I’m still searching for my perfect job (or even an imperfect one). But instead of planting myself in front of my laptop and cruising the job boards, I’m taking advantage of networking events here in Austin. Even if you don’t live in Austin, I’m sure there are similar functions in cities all over the country.

Last week, I attended one in particular.  Y Gen Out Loud hosted it, so I’m not exactly unbiased in my opinion about it. But if you have the opportunity to attend a comparable event, definitely do so. This wasn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill Happy Hour, where young, desperate attendees listen to older, wiser folks with careers go on about how jobs are available and we just need to work harder to land one.

No, this was different.  Take one 6^th Street venue, toss in three professionals in social media, career counseling, and finance (David Neff, Valerie Hausladen, and J.D. Lewis, respectively), add ice cold beers, mix all together and, voila, you have “Networking with Purpose!”  Of course, you may be wondering, aren’t bars the designated place for love networking, not job networking?  Well, I’m no expert on the best locations to look for careers, but I can tell you that this event was the opposite of stuffy and uncomfortable.

I walked around the patio, introducing myself and talking to others, some in the same boat as me, some employed with job leads. But the thing was, I was just myself.  And I have come to believe, over these months of unemployment, that the secret to networking is being confident in who you are and what you have to give as an employee.

I left that night with four business cards from four new acquaintances.  The event was fashioned to provide an intimate space where professionals and young wannabes could talk about the best ways to achieve their career goals. And I guess I made an impression, because two of the business cards I snagged were from folks who forwarded my resume to potential employers.

I feel like a broken record, but from one unemployed to another, the key right now is NETWORKING! Wherever you go, don’t be afraid to ask about opportunities, shake hands, and ask for business cards.

But don’t stop there. The follow up is just as important and could help you nab that perfect job you yearn for. Believe me, I feel your pain.  But make sure to take advantage of all the networking events in your hometown, even the ones that seem atypical.  You never know where they might lead you.

Related posts:

1. Networking your way to a career
2. Job interviews: not always a foot in the door
3. Book review: Y’s Up!

Andy Langer, KGSR-FM DJ, and Lauren Phillips meet at The 2010 Recovery: Best Jobs for the Future Economy

I’m still knee-deep looking for my purpose in life, but for this column, I am taking a break from telling you about my adventures in job hunting. Instead, I want to tell you about a recent job panel I attended. The event, optimistically labeled “The 2010 Recovery: Best Jobs for the Future Economy,” was co-sponsored by Y Gen Out Loud and campus2careers. Since I write for Y Gen Out Loud, I figured I should see what was up.

The panelists included Texas State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, Colin Pope, editor Austin Business Journal, Jay Whitchurch, CEO, campus2careers, Nathan Green, President, campus2careers, Kate McLagan, VP Client Services, Right Management, and Drew Scheberle, Senior Vice President, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.  The moderator was Andy Langer, a DJ with KGSR-FM and contributor to Esquire.

I know what you’re thinking. Even though I’m part of the Y Gen team, why did I spend a Wednesday evening listening to yet more people tell me how to find a job? And believe me, that question definitely ran through my head. But, the information I learned and the people I met have made me think twice about my job search from here on out.

The good news is, it’s not all doom and gloom. The economy and job market are picking up, albeit slowly. And to prepare for the return of businesses hiring, here’s what the panel suggested – Networking. I realize this isn’t an earth-shattering pronouncement, but it really works. It did for me just last week. It’s all about putting yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to approach people, shake their hands, set up informational meetings, and distribute your business cards.

Business cards? Yes. They’re not just for the employed anymore. Some call them informational or contact cards. It’s better to have cards pre-printed with your name, e-mail address, and phone number than write that information on a napkin that’s easily lost or misplaced. Your card also makes the statement that you are proactive and professional.

But handing out your cards alone doesn’t further your job search. Arranging informational meetings are key to finding employment. Identify companies that you want to work for, go to their websites and look for people who are in the positions and departments you want to be in. Then just call them up and invite them for coffee or lunch. Most people love to give advice, and these folks will be flattered that you approached them to seek their guidance in finding work.

This shows you’re motivated and driven to find a career, attributes that won’t be forgotten. Even if their company isn’t hiring at the moment, they will know you and will keep you in mind for future openings. And make sure you send an e-mail “thank you” within 24 hours after the meeting. It may not be an official interview, but you still need to adhere to the rules, especially since these people are giving their time when they really don’t have to.

And the panelists taught me there is one more thing I should be doing every day. Treating every outing as a potential networking situation. At the panel event, I met several people that I will be contacting in the next few weeks to ask for their ideas and direction in my ongoing job search. You never know where a new perspective might take you.

Every day brings new opportunities, new chance meetings, for us to find our dream career. And that’s the main lesson I will take away from the job panel.

Related posts:

1. Looking for jobs in all the right places
2. Book review: Y’s Up!

Most jobs provide an opportunity to build relationships that you can call on in case of emergency.  My unemployment is such an emergency.  I called on my employed friends, hoping something positive would come from it.  Unfortunately, I was wrong.  Oh, there were the occasional lunches with ex-coworkers, where I showed them my latest reworked resume and asked for any job leads.  And in the few weeks after my unemployment, I felt hopeful that all this networking would turn into a new position.

But I quickly realized that the professional world is a busy one that has little time to deal with the unemployed. I know I sound negative and pessimistic, but, honestly, this was a dark time for me.  As it is for many without jobs.  It’s the month or so after you’ve been let go and it dawns on you that another position may not be right around the corner.  At that point, panic begins to take over.

I can only say I must have been in a state of panic around the time I was put in touch with a liquor company that apparently had a marketing position open.  Naturally, I began picturing myself behind a big oak desk, writing marketing-type reports and taking marketing-type calls.  I talked to the company’s Director of Marketing and got an interview for that same day. Before I hung up, though, she asked me to bring a photo.  I thought it was strange but, really, I was too excited that this job could be the one to end my unemployment.

So, just as I was taught in school, I went to the company’s Web site and devoured all the information.  I wanted to be on fire when I walked through the doors.  A few hours later, dressed in my best serious attire, I grabbed my resume folder, cover letter, reference letters, photo, and hit the road.  I should have known something was up when the company address was an extravagant home on the outskirts of Austin.

I walked in to a group interview, something I had never experienced before.  The Director of Marketing was dressed as if she had been running errands all day hoping to not see anyone she knew. This wasn’t exactly what I had expected, but I kept my head up and my confidence high.

The Director of Marketing instructed me to sit down at the table, a kitchen table. Four other girls were sitting at the table, also waiting to be interviewed. How should I put this?  I was a tad-bit over-dressed. One girl at the end of the table could not have been older than 18, and the girl sitting across from me looked like she was ready to hit 6th Street.

The group interview was just awkward. At the end, there were contracts for each of us to fill out and turn in.  The first page was fairly standard, but the second page was just weird.  It asked for my weight, height, hair color, eye color and cup size – yes you read that right.  I quickly added everything together and realized that I wasn’t interviewing for a marketing position that came with an oak desk.  I was interviewing to be a promo girl that goes to bars asking if you want a free Coors Light.  Not exactly my dream job.

I left without looking back, after first filling out the form (hey, I’m desperate). While this was one of my most unique job interviews, it wasn’t a complete waste of time.  I know how much beer girls make and what the job entails, so if you’re interested in learning the ins and outs, just ask.  After that interview it was back to the drawing board for me.

Follow me on Twitter @LaurenMPhillips.

Related posts:

1. Book review: Y’s Up!
2. Looking for jobs in all the right places
3. Networking your way to a career

In these tough job-hunting times, everyone could use some advice, a sounding board, and definitely a laugh. That’s why I’m here. Through this column, I will share my life experiences in the world of unemployment, since I am, well unemployed. It’s been eight months and counting since I had a stable, full-time job with benefits and insurance.

But before I get into talking about my struggle to find gainful employment, let me start by introducing myself. My name is Lauren Phillips, and I am a 25-year-old graduate of The University of Texas who still resides in Austin. I graduated with a degree in English and a minor in Communication. Sometime in the spring of my junior year I fell in love with the world of radio. I was lucky enough to stay there until recently when I was let go because of budget cuts, something I’m sure some of you are very familiar with.

I started out my radio career as an intern for a top station in Austin. I moved quickly to the promotions and marketing department as a part-time employee. Soon after, I was promoted to full time and was happy!  I loved that department and really felt as though I had found my niche. I had one more promotion and thought this is where I would stay.

But then came the ever popular (dun, dun, DUN) budget cuts, and that pretty much sums up where I am today.

Don’t get me wrong. I am in no way upset or bitter towards my former employers – sad yes, but not angry. It is a hard thing to deal with, but it makes you stronger in the end. I am not going to lie – I did shut down for a while just to get my thoughts straight and to clear my head, which I think is much needed when someone for the first time becomes one of the unemployed masses.

With all that said, I plan to use this column to describe and explain what I have been through these past eight months (and maybe more as the column goes on), with a liberal dose of sarcasm and humor thrown in. With any luck, my adventures will make it easier for you to cope and know that you’re not alone in the unemployment boat. And I want to hear from you, about your travails through the laid off land mine, in the hope that we can learn from each other as we work to become full-time employees!

Follow me on Twitter @LaurenMPhillips.

Related posts:

1. Job interviews: not always a foot in the door
2. Looking for jobs in all the right places
3. Networking your way to a career