No, I don’t mean drink until you forget about your miserly boss who wouldn’t know a hard working, honest employee if it kicked him right in the… you get the drift.

I’m talking about Pink Slip Parties! A grass roots phenomenon that has been fading in and out of style for years and not surprisingly, typically pops up during economic downturns. Pink Slip Parties bring together hundreds of professional workers who have been (or are about to be) downsized, outsourced or of course, “pink slipped.” They offer great networking opportunities and the chance to connect with recruiters and companies looking for new talent.

Not only will you connect with others who are in your same situation, but you’ll also mix and mingle, pick up some interviewing tips, make some new friends, and learn about new job opportunities before they even hit the internet. Having the opportunity to showcase your talents in a relaxed, social environment as opposed to over a stuffy phone interview is reason enough to check one out!

A few tips:

• Bring your resume and make sure to have more than just a few copies on hand.
• Business casual dress is usually the way to go.
• Relax, have a drink. (Only one or two max – this is a career hunt, not a college frat party).

Think your industry won’t have it’s own party? Do some research. In the past year, pink slip parties have grown throughout a wide variety of industries and are popping up in cities large and small throughout the country. Check out some of the following websites for more information about a Pink Slip Party near you:

• http://pinkslipparty.com/
• http://www.pinkslippartyla.com/
• http://www.wallstreetpinkslip.com/
• http://jobcircle.com/pinkslip/

Though it may seem scary and overwhelming at first, attending a pink slip party is a great move. It’ll give you the chance to familiarize yourself with the interviewing and networking atmosphere, will help you to build a support group of friends and others that are in the same boat as you and most of all, gives you the face to face time with recruiters and perspective employers that you might not otherwise get in your traditional online job search. So scary or not, it’s time to be proactive! Put on that power woman (or man) outfit, plaster on a smile, remember to have a firm handshake and head out to show these recruiters just how fabulous you are!