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Job Search Resources

Job Seeker Resources

Table of Contents

Work Search Groups

The job search does not have to be lonely. Instead, join work search groups to network with other job seekers and learn from guest speakers. 

PSGMC - Professional Support Group of Morris County

A networking community for professionals seeking job search support, meaningful connections, and career growth. Featuring guest speakers, practical interactive training sessions, and insider strategies. This group helps job-seekers and career-transition professionals navigate today's market with confidence.

Run By: Dale Favia & Paul Cecala, GCDF

Date/Time: Wednesdays 9:00 - 11:00am on Zoom

Join: Contact Dale Favia, dfavia@optonline.net or Paul Cecala PCecala@cecalacareer.com

YOJO - Young Job Seekers' Group

A welcoming space for recent graduates and young professionals in their 20s seeking support and direction in their job search. Through shared experiences, collaboration, and practical guidance, members build confidence and move forward together.

Run By: Paul Cecala, GCDF

Date/Time: 1st Friday every month 1 PM-3PM on Zoom

Join: Contact Paul Cecala PCecala@cecalacareer.com

Executives In Job Transition

Designed for senior leaders navigating career transition, including C-suite executives, vice presidents, and senior directors, this group provides a confidential forum to refine leadership positioning, sharpen executive messaging, and expand strategic connections. Members gain the clarity and confidence to secure their next leadership opportunity.

Run By: Paul Cecala, GCDF

Date/Time: 3rd Monday every month 10 AM-12 PM on Zoom

Join: Contact Paul Cecala PCecala@cecalacareer.com

OUTstanding Careers Group

An accountability job search group for the LGBTQ+ community. A safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to gather and support each other in their job search.

Attendees have 2 minutes to introduce themselves and share their job search questions or concerns. Then the group brainstorms best practices and solutions for 10 minutes. Each attendee gets their turn.

Run By: Paul Cecala, GCDF

Meeting Frequency: 1st Tuesday evening of each month

Meeting Time: 7 pm - 8:30 pm on Zoom

Join: Contact Paul Cecala PCecala@cecalacareer.com

Massachusetts 50+ Job Seekers

Designed for experienced professionals age 50 and over navigating career transition, this group provides a supportive and practical forum for job search strategy, networking, and skill refinement. Members gain updated tools, expanded connections, and renewed confidence to compete effectively in today’s job market. Participation is open to Massachusetts residents and professionals beyond the region.

Run By: Eric Elmendorf, Melody Beach, George Armstrong

Join: Contact Eric.50plusjobseekers@gmail.com

Resources to Find Other Work Search Groups

Find Other Work Search Groups Through LinkedIn, Meetup, Eventbrite, local Chamber of Commerce, School Alumni

My Networking Central An ever growing listing of groups nationwide. https://www.mynetworkingcentral.com/

Careers USA Listings of multiple groups for job seekers, esp in deep South USA https://www.careerusa.org/

FENG Financial services professionals networking https://www.thefeng.org/

Toastmasters Develops relationships through speaking all over the United States and International https://www.toastmasters.org/

Coming May 2026, "The Lonely Job Search" book by Paul Cecala supports the belief that no professional should navigate career transition alone. With connection, strategy, and community, progress becomes possible.

Professional & Industry Associations

Join Professional and Industry Associations to abreast of your industry’s trends and network with people in your field. 

Directory of Associations

Comprehensive listing of professional and industry associations
https://directoryofassociations.com/

Associations for Supply Chain Professionals

Association for Supply Chain Management

Professional associations like ASCM and ISM help supply chain, logistics, procurement, and operations professionals strengthen credibility, earn certifications such as CPIM, CSCP, or CPSM, and expand their networks to stay competitive and advance their careers.
https://ascm.org

Institute for Supply Management

Associations for Supply Chain Management

Prominent U.S.-based non-profit organization (founded in 1915) that provides education, certification, and research for supply management professionals. It is best known for publishing the monthly ISM Report On Business (including Manufacturing/Services PMIs).

www.ism.ws

The Procurement Foundry
An online community for Supply Chain Professionals
https://procurementfoundry.com/

Associations for Marketing Professionals

American Marketing Association

Provides industry-leading training, research, and career resources for marketing professionals. It fosters professional development through certifications (e.g., digital marketing), conferences, publications like Marketing News, and networking via 70+ local chapters.
https://www.ama.org/

Society for Marketing Professionals Services

Diverse community of marketing and business development professionals working together to move the A/E/C industries forward
http://www.smps.org/

NJ Manufacturing Industry Association and Lobby

New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) has been the State’s premier training and consulting provider for over 20 years, offering the latest innovations in technology, standards, and practices.

https://www.njmep.org/

Associations for Finance Professionals

CFA Society New York Chapter

CFA Society New York was founded by a group of professionals that included Benjamin Graham, the “father of securities analysis” and one of the most influential men in the history of finance. Through generations of investment professionals, CFA Society New York remains steady as a leading forum for the investment community since 1937.    https://cfany.org/

The Financial Women's Association

NY area based professional organization for women in finance.  The Financial Women's Association connects a vibrant community of dynamic professionals and proactive institutions focused on development and empowerment to advance leadership growth and accelerate the success of all women in finance.
www.fwa.org

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) & Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - Find Local Chapters

The Association combines the strengths of the AICPA and CIMA to empower the world’s most highly-skilled accountants – CPAs and CGMA designation holders – with the knowledge, insight and foresight to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.

NJ Center for Nonprofits

NJ nonprofit professionals - Advocacy / Public Education; Advancing Knowledge and Learning; Convening and Fostering Connections; Cost Savings for Members

https://njnonprofits.org/

Resources Across the Job Search Lifecycle

STAGE 1

The Path Forward: 

Project Planning the Job Search

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STAGE 2

Discovering You:

Defining Your Career

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STAGE 3

Marketing You:

Job Search Personal Branding

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STAGE 4

Active Job Search:

Networking & Applying

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STAGE 5

Landing the Role:

Interviewing & Negotiating

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Career Building & Skills
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Additional Resources

Resources for Older Workers

Resources for those either close to retiring or in retirement looking for fulfillment. 

AARP - American Association of Retired Persons

Major U.S.-based, nonpartisan, nonprofit interest group for people aged 50 and older. Focuses on improving life for seniors, advocating for social change, and providing services.

www.aarp.org/work Resources designed specifically for the older worker.
www.aarp.org/jobs Search engine, set up an account
www.aarp.org/nearyou For all free local and national AARP events

The Age Friendly Institute

Events and resources for older workers
https://institute.agefriendly.com/

RetirementJobs.com

Job board for older workers
https://www.retirementjobs.com/

50+ Job Seekers in MA

Programs and events for older workers
https://50plusjobseekers.org/

SAGE: Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders

For over 40 years, SAGE has championed the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ elders. Through advocacy, community, and support, we ensure that every LGBTQ+ person can age with dignity and pride.
https://www.sageusa.org/

American Society on Aging

No specific career related resources, but general resources
https://asaging.org/

Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

Resources to help for your advocacy in the workplace and to know what you are entitled to as a person with disabilities in the workforce. 

Job Accommodation Network

Great website to get answer to your DEI resources questions
https://askjan.org/

Disabilities Benefits 101

A website that calculates your benefits and needed pay scale to receive maximum benefits without losing access to your benefits
https://www.db101.org/

ASD Solutions Inc.

Helping Individuals with Neurological Differences Lead Meaningful Lives - ASD Solutions, Inc. is a small-scale 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in East Hanover, NJ serving adults with neurological differences in Morris, Bergen, Essex, and Passaic counties.
https://www.asdsolutionsinc.org/

Department of Developmental Disabilities

Resources for NJ residents with disabilities, caregivers, parents and advocates.
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd/

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

Any individual with a physical, mental, cognitive, or other form of disability who has a substantial impediment to employment may qualify for the following services through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).

The mission of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services is to enable eligible individuals with disabilities to achieve an employment outcome consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities, and capabilities.
https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/special-services/individuals-with-disabilities/

Social Security Disability Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/

NJ Dept of Health Office on Autism

Provides services and assistance to people on the ASD spectrum including work/employment related issues.
https://nj.gov/health/fhs/autism/public/services/

More Accessibility Resources

This comes form the UK, but the accessibility resources are great for the disabled and the abled.
https://lisariemers.com/index.php/2023/05/12/accessibility-resources/

LGBTQ+ Specific Resources

Find specific resources for LGBTQ+ job seekers that were curated by a proud and out career coach.

Find Here

NJ-based Food Banks & Housing Assistance

Specific resources for NJ residents in need of food and housing security while job searching.  

NJ211 (Website or dial 211 on your phone)

This organization is an aggregator of MANY resources for a variety of assistance programs and can refer you appropriately. They have access to many rent and mortgage assistance programs.

Housing, Utilities, Income, Food, Health, Mental Health, Legal, Substance Disorder, Children & Families

https://www.nj211.org/

NJ Food Banks

Spring Street Community Development Corporation

Holds food banks open to anyone throughout Morris County weekly.
https://springstreetcdc.org/table-of-hope/

Community Food Bank of New Jersey

Provides food to local food bank throughout the state and maintains a list of those they give to.
https://cfbnj.org/find-food-services/

The Food Bank Network of Somerset County

http://www.somersetfoodbank.org/

NJ County Human Services Websites

New Jersey county human services websites provide local access to state-mandated social programs, including SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, and emergency services. Key statewide portals for applications and information include NJHelps.gov, NJSNAP.gov, and the NJ Department of Human Services.
https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/

American Diabetes Association

Providing free insulin to those who cannot afford
https://www.diabetes.org/

Your Best Resource: Meet with a Certified Career Coach

Paul Cecala, GCDF is here to help you with all of your job search needs.
Schedule Time with Paul
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