ProMatch Professional Career Center

I have been a member of ProMatch for several months and it is a great service!
1. Workshops deliver on actionable items to take with you in your job search for resumes, networking, customizing and interview behaviors.
2. Socializing with other professionals in the organization from the area has given me a great resource. I moved to the area recently and my network is not as big as theirs (in the Silicon Valley). Some companies where I don’t have a connection might be a short conversation or two away with the power of this group!
3. Location is easy to get to in Sunnyvale.
4. The support from the other members is beyond compare. It’s easy to get sympathy and helpful advice… to get through the less than ideal time of joblessness. The power of the group is better than trying to go it alone.
5. It’s free!
So, I recommend it for others looking for work. Especially if you are having a bit of trouble. Perhaps making a transition, or if you haven’t had an interview in a long time. Do it for yourself!

I’m a member in ProMatch since the beginning of this year. Promatch has helped me a lot regarding job search and establish network. I met a lot of nice people through Promatch. During network activities and workshops, everyone supports each other by passing on informations and giving referrals. The three leaders in Promatch, Connie, Bob and Rosie are experienced in giving job search tips. It’s a great organization to be in.

There are many excellent resources out there that will assist you, some are free and many are not. ProMatch is an excellent FREE resource that today’s job seeker can take advantage of to give you the skills, practice, and support to be successful in ever-​changing job market. If you are looking for a job, and you have been to CONNECT or ProMatch, you are losing time and money out of your pocket.
Go ahead and try the usual ways and apply online or answer ads, and when that doesn’t work, come down to ProMatch and find out something new to get to where you want to be (employed).

I also wish to put in my two cents in regards to ProMatch. It is an excellent resource for those who are in transition. As KD pointed out, ProMatch is sponsored by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and the NOVA Workforce Investment Board. There are no fees associated with ProMatch. That in itself is a good reason to join this excellent program. You will learn how to network, interview skills, using social media tools to land a job and/​or to find a contact, etc. In addition, you will get to meet 200+ people who are experiencing the same thing (i.e. are in transition).
I have been in ProMatch twice and highly recommend those who have lost their job and are seeking their next opportunity to join this wonderful program.
Finally, I must say that this is the best resource in Northern California. There is nothing like this within 100 to 200 miles. It is why folks from San Francisco, Oakland, Pacifica, Holister, Gilroy, etc. join this program.

I just wanted to put my two cents in regarding Promatch; Promatch is an excellent resource if you find yourself «between opportunities» in Silicon Valley. It sharpens your job search skills and provides the structure and networking needed for a successful job search. I’m normally not a big fan of the effectiveness of government run programs but I have admit that the effectiveness and ROI on Promatch is better than anything you could find in the private sector.

ProMatch, the Silicon Valley chapter of Experience Unlimited, is an interactive career resource center for professionals who are seeking work in Silicon Valley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. ProMatch is sponsored by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and the NOVA Workforce Investment Board. There are no fees associated with ProMatch.
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ProMatch should be your first stop if you are laid off in Silicon Valley. (The entire Connect Job Center at the same location is an excellent resource for free counseling, help with unemployment insurance, computer resources and workshops on finding a new career, retooling your resume, networking and interview skills.)
ProMatch is like Connect on steroids. 220 motivated jobseekers help run a volunteer organization that meets on Monday and Thursday mornings and helps jobseekers network, support each other and hone job skills. The three amazing staffers who run ProMatch (Bob, Connie and Rosie) schedule motivational speakers, provide additional counseling, and manage an organization with 100% turnover every 6 months.
Sign up for a Wed. am orientation ASAP, because right now there’s a waitlist of about 2 months. It’s not for everyone– you need to volunteer 4 hrs a week (2 hours are covered by the Mon/​Thurs meetings) to keep the org going. But it’s great if you have an interview at (fill in company name, e.g. Sun) to ask the group if they know of anyone there who might give you an informational interview to help you understand the corporate culture.
This is especially good for SV techie types. I drove from Walnut Creek and then from San Francisco down to Sunnyvale because it was the best job center. Members are given 6 months and then ‘time out,’ making room for new members.
Check it out at