Back to the future.

      Every where you go, people are talking about their reunions.  Elementary, high school, college even the military groups are having reunions this time of the year.  Are you going?  Is it going to be an online reunion or in person?  Being unemployed or underemployed does not justify being absent.  This might be the best networking opportunity that you may have all year.  
     People change.  One look at your yearbook photos, will let you know that you have changed.  Physical appearance is not the only thing that has been modified by time.  The class jerk might been a manager in a Fortune 500 company.  Loners may be involved in relationships with very influential people.  So how do you impress them without appearing desperate or needy?  
      Take a deep breath and relax.  Most likely, you will not be the only person in the room that is looking for work.  Your goal is not to get hired at the reunion but to reconnect with old friends, because being recommended for a job by an employee of the company is one of the best ways to cut through red tape and get an interview.  Ask your friends about their lives and don't forget to ask about people that are not present.  Absentees could have work obligations that prevented them from attending.  Talk about yourself but really focus on what other people are doing.  Not just their current position but how they made the transition from school or the military into that position.  Let them know that their story is very interesting and that you would like to talk with them some more.  Be sure to work the room and talk with everyone including teachers.
      Follow-up is critical.   You need to call people within a week of the event.  Now is not the time to tell them that you are unemployed and want their help.  You are developing relationships by conducting informational interviews.  During your conversations reveal your strengths by relating experiences that demonstrate your abilities but continue to focus on the other person.  Find out their career plans, information about their industry as well as their company.  Be really interested in them and focus on cultivating a relationship because asking too early in the game will alienate the person. They will feel used and/or manipulated.  Your objective is gain a mentor not create an enemy.  When you present your circumstances, let them know that you value this relationship and would like them to be your confidant and an advisor.   Again, you are not asking them to give you a job just advise.  They could proofread your resume or cover letters.  Ask them to be a reference for you on LinkedIn and/or if your could join their LinkedIn group or be friends on Facebook.  Naturally, if you realize that this is not someone that you would as a mentor, you have the option to ask them to recommend you to someone that could serve in that capacity or just let the relationship die.     
     A business card is a resume so be sure to circulate your card and collect others. It has your name, contact information and something about your professional qualifications.  Tactfully list your qualifications by including your degree (B.S.,  M.B.A, etc) or a generic job title under your name.  If you have a or Facebook page or website include it but only if it is strictly for business. Sites like http://www.vistaprint.com/ can make quality cards for very little money very quickly.  Jot notes on the back of business card for talking points when you do your follow-up calls.
     Is your reunion online, take this opportunity to demonstrate your computer skills.  Volunteer to establish a Facebook page, website or broadcast on Tweeter.  Post pictures and connect these sites to other places of interest to the group. 
    You can't undo the past but you act in the present and have faith in tomorrow.  The downside of any reunion is knowing that you were a jerk and/or voted most likely to go to jail, people will remember you.  Accept the fact, that you acted in a manner that was not socially acceptable when you were a student.  Apologize if it is appropropriate but keep moving.  Don't waste time and energy trying to get the sympathy vote by telling everyone how abused you were at home, even if you were abused.  You want people to know that you have changed for the better.  Focus on two or three strengths and stories that demonstrate these abilities.  If you clearly, offended or injured someone then arrange to meet with them in the future to apologize and make amends.  This will demonstrate that you have really changed for the better.  If people, retell stories about you from the past, update the endings by adding "lessons learned"  statement.  This will give your an opportunity to relate how that experience helped you to grow and who helped your development.  
    Regardless of your current circumstances or the issues that brought to this position take the time to connect with your past.  Who knows your future might be there.