Long before Barbara Gonzalez launched her interviewing and coaching business, she knew how to land a job. After graduating from college with a degree in computer science, she set the goal of working in sales for a technology company. For several Saturday mornings in a row, she combed through the job postings in the newspaper and identified companies of interest. She then crafted a compelling cover letter to each company’s hiring manager and mailed it with her resume in the afternoon to ensure it arrived Monday morning. The result? Barbara was invited to interview for every position she applied for, and she got an offer for every position she interviewed for.
Barbara spent the next 20 years as a salesperson and sales manager for Fortune 500 technology companies including Tandem Computers-Hewlett Packard, ITT-Alcatel, and BellSouth. She was an instrumental player, contributing significantly to the revenue channel with a successful startup company, Connect, that led to an IPO. She sold diverse software solutions to Fortune 500 companies including GE, FedEx, Fruit of the Loom, Ford, and John Deere. With each organization, she was a top sales achiever.
Meanwhile, in the evenings and on weekends, Barbara began helping family and friends who were struggling to further their career. She gave tips on how to write cover letters, put together resumes, and prepare for interviews. Soon word spread and contacts outside her network reached out for assistance. And while she was happy with her sales career, Barbara also loved her ability to help others on the side. She realized that her successful sales career was a key component of her ability to help her clients achieve success.
In the back of her mind, Barbara kept thinking that someday she would love to operate a full-time career coaching business. That day came in 2009, and she launched Chicago Interview Coach.
Today Barbara serves career- and program-seekers around the U.S. and in Europe, guiding and equipping them to accomplish their goal.
Reaching out to Barbara was my last resort. After 25 failed interviews I was ready to give up. Barbara worked with me one-on-one, helped me address holes in my interview answers, and unexpectedly helped me with my lack of confidence. At my next interview I received a call for a second interview and, eventually, an offer. Barbara genuinely cared about my success. I highly recommend her for job search services.
Jason, Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee, WI
1 Northfield Plaza, Suite 300, Northfield, IL 60093 • Office: 847-219-8117 • Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm or by appointment