Interview 2 (text interview) Benjamin Lensch.

Benjamin Lensch is my supervisor at Chess4Life, editor of the Newsletter, and the head of the Bellevue enrichment program. He started three years ago as an enrichment teacher, but worked his way up in the company and now runs the most profitable enrichment program in the entire company.

1. 1. Can you tell me how you got to your current position?

Through networking. I met our CEO, Elliott Neff in the past, and told him that I would be looking for a job in the Pacific Northwest. I asked him if, when the time came, I could send him my resume to pass along to any connections he may have in the area, and he encouraged me to do so. Half a year later, I sent him my resume as we had discussed. He took a look at it and asked if I would be interested in applying at my current company. I was hired a week later.

1. 2. What do you like most about your job, and what would you change if you could?

I like the management and customer service aspects of my position the most. It is very satisfying to produce a quality product with our team and present it to our clients. With all small to medium sized businesses, many people must do more than their job responsibilities dictate in order to get the job done. In my position, I am often asked to be a driver or help cover positions in other departments when they are in need of help. While I am happy to help, this can affect my ability to complete my own responsibilities.

1. 3. How could a new employee work up and break into your field?

Look people in the eyes when you speak with them and have a firm handshake. Carry yourself deliberately, and dress nice. That is half the battle. The other half is getting your foot in the door, so you have to network with everyone you meet and build up your resume so that it gets an employer's attention. When I hire, I look for these qualities in the candidates. 

If you want into a certain field and are unable to get a position in it, build up your resume with volunteer hours or internships in a similar field so that your resume will stand out. Employees never hand out freebies and rarely take chances on risky employees with no experience.

1. 4. What does it take to run a program like yours? how many other positions exist to make Chess4Life's Enrichment program possible?

My company has positions beyond child care. There are management and organizational positions that look after things such as finances, customer service, transportation coordination, monthly newsletter and parent communication, marketing, and more. However, the most common position in my industry is a child instructor or coach of some form.