Unlike typical headhunters or employment agencies, Job Link’s mission is to help every person that steps through the door, and even those that don’t, find jobs in Chicago. Some clients are unemployed, having been out of the workforce for quite some time. Others are in transition phases and in need of a job (and maybe some sound advice) before making the next career move.
Many are dispirited and, by and large, unproductive in their job hunt. Granted, this sad reality is understandable. But does that mean this needs to be the status quo? No matter how sorry a client’s situation may seem, at least some of it can be alleviated by more productivity and an attitude shift. In fact, this seems to be a key ingredient in any recipe for success.
Mr. Gordon says that, “Before you begin you need to have a positive outlook. This is crucial. Really, without a healthy mindset one cannot hope to get very far.”
As a career placement services counselor, Daniel has taught his clients the importance of changing unhealthy patterns, which is key to regaining control. As a concerned friend and member of the community, he has gone to great lengths to help pull these clients from their mental and emotional ruts and, hopefully, increase their quality of life.
The problem lies not in the depressed economy, but rather in the bleakness of one’s outlook. Hence correcting an unhealthy attitude is the precondition to an effective job search.
Daniel says that, “A person can become anxious about not having a job, and his emotions may start to clouding his rational thought. When this happens, his decisions become illogical and confused. My job is to be the voice of reason.”
It goes without saying that Daniel’s concern for his clients’ mental health far exceeds the job requirements of a headhunter since in addition to placing people in jobs, he also seeks out their wellbeing. Thus he plays the role of change agent (albeit an unconventional one). In other words, he is someone who serves as a catalyst to increase a person’s productivity and overall effectiveness—as well as self-image and sense of purpose—in pursuit of a livelihood.
