Job seeker learns to ‘get out in the world’

By Sean F. Driscoll

BusinessRockford.com

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Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series profiling the unemployed in the Rock River Valley.

Robin Downey
Fast facts
Age: 40
Hometown: Rockford
Family: Divorced with four children
Out of work since: 2006

Downey’s last employment was temporary manufacturing work. She has been actively looking for a job since 2007 and recently became a client of Careers Etc. She’s looking for a job in customer service.

How is your job search progressing? Before coming to Careers Etc., all I was doing was searching the newspaper and Internet, and it was very slow. But since I’ve been here they’ve taught me a lot about getting myself out there and networking, so it’s been better. I’ve had some good bites and a few interviews, but I have a criminal record, and that slows things down.

How has your criminal record affected your conversations with potential employers? For some, it’s a deal-breaker. Some companies are willing to find out more about the situation and go from there. It just depends on who you’re dealing with.

How have the few interviews you’ve landed affected your outlook? It’s encouraging, especially since nothing was happening before. Each time I do it, it’s practice for the next time.

What have you learned from your work with Careers Etc. counselors? That I need to get out in the world and stay active. You have to build a lot of word-of-mouth and tell people you’re looking for a job. They might hear of something or know of someone who works at a company that’s hiring.

Reach staff writer Sean F. Driscoll at 815-987-1346 or sdriscoll@rrstar.com.

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