In Praise Of NortonNet

There are myriad groups in cyber space connecting candidates, employers, staffing industry thought leaders, and HR gurus. They vary in approach and in specialty, but most of them incorporate an element of glitz and virtually all of them include a profit model of some kind.

Then there is NortonNet. There is no website, it’s just an email distribution list augmented by monthly luncheons. It is administered by a man named Fred Harrison and to the best of my knowledge he handles everything himself. The only possible profit generator is the occasional plug for one of Fred’s novels, inevitably based on his career in the shadowy realm of the Intelligence Community.

The rules of engagement are very simple:

• Jobs and resumes to be posted must be related to Federal business of some sort.
• Candidates must be seeking jobs paying in excess of $80,000 and the salaries for posted jobs must exceed that threshold (Fred  will also distribute resumes of recent graduates or young people seeking internships if they’re connected to a NortonNet member).
• Job postings must be concise and include contact information for posting member.
• Resumes shouldn’t exceed one page since they will be pasted into an email (I know from personal experience that Fred wields a mighty editing axe!)

 I won’t hazard a guess as to how large the distribution list may be, but it is far-reaching and connects to a very targeted audience. I have placed candidates whose resumes I found on NortonNet as a recruiter and I have received substantial responses to my resume as a candidate. If you’re in the Federal space I highly recommend sending a note to CNortonNet@aol.com to get involved in the group.