The Chicago Area Job Search Landscape

A quick Career Vision survey of the four community career centers in the Chicago area yield
some insights about the local employment picture as we begin 2010.

Jan Cline Leahy, Executive Director of the Career Resource Center in Lake Forest reports,
"We've had people landing all through the economic downturn. We are seeing fewer new
clients, which is a good sign, but I can't say we are seeing a lot of new jobs yet." She adds,
"One bright spot is the story earlier this month in the Chicago Tribune. ACCO Brands in
Lincolnshire, IL, had its first profitable quarter in two years. Employees whose pay was cut
last March, are now getting that pay back. Management bonuses are suspended until the
payout is complete. ACCO is also restoring raises."

The advice from Amy Webber, Executive Director at the Community Career Center in
Naperville is "Stay with your strengths. Now is not a good time to change careers or
directions." She recommends combining working online job boards and networking, since
70% of jobs are found through networking. She is seeing that different sectors are
hiring - particularly health care and companies related to the environment - and that more
job openings are beginning to come in to the Center. Companies are being cautious in
their hiring, though, and the time from application to job offer may take longer. The positive
signs she sees is that the number of new clients is leveling off, and there is interviewing
activity occurring.

The population that uses the Career Transitions Center in Chicago tends to be over 45 and disproportionately affected by the economic downturn, according to Anita Jenke, Executive
Director. "It's critical that they keep their skill sets current, and pick up any other skills that
will make them more marketable." Those who spend most of their time on the computer,
looking for open positions and applying for jobs are really wasting their time, says Jenke.
"Most of our clients are finding their jobs through networking. And participation in
accountability groups increases a person's chances of staying on track, motivated and
doing the right activities." The CTC's Fast Track groups are limited to a cohort of 8-12
individuals who meet weekly. Prospective members have to interview with the group before admittance, and a written job search plan is required. The experience is both intense and
supportive, designed to keep everyone working aggressively toward their goal of
re-employment.

At the Barrington Career Center, Monica Keane is seeing an increase in clients. The
Executive Director reports interviewing activity, but it is often a long process and sometimes
the job "goes cold" when the company decides not to hire. "There has been a slight increase
in 'landings,' or getting jobs, and increasing use of accountability groups to keep individuals focused."

So whether actively looking for work now, or just monitoring the employment landscape with
an eye to future opportunities, we encourage individuals to "turn down the volume" on the
media reports on the economy and unemployment that can bombard a person day after day.
An individual doesn't need 100,000 jobs - just one; and it can be found more efficiently by
using the resources of a community career center or job search support group, proven job
search activities, persistence, and smart, strategic networking activities.


Related articles:

Career Vision and the Career Resource Center: Partners in Re-Careering and Re-Employing Adults

© Copyright 2009, Career Vision / Ball Foundation. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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