Many career professionals who have unexpectedly found themselves out of work are now working
together, helping each other find new employment opportunities through job search programs sponsored
by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Provided at no fee to either job seekers
or employers, these services are offered in selected locations throughout the State by EDD's
Experience Unlimited (EU) program.
The EU networking concept started in Berkeley in 1959 and expanded quickly througout the State.
Given the changes in the demographics of the labor force over the past 50 years and the impact of
technology on business operations, networking is still considered one of the best ways to find
employment. EU members come from a wide range of professional, technical, and managerial fields to
participate in the EU program to update their employment search skills to compete in today's labor
market. Members work together to share job leads, job-seeking knowledge, and experiences. For
employers, EU is a resource for highly skilled, professional, technical, and managerial job candidates.
Most EU members are mid to upper-level executives who have lost their jobs due to downsizing, mergers,
acquisitions, or leveraged buy-outs. They have expertise in administration, management, finance,
personnel, education, engineering, marketing, accounting, computer technology, and various scientific
fields. Since EU members have gained extensive experience from their previous occupations and often
possess advanced degrees, their collective knowledge is an invaluable resource for re-entering the
labor market.
EU participation is self-directed. Members engage in job seeking activites under the general guidance
of an EDD facilitator and actively seek job openings and interviews. During the search for work, they
share professional insights based on their past experiences and provide advice and encouragement to
one another. All members attend an orientation followed by a variet of workshops on topics such as
job search training, resume writing, and interview techniques. They must volunteer their time and
services to maintain program operations and attend weekly meetings that include active networking.
EU members have access to thousands of job opeings through CalJOBS, EDD's Internet-based labor exchange
system. Employers also may view EU member resumes in CalJOBS. This augments the prospects for interviews
that members develop on their own.
EDD's Workforce Services offices provide space, equipment, and a staff specialist for each EU chapter.
Currently, EDD has EU programs in: Anaheim, Canoga Park, Contra Costa, Corona, Fremont, Fresno, Irvine,
Lancaster, Manteca, Murrieta, Oakland, Pasadena, San Francisco, San Rafael, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz/Capitola,
Santa Maria, Simi Valley, Sunnyvale, Torrance and West Covina.
For more information, please contact your nearest EDD Workforce Service office, listed under
"Employment Development Department" in the State Government section of your telephone directory. For
additional information on other EDD programs and services, visit EDD's Internet site at
www.edd.ca.gov