50+ Job Seekers Regional Networking Groups©

Developed and launched in FY15 with funding from MCOA and EOEA, this program was created for the “forgotten job seekers” – those in the 50+ demographic who find themselves unemployed, underemployed, retired or returning to the workplace after a gap in employment. Regardless of circumstances, are all dealing with the issues of age discrimination during their job search /employment process. The 50+ Job Seekers program provides job seekers with robust materials, strategies, content, and guidance to network and navigate their way through a successful job search.

Current Locations: Auburn, Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Danvers, Franklin, Hopkinton, Ipswich, Marshfield, Natick, Newton, North Andover, Northampton, Scituate, Tewksbury, Westport and Worcester. Please check with the host site to confirm schedule of sessions. Pre-registration is required: www.50plusjobseekers.org

Join the LinkedIn group supporting this program for great opportunities to network with other job seekers as well as employers who are age friendly: www.linkedin.com/groups/8467280

MassHire Career Centers

The MassHire Department of Career Services provides job seekers with a variety of job assistance services, including working with experienced career counselors, attending workshops and short-term training, accessing up-to-date local, statewide, and national job listings, developing resumes, writing cover letters, and more. Find ond of the 28 MassHire Career Centers near you and check out their monthly calendar for classes, workshops and events: www.mass.gov/masshire-career-centers/locations

WIND: North (Wilmington), South (Canton), and East (Watertown):

WIND, founded in 1990,  is New England’s oldest continuously operating professional employment networking group. It is a privately run, self-supporting organization whose mission is to provide professionals in job transition multiple, regular opportunities to network, sharpen job search skills and stay motivated and focused throughout their searches. For information about schedules: www.windnetworking.net

Operation ABLE

Since 1982, Operation ABLE, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, has provided job seekers with training programs and employment services.  They offer a variety of services including occupational and computer skills training, workshops, job search training and support, coaching and counseling. www.operationable.net

Acton Networkers Support Group        

A volunteer networking group created to help those in job transition.  The group meets at 2 locations:  Acton and Hopkinton. For info and schedules: www.actonnetworkers.com

Financial Executives Networking Group (FENG)

A 501(c)(3), founded in 1991 as a forum for senior financial executives to share job opportunities and experiences.  FENG has grown from a small Connecticut based organization to one with over 40,000 members spread across the US and internationally. It is the largest networking group of its type in the entire world. www.thefeng.org

Westford Job Seekers Network

The J. V. Fletcher Library offers a weekly service at the library on Wednesdays from 2-4:30 pm. For additional info: www.westfordlibrary.org

6 Degrees Networking Metro West

A professional referral networking group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Tatnuck Books in Westborough: www.meetup.com/6-Degrees-Networking-Metro-West