Libertyville Nonprofit Helps Job Seekers

For many years, Wesley Addison worked as a franchise owner, but he recently re-entered the job market due to the slow economy.

Searching within the retail field, Addison describes the interview process with one company as “challenging.” The company, he said, requested him to return five times for interviews, but in the end, he still was not selected for the job.

“I was going through something I was not familiar with -- a drag-through process,” Addison said. “It should not have taken all those interviews to make a decision.”

Addison, is among the many people looking for jobs who have sought support at Fresh Start of Illinois, a nonprofit in Libertyville.

Building Confidence

The organization offers workshops and a network to help job seekers build their confidence and get advice to further a successful search.

Laura Menze, owner of LifeQuest Alliance and a volunteer at Fresh Start, says some job seekers are becoming desperate.

“People don’t realize how much desperation plays in further lowering self-confidence,” Menze said.

While it important for applicants to demonstrate their skills as part of the interview, Menze said it is excessive when a company asks an applicant to come back six to eight times and share a specific business plan.

“They have all of your ideas, so why should they hire you,” Menze said.

Give Them Sizzle, Not the Steak

Ken Schoen, a career compensation professional, says some bad interviewing practices are nothing new to the job search. These stories are becoming more evident because there are more people searching for fewer jobs. He said it is crucial for job seekers to be savvy so they can indicate if something looks suspicious.

While it is legitimate and expected that companies will ask applicants to provide examples of their work or demonstrate their professional skills, job seekers should question if a company asks an applicant to do the work for them.

“Then it is time to sit down and see if it is a legitimate opportunity,” he said. “You can give them the sizzle but not the steak.”

A Network of Support

Mary Ellin Innes, executive director at Fresh Start, said that in an environment where job seekers may feel alone, Fresh Start offers a network for people to meet others who also are searching for work. For example, through an accountability group, job seekers see they are not the only ones finding it hard to stay motivated.

“Being with other job seekers removes the isolation one may feel,” she said. “The contact provides reaffirmation that it’s a difficult road, but you can get help from the volunteers at Fresh Start or other job seekers to find success.”

The nonprofit also works one-on-one with job seekers to pinpoint what each person needs to succeed, whether it is reviewing a resume, developing a cover letter or looking at how current skills may fit into another career.

“We want to create a positive environment so they will be more confident and help them search for what is attainable,” Innes said.

Smoother Job Search

Addison says the volunteers at Fresh Start helped him understand the job market and have given him confidence to discover how his skills apply to finding a career.  

"I foresee my future as going much smoother," he said. "They have given me the courage I need to continue my job search."

For more information, call Fresh Start of Illinois, 1512 Artaius Parkway, Libertyville, at 1-847-521-3910.