Clifton Said:

I am desperate for employment can you name some companies that hire anyone?

We Answered:

Don't feel bad. I was in your shoes. Since April too. I was only lucky to get a job 3 weeks ago. Temp agencies suck - they didn't help me during that time. In the L.A. area.

Just keep trying. hotjobs and craigslist.org

Nicole Said:

How can I find a part time weekend job in chicago, IL?

We Answered:

Try Matthews Employment, they are pretty popular here. Just check any of the daily newspapers - Sun Times, Tribune, Daily Herald for more local news, and you'll be able to find an ad from Matthews.

Good luck, it's tough out there.

Kathleen Said:

what temp agency in Chicago can a ex-offender find a decent job while getting a education?

We Answered:

It depends on the offense. Most places will not (or can not) hire if there was an honesty crime involved because of bonding issues. For instance, Westaff can as you put it, hire "ex-offender's" as long as an honesty crime hasn't been committed. The bonding company has stipulations that won't allow them to hire those who have honesty crimes. Westaff bonds every one of their employee's for 1.5 million dollars. UPS was a bad place to apply. Try the staffing companies in your area, I am sure they will be able to help you. Some of the big names are Manpower, Adecco, Kelly Services, Westaff; check the web to see if any are in your area. Good luck to you!

Anne Said:

any recruiters in the city of chicago looking for a customer service professional?

We Answered:

Try posting your resume on Hotjobs.com (part of Yahoo), Monster.com, or Careerbuilder.com. They are all free and I got multiple calls and interviews by doing it!

Leah Said:

Temp agency pros and cons?

We Answered:

I would say, go with the temp agency. I am not able to guarantee your wages though. The temp agency does like to make a profit. Temp agencies are getting better at helping you, they have all sorts of tests to find your skill level in anything. I have found with experience that the better a worker you are (work done and congeniality) the more companies ask for you back and the more that happens the more the temp agencies pay you because you are a money maker and make them look good.

Good luck, hun.

Natalie Said:

Moving to Chicago to try out SCTV and/or attend their classes: need advice on where to live, etc?

We Answered:

First of all, there is no SCTV. That was a TV show produed by the Toronto chapter of The Second City. The original Second City thater and school is here in Chicago. Anyone can attend classes. I took several writing classes there myself. But to be a performer and try out fo the main stage, you have to take writing AND acting clases. Students in the upper levels of Second City often put on their own shows in one of the other smaller theaters in the same building as the main stage. They can charge a small fee if they want. It's a great way to try your stuff out on stage. Classes are kinda of expensive (about $200 a class last time I checked). But if you want to learn comedy, you can't get much better.

there are also other comedy schools here in Chicago too. I/O theater (formerly Improv Olympics) offers classes and space for students to put on shows and try out their material. A few students from I/O have gone on to the big time, such as Amy Poehler of SNL. Check out this website; http://www.iochicago.net/news.html

Also, the Annoyance Productions, part of the Annoyance Theater offers classes as well. (http://www.annoyanceproductions.com/). Like I/O, they focus a lot of improv, but as a means to construct larger, formal productions.

Finally, there are a bunch of bars and theaters that have open mike comedy night or open mike improv nights that anyone can use to try out their material. Time Out Chicago magazine has a whole section devoted to weekly comedy shows.

As far a where to live, Chicago has pretty good public transportation, so almost anywhere is accessible to the Second City headquaters. if you're looking for roommates, visit the city before you move here and post something on the bulletin board at the Second City class area. There are a few neighborhoods that are pretty cheap and are decent to live in. The Chicago Reader's apartment section (http://classifieds.chicagoreader.com/chi… is a good place to start. Just type in the type of apartment and the price you want to pay and see what pops up. Then come back here and ask people what the neighborhoods are like. And no, you won't really need a car in Chicago.

Patricia Said:

Accountants Only!?

We Answered:

You should try a temporary agency - such as Robert Half Accountemps. You can get some experience and also test out the waters. You may even get to stay with a company and have THEM pay for your school. The opportunities are endless.

You can also inquire at smaller CPA firms - they have a need for help in the summertime while others go on vacation.