Could you list part time jobs that do not require a background check?

I'm sorry, but I do not have information about part time positions with companies that do not do background checks. Generally, people who have this request have something in their background that they feel would be a deterrent in their ability to be hired. You may need some professional help to offer some suggestions on how to address it in your job search.

I would suggest you research those organizations that may specialize in your particular issue, such as the Safer Foundation, and seek help directly from them.

Good luck! The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Focusing Your Search Strategies

I lost my job 2 months ago and since have been going from office to office looking for work. In the past 2 or 3 weeks I started going to hiring agencies and they don't seem to offer me any luck either. I am a college graduate with management experience and I am running out of ideas on where to find work. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me, anything would be greatly appreciated.

Sometimes, the "career expert" has more questions than answers - I'm not clear what "going from office to office" means - and "hiring agencies" aren't offering you luck refers to. If you expect a position to fall into your lap - you need to stop, step back and look at what will be more effective than your current job search activities.

Is your resume formatted in a way that highlights your accomplishments to meet the needs of the employers you are trying to impress? Is your communication (often called an elevator speech) clear and concise? Are you focusing your efforts on connecting with people inside companies where your skills will be of benefit?

You need to research companies and job leads, make sure your qualifications fit their needs and then ensure that your communication (verbal and written) conveys that information.

There are many good career support activities in the area that can help you learn techniques and tips to obtain work faster. Check out the listing on the ChicagoJobTalk.info website for a listing of activities and agencies that can help, and stop by the Skokie Public Library to see the resources available there.

Good luck.
The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Head hunter for a retail job?

I am new to the job market and am looking to find a headhunter agency that specializes in retail related positions. I have searched online and have only found e-job sites (i.e. jobfox and monster) that allow you to post your resume and shop for open positions within their database. If you know of any reputable headhunter agencies in Chicago, please pass the info my way.

Generally, recruiters work at the more executive level. They have jobs to fill and then look to find appropriate candidates. I have never heard of one dealing with retail positions. There may, however, be some employment agencies, that deal specifically in retail salespeople, however, I do not know any particular names. However, you might try a website like allretailjobs.com – or go on indeed.com and type in “retail sales.”

A career counselor or job placement specialist may be able to help you navigate the often confusing process of career search. You can also walk into retail stores that you are interested in and ask to fill out an application right there. Or check the websites of individual stores and fill out an online application.

It is always better if you are more targeted in your search and go after the jobs yourself, rather than being dependent on an employment agency.

Good luck to you!
The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

I have a degree in history and does that basically mean I will never find a job?

So, you have a degree in history and don't know if you will ever find a job. As far as I'm concerned all that it means is that you have a degree in history. Whether or not you ever find a job depends on how hard and strategically you work at the process.

I'll bet you have lots of skills, talents, interests and value that employers may be able to use. But you have to make a stronger effort to see where you fit.

So, you have a lot of work to do, young man. You need to understand the workplace and its needs - you have to better understand what you have to offer and you need to learn some search techniques.

If this seems overwhelming, you might first begin to work with a career counselor, either at your school or with an agency that offers these services. They can help you define a career goal and implement a strategy to get there.

Many people have degrees in history, and wonderful careers that make use of their education. Many also use this degree as a stepping stone to some work experience and then continue on for advanced degrees.

Job Training

Could you please tell me how to find any jobs that would train me, where I would fly across the country on a regular basis? I absolutely love to travel, and sincerely wish I could have a job like this. I have worked in many different jobs, none of these were professional jobs. I have had a very difficult time searching for a job like this (where they would train me). Most travel jobs (in any career field) require years of experience.

There are many ways to make dreams come true. It is nice that yours is so well defined. However, the workplace does not necessarily exist to meet your needs - the workplace has needs and the candidate brings skills and everyone is happy when a fit is made.

You keep referring to the fact that you have no professional experience. What are you willing to do to get that training . . . and how clear are you about what skills you DO have to offer. And if you have discovered that most travel jobs require years of experience, what are you willing to do to make that happen?

Companies don't hire people to travel and enjoy themselves, companies hire people to complete tasks that contribute to the success of the business. Also, is how you imagine traveling for work actually how it is for those who travel extensively? Have you been able to clarify what positions would fit your dream ideal and possibly meet with people in that area to get a better understanding of what you would have to do to make it happen?

More and more companies today (but not all) expect new employees to "hit the floor running" and may not go through the time and expense it might take to bring in trainees. They don't need to! There is a large pool of qualified candidates and training is expensive! No one should ever suggest that you give up your dream - but you may have to tailor it a bit to meet the realities of the workplace. Then as you clarify what areas might actually be possibilities, you can target your efforts to make it happen. Make contacts, meet with people, present yourself in a way that proves your willingness to learn.

Review your background and clarify what you have to offer - is there a reason you are no longer pursuing a career in the sciences? What has kept you from obtaining a professional position? What are your long term goals? A career counselor may be a valuable resource to help you understand all these issues.

Many Parts to a Job Search

I have been looking for a new job for over a year. I am not sure what the problem may be. I was a Controller a few years ago and am now a Senior Accountant, does that look bad? Are there good Accounting recruiters that you can recommend? I will paste my resume here for you to look at.

Without speaking to you directly, I can not guess what the problems might be. There are many parts to a job search - the resume, cover letter, target marketing, interview skills, follow up, etc. I will try to make some general suggestions and you can take from this what might apply to you.

1. Your resume could use some strengthening. A resume should be directed TOWARD a position, not written FROM the tasks that you performed. A resume should list accomplishments indicating quantifiable results. There is a great deal of competition in the market place today and you must show how you stand out among the crowd. Also, since you graduated 20 years ago, the education should be listed at the end of the resume. Generally, a summary of qualifications is listed first. You might check some resume books at your local library or see a counselor for some help.
2. A cover letter is also important which shows your written communication skills as well.
3. You must also apply for jobs that you are qualified for - and adapt your resume to meet the needs of the employer.
4. There are lots of "rules" for making a good impression during a phone interview as well as a face to face interview.
5. Follow up can make a difference after you meet with an organization.

As you can see, there are many steps to securing good employment, the changes in title are only one challenge along the way. It is a difficult process and again, I suggest you look for some agencies in your area that might help you learn more effective job search strategies - before you contact recruiters. Recruiters are inundated with candidates - you might want to learn some skills that will get you noticed. Recruiters will only work with candidates that they believe they can place. Most recruiters work for the employer, and will look for candidates that fill the needs they have. While you are at the library, ask the librarian to help you review the list of accounting recruiters in your area.

Mid-Level Opportunities

Are there any jobs out there that are between assistant and management? It appears that organizations want you to be one or the other and are no longer offering coordinator or mid-level opportunities.

Of course there are! Each company may have different titles for various jobs, it is your responsibility to research companies to find jobs that would be an appropriate match for you. Then focus your search to make it happen. A good way to learn more about various companies is through informational interviewing. Actually talking to working people at different companies may help you understand the levels of positions.

Learn about job responsibilities. Think about being more clear in your communication about what you can do and what you have accomplished and don't think so much about the titles.

Military to Civilian

I am on active duty in the US Army and am about to retire after 20 years of service. I am a NON-Commissioned Officer with 16 plus years of leadership and management experience with as many as 20 personnel and $20,000,000 dollars worth of government equipment under my direct influence in the most extreme of situations. I also have a B.S.B.A with a concentration of General Management. What are some of my career opportunities in the Chicagoland area?

Congratulations on your retirement! There may be many career opportunities in the Chicago area for someone with your strong skills, and I commend you for starting to think about it now. (You didn't say exactly when all this will happen.)

The answer isn't so simple. . .Here are some suggestions that may get you started on the right track.

1. Look back over your army career and begin to think about those skills you have gained that will transfer in the workplace. Develop a list of selected accomplishments that will be of value to your next employer.


2. A good way to begin to think about this would be to research civilian jobs to see what the requirements are, what language is used and begin to formulate a strategy that will highlight your skills and experiences and make them of value - in language that matches "civilian talk." This is often a challenge in the military to civilian transfer.


3. Prepare a resume that highlights your strengths in those areas and directs you to your new objective (which you have clarified from your research).


4. Begin to research companies that may be a good fit for your skill set - and begin to focus your search toward those industries. You may have to do some informational interviewing.


5. Learn to write a strong cover letter, network to uncover opportunities and start to meet people in the field that may be able to help and support your search.


6. Apply!

There is much written about people with a military background who want to transition into an "encore" career in civilian life. Some sites such as: Military.com, Baseops.net/transition, Military Transition Times, or MilitaryJobZone.com may be very helpful. Also check out a general job aggregator like Indeed.com and type in military. You may also find some positions that look for people with military background. Also go for the strength!

A good book to check out at your local library that may also provide some good information is Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Guide: The Essential Job Search Handbook for Service Members by Janet I. Farley (Impact Publications, 2005).

Thanks for your service to our country and good luck as you move into civilian life!

The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Is More Education the Only Answer?

I am unemployed since December 4, 2008 being a Computer Aided Drafter of 10 years experience in the Consulting Engineering field. I have tried applying, searching and interviewing to move into an entry level position in IT as a Help Desk support but I find nothing or when I do get interviewed, never get hired. I have tried taking courses for CompTia's A+ certification and failed. I also see that companies who hire in the IT field want someone with certifications from Microsoft of CompTIA if not in general. Is it possible to find a position that you can work on with hands on experience without looking at certification?

You are in a situation that is common to many, education, with what seems to be the wrong experience for the current job market. Certainly this is a challenge. You ask, “Is it possible to find a position that you can work on with hands on experience without looking at certification?” There is no clear answer to that, if you look thoroughly enough and strategically enough, you should be able to move on in your career.

You need to critically look at each step of your search. Understand the requirements for the positions you are seeking and if you do not have the appropriate education, certification, or experience – are you willing to get it? Are you looking at smaller companies that may value your skills – are you networking to meet people who might give you opportunities, either paid or volunteer – so you could build your skills? Is your resume written in a way that shows relevant accomplishments and covers the needs of the employers?

You mention you are getting interviews – are you listening carefully to the needs of the employer and responding in a way that solves their problems. Is your communication clear and concise? Are you dressed professionally? Are you following up? Are you learning about companies that might use your skills, targeting those companies and seeking ways to make your skills desirable?

There is not an easy answer to finding a job today – but persistence, clarity of communication, flexibility and assertiveness can make a big difference.

Good luck to you!
The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Navigating the Resources

I am on a job search, but feel overwhelmed by all the resources. I'm interested in companies with an international presence in the field of survey research, market analysis, organizational consulting/human resources management, etc. Where should I look and how can I gain an advantage in obtaining the advertised and "hidden" job openings?

The job search process IS overwhelming. There are a million resources to navigate. What you may need to do at this time is begin to research companies that may benefit from your skills, focus on one area at a time and really go after those companies that you believe will be a fit.

Many people today use a handbill for networking purposes. It lists objective, summary, some key accomplishments and list companies (and titles) that you are interested in. That is shared at networking events or contacts you develop. It helps people help you by connecting you with appropriate people to help uncover the "hidden" job market. Most really good jobs are not advertised, and even if they are, they are usually filled by "someone who knows someone."

Also be careful of looking like "jack of all trades. . ." You might be better off focusing on one area at a time. So begin by developing a network of business associates and contacts. Attend networking events. Listen to the successes and struggles of other job seekers. Use the library resources to determine companies with an international presence. Read the Wall Street Journal, trade papers, and Crain's Chicago Business so you will be aware of companies you can investigate. It's a lot of work - but worth it. If you are a college or university alumnus, you might connect with a career counselor/coach there that can walk you through the process and demystify some of the resources.

Networking

I just completed the apprentice training program for Cook County Illinois in construction. Now I find I am having a problem in entering the field as an apprentice. Everyone I contact says they have no openings. Can you help and point me in the right direction?

Unfortunately, I do not have any direct contacts in the construction field. However, one of the first rules of networking is that you NEVER ask directly for a job. The idea is to build relationships to create opportunities.

So I might suggest you begin to try to talk to people in the business with the purpose of gathering information from those experienced in the field. (There is an excellent series of articles on power networking and informational interviewing on this website.)

Ask their advice about who you might contact, what you need to succeed, etc. Think about other types of companies that might accept apprentices and work toward uncovering the one opportunity that will be a fit for you.

The key is to work smarter and stay focused. You might also check with the school you attended to see if they can offer assistance.

Older, Overqualified and Consulting

I am an engineer, with 17+ years of experience and was downsized 5 years ago. I have been unable to secure a position since then and I have started my own consulting business which is not doing well. I am in the 45-50 age bracket and considered 'old', ˜overqualified', etc. I had bosses who were mean and coworkers who were sometimes sexually aggressive, other times chauvinistic, and I lost some jobs because I stood up to my bosses/coworkers. Now, I cannot secure even interviews. The problem is: Why am I turning recruiters/employers off? Why is it that I cannot secure a permanent position or a consulting position?

Age discrimination is certainly considered an issue but there are many that believe (and rightly so) that confidence, focus and determination can prove your value. And that age is only one consideration in the mix, the workplace does indeed value experience. It is your job to determine which organizations are more likely to do this.

If you have not already done so, you might try to access information and support from a microenterprise agency that can help you build your business and learn business strategies, if you choose to continue your consulting business.

You might connect with a mental health agency to work through some of the issues surrounding workplace adjustment. I certainly would not even attempt to offer any thoughts of why you might be turning recruiters and employers off, what would cause you to lose several jobs, etc. Those kinds of determinations could only be discussed after many face to face meetings.

I would suggest that you connect with a career counseling agency that can work with you directly on:

1. Creating an effective resume - and developing answers and responses to the "hole" and the many jobs.
2. There are many questions - what else have you been doing during the time of unemployment, have you had other part time jobs, have you increased your knowledge base in any way, etc. How have you conducted your search, are there techniques that you might employ that would be more effective.
3. Develop networking strategies to help you connect more directly to agencies that can benefit from your skill set.

I appreciate your feeling of desperation and am sorry I am unable to provide a "magic, simple" answer. But finding good work is really hard work that is more an art than a science. I wish you success. It sounds like you are a highly qualified woman with a great deal to offer.

Over 50 and Unemployed

My husband and I both recently lost our jobs. We are both 58 and unable to retire at this time. I've been in the home building industry for 20 years and really don't know anything else. My husband has been in the grocery business for about 27years. We are both concerned about the possibility of ever finding a job at our age. Please help us determine what we need to do in order to get back into the work place.

Losing a job is a difficult transition and when both husband and wife are in the same situation, it can indeed be a fearful time. You mention that you are both older adults and concerned about finding employment "at our age." Though there are many articles written about the demand for older workers, some people do indicate that they experience age discrimination. However, many, many people are able to continue in their careers, return to the workplace and remain in their jobs for years to come.

So, there are many things you can do to increase your job opportunities. First is to do a realistic assessment of your skills, interest and values. What work were you doing? Do you need to look in a different direction? Can you move forward in that direction or do you need more training to meet the current needs of the workplace? How will you obtain that training, if needed? Are you computer literate? Almost every job today requires at least a basic ability to use a computer. (There are many classes available everywhere!) Do you need to adjust your target - your job objective - to more realistically fit. Are you familiar with the types of jobs available for your skill sets?

How's your resume? Does it highlight your skills and experience well without focusing on age? Does it meet the requirements of the marketplace?

How do you present? Do you look as good as you can? Do you speak with confidence? Have you reviewed your accomplishments so you are able to present them to a prospective employer?

Are you familiar with the current methods of job search? Networking, internet, etc?

Though age is a factor, it is only a challenge, with strong support and a positive attitude you will find work. (You might need to access help from a local agency to help with learning some of these more effective search techniques.)

Just don't give up - understand the market, prepare yourself and focus on success, not on negatives.

The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Search Strategies for Ex Offenders

I have a Class X felony on my record that is 13 years old, yet it can not be expunged. Briefly, it was my first and only arrest. I count myself lucky because the company I worked for then kept me on the payroll and I had a position waiting for me when I got to work release. When that company closed its doors in 2000, reality set in. I went on 6 interviews to one company and then they sent me a letter explaining that my background was simply not what they had hoped for. So many doors are closed to people like me. I act and live as normally as everyone else, yet when I interview now the fear of discovery, along with the age factor is unbelievable.
I am supposed to be going to school through WIA since I became unemployed once again. Do you have access to companies that either don't check that far back, companies that don't check, or those that understand our justice system is not always foolproof? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated."

Yes, it sounds like you are in a difficult position. I have worked with others who have expressed the same frustration. Unfortunately, we have not been able to maintain a list of agencies that no longer do a background check. There are several programs that focus specifically on working with ex-offenders. One is the Safer Foundation which is in downtown Chicago. I also found some websites that might provide helpful information.

• The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the Chicago Jobs Council as a project of the Governor’s Working Group on Community Safety and Re-entry to bring together the growing body of workforce resources available to those who assist ex-offenders.

• CareerInfoNet.org Related Resources for Ex-Offenders.

• City of Chicago Employment Services for Ex-Offenders. Mayor Daley's WorkNet Chicago is committed to helping ex-offenders re-enter the workforce. The selected WorkNet partners listed have experience working with ex-offenders in programs and other supportive services that help develop the skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency. For more details contact the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development at 312.746.7777

I have also seen that some of the local Illinois workNet Centers and community colleges offer programming and information that may be helpful.

There is another way to approach it you might consider as well – and that is honesty – offering the information up front – explaining what you learned, demonstrate the positive work history that you have accomplished and see if that makes a difference.

Good Luck! Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Setting Goals for a Job Search

I have a B.A. in Psychology, it's been over 2 years and I don't have a job. I owe money on my degree so my school won't give me my transcripts, I do have proof that I went for 4 years. What should I do? I'm looking for work every day and no luck.

Looking for work is more than luck. You must create a well planned, organized search to be most effective. You must first clarify an objective, be clear about how your skills fit into the world of work and target your efforts to those positions that can benefit from your skills. You must present yourself in a way that highlights your assets to the company.

I noticed a few typographical errors in your letter (edited out for use on this website). It does not give a good impression to employers. You might benefit from meeting with a career counselor, have her/him go over your entire search strategy, edit your resume and cover letter and help you learn some skills that will make your search more effective. There are many good agencies in the area that offer low cost or free services to help you. Check the ChicagoJobs.org website Career Counseling & Legal Help section.

I am curious about the best approach to finding a position in this difficult economic times.

During a time of great competition you need to embark on a search that is focused, strategic and assertive. You must have a strong sense of your skills and value and be informed about the needs of the marketplace. If you need more education, get it! Target the types of companies that can benefit from your skill set and do your best to network into the company, check their website for openings and position yourself and your application in a way that makes you stand out. A good career counselor can help you navigate the difficult waters!

Good Luck!
The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Trying to Move Up in the Industry

I am 29 year old female and have graduated in 2006 with BS in Biochemistry. I have been looking for something in my field, but everything is temporary or contract as well as low pay. Currently, I am working as a Pharmacy Technician in the translation department for one of the large mail order pharmacy. I went to school for few years in the hope of getting a job paying more, but some company needs to give me break for me to gain experience. I have posted my resume on CareerBuilder and Monster. I would really appreciate if someone can guide me.

I would imagine the realities of the workforce can be frustrating after you worked so hard to obtain your degree. However, there are realities and challenges in which a focused, targeted search may make a difference.

I would suggest that you create a more assertive, direct search, rather than expecting responses from Career Builder or Monster or that some company is just waiting around to give you a chance.

You should think about what the marketplace needs in your field, make sure your resume reflects that, possibly make a list of all companies that could benefit from your skill set and search their websites on a regular basis, or use a site like Indeed.com. You might join a professional organization that may connect you with people in the field, do some informational interviewing to meet more people and work towards securing an entry level position. You are right, you may have to come in from the bottom up (even in an administrative position) to gain industry experience.

Yes, the process is tough but so is a degree in Biochemistry, and you met that challenge, you should be able to meet this one as well. Don't give up!

The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

What is an employer looking for? I have been on many interviews and still have come up with nothing. Should I change my strategy?

Well, you are certainly correct, if what you are doing isn't working it would seem that a change of strategy is called for. If you are having many interviews but aren't being offered a position, you might need to improve your interview skills.

Doing a mock interview or having someone observe your interview style might provide helpful feedback. In fact, it might be helpful to review all of your search strategies - perhaps you are targeting the wrong companies or are not gathering enough information about the company prior to the interview.

You asked, what are the employers looking for? That is an important question - but it is up to the candidate to determine the answer to that for each job they apply for. There is a great deal of competition for jobs in all industries, all levels and all skill sets. Candidates who are most successful are clear about what they can offer the employer, search for positions that can benefit from their skills and do their best to communicate that to the prospective employer.

What is the most effective method to find a corporate trainer position in Chicagoland? I'm not having any luck using the job boards.

In case you haven't heard, or read any articles about job searching - I'll say it here, loud and clear - USING THE JOB BOARDS IS THE LEAST EFFECTIVE WAY TO LAND A JOB! As has been recommended for many years and especially in such a tight job market, the best way to generate interviews and success in finding work is to NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!

There are wonderful networking opportunities in the Chicago area (a complete list is available on ChicagoJobs.org). There are also some wonderful books on how to make the process work for you - how to understand the process and overcome personal challenges and fears - and how to target companies that may be a good fit for your skill set. Go to the section of this webpage that has a series of articles on networking by Janet M. Shlaes, Ph.D.

This is a very competitive market - you must be aware of what kinds of companies hire corporate trainers, try to find contacts within those companies, keep up on their hiring needs and be in the right place at the right time to be noticed!!! Your "paper" (cover letters, resumes, handbills, business cards) should be as targeted and solid as possible - and you must learn how to present yourself (30 second speech) in a positive manner wherever and whenever possible. Lots to do, get busy, and stop spending so much time on the job boards!!! Use them, but don't depend on them to make it happen for you. You have to make it happen.

What Should You Disclose in an Interview

I’m starting classes full time at night. Is it necessary to disclose this information to jobs that I am applying for?

It all depends.... what are the jobs you are applying for? Would they require you to work at night? How many days a week will you attend class? Will the classes you'll be taking enhance your job skills? What is your reason for wanting to disclose the information?

In general, however, you need not disclose anything that may interfere with the possibility of your being hired, unless of course it would directly affect your ability to do the job. If you are asked something directly in the interview (like, are you available for overtime?), of course you would tell the truth but then again emphasize the positives aspects of your abilities and your willingness to be available for work anytime needed.

If it doesn't come up in the interview and would in no way affect your candidacy there is no reason to disclose it.

Where should I search for a job?

I specialize in selling ad space. My background is in radio, newspaper, and special events. Could you direct me to the web sites that I should be searching? I prefer to work with local companies as I am now representing out of town firms.

First of all, please be aware that more than 50% of positions are secured through networking and connecting with people who can connect you with others. Sounds like you have a strong background. Think, first, of developing a list of contacts and review articles on networking techniques. Check out ChicagoJobs.org (which may be how you got here in the first place!) for links to information that can increase the effectiveness of your networking.

Secondly, chicagojobs.com can also link you to some large and small websites. Indeed will link you to jobs and many other websites after you enter the key words which best describe the positions you are interested in. Peruse "Guide to Internet Job Searching" by Margaret Riley Dikel and Frances Roehm which will give you information about websites in a variety of specific industries. I did a quick Google search on "advertising sales jobs" and found several others, as well.

Now it's up to you to check those out and see which might bring you closer to that dream job! Better yet, think about what types of companies/media could benefit from your skills, do some research, and check the career pages of those companies on a frequent basis. Searching for rewarding employment is WORK! To be most effective, you have to search effectively.