Networking Key To Minorities Finding Jobs

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and with the black unemployment rate at about 14 percent, almost double the overall unemployment rate of 7.6 percent, Foster Williams says that unemployed African-Americans need to take a new approach.

Williams is managing partner of Search4uinc.com, an employment networking organization based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Williams, who says he has 10,000 people in his network, also helps job seekers brush up their resumes and coaches them on interview questions.

He says that in today's workplace environment, networking is key and African-Americans need to do more networking.

"We don't reach out like we should," Williams says. "We don't seem to get involved as other folks do."

Wiliams says that the main components of the job search have changed and minorities need to change with it. For example, he says that when replying to job openings your responses have to be very focused and on point. He added that modern technology has speeded up business and so there is more pressure on hiring managers to fill positions quickly. And adds that networking is a key way to make your name stand out of a pile of resumes.

He says he does not feel job discrimination is as much of an issue as it used to be because most companies are scared of potential legal action.

"It (job discrimination) exists, but for the most part it's your skills that get you the opportunity," he says. 

He added that being a minority might actually be an advantage nowadays, because cultural diversity is a major buzzword.

"Most people want to show they support minority businesses," he adds. He also pointed out that in the public sector a certain amount of contracts have to go to minority businesses.

However, many African Americans and other minorities are now opting to start their own businesses.

"We have an advantage, we just need to get out and take advantage of all this stuff," Williams concludes. "We have to get out and apply ourselves."