Jobless Move Forward With Pink Slip Parties

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Nearly 8 percent of the U.S. is without a job, but some people in Central Ohio are trying to make the best of it by holding a pink slip party.

The concept started in New York City, where people who have been laid off get together and weigh their options, NBC 4‘s Tacoma Newsome reported.

“This is definitely a be happy, see what’s out there type of event,“ said Theresa Lahr, of Lahr-Griffeth Events.

On the heels of record layoffs in Ohio, the event is coming to Columbus for the first time.

The workers at Lahr-Griffeth Events said attendees don’t have to be laid off. In fact, they said, everyone benefits.

Along with those looking for work, those who have jobs and those who can provide a job are invited to attend.

Attendees even wear specific bracelets to help identify someone’s status.

“The green is for the recruiter, the blue is for the up and looking and the pink is for the pink-slipped and laid off at this point,“ Lahr said.

The name of the game is networking, mingling and marketing what you have to offer.

“Networking is a big part of what we do in the business today. I always know someone who knows someone. That’s a good opportunity to make a connection and see what opportunities are out there,“ Lahr said.

Unlike the unemployment office, the part features food and a special pink drink, but nothing may be more valuable than being able to see a prospective employer face-to-face.

“Your resume is not in a stack of 100. You’re actually getting an opportunity to speak to someone from that company and make an impression and hopefully get an interview,“ Lahr said.

The Columbus Pink Slip Party is next Wednesday at Confluence Park at 6 p.m. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door, but that includes the pink drink and appetizers.

For more information, visit http://pinkslipparty.org/

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