People who have worked together usually get to know each other fairly well, and can be very good connections for finding that next job.

Corporate alumni groups seem to fall into a couple of major categories. Independent groups pulled together by volunteers who create a Web site or a mailing list (like a Yahoo! Group), and those actually sponsored by the former employer.

In addition, many LinkedIn Groups are developing. They usually connect members only through LinkedIn, often including current employees in addition to alumni, and are a way to identify people with whom you once worked. However, the LinkedIn Groups don't typically meet or exchange e-mail in a systematic way - the LinkedIn Groups seem more loosely connected in comparison with the other types of alumni groups.

Military alumni groups connect members of the U.S. Department of Defense services organizations. Members of the military, particularly those who trained, served in combat, and/or were deployed together, share a bond that is life-long, and many organizations support those networks, across the country.

Government alumni groups are a little sparse right now, but the corporate alumni groups list started at barely 25 a few years ago, so come back if you don't find your government department represented right now.

If you don't find one of your former employers in the list, don't give up - check sites like LinkedIn, which offers the capability to search for people by company and name, with many additional functions to help you make those connections. Also see ZoomInfo, Ziggs, and Jigsaw for more possibilities. For more company alumni groups, check out Yahoo! Groups for Former Employees - over 1,000 Groups are listed; look for your former employer there if you don't find it listed here.

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