Group Job Search Workshops: A Concept Whose Time Is Here

Abstract

The quest for more efficient and cost‐effective ways to provide employment opportunities to those seeking jobs has been of concern to the Job Service and other providers for many years. It has only been during the last 10 years that the concept self‐placement has come to the fore and from that, the concept group job search has developed, gaining considerable emphasis and interest in the process. This article analyzes the group job search process, briefly describes the basic models, and presents another approach that has been developed and utilized in Nevada.

Group Employment Counseling in Canada

“…The impact of group employment counseling has been demonstrated in a number of research studies (Amundson & Borgen, 1987a;Amundson & Borgen, 1988;Azrin, Philip, Thienes-Hontos, & Besalel, 1980;Chandler, 1984;Hicks & Kelvin, 1983;McWhirter, Nichols, & Banks, 1984). Trimmer (1984), in a review of the literature on job search groups, concluded his report with the following statement:…”

Job Hunters' Perspectives on Their Needs During the Job Search Process

“…This would mean that there is a need for counselors who assist job hunters during the job search process "to take people Qob hunters] as they are" (Super, 1983). The author believes that only then will the depth of the individual's responsibility (Brandel, 1982;Jacobson, 1984;Kimeldorf, 1986;Trimmer, 1984), which is continually emphasized by experts in the field, as well as self-monitoring (Latham, 1985), self-esteem (Latham, 1985;Miceli, 1985;Super, 1983;Trimmer, 1984) and self-actualization (Lee & Grahm, 1986), become more of a practicing reality. As Baumgarner (1982) stated: ".…”

Improving Job-Seeking Skills of Adolescents with Handicaps through Job Clubs

“…After reviewing group job search programs, Trimmer (1984) concluded that effective programs share these elements: (1) acquisition of skills needed to break into the &dquo;hidden job market,&dquo; (2) emphasis on the individual's responsibility for personal job placement, and (3) inclusion of organized, formal, full-time group instruction and activities. Although it was emphasized that the group leadertfacilitator is the key to group success, the key for the success of individual participants was the positive reinforcement during group activities and increased levels of success as skills increased.…”