The challenge in 2020 is to meet our job seeking customers in a safe virtual space and learn about their unique needs. Stress and frustration are common responses to the current job market. Many job seekers are needing to retool or change fields and nearly all interviews will be conducted online. By meeting virtually, we can help them become familiar with a video conference setting and share important information about changes in the job market and the application/interview process.

This support group combines the strongest elements of our workforce development classes with a supportive personal connection. We encourage participants to meet and share with each other by modeling openness. Every meeting begins with an icebreaker and a self-care/relaxation experience. We then cover a single topic ranging from personal branding, to refining a search, to using LinkedIn and invite participants to share their experiences. We close by offering additional support services and sharing new job postings.

Over the past six weeks, we have met with 15 participants from a variety of professional backgrounds. The information shared has been valuable and the time always goes by quickly. Several group members have taken advantage of individual coaching or resume review services through the library. All have expressed gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to receive support in this way. We have noticed some who were shy about being on camera in the beginning and later were able to speak more confidently.