If you’ve been making the networking rounds lately, you’ve probably been noticing a heightened level of people out of work and looking for a job.  Wait, I’m sorry.  The ubiquitous term of the moment is “in transition.”  You know things are bad when people can agree on a euphemism for “laid off.”  Indeed, the environment is reminding me of the last great tech meltdown, which starting producing similar crowds around 2001.  And it makes me wonder: are the Pink Slip Parties on the way back?  (They’ve already returned in New York City and Houston.)

If you weren’t active in the market back then, a “Pink Slip Party” is a party for the unemployed/recently laid off.  Frequently, there’s an attempt to have HR and recruiters in the room.  Ideally, companies will have a booth and people will line up to interview for jobs right there at the party.

Does this sound like a good thing?  Well, it can be.  The thing is, there are some strange elements that can creep into a Pink Slip Party. (more…)