There are thousands of professional associations, clubs, societies and trade organizations that keep up with and communicate directly or indirectly employment information pertaining to their field or industry.

Some of the best job information you will find anywhere can be obtained from these sources. Take the time to use them.

The most popular approach is to go directly to association websites. Many have job listings available on the sites, as well as news releases and information concerning trends.

At the very least, great contact information can be found. This source usually requires little effort from a job seeker. But there are other ways to look that may provide opportunities not available on these sites.

There are information brochures, bulletins, new letters, conferences, seminars, CDs and tapes available to interested job seekers.

or those involved in a more aggressive campaign and needing contact information, there are membership lists and directories. Sometimes there is a charge for this form of information.

In situations in which members only are provided information, a little ingenuity can go a long way in getting what you want. Just showing up at a conference can lead to contacts.

ormally, the latest information in the field or industry and the most recent membership is readily available at these events in the form of pamphlets or some other form of handout.

If there are no conferences or seminars in the foreseeable future, request past agendas. They usually provide speakers who are experts in the industry, and they often submit papers. Request copies. These individuals will often talk to you by phone or e-mail and can be very helpful in giving career direction or additional contacts.

Finding these organizations is quite easy on the Internet using general key words. They can be found in area phone books -- Nashville is headquarters to quite a few -- in reference materials at the library or by just calling the 800 operator and asking for the industry or field with the word association or other key word included at the beginning or end.

When looking for associations or societies consider dividing them up into two categories. First, organizations whose membership is composed of individuals, groups or entities in a given field or industry are more likely to be open to you. They are set up to promote the interests of the field or industry.

Second, take a look at societies. These tend to be more private and less open to requests. Often knowing someone in the organization can prove beneficial in acquiring what you want. Expressing membership interest on the Internet or on the telephone may help you get information.

Professional organizations can prove a valuable source when looking for employment. Take the time, put forth the effort and you might be pleasantly surprised by the results. At the very least you will learn more about the field or industry.

And don’t wait until you are unemployed to use these sources. Most employers encourage their employees to be involved with these types of organizations. Many will pay for you to belong or at least go to their educational seminars and programs.

M.B. Owens is a Nashville-based columnist and journalist with a decade of experience writing on employment topics and business. He can be reached at [email protected].