My blog post is a tribute to Tom Kaufmann and 905 Careers in Transition, a group for job seekers. There are two locations of this group – one just north of the Denver metro area, and one in the south Denver metro area.

For the last several years, I’ve done a lot of pro bono LinkedIn training for a wide range of job seekers groups. Some of these trainings have been for private groups, like this one. On other occasions, they have been held at county workforce centers.

My first experience with job seekers was at a church near my home. A member of the congregation is a retired HR professional who donates her time to organizing a job seekers group. Other private groups have professional career coaches facilitating them. The workforce center groups are supported by staff of the center.

 

What Makes Tom Kaufmann Special

What makes Tom Kaufmann special to me is that he works full-time as a Realtor. And for over eight years he has facilitated the 905 South group as a volunteer.

During this time, Tom has become extremely knowledgeable about the job search process. He routinely invites a wide range of professionals to speak, carefully vetting them first.

My first experience with Tom was in the summer of 2018, when I did my first LinkedIn training for the 905 South group. I loved his style – a combination of friendly and gracious with a no-nonsense attitude. Tom has had me back on several occasions, and each time I’m struck with his dedication to this group.

 

Information about 905 Careers in Transition

According to their website, “We are a pay-it-forward group whose primary function is to foster purposeful networking among experienced business professionals and executives of integrity whose careers are in transition.

Our mission is to help members find jobs by:

  • Learning how to navigate the job search process
  • Helping other members connect with someone who works at a targeted company”

The website has loads of information about the complex and sometimes frustrating job search process. In addition, it has sections on resumes, interviewing, LinkedIn, networking, and more. Access the website at https://sites.google.com/view/905careersintransition/home?authuser=0

In addition, they have a private LinkedIn group with over 1,600 members. Many of them have landed jobs through the connections they have made within the group. In turn, they commit to serving as a resource for other 905 group members still seeking a job. Once someone attends a meeting of the group, the group facilitator gives them the link to the private LinkedIn group.

 

Meeting Locations, Days and Times

The 905 group meets in two locations every week from 9:05 to 11:00 a.m. 905 South meets on Thursdays at Arapahoe/Douglas Works! at 6974 S. Lima Street, Centennial, 80112. 905 North meets on Fridays at Experience CoWorking at 473 Main Street, Longmont 80501.

 

How About You?

Have you participated in a job seekers group when you were looking for a job? If so, please tell us how that group helped you.

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 45 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. She works with business owners, nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.