Hope's Front Door provides effective job solutions

Job coaches or career counselors don't just build your confidence and cheer you on to the next application to fill out. Coaches are much more. And the first step of a successful coach is to listen and understand the education and work experience the job seeker already has attained to determine what is next. Every job seeker is unique according to Richard Howard, retired Assistant Superintendent from Downers Grove District 99 and now volunteer at Hope's Front Door for their Pathways to Employment program.

Richard always begins asking exactly what they need and what methods they use to search for a job. Many do not have resumes and to make each coaching session more effective he provides a sample resume that defines the industry the person is looking or has worked and uses that has a tool to ask questions; fill in the blanks. He explains each aspect of the resume and even pretends that he is interviewing so he can also address as much in the first encounter as time allows.

He describes the resume as a ticket to the front door and really builds on the importance of having a solid demonstration of skills and abilities. As he discussed with one client, you really need to know who you are, how you work with others. Then you want to present in writing and interviewing, that you are the person they are looking for. He never hesitates to be honest with a client that may be off track but the individual walks away with shoulders just a bit higher and a smile knowing that there is hope for a better employment future. Richard loves to give back his knowledge of the hiring process to see others inspired and succeed.

After completing the first session with Richard, you are invited back every Thursday to review new resume suggestions, practice interviewing and talk about new employment opportunities. Access to local job opening are available as well as equipment such as computers, fax and phone if needed. Job coaches are available every Thursday, 10:00-11:45 am and the 2nd Monday of the month in the evening, 6:30-8:00pm at Hope's Front Door, 1047 Curtiss Street in Downers Grove.

Hope’s Front Door often acts as a “first responder” to neighbors who are facing financial and/or medical crises. They play an integral role in ensuring the well-being of individuals, families and the overall communities. When clients walk through the doors they determine their immediate needs, they help them with either food, medical, dental and/or transportation vouchers, plus a clear pathway into the network of social agencies that can assist them with the long-term restructuring of their lives, by helping move them out of living a “crisis to crisis existence”.