My Goodwill Story – Eli

Eli was looking for work but struggling to find the right fit. That’s when he was referred to Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois (Peoria) by a family friend. 

His career coach walked him through the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator®, a framework designed to support job seekers on their journey to employment. Together with program staff, Eli was able to assess his strengths, interests and employment goals while developing a plan to pursue meaningful employment opportunities.  

To equip Eli for success, he participated in job search activities, mock interviews and ongoing employment preparation services designed to strengthen his interviewing skills, communication and overall professionalism. His hard work and preparation led to his first job interview, providing valuable experience that helped build both his confidence and comfort in professional interview settings. 

Eventually, Eli earned the opportunity to shadow a clerk at a local grocery store. During this experience, Eli quickly connected with the work environment and responsibilities of the role and realized it was a position he genuinely enjoyed.  

Following the job shadow, Eli developed a clear plan and applied for the clerk role. When he was invited for the interview, Eli presented himself professionally and answered interview questions with confidence and enthusiasm. His preparation, professionalism and positive attitude made a strong impression on the hiring team. Eli performed exceptionally well during the interview and was offered the position on the spot. 

His new role allows him to begin earning an income and practice the new skills he has built through the program. Eli has now utilized employable skills through his own hard work and dedication in conjunction with assistance from Goodwill® career coaches. Importantly, he has also gained a sense of independence and confidence that he had not had before. 

If you are looking for free career support like Eli, connect with your local Goodwill career center to get started.