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.