Job seekers and recruiters alike have had to increasingly rely on technology as an integral part of the job search journey. Chicago Urban League’s first Virtual Career Fair was a true example of that new reality. Just over 1,000 job seekers registered for the event to connect with a dozen of Chicago’s premier employers, including Skills […]
What is Contact Tracing?
The COVID-19 crisis has caused an overwhelming need for contact tracers across the country. But you may be wondering, what exactly is contact tracing? The Illinois Department of Public Health explains that the primary goal of contact tracing is to interrupt the ongoing transmission of a disease and reduce the spread of infection. The role contract tracers play is focused on warning people who have been exposed to […]
One Summer Chicago 2020
With the unemployment rate continuing to increase, the promise of a summer job is something many are expecting to forfeit this year. Luckily, Chicago’s youth can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that One Summer Chicago, will still act as a source of meaningful and productive opportunities. Since 2011, over 224,000 youth have gained valuable job training, […]
Skills’ Candidate Spotlight – Irey Kirby
Meet Irey Kirby, a resident of Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, recently hired as a store associate with Jewel-Osco. Irey was out of work for several months after parting ways with his role as a delivery driver. Irey was looking for work, but unable to land a job, then COVID –19 made this process even harder. […]
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During COVID-19
COVID-19 has caused unexpected layoffs, furloughs, and changes in jobs very suddenly and drastically. These sudden changes inevitably cause stress on the mind and body which has widely led to poor mental health. Below we will cover the top 5 ways to take care of your mental health as a job seekers during COVID-19 so […]
COVID-19 Demand has Created an Increase in Hiring Needs
The job market has been significantly impacted by the outbreak of COVID -19, but many businesses are seeing a spike in demand, creating a greater need for workers. Employment categories like grocery, package delivery services, medical supply, hospitals, and warehouse/logistics are among those conducting hiring sprees to combat the continued uptick in customer demand. Nationally, over a dozen of America’s largest companies including Amazon, Walmart and Jewel are looking to hire nearly 700,000 people combined in the coming weeks. They are even altering their typical hiring process to get people working quickly and efficiently. For […]
How Newly Unemployed Independent Contractors Can Land Jobs
COVID-19 has impacted nearly every industry – especially the “gig economy” or better known as jobs like ride share driver, on-demand handy-work/cleaning, and freelance roles. If you were previously doing a “gig” job, you may be thinking “How can I successfully pivot to currently in-demand jobs?” Answer: With your transferable skills! We’re sharing key steps […]
Unemployment Insurance FAQ
If you have been recently laid-off or are unable to work due to the COIVD-19 pandemic, you could be eligible for Unemployment Insurance. There are a lot of mixed messages being shared about who can apply, how to apply since physical offices are closed, and how to receive these supports. Our team at Skills has […]
Create a Dynamic Job Search Plan During COVID-19
Beyond the obvious impact on individual health COVID-19 has had, it is also impacting the economy in various ways. Some industries are seeing a surge in demand (medical supplies, distribution, etc.), but most are experiencing a decline. One study found that nearly 1 In 5 households has lost work or had hours reduced since the outbreak of COVID-19. This is a daunting statistic and by […]
Top Job Search Mistakes Candidates Make
The unemployment rate across the country currently sits at 4.8%. However, here in Chicago, that rate is more than 1% higher at 5.9%[1]. This means more applicants for every job, stronger competition, and more obstacles to overcome in landing a job. This means that it is even more important for an unemployed job seeker to […]
Hello, It’s Me: Tips & Tricks for Acing Your Phone Screening
Skills recruiters conduct phone screenings of many candidates before meeting with them in person. While we do provide an overview of the position/client and answer any questions you may have, what we are really looking to understand during that phone call is: 1) who you are and why you’re interested in the position with this […]
Behavioral Based Interviewing & the STAR Method
During any job interview, you may be asked what we call “behavioral based interview questions”. You’ve probably always wondered, “Why are they asking me these types of questions? How should I answer them?” Don’t worry, in this post I’ll explain why these questions are so important and share a simple, Skills-approved method for answering them, […]
Dos and Don’ts for Your Next Interview
You’ve fully prepared for your job interview by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, thinking of your best professional experiences to share, and gathering what you need to bring with you. Now, it’s interview day, your time shine by putting everything you’ve prepped into practice. In this post, I share with you what to […]
“Do you have any questions for me?”
Almost every interview will end with an opportunity for you to ask your questions. You should always have questions ready that show you are prepared and understand the position. This will further convince the hiring manager that 1) you want the job; 2) you care about the company; and 3) you are eager to learn […]
21 Behavioral Based Interview Questions You Must Be Prepared to Answer
At this point, you should have a good understanding of what behavioral based interviewing is and why it is so important to practice before your job interview. You should also know that you need to always provide specific examples of past experiences when answering these types of questions, and the best way to structure and […]
5 Ways to Stay Organized While Applying to Multiple Jobs
So you’ve decided to go job shopping. Seriously this time. Applying to new jobs should be fun. A few clicks here and there for just a couple jobs is fairly easy to manage. However, how do you manage dozens of applications at once? Before you begin your job search, here are five of my favorite […]
Dress to Impress
You only have one shot at a first impression, so make it a good one! People always ask “What should I wear to an interview?” The truth is that first impressions last forever! You should always choose the outfit that lets your experience and personality shine through, since that is what is most important. Remember, […]
How to Prepare for Your Job Interview
You’ve made it through your interview with Skills, and you’re now on to your interview with the company’s hiring manager. Congrats! You may now be wondering, “What next? What should I do to prep?” No worries! Christopher has you covered with Skills’ best advice and favorite tips for preparing before your job interview.
Head to Your Local Chicago Public Library for Job Resources
Walking into a library in 2017 may feel odd because everything is online now, right? Wrong. Local libraries are still an integral part of neighborhoods, and their capabilities and resources have grown over the years to accommodate the changing needs of those they serve. Several of these resources are distinctly focused on jobs, applying to […]
Local Chicagoland Area Career Resources
The additional support you need… The City of Chicago and greater Cook County area have loads of great resources available to job seekers. There are numerous private and community-based organizations that provide comprehensive and specialized services. Whether you are looking to improve your education, gain occupational training, file for unemployment insurance, or many other service […]
