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Niche Websites Puts Black and Latino Professionals Back to Work

Free Career Resources, Jobs and Caring Mentors Bring Double-Digit Growth in Tough Economy
/ Source: GlobeNewswire

Free Career Resources, Jobs and Caring Mentors Bring Double-Digit Growth in Tough Economy

Professional Online Networking Replaces the Job Board as Preferred Job Search Tool

CHICAGO, May 10, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the economy slowly recovers, one bright spot is those companies that offer their members opportunities for professional online networking within a caring niche community with an affinity of culture. Chicago's Professional Diversity Network (PDN) is one that has consistently been seeing double-digit growth. PDN attributes its success to the fact that its ultra-targeted channels offer a level of professional networking that is hard to match on "one size fits all" websites. Their credo is "Each one Reach One."

PDN Founders Jim Kirsch and co-founder Rudy Martinez say they have seen steady growth in membership (about 12.3 percent during the last quarter with an active membership of 1.2 million). The company's channels, AMightyRiver.com for Black professionals, and sister channel, iHispano.com for Hispanic professionals, comprise the largest professional networking sites for Black and Hispanic professionals in the United States. Their projected growth is expected to stay on a pace to add more than a half million members during the course of 2011. Also, just launched is a new channel, WomensCareerChannel.com, and coming soon are channels for LGBT, Asian American, and Veteran professionals as well as other diverse groups.

An Overlooked Tool

Along with the PDN emphasis on professional online networking, a powerful job search tool that is often overlooked by many who limit their online activity to social networking only,  community members are inclined to open a door or make an introduction for a trusted online colleague. "Our online community is committed to the success of each of our members. By connecting a talented and underserved community and putting members directly in touch with employers and employees at the most desirable American companies, we are leveling the playing field and providing the infrastructure and tools for all Americans to thrive," said Kirsch.

Career Resources are Completely Free of Charge

In addition to listing more than 100,000 jobs with top companies that value diversity, PDN offers completely free of charge, a wide array of career resources, including resume critiques, caring mentors, personal brand makeovers and more.  In recent months PDN has been hiring additional staff to meet the demand for these requests. During member review sessions, an emphasis is placed on how to utilize key words in a resume and the best websites for posting. Kirsch says they will keep hiring in order to ensure a five day turn-around on requests.

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Media Contact:

Rachelle Pachtman at Pachtman Communications: rachelle@pachtman.com.

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