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Tory Johnson isn't just the host of Job Hunt - she's a bonafide jobs expert. Scroll down for more about our host, Tory Johnson!

Hey everyone—I’m Tory Johnson and I’m thrilled to be hosting Job Hunt

For 11 years I’ve been on the front lines of the job search and career advancement process. I know what it’s like to lose a job you love and I also know what it takes to get hired.

I had a phenomenal job in network news that I loved. I enjoyed going to work everyday and I thought I could stay with the company forever.

Then in a flash, everything changed. New management came in and the big boss wanted to put his own team in place. I was summoned to his office and told I had just 30 minutes to leave the building. I tried to save my job, but it wasn’t meant to be.

I was out. And it hurt.

I struggled to make sense of this for months. I didn’t understand why I was targeted for cuts. I hadn’t done anything wrong. I was loyal and delivered great results.

I didn’t want to go out and risk bumping into people I knew for fear that they’d ask what happened. And I certainly didn’t want to meet new people because the first question out of their mouths would be, “Where do you work? What do you do?”

So I hid. That is until my unemployment benefits ran out and my minimal savings dwindled.

It was only then that I was jolted into job search mode. And as I started to talk to people about my interests and goals, I discovered I wasn’t alone. Plenty of great people had lost a job or two—and they were stronger for it. I realized whether by choice or circumstance all of our jobs are temporary. This was my time to move on.

Ultimately I landed another position in public relations, but the seed had been planted that one day I’d start and run a company that helped other people overcome the isolation and desperation associated with job loss.

I’ve never been busier than during this recession. I’m always looking for new resources and smart services to share with anyone who’s looking for work. And that’s why I’m so honored to host Job Hunt.

Throughout each episode, we shine the spotlight on the vast array of people and programs committed to getting New Yorkers back to work. Whether you seek traditional employment or you want to start a business, this show is for you. If you think you’ve done just about everything to get hired and you’ve begun to doubt whether or not there’s anything out there for you, I know you’ll benefit from the program.

I invite you to watch each week—and of course to send me your thoughts and job search questions.

I’m rooting for your success!

Have a question about your job hunt for Tory? Send us an email at jobhunt@tv.nyc.gov.

Dear Tory,
I have been watching your show for the last few weeks. What a great idea! I just want to thank all who is involved and has contributed to this amazing program.
It has been very insightful and helpful. Your resources and guests are wonderful! I have pages of notes and things that need to accomplish for the week. The programs makes me feel like I am not the only one out there, and it always makes me want to stay focused and positive. There is a job out there and I am going to find not only a “job” but the “perfect job”.
THANK YOU so much!
Sincerely
Tracy

Hi Tracy,

Thanks for watching JOB HUNT!

So happy that it's keeping you motivated and focused on your search!

Now it's up to you to take action and make it happen. The goal is to take deliberate steps every day for your job search. Then you're able to see progress and feel good about your results.

I'm rooting for your success!

Tory Johnson

Dear Tory,
First off, let me just say that I cannot begin to thank you for how this show has helped me. I watch almost every episode and always learn something from it. I have a guestion regarding job hunting. I'm a college graduate who has had only a few paying jobs in her life. I've also done some internships but I'm looking for work. I've been searching for jobs for a while now and come across jobs that I don't want to say is beneath me, but I feel like I should be holding out for better jobs (as in better paying and better looking for my resume). However, I don't want to be too picky considering the poor job climate that we're in right now and my lack of experience. You know the saying, "Beggars can't be choosers."

Here's an example. I would talk to my parents about a job that is available that's in Retail or Food/Restaurant/Hospitality field and they would say, "You're a college grad. You should be looking for a better job with better pay and benefits." But then I say, "I can't afford to be this picky in this economy."

So who is right? What should I do? Should I be open to any and all possibilities or should I filter the results and zone in on the ones that look really promising for me? I wuld appreciate the advice. Thank you and have a great day!

Alex

Hi Alex,

Thanks for watching JOB HUNT.

In this economy, working is better than not working. The longer you're out of work, the harder it is to get back to work.

No job is quick and easy to get now. So years ago, someone might have thought of retail or
restaurants as easy to get; that's no longer the case.

I'd prefer you to work wherever you can right now -- and then build on it or leverage it as the economy turns to move into your dream job.

Good luck and tune in tonight at 9pm!

Tory Johnson

Hi Tory,
I am so grateful my husband forwarded me an email about your show, Job Hunt. I saw it last night and really felt inspired! I am wondering and hoping that you may be planning an episode for NYC moms who are re-entering the work force?

When our daughter was born, my husband and I thought it best for her development that I stay home. We decided that we could manage it financially (until she enters middle school) if we supplemented his teacher's salary with our savings. I became an active and successful volunteer at my daughter's elementary school and at our church. This past June marked the time when Michelle ended sixth grade and I began my job search. Even though I knew it wasn't' the best of economic times, I felt quite hopeful and positive. I've applied for six positions in my field (nutrition education, volunteer development, and nicotine addiction) and to my great surprise, didn't even get a call for an interview! Although I'm feeling somewhat discouraged, last night's show helped so much. The advice to get out more was really important for me to hear.

Tory, do you know of anyone who is helping mothers who are returning to the work force and who could guide me? I would so appreciate your help!

Congratulations on the show, and thanks so much,

Frances

Hi Frances,
Thanks so much for your note--and for watching the premiere of Job Hunt!

You're not alone. Many moms are facing the same struggles as they re-enter the job market during a very challenging time. Even in a great economy, it's not an easy transition when there's a gap in work history.

A few thoughts:

1) You can't apply and wait. The phone simply won't ring. When you submit an online resume, it's going into a deep black hole--and it's possible that a person never sees it. You have to apply and then follow-up. The gold is in the follow-up, not in the application itself.

This means finding the name of someone who's responsible for filling the job or someone internally who can help you reach the decision makers. It's hard, but it's essential and doable.

2) Have you thought about volunteering? The kind of work you're interested in lends itself to many volunteer opportunities. That would get you out of the house and it would connect you with people in your field. That gives you something to immediately put on your resume, which helps to close the gap. It also puts you in the right place to be considered for a paid opening.

Make a list of the places you'd like to work (especially non-profits) and call to see if they have volunteer opportunities. Or use a website like VolunteerMatch.org or NYCService.org to find a place and position to volunteer. This should be a priority for you since it offers so many benefits in the job search.

3) Last night you heard a lot about the SIBL branch of the library. It's rich with resources that will help you in many ways. You can take free courses on social networking, you can get names of employers in your field, and you can feel empowered in your search. They'll look at your resume and make sure it's a strong as possible. (Make an appointment with a career coach as indicated on the site.) Take a look at their schedule and the rich resources: http://nypl.org/locations/sibl

4) Join an industry group in your field. Find the most influential blogs/websites in your industry. Get talking on social networks (LinkedIn, for example, will have groups in your line of work. Join them and engage in the conversations.)

5) Visit the WorkForce1 branch in your borough. There are 10 of them throughout the 5 boroughs. Go check out how they might be able to help. (Call 311 for the location nearest you.)

Finally, I want you to know that your goal is doable -- you can and will get hired. It won't come easily, but then again, nothing about job searching is easy.

One challenge is to maintain your momentum and not to allow rejection derail you. When you're tempted to throw in the towel, think about this:

If I told you to flip a coin as many times as possible for one minute -- and I'd give you $100 every time it landed on heads, you wouldn't simply give up if and when it landed on tails. You know you'll get some tails, you know not every toss will be a winner -- but you keep on trying, you keep plugging away, you don't give up.

The same applies to job searching. Not all of your calls or emails will be answered. Not every lead will pan out. But you'll continue to plug away because you must. If you do the things I've listed here, you'll start to see (and feel) positive results.

Hope this helps -- keep watching Job Hunt. I'm rooting for you!

Tory Johnson

Hi Tory,
I have over 25 years experience in the airline industry. Four years ago, I took an early retirement package from an airline and have not been able to find another career since. I am now 57 and I sure try my best not to reveal that information. Leaving the airline was a big mistake and I'm sure paying the price now.

I am trying to find my way through these tough times. I have been trying to think of what I want to do with the rest of my life and the only thing I can come up with is a home base job. At this point I think that's the way I would like to go. I have a very strong background in customer service and an administrative/clerical background. I am on the road to losing my house and I'm so worried about that. Seems like these days, depression and disappointment has become my closest friend. I was wondering if you have any suggestions on how I can get some information on occupations to see what would, in fact, spark my interest.

In addition, I'm loving your show. The information is invaluable. I'm glad your on the air, because at this point, I've exhausted all my options and I'm feeling very lost. Thank you for your time. Looking forward to next Tuesdays show.

Respectfully, John Smith

Hi John,

Thanks for writing and for watching Job Hunt.

You can't look back--you left your former employer for a reason and you can't reverse that now, so no use beating yourself up or living in regret.

The best advice I can give you is to get out of your house every day. Pack your schedule.

--You should be able to get temp work immediately given your background. Start applying to temp agencies in the city.

--Visit the SIBL library on 34th and Madison. They have job search related events and coaching every day. Make an appointment with a career coach there

-- it's free and would help you a lot. Have that person review your resume and offer you specific direction to act on.

--Join a job club. You can find a group on meetup.com. Get active and go to meetings weekly, if not more often.

--In terms of thinking of a home-based business, what kind of business would you want to start? The City offers programs to help aspiring entrepreneurs. Call 311 to locate the Workforce 1 office nearest you. It would be so valuable to go in and talk to them about what's available right now

-- and about your business ideas. Also, if you have to update your admin skills to remain current, they'll provide the training for free.

Most importantly, don't allow yourself to be paralyzed by fear. Sometimes when you're so close to running out of money or you fear losing your home, you freeze. You stop trying, you stop hustling, you stop getting out.

DO NOT LET THAT HAPPEN. Start your new search today. Make a plan to get to work right now on finding a job. Do all of the things I've mentioned above and don't let anything stand in your way.

It's not easy, but it's all doable. Go make it happen.

I'm rooting for you.
Tory Johnson

Career-savvy expert Tory Johnson is the founder and CEO of Women for Hire, which is the only producer of high caliber recruiting events for women. Johnson has also served as the Workplace Contributor on ABC's Good Morning America, where she reaches millions of viewers on a wide range of job-related issues and challenges.

She is a frequent speaker to audiences nationwide, ranging from college campuses and Fortune 500 companies to prestigious conferences, where she shares strategies and solutions for finding success and satisfaction at work.

Glamour magazine dubbed Johnson the "raise fairy godmother" because of her expertise in advising a panel of women on how to successfully ask for—and secure—salary increases.

Johnson's fourth career book, Will Work From Home: Earn Cash Without the Commute was published in 2008 and became an instant New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller.

Johnson serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for Emerson College. She is a member of the Women Presidents’ Organization. She was inducted into the YWCA's prestigious Class of 2002 Academy of Women Achievers, which recognizes the outstanding achievements of women in business.

Johnson is a mentor to dozens of women throughout the country, providing one-on-one guidance on both career advancement and entrepreneurship. In addition to her high profile work with people displaced in the Gulf states because of Hurricane Katrina, she is an active volunteer for many community-based organizations focusing on women’s issues and education.

Johnson founded Women For Hire after serving in corporate communications positions at ABC News, NBC News and Nickelodeon. She lives in New York City with her husband and children.

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