The Job of Finding Work
At CareerPlace,™
all landings are
happy ones.
Formerly known as the Barrington Career Center, CareerPlace offers services, training and support to people searching for work. In the language of those seeking employment, “landing” means finding a new job. As the national unemployment crisis drags on, a landing may be a long way off for someone recently laid off, and that landing usually follows a journey filled with emotional turbulence. The few staff and many volunteers of CareerPlace are dedicated to removing as much pain as possible from a situation that many find devastating and demoralizing.
“I really believe we change people’s lives at a point where they’re feeling pretty lost,” says CareerPlace Executive Director Monica Keane.
Losing a job means more than losing a paycheck. It also means losing a sense of belonging and purpose. “It’s the social isolation of people who had a structure and thought they were contributing – that’s been taken away from them,” says Fiona Roberts, a volunteer job coach at CareerPlace and member of its board of directors.
A job loss also brings financial difficulties. In the fiscal year that ended last June, 39 percent of CareerPlace’s members – also called clients – reported incomes that were low to extremely low, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, after losing their jobs. “Every time you see someone [a client], there’s a mortgage to be paid, there’s a child’s college costs to be paid,” Roberts says.
A psychological benefit of CareerPlace is that it allows unemployed people opportunities to gather, to realize they are not alone and to cheer each other on. “Many have been in the same shoes as you’ve been, and they try to provide positive reinforcement,” says former CareerPlace client John Shartle. “We like to be that organization where people can come and be supported and encouraged to be their best,” Keane adds. “They’ve got enough bad news.”
While job seekers can benefit from a sense of community, Keane knows they definitely will need help. “Don’t try to do it alone,” she says. “It’s too hard. The market is too complex and too fractured.”
Hitting close to home
The national unemployment rate has hovered around 9 percent for more than a year, and the effects have been felt locally. In the Healthier Barrington Needs Survey 2011, 19.5 percent of respondents reported that at least one person in their home was unemployed and seeking a job in the past year. That same percentage also stated that “Help finding employment” was among the issues needing greater attention in the Barrington area (“Emotional support for the unemployed” also made the list with 10.1 percent). Of the unemployed people responding to the survey, 44.1 percent reported they did not find help locating a job.
Reacting to the survey, Keane says, “Our takeaway from that is unemployment is indeed an issue in our community and that people don’t know where to go for help. Our message is, ‘Here we are, this is what we do, and we’re right in your backyard.’”
Since its beginnings in 1994, CareerPlace has relied on word of mouth to spread its message. As a not-for-profit organization, CareerPlace has no budget for advertising and marketing. Even with those limitations, word has spread beyond the Barrington area. Job seekers from across the Northwest and North Suburbs – sometimes even from Wisconsin – have used CareerPlace services including the Monday morning networking sessions, which is usually the first step for new members. A job seeker who signs on as a client can take advantage of CareerPlace’s array of services.
Personalized services
As the unemployment crisis lingers, Keane says, “Providing career counseling services has become a growth industry.” Several churches in the Northwest Suburbs have job ministries, and some libraries offer structured career-search workshops. So does Harper College. Because they share a common goal, CareerPlace refers its clients to these groups, and vice versa. “We work pretty collaboratively with the rest of the providers and job ministries,” Keane says.
What distinguishes CareerPlace is its array of services, the individual attention that clients receive, delivered by volunteers with significant professional experience. “There’s a whole raft of information and it is provided by a whole raft of friendly, supportive volunteers,” says Roberts, who worked in human resources in the United Kingdom for more than 20 years. She now lives in Inverness.
“We’ve been able to provide personalized support,” Keane adds. “We’ve really strengthened our coaching staff.” CareerPlace has a team of 13 job coaches with various professional backgrounds. Clients are encouraged to make an appointment with a coach whose knowledge coincides with the client’s career goals. “We [job coaches] have a really high level of professional skills available, so that [clients] can say, ‘Oh yeah, I can relate to that person,’” says Mickey Brown, volunteer coach and vice president of CareerPlace’s board of directors.
Keane stresses the value of CareerPlace coaching. “I tell clients, ‘If you aren’t using a coach, you’re kind of wasting your money.” Clients are asked to pay a $100 membership fee when they join CareerPlace, with a $60 renewal after one year (and it is a sign of the economy that many clients remain longer than a year). Keane points out that if clients hired a job coach privately, they would pay between $85 and $350 an hour, or more.
Coaching is key
The interaction between client and coach becomes the backbone of the CareerPlace experience. “You build a relationship with a client, and you take them on a journey,” Roberts says. Coaches help clients set goals in their job search and then encourage them to meet those goals. “When you have a coach,” Brown says, “it’s someone you can bounce ideas off of. It’s someone who can make sure you follow your plan.”
Former client Beth McAndrews of Barrington credits her coach, Ana Trbojevich, with giving her the advice she needed to land a job. “We really hit it off,” McAndrews said. “She was just fantastic.”
Unlike most of CareerPlace’s current clients, McAndrews was not the victim of a layoff. Having worked as a CPA, McAndrews left the business world in the late 1990s to raise her four daughters. When she came to CareerPlace in the spring of 2011, McAndrews worried potential employers would see the 13-year gap in her resume and toss it aside. Trbojevich advised her to highlight the volunteer work she did at her church and her daughters’ schools. “I made my resume look pretty good for being a stay-at-home mom for 13 years,” McAndrews said.
McAndrews started her new job as Village of Deer Park treasurer, a part-time position, in October. Trbojevich tipped her off to the opening and helped her prepare for the interview. “I kept plugging along,” McAndrews says of the experience. “I kept going and moving.”
Clients usually see their coaches at the CareerPlace offices, but not always. “I ask my clients if they to meet off site, have a cup of coffee,” Brown says. “And some of them love that.”
CareerPlace is located in a small, second-floor suite of offices in the Barrington Corporate Center on Hart Road. In the open main area, rows of desks are lined up as in a classroom. This is where the Monday morning networking sessions take place, as well as the Thursday evening skill-building seminars. Topics of these weekly seminars range from networking skills to giving a strong first impression during an interview. Computer work stations line two walls. CareerPlace maintains office hours five days a week, and clients can use the computers and printers, as well as the copier and fax machine, in their job search.
Another service Keane strongly recommends is the interviewing workshop. During these sessions an instructor leads a small group of participants through a practice job interview that is recorded on video. Clients can watch themselves on playback to critique their strengths and weaknesses while answering questions. “People don’t practice their interview technique a lot,” Keane says. “A resume can get you just one thing, and that’s an interview. And an interview gets you a job.”
Types of clients
In the fiscal year that ended in June 2011, CareerPlace served 336 new clients and 622 clients altogether. While the clients have represented a wide spectrum of ages and types of jobs, the typical CareerPlace client is a baby boomer who has worked in management or as a technical professional. Forty- percent of the members are older than 50, and 73 percent are older than 40. Fifty-seven percent are male.
In many ways, John Shartle was a typical CareerPlace client. The Palatine resident was in his 50s when he lost his sales position in the performance improvement industry in January 2009. After 24 years in the same line of work, he was out of a job and shell-shocked. “Your full-time job is finding a new full-time job,” Shartle says, “and it’s not for the faint of heart, especially in this economy.”
Like many newcomers, Shartle sampled CareerPlace through the Monday networking sessions, where he was impressed by moderator Dick Hicks’ “consummate professionalism,” calling him “a good cheerleader for all who are looking for new careers.”
Shartle’s search took a long time, two years. In January 2011 he landed another sales job. He is now an account executive with Quicksilver Associates, a corporate communications company, in Chicago. Shartle credits the advice he received and the friendships he made at CareerPlace with carrying him through this transition. “It kept me on-task, on-target and with a positive mental attitude,” he says.
Learning how to maintain a positive mental attitude is essential in finding a position during today’s economy, Keane says. “It’s virtually impossible to conduct a positive job search without the confidence and sense of self you need to be successful.”
A new reality
The entire process of searching for a job has undergone a sea-change in the last 10 years. Almost everything is done on-line. The days of sending out a crisply printed copy of your resume on fine linen stock are long gone, but many of the people who lost their jobs since 2008 didn’t know that. “For a lot of these people, this is the first time in decades that they’ve been out of work,” Keane says.
Many of those people still think of a resume as a magic carpet they can ride to a new job. “The first thing people get wrong is they think they have to start with a resume,” Keane says. “Our very strong message is the first thing you have to do is understand who you are.” Roberts says, “We take them back to what we see as Step One, and that is what are their strengths, what are their skills.” Recalling the process, Shartle says, “I had to reevaluate my skill set … and I had to find a new home for my skill set.”
CareerPlace has its origins in a job-support ministry established in the Lutheran Church of the Atonement in 1991. The ministry became the Barrington Career Center in 1994 when it was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization. The Barrington Career Center remained in the church until it moved to its current offices on Hart Road in 2001. Keane was named executive director, officially a part-time position, in January 2006. Previously she had volunteered as a job coach and interview skills instructor. Operations director Sherry Leginski, also part-time, is the organization’s other paid staff member. All other positions, more than 100, are volunteer.
In March 2011, Barrington Career Center became CareerPlace. The name change reflects the reality that the organization now serves a regional base rather than a local one. CareerPlace serves clients from 80 communities across the Chicago area. Only 13 percent of the clients live in Barrington (11 percent are from nearby Palatine). Keane says taking “Barrington” out of the name also has made it easier to receive funds from out-of-town organizations and charitable foundations.
Raising funds, making plans
One of Keane’s duties is to go before civic organization and foundations to explain why they should give money to CareerPlace. “She tells the story of what we do so well,” Brown says. Most of CareerPlace’s $150,000 budget comes from donations from foundations, individuals, corporations, civic and church organizations and government grants. Twenty percent of the income derives from the annual June fundraising event at Arlington Park. Members’ dues account for 17 percent of the income, even though Keane admits some clients pay a reduced fee. “We don’t turn anyone away if they can’t afford it,” she says. “That makes fundraising even more important for us.”
Board members Roberts and Brown praise Keane’s diligence in improving CareerPlace’s services over the past few busy years. “She cares passionately about CareerPlace and its clients,” Roberts says. “She has got a vision for growing CareerPlace and enhancing the services we bring to clients.” Adds Brown: “Monica would love to have more hours in the day to figure out how we can do more and better in the future.”
Keane has several goals to continue to build CareerPlace. One is to maintain better records of where clients land. Currently, CareerPlace doesn’t have the resources to follow up with every former client and has to rely on the clients to take the initiative. “We’d love to be able to close that circle and know what our services have done to help that person’s success,” she says.
Keane also would like to build up a new initiative, started in early 2011, that teaches job-searching skills to new college graduates. “We feel strongly that college students do not get the orientation to the job market that they really need,” she says. CareerPlace has conducted this five-week program three times so far; Keane would like to conduct it more often, but she needs more volunteers.
Finally, as the Healthier Barrington Needs Survey indicates, many unemployed people who could use CareerPlace’s services don’t know about it. Keane wants to figure how to reach out to these people. One solution might be a referral network among social service providers in the Barrington area, a “holistic care” approach, she says.
Brown shares the frustration that despite a 20-year history and strong reputation in its field, CareerPlace remains a secret in its own community. To a point, she understands why. “This is the type of thing that until you need it yourself,” she says, “you’re not really thinking about it.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from CareerPlace, contact them by visiting the website, www.mycareerplace.org, sending an email to info@mycareerplace.org or calling (847) 304-4157.
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Three CareerPlace Job Seekers Share Their Stories
VICKI TWOMEY
Job search status:
Underemployed. I am looking for full-time employment.
What type of position are you hoping for?
I am looking for a position in corporate giving. I would be amazing at helping companies identify and vet potential nonprofit partners to share their vision. I have 10 years of corporate business experience and seven years working in nonprofit. My ‘superpowers’ include cutting through red tape and an ability to work collaboratively with professionals and non-professionals at all levels. My unique set of experiences makes me the perfect person to bridge the gap between corporate America and non profits.
Last job position and type of firm:
I am currently working part-time for a small nonprofit. My main focus has been grant administration, working directly with clients to meet grant criteria. About 60 percent of our grants are used by our clients for job training and education. I also expanded our community outreach programs, manage our client forecasting and statistical data, created and run our social media strategy, and am a passionate motivator of individuals and groups.
How long out of work:
Underemployed for the last year.
Aside from loss of income, what’s the most difficult about being out of work?
Like so many others, much of my identity is tied up in “what I do”. I was surprised by how isolated I felt without the day-to-day interactions with co-workers. Being unemployed or underemployed is very hard on you emotionally.
How did you learn about CareerPlace?
I live in Palatine and our quarterly village newsletter did an article on the CareerPlace last year. It stuck in my mind, and when my job status changed I called them!
How has CareerPlace helped you?
The most difficult part of my job search has been identifying what type of job I want. CareerPlace has taught me that being too vague can be a deterent to your job search. I am more of a generalist, working in nonprofits you often take on many roles, learning what you need to as you go along. A great thing about CareerPlace is their one-on-one job coaches. I’ve met with three or four different people at first, trying to find one that I felt would be a great fit for me and I did! Andrea Herran has helped me to identify my strengths and talents, and tailor my job search towards my ideal job.
What tips do you have for other job seekers about what has helped you during this period of transition?
When you first find yourself unemployed, enjoy the time, smell the roses, and catch up on your sleep for a few days or weeks. Get emotionally acclimated to this big change. After that, I suggest keeping a schedule. Get up with an alarm, go to your home office or a coffee shop and work at your full-time job of finding a job! You can help out extra around the house, but schedule time to do that. It is really easy to get sucked into “other stuff” and find your whole day is gone!
I have met so many hard working, dedicated and intelligent people looking for jobs rights now. If I were an employer looking to hire, I would be looking for someone that can learn and grow versus someone with the exact qualifications for the position.
What would you tell people who have never been in this situation to help them?
Being out of a job in this economy is complicated. It is an employer’s market in so many ways! Even though our national unemployment rate hovers just under 10 percent, it is still easier to find a job when you have a job. Also, age plays a very crucial role during this time in our country. If you are too old, you are seen as someone that cannot keep up with emerging technologies, too young, and you are seen as entitled and not a hard worker. Even if you are “just right” then there still must be something wrong with you to be unemployed. It is very difficult to stand out and show potential employers what you can do.
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MICHAEL O’GRADY
Job search status:
I’m seeking full-time employment and would consider a career change.
What type of position are you hoping for?
I am looking for a position where I can utilize my diverse management and leadership skills that I have developed as an associate director of a private summer camp, a manufacturing manager and a PMP-certified project manager. One area that has peaked my interest is in the area of sustainability.
Last job position and type of firm:
I was a Sr. Project Manager in the telecom industry working with an engineering group that tested system level software.
How long out of work:
3 months.
Aside from loss of income, what’s the most difficult about being out of work?
Knowing that the possibilities are endless when looking at a career change, and narrowing my focus on what opportunities to pursue.
How did you learn about CareerPlace?
I attended a job search workshop at the St. Francis de Sales Job Ministry in Lake Zurich and met a person who highly recommended CareerPlace.
How has CareerPlace helped you?
I haven’t had to interview for a job in 17 years and was looking for some assistance to help me update and review my resume. I started by attending free sessions like the orientation, the weekly Monday networking sessions, and the Thursday evening seminars. I have found that the staff and volunteers at CareerPlace are professional and are eager to help you. The benefit of CareerPlace became obvious when I joined and could schedule sessions choosing from 15 volunteer job coaches with various levels of expertise. I am currently working one-on-one with a coach who is helping me walk through the job search process, update my resume, and explore the possibility of a career change.
What tips do you have for other job seekers about what has helped you during this period of transition?
Seeking employment is a full-time job, so it’s important to keep a daily routine that includes job search activities, an exercise program and pursuing interests that you may not have had time for in the past. As an example – I just completed building a greenhouse to experiment with four- season gardening. The discipline and perseverance required in the job seeking process keep my skills sharp and will continue to serve me in my next career. The Internet is a great resource, but it’s important to limit your time on the computer and network with people face-to-face.
What would you tell people who have never been in this situation to help them?
Don’t panic, you’re not alone! It’s important to team up with a resource like CareerPlace that can provide valuable guidance whether you’re fresh out of college, re-entering the work force or you’ve lost your job.
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MARY BOHNE
What type of position are you hoping/looking for?
It’s time to be more creative, and be open to options: Redefining my present role with a move from administrative C-level (CEO) support in large corporate settings to a focus on the small, local office (law, publishing, financial planning) for a more integral role in the business while connecting directly with clients and community; and to expand on my passion of food and beverage, specifically, wine and all associated with it. I’ve just completed schooling and Basset certifications in bartending, and am searching for that part-time break.
Last job position and type of firm:
Assistant to CEO of a large not-for-profit.
How long out of work so far:
Just over 3 months.
Aside from loss of income, what’s the most difficult about being out of work?
The loss of routine and structure. We all wish we had more idle time (when employed), but when on the other side, that free time often isn’t liberating, largely affected by the constant focus, conscious or not, of landing that next position.
How did you learn about CareerPlace?
An article about career coaching by Monica Keane that appeared in Our Family Magazine.
How has CareerPlace helped you?
Career Coaching: I’ve struck out on my own in past searches, but this time, felt compelled to reach out for support. Andrea Herran, my coach, is an HR professional who volunteers her time, providing a fresh perspective, a keen evaluation of my talents, and encouragement to stay the course. It’s hard to believe Andrea (and the CP team of coaches) exist – just waiting to help. Terrific!
CareerPlace Staff: It’s under one roof, a one-stop shop: Weekly networking sessions, recurring workshops (resumes, interviewing, cold calling), and first-rate career presentations (open to all) on alternate Thursday evenings. Ready access to computers, printers, job resources – and, a friendly, compassionate staff who are always eager to help. It’s a safe haven.
What tips do you have for other job seekers about what has helped you during this period of transition?
Think less. Do more. It’s good for the spirit, on and off the playing field!
What would you tell people who have never been in this situation to help them?
It’s really no different than any of life’s realities. When things are good, they’re good. When they’re down (and so are you), there’s always a way back; just think a bit differently – options. And, whatever way is meaningful (to you, individually) to stay connected, do it. Ride it out, but do it with others … and you’ll get there.
Jeffrey Westhoff, a resident of Palatine, is a regular feature writer and contributor to Quintessential Barrington. QB magazine learned of and met Westhoff a few years ago through the recommendation CareerPlace, where he was actively working on a job search.