I think that you register a problem bigger than just looking for a job. But to gophers point, get out and volunteer. There are numerous not-for-profit organizations out there just looking for people to lend a hand.
When I left the @%#$ organization 5 years ago, I sat there looking around and found I had almost no friends in sight. It is a tactic the society uses very well to its advantage: "If we keep them isolated from the rest of society, it makes it tough for them to leave". They make you so part of their insolated community, I mean, where are you going to go?
I have joined a number of organizations and volunteer where I can. In all honesty, I have met a great many people that I can call frends, that I have used for business opportunities and vis-versa, as a result. I could use dozens and dozens of names for references and feel comfortable the tesstimonials would be excellent. These people I find more sincere and can engage in deeper conversations than the superficial ones I used to have while under the societies spell. (God, I used to hate having people over and going through the same crap, "How did you get the truth?" "Oh, I heard this great field services experience..." who cares!)
I run my own software company. It is global, and I deal with a lot of people in Europe and North America. I see a great number of resumes. I believe education is tablestakes. And, if you were in the so-called Truth a long time ago where continuing edcuation was frowned on, I submit to youy to go and enroll somewhere. Even if you haven't graduated, it looks good. The other thing that I look for is drive and initiative. Belonging to organizations or associations outside of work tells me a lot about the persons's desire, interest, commitment and character.
Volunteer for anything....just not for the JW's:-)))