Lake Pointe Job Connection - this organization in Rockwall is a networking and support group to assist local residents in the job search process.Their program is administered by knowledgeable and caring volunteers and consists of the job search process, self-assessment techniques, resume writing and cover letters/ faxes/e-mails, networking skills and techniques for interviewing.Meeting is held on every wednesday from 7:00PM-8:30PM at Lake Pointe Church,701 East-30,Rockwall. For more information call 972-771-2322.

Professional Career Network - this is a job search networking group for skill building, networking, and support. First Presbyterian Church, 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

Texas Workforce Commission - this commission in Richardson offers a free five-day intensive job search seminar covering a wide range of job search information, including interviewing techniques, resume critiquing, letter writing, salary negotiation, telephone tactics, and networking. Call the Richardson TWC office to find out the dates of the next seminar and to reserve a seat. 972-234-5391, ext. 208, 209, or 220.