Tory Johnson Responds to Your Comments

May 9, 2007 — -- Hi -- It's Tory Johnson here to respond to your postings in this section of the GMA site. Since the system doesn't permit me to reply directly to each of your questions, I'll identify you here by your screen name.

Tori, I always try to catch your segments on "Good Morning America" because they are so practical. I am retiring from over 20 years with the same employer. I need financially to continue working. I really want to try the at-home work to see if I am able to do that type of work. However, I am skeptical when I see the ads on the job listings. Please list the top 5 "work from home" employers that you would recommend.
Posted by: lorsho

LORSHO: Thanks for watching! The area where there's the best growth in home-based opportunities is virtual customer service. Each company has different needs, so I can't advocate one over the other, but I know they're legit. Look into alpineaccess.com, liveops.com, arise.com, and west.com. Many GMA viewers are now making money at home because of our reports on this line of work. Good luck.

Tori, I have been a stay-at-home mom for almost 6 years now. I would like to re-enter the workforce soon, but I am not interested in pursuing the same career that I was before. Can you point me to a resource that could help me figure out where I need to go from here? I have a Master's Degree and over 15 years of professional experience.
Posted by: tmackinlay

TMACKINLAY: You have to figure out what you're good at and what you'd love to do. You need not worry about picking up where you left off. Many people pursue totally new lines of work, so you're in good company. But you can't start the path to finding work until you know where you want to go. You might take a career development workshop at a local community college to help you evaluate options, discover your passions and plan goals. Many schools offer free or inexpensive programs that would be right up your alley. Good luck.

Tori's comments this morning were so important. She emphasized face to face so you can communicate personality and passion. Be creative and adaptable. Try informational interviews or volunteering to get your foot in the door. Explain gaps briefly without apology and then focus on what you have now to contribute to the company. Patience and persistence can pay off. I was a stay at home mom for 17 years. I got my MA in counseling during that time. At 50, after 17 yrs of marriage and no work, and a separation with two teens, I got a job as a receptionist with very low pay. I continued many varied job experiences because i had to survive. Then, I got into the community college as an adjunct counselor over ten years lin my sixties and moved into a full time position in student employment services. I now have my dream job and good pay. Retirement is no where sight though. Patience and persistence are crucial. I suggest that you check in with a local community college to see what job options or skills they might provide for students and community. Some colleges may have adult-reentry programs designed especially for moms or dads returning to the workforce. Gotdreamjobfinally
Posted by: Jobprofessional

JOBPROFESSIONAL: I appreciate your words of encouragement to other viewers/readers. Your story is great…and not just because you offered me a compliment. I'll take it where I can and we'll continue to help shed light on these important issues. Congrats on your success!

How can I rebuild my career after a failed attempt at completing medical school? I have accrued a tremendous amount of school loans with no MD and a huge gap between when I last worked and started med school - I feel lost and don't know where to turn. How can I turn this negative into a positive so that I can take the information I've learned and make it marketable to employees?
Posted by: JFC76

JFC76: You should look at career paths that would benefit from that experience. For example, there is big money to be made in public relations and marketing connected to the medical field. There are positions with drug companies that may appeal to you. You could work as a researcher in the media for medical segments. You could run a private medical practice. You should look into hospital administration. Many people go to school and half-way through decide they don't want to continue pursuing the degree, so you aren't alone. There are, however, many complementary opportunities that would enable you to make use of your education and knowledge. Hope this gives you some idea and gets you thinking. Good luck.

Tori, Do you have any suggested books on how to improve on selling yourself to a potential employer when you haven't been working for a few years.
Posted by: JFC76

JFC76: For books on selling yourself, walk into any Barnes & Noble or Borders and peruse the career section. There are hundreds of titles to choose from and it's best to purchase one that really speaks to you based on the tone, style, anecdotes, industry focus, etc. What I like might not appeal to you and vice versa. So it's worth investing 30 minutes to check out titles to find text that mirrors your interests. That way, you're more opt to follow the advice offered.

Tori, I have a one and half year gap in my resume r/t career redirection; from RN to Legal Nurse Consultant. One is given, the other is a self-owned business which takes time. How do I properly apply for a "part-time" or per diem position while building my business?
Posted by: cheznurse

CHEZNURSE: I'm not sure what you mean by "properly applying" for a part-time position? You'd apply for those advertised as part-time. You'd make it known in a resume and cover letter that you're looking for part-time work only. McKesson offers interested phone-based opportunities to provide advice on triage issues to patients. Hospitals have part-time needs, as do many private practices. You might work as a part-time consultant to a PR firm that specializes in medical issues. Be creative!

I have been in charge of a well recognized hospital's ICU , worked Hematology Oncology, Home Health etc...for 20 years. Nursing is my passion and where I feel complete and worthwhile, but the stress level in nursing these days is difficult for someone older and dealing with health issues. I've been working part time in research under the education department and have used all my strong skills from my nursing background with the positions I have had. I have gone to nursing chat with Donna through nurse week but there always seems to be money involved...buy a book for the answers etc....is there somewhere I can look for a nursing job which can be an honest fit with my skills, background and passion. Nursing is hurting and the problem is the profession does little to support retention or outreach to those who have felt such a loss, not being part of their passion and where their gift is an asset. I have continually struggled with family finances because all the jobs I've had outside of nursing doesn't pay anything close to what I should make, nor what my education is worth, and value as a woman nursing advocate and professional. Thank you for whatever guidance you can offer.
Posted by: bettyann57

Posted by: poetbeth

POETBETH: Many employers will provide adaptive technology, especially large companies that are accustomed to such requests. (Smaller companies may often shy away because they don't know how to adapt and are fearful of the unknown.) You should lean on the medical and other service providers you know deal with to help make referrals to potential employers. It's often through word of mouth that you can land something good. When someone knows you as a person – or knows someone who knows you – they're more apt to exploring the potential opportunities with you. Also, there are home-based companies that use and offer JAWS technology for vision-impaired individuals. You might want to look into them and/or contact the company that manufactures the technology to find out who its biggest customers are, since those employers are likely to hire candidates like you. Good luck in your efforts.

Tori, my "comeback" is not a gap in time but the fact that I quit my last position due to a personality conflict with my supervisor. How do I come back to the same company and explian my quitting without bad-mouthing my ex-supervisor or having her bad-mouth me?
Posted by: japarkins

JAPARKINS: It's likely that the company knows what went down. One smart option, if possible, is to try talking to the supervisor out of the office. Contact her saying you know you didn't have a positive working relationship, but you don't feel comfortable leaving things that way and you'd like to buy her coffee to discuss it. You should say that you've always valued your professional relationships, so this has been unsettling to you – and that it'd serve both of you well to make amends even if you aren't working together anymore. Hopefully she'll do the right thing and say yes. This would clear the way for you to say you had a difficulty relationship, as many people do in the workplace, but that it's been resolved and behind you now. That puts you in a good position to move on.

My "comeback" is my desire to transfer from Houston to Michigan. My employer of 10 years has implemented a new email job posting site. I have had one call back out of dozens of applicaitons since Jan 2007. My cover letter indicates my 10 year status and desire to relocate. My resume is up to date with supporting documents. HOW CAN I DISCERN IF MY HR DEPT. IS PULLING MY INTERNAL APPLICATION?
Posted by: Janina379

JANINA379: There's no magical way to figure this out without asking them directly. Certainly after 10 years at the company you should feel comfortable calling someone in HR and asking for advice and feedback on the process. In such a big company, you can find someone who'll help you with the information you seek. Don't be shy and don't rely on the online system.

I'm a 57 year old woman who has health issues which prevent me from staying my feet more than 2 hours at a time. This has resulted in me being out of the work force for the last four years. I had a business as a personal chef but that became impossible. Before that I had twenty plus years as a real estate title researcher, another job that requires a huge amount of standing. I've sent out many applications for local and telecommuting jobs of all kinds, only to have no reply or finding out the jobs require more qualifications than I currently possess. How does someone my age get out of this black hole?
Posted by: Andromeda4212007

ANDROMEDA4212007: You should look at chefsline.com – might be good fit there for some extra money. Also look at the virtual customer service industry. See sites like alpineaccess.com, liveops.com, arise.com, west.com – all hire agents for roles that may be right up your alley. Good luck.

Tory; at 39 I went through the death of my partner, ended up getting sick over everything and went on disability and in Oct of '03' I had to move back to my family in IL. I decided to go back to school after 20 years and went for real estate sales; I finished the class but did not get the license. In '04' I moved in with a friend to help him take care of his aged grandmother and back to school for graphic design. I received my associates in Dec '06' but no luck on the job front. I have been trying everything online but no response and I keep seeing the same positions posted over again. Next week I am starting a professional job-training program to learn how to look for a job. Also, entry-level positions are asking for 3-5 years of experience and a bachelor degree and new programs that are not being thought because they are so new. The problem I have is explaining my time off, what about the new programs and what else can I do to find work?
Posted by: jsibick

JSIBICK: You must insist that your school help with career services. They won't offer it unless you demand it. Ask professors for contacts. Ask the school to tell you which employers hire out of your program. Stay on them for this assistance. You can explain the gap just as you've done here: You cared for elderly relatives which required your constant attention. Ask the recruiter if she or he has ever had to care for a family member. Try to engage them on a personal level. This isn't for sympathy, but for very real connections. Don't get into too much depth, since you want to keep the focus on your professional skills and abilities. Good luck.

Tori, you are da bomb, baby. I know for sure you were talking straight to me through that television set. I do sit in front of the computer all day applying for jobs and it never occured to me that nobody was responding because of a FOUR year absence. But that makes perfect sense now that you said it. I also get tongue tied and tripped up when trying to vouch for my time. You gave me good ideas on how to explain it since I have been involved in my 93 yr old mother's medical care, which is harder than any job I could ever have. It takes every skill in the book and then some, but I really hadn't thought of using that experience to explain my time. Now I see it. You gave me the light. I won't let you down!
Posted by: girlzva 10:33 AM

Posted by: danielleNYC

DANIELLENYC: What a great note. Keep watching and of course keep us posted on your success. We're rooting for you.

This Wisconsin baby boomer is facing a challenge getting a job. My qualifications include a Master's Degree and fifteen years experience with purchasing in the business world and twelve years experience with teaching. I have applied to over five hundred positions, only to be told someone with better qualifications has been selected. Seeking suggestions for success.
Posted by: nwilliams22

NWILLIAMS22: Don't focus on quantity of applications; focus on quality. That means not doing it exclusively online, but trying to shift to face to face communication. If you get in front of someone, you'll have the chance to show your passion and personality. You'll have the ability to say, "Hey, I know I might not be the average applicant, but here's why you'd be well-served by hiring me." When you can do that face to face, especially based on referrals from people who know you, success will come faster. I promise.

Good Morning Tory, My situation may be slightly different from young Moms away from work but I believe there is also an issue in my life. I retired after many years of government service as as an accountant/auditor. I returned to school at a local junior college and received a certificate in landscape design with honors. I was hoping to find employment in horticulture but have not been successful. What advice do you have? Marilyn O.
Posted by: MLOAJO

MLOAJO: Congrats on your second act. Ask your school to connect you with companies that hire from their certificate program. Go talk to local landscapers for leads. If there's a botanical garden in your area, go network and even volunteer there to make connections. Expand the circle of people you're talking to. Figure out how you might freelance too, in addition to pursuing fulltime work. Good luck with this new journey.

I would like to ask a question. As a result of cancer treatments several years ago I have developed a condition that has caused by hip joint to collapse and walk with the aid of a walker. I am on narcotic Rx for the pain...would I still be a viable candidate for a job in today's market? (Some facts: I'm over 50, have a degree in accounting, been out of work for 3 years because I think the prospective employer wouldn't want the risk of higher medical costs, the risk of excessive absences...just in general problems with someone who can't get around without a walker so I am afraid to even try. I don't want to waste my time or theirs) Am I wrong in thinking this way? (Repair to the hip via a hip replacement is very iffy at this point. One doctor told me I'd need a bone graft in order for the replacement to work and that graft was problematic in itself, now with out insurance I cant afford to get it done) Bottom line--I want to know if I should even try to find work? What would be the employer's view of me? I would appreciate your input. Thank you for your time. Liz
Posted by: Liz5910

LIZ5910: Instead of focusing on the physical limitations, shift your thinking to focus on what you offer. If you can find this online forum to post this question, then you're great online. Perhaps you should pursue a home-based position as a virtual customer service agent. Look at the options with alpineaccess.com, arise.com, liveops.com, west.com, among others. It's never too late to get back to work and if you could handle all of those medical issues, you can probably tackle any workplace challenge! Don't give up.

It is ironic that this subject came up today. Yesterday, I applied for my first job after eight years being a stay at home mom. Things have changed a bit, but I feel I can still be an asset to any company out there. I am more than willing to start at an entry level and work my way up. Is that something a company will respond well to or do they want to see you aim higher? I have a BA in Communications and over 12 years experience in Customer Service. Also, when sending your resume via email do you send a "cover letter" in the message box? What should be included in that "cover letter" and what should I do to follow up on it. (It was the company that requested the resume be sent via email)
Posted by: flynomore5

FLYNOMORE5: Always follow up a resume online with a cover letter directly to a person at the company. Be clear about what skills and knowledge you offer, along with the passion you'd bring to the position. If you worry about being labeled as over-qualified, then address it head on: I realize I may be more qualified than the typical applicant, but I've thoroughly researched this position and here's why I know it's ideal for me. Be bold and brave!

HOW TO BE A COMEBACK GRANDMOTHER. Dear Tory, Listening to the show this morning, How to be a comeback Mom, hit a nerve. I am a 50 year old grandmother. I was force to go back to work after staying home for almost 3 years. I search the web, the newspapers, called, went to the unemployment office. I was really scared. I had work experience, but no college degree. Before I stayed at home to be Grandmother, I quit my 10 year job as a Financial Counselor. The unemployment office asked me to contact friends and family for help with a job. My friends and family told me that it would be hard for me to get a job because of my age. (I was too old) I kept on submitting resumes and watching for jobs. I would say in a year, I sent out about 80 resumes and got 2 calls for interviews. About 8 months ago I started my job as a Financial Counselor at one of the largest businesses here in my town. I am very excited to get back in the work force. I have noticed that I am older than most of my co-workers. My boss just turned 26 years old. At my six months evaluation, he told me I was doing very well. That meant a lot to hear those words.
Posted by: VIOLEEN

VIOLEEN: I'm thrilled to see your message! I hope everyone reads it because it proves what I know to be true: If you truly believe in yourself, you can make it happen. Age can be an obstacle for some, but it's not an insurmountable one. I'm so happy for you and I wish you continued success.

Posted by: karenginsberg

KARENGINSBERG: Thanks for sharing your story. If you can beat all of those odds, you can tackle the workplace. Think creatively: maybe you could teach piano or music lessons or you could work for a music school or performance center. The arts may be a good world to pursue, which requires lots of face to face networking. It's too hard via email and online to land a job with a 14 year gap. You must get in front of people to show them how determined you are. Get out there and do it.

Tory my mom is recently divorced I really want her to get back into the job market!!! But she has no idea what to do, where can I look for new career opportunities for someone with lots of life experience but limited education?
Posted by: dprincessny

DPRINCESSNY: It's impossible to help without knowing what your mom is good at and what she'd like to do. When looking for work, you don't know where to look if you're not sure what exactly you're looking for. A starting point is for her to ask 10 people what they could see her doing. See if there's a common pattern – and then ask for their help in making it happen. Good luck to her!

Tory I am a 52 year old stay at home Mom with a PhD in counseling psychology. I have been trying for years to re-enter the job market. I have stayed current in my field -- which is college counseling. I have held part-time jobs substitute counseling and substitute teaching in my school district. I am articulate and have applied for hundreds of jobs, many of which I am overqualified for. I have never been apologetic about taking the time to raise my kids and I never will. But I can't even get interviews. I just keep getting "thanks for your interest, but we have selected someone for the job" reject letters. I have tried networking, and information interviews. But the people are always younger than me and I think they are intimidated by my credentials. So what else can I do? I have no time restrictions because my kids are now in college and high school. So what is the excuse from these employers? I have even taken the employment dates off my resume to hide the gap. No luck. Can you help?
Posted by: jnerak512

JNERAK512: You should try addressing those concerns head on. When you meet someone for the first time, let them know that you're so eager to contribute your skills, but that it's been a challenge competing against younger applicants. Challenge them -- in a good way -- to accept the wisdom and experience you bring to the table. Offer them a package they can't refuse. It's almost impossible to do this in writing without sounding bitter. You have to do it face to face with a big smile, so it's sincere not defensive. Don't be shy about addressing this in a positive, proactive manner. Remember, it's the quality of the applications, not quantity. You're too smart and talented to not keep plugging away -- you only need one person to say yes.

Good Morning, I have been a stay at home mom for approximately seven years. I am now looking for a job, not necessarily in my original field of study. I have substitute teaching experience and volunteer experience. The problem that I am experiencing is how do I convey my relevant skills in resume format? What type of resume is best for this task?
Posted by: SororP

SORORP: You'd likely want to use a functional resume, not chronological. You can find samples on my website at womenforhire.com, along with advice on how to formulate bullets that will be relevant to an employer. Rest assured, many women have done this successfully, and you can too. Good luck.