The reasons people say they join American Society for Quality (ASQ) vary but ultimately, for nearly everyone, it comes down to one thing: aiding one’s career. Specifically, ASQ offers education, certification, networking, skill development, and career opportunities. While these resources are available throughout one’s career, they appear to be most relied upon when one is unemployed or dissatisfied with their current position.

The ASQ Career Center is the No. 1 resource for qualified job seekers in the industry. It is more than just a job board as it provides advice by helping one find a job, get a job, and what to do on the job. Advice related to “find a job” includes the three qualities you should be looking for from a prospective employer and tips on how to fast-track your job search. The Career Center also provides guidance on referrals, social media, networking, identifying a mentor, resume writing and more. “Get the job” guidance from the Career Center focuses on preparing for an interview, dressing for success and resume tips that make one stand out in order to get recruiters to contact you. Lastly, “on the job” information provides guidance on networking, suggestions on how to manage stress related to a new job, and tips to help one succeed during their first few weeks of employment. Members searching for employment opportunities are encouraged to visit ASQ’s Career Center in order to obtain greater detail on all of these job search related topics.

But that is not all. While the ASQ Career Center helps members connect with organizations looking to fill roles and provides advice, it also offers an Interview Coach and an Offer Analyzer. The Interview Coach is a revolutionary tool designed to transform your interview performance. It elevates your chances and makes your mark in every interview scenario. The Interview Coach provides insights into the most frequently asked questions thus ensuring you are aligned with the latest interview trends. The tool also provides insights and advice from professionals who have been in your shoes, helping you refine your responses with an insider’s edge. This is done through simulated interview scenarios, which help you craft, refine, and perfect your responses as you gain confidence through practice.

The Offer Analyzer lets you compare your job offer and compensation package with what the market pays today. The tool provides up to the minute salary data, allows one to quickly compare their entire compensation package, and helps to negotiation your financial compensation.

ASQ truly wants to support its members and it understands that financial resources are extremely tight when one is unemployed. While ASQ dues are not exorbitant, members will think long and hard about paying dues when unemployed. Fortunately, this is a non-issue because unemployed members can receive a dues reduction up to 100%! If you should ever be in a situation when you need this type of assistance, contact ASQ’s Customer Service Department (800-248-1946) for assistance. Note that this benefit is only provided to current members.

Career resources and dues relief is a good place to start but ASQ members can further help themselves during tough times by increasing their knowledge, expanding their network, and further developing their skills. Knowledge can be developed by attending ASQ conferences, courses, attending local dinner meetings, or simply by reading magazines, journals, and books (both e-books and hard cover) available through Quality Press. Conference and courses are hosted by ASQ HQ, ASQ Divisions and some local ASQ Sections; in-person and online course are available. Many local ASQ Sections host monthly or quarterly events, some at no cost. ASQ certifications provide documented proof of one’s competence and they elevate a person within the quality profession.

Having a large professional networking is extremely helpful when searching for a job. People in your network can provide job leads and serve as a reference. One can expand their network in the quality community by attending ASQ events. ASQ conferences, courses, and local dinner meetings are easy ways to engage with other quality professionals, however, volunteering to serve as an ASQ member leader takes networking to the next level. As a member leader you will not only meet people but also get to truly know them through collaborative work. And there is an additional benefit, skill development. Member leaders perform a variety tasks in a team setting that allow them to not only provide a service but to also demonstrate and hone their skill set.

ASQ membership can be of great assistance is during challenging times but it is incumbent upon the member know about and utilize all the resources that are available to them. If you are ever in need of assistance or simply want to know more about ASQ member benefits, visit their web site (asq.org) or call customer service at (800) 248-1946.