Equipoise, I’m standing in the same boat. I am unemployed again, and trying to figure out what to do with myself. I guess I will also be looking at temp agencies (though my fall-back plan is always retail, since I have a lot of experience with it).
I’m also terrified of the clothing problem. I got rid of just about everything nice I own in the move (it wasn’t much). I have an interview on Thursday, but it’s at a “high end clothing store”. I don’t think I have clothing for the interview, much less to maintain the job if I were to get it!
So, yeah, it’s pretty terrifying. But Craigslist will be your friend as well. I applied to the place I have an interview at this morning and got a call this afternoon. I admit, it’s the first call back I’ve had, but that was fast and gratifying. I don’t expect to get the job, but it’ll be a good practice interview.
Gosh, and re: clothes, I hear the Goodwill “downtown” is excellent (I’m thinking it’s probably near Wrigleyville, based on the people who’ve mentioned it) as is the WINGS shop out in Palatine. Home of the Sparrow is also in that neighborhood, lots of women’s clothing there.
I would imagine the fact that you made it to an appointment through nine inches of snow would impress them more than whatever outfit you happened to show up in. You can always make light of it, “Oh, normally I try to dress better than this for interviews, can you believe how much snow we’ve had this winter?”
Honestly, I think you’re overthinking this a little. Temp agencies do not generally see the top echelon of workers signing up with them. If you can find the office and tie your own shoes, you have a leg up on many of the people who wander through their doors.
I work for a staffing agency and I wanted to give some insight from the inside. As long as you have a good attitude and are willing to learn, we’ll try to work with you. When we have you take the tests, we provide you with tutorials so it will help you learn a bit while also doing better on the tests. The thing is, the job market (at least around these parts) isn’t doing so great so it’s hard to find jobs for everyone. I agree with everyone that the agencies are only a resource and you shouldn’t rely on only one or two to find you a job. As long as you put in the effort (without being obnoxious to the staff ), something will happen.
To be a paralegal, you have to Know Things. A legal assistant, on the other hand, can be anything from a quasi-paralegal to a general office gopher. Heck, I know one girl who’s technically a legal assistant who doesn’t do anything other than answer phones and make copies.
And to be a filing clerk, you literally don’t have to know anything other than how to read (and remove staples).
Equipoise - you should give Olsten a call - I worked with them for years while searching for my now full time gig - as did my mom when she went back to work (she was around your age).
One thing they’ll do for you is teach you the computer stuff you aren’t sure about - they taught me Microsoft Office stuff - free.
It’s been years since I’ve tempted, but I did all the testing, etc. at one agency. I came out OK (I’m not a super-fast typist), but the agency let anyone they were currently trying to place go in to their office at off-hours and use their tutorial software to improve their skills in common office software. After all, if you have better skills, you can be placed in higher-level jobs that pay better; temp agencies usually get a percentage of the hourly rate of the people they place, so it’s in their interest to get you higher-paying gigs.
I also second the thrift store recommendation for officewear. Good luck!
Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Besides the temp agencies, I’d hit Craigslist and consider visiting your local CCC (City Colleges of Chicago)or suburban community college (Oakton, Harper, College of DuPage, CLC, etc). They have boards with jobs posted.
Equipoise, it’s quite apparent you have good writing skills, that’s a HUGE plus. Play it up.
Oddly, those HTML, CSS skills may come in very handy… it’s really surprising how many companies are asking their clerical staff to do things like update intranet sites and HTML source documents.
Honestly, with most of the temp agencies, as long as you can show them that you’ll show up, be pleasant, and have a willingness to learn new skills, they’re lovin’ you. They get SO many people who really let them down. If you can be a sparkling, eager to learn personality, and reliable, you’ll never be out of work.
Personally, I did technical temping for years (I started out as an HTML/CSS jockey in the early 90’s) and I loved it, good variety, fun people usually, and I got to learn LOTS of new skills.
Thanks to those who posted since my last post. MissTskTsk, jnglmassiv, Eva Luna, Missy2U, Really Not All That Bright, Otto, fessie, BlueKangaroo and Penchan. I am reading and taking notes. I have an appointment today at 1:45! I’ve called several places and submitted my “resume” to several online sites such as Monster.com, but I know, or think I know, that I’ll have better luck in person. For instance, I found what would be the perfect job for me through Monster.com, one that I would be good at, but the only way to apply was online by filling in fields. What I was able to fill in looked so pathetic I almost didn’t even finish. It gave me no chance to explain my situation, and will probably be tossed without even the chance of an interview. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that they at least interview me, because I think I can state my case in person. They need me but don’t know it (that’s one of the only times I’ll be able to say that with conviction).
Thanks for the perspective of a temp agency insider Penchan. You all give me hope.
I don’t mean to discourage you, but I’m in the Chicago area and I’ve been looking for work since November. I’ve been to two different temp agencies, I’ve applied numerous times on line (and I agree, the set up for on-line seems calculated to make one look as pathetic as possible), and also in person. So far no luck. I wish you better fortune than I have had, but I’m also warning you that patience will be required.
Mind you, my prior 4 experiences with temp agencies got my work within two weeks, and my skills have only increased. My only conclusion is that the Chicago area job market is abysmal right now.
Hey! I got a job! Ok, it’s nothing special, but the appointment I had netted me work with a firm that staffs conventions. My first job will be scanning some (stinking) badges as conventioners come into the hall. The lady at the agency said that they’d be working conventions all summer long and she could probably keep me busy.
I’m not letting it rest. I want something a bit more steady, and will keep looking, but this is certainly better than nothing. Some money coming in is better than no money coming in.
Broomstick, if you’re at the “oh please god, anything” stage, call Front Office Staffing. They do conventions.
Thanks again for everyone’s time and tips. I appreciate you all taking the time to reply.
No, that won’t be until the unemployment benefits run out - it would, after all, be foolish to accept a job that would leave me with less money per week than I’m currently getting, right?
After April, through, it looks like I’ll do anything legal/moral/ethical
Congratulations! I’ve been a temp for about 11 years now, and I know a lot of people get good permanent jobs through temp positions. It’s never happened to me, but that’s mostly been my choice (you can put up with almost anything for six months, but agreeing to stay permanently is a whole nother thing).
I found my last two permanent jobs (one lasted 4 years, one 13) through temping. I was tempted (ha!) to immediately go that route again, but I had unemployment this time around so I decided to try applying for jobs the old fashioned way.
I actually really enjoyed temping, but back then I couldn’t get health benefits. If I could find a way around that, I’d consider going back to being a professional temporary.
), something will happen.