North Coast Job Seekers - 2023 Meetings

Monday, December 11, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Self-Care and How to Embrace Change

Speakers: Monica Ascar & Josip Markus

Stress, worry, anxiety, and depression are very real aspects of job transition at any time, much less during this Covid-19 pandemic. These feelings can be compounded with the upcoming holidays. Whether or not these fears represent your experience, the reality is that job transition is fraught with challenges and an emotional roller coaster heightened by the pandemic and the holidays ahead. In order to address some of these realities we have asked Monica Ascar and Josip Markus to join us for this virtual panel discussion. The intent of this conversation is to provide coping techniques, practices, and resources to help manage stress.

Our Conversation Leaders

Monica Ascar, MSW, LISW-S currently serves at the MSW Coordinator at The University of Akron School of Social Work, Lakewood Campus. Her social work practice has included extensive work within the health care and child welfare settings. As a senior medical social worker at Dayton Children’s, her work included completing psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, mental health assessments, emergency department services, and child abuse assessments and prevention. She also worked in chronic illness serving children and families involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. As a child welfare caseworker at Montgomery County Children Services, she worked with children and families within on-going services. Ms. Ascar most recently worked at Cuyahoga County Division of Health and Human Services where she coordinated the University Partnership Program (UPP) and the Graduate Field Program.

Originating from modest Croatian roots, Josip has led a blessed life rich with global influence and personal triumph. With a wealth of wisdom garnered from myriad cultures, Josip's story is woven from the vibrant cities he's called home and the over 40 countries that have expanded his worldview. Whether sharing moments of kinship on the bustling streets of Tokyo or embracing communal healing in the Amazon, his narrative celebrates the universal language of human connection.

Josip’s greatest journey, however, delves into the depths of self — seeking to understand and unify every aspect of his being into a complete whole. Emerging from the crucible of intense personal struggle with a profound awakening, he has reframed his existence. Liberated from self-limiting beliefs, Josip continually transmutes his challenges into a source of deep insights and unyielding strength.

Now, as a guide for conscious evolution, Josip leads with a vision: we are divine architects of our reality, capable of manifesting a life beyond what we once believed possible. He inspires and empowers individuals to forge their paths with authenticity, embrace the interconnectedness of all things, and share their unique gifts with the world.

Our First In-Person Opportunity

Since COVID!!!

Monday, November 27, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Special In-Person & Virtual (Zoom) Hybrid

Holiday Mocktail Party

You're Invited!

A Primer for Mixing Job Seeking and

"Post-Pandemic" Party Mingling

In-Person Gathering will be at

Sandler Training by MP Solutions

6060 Rockside Woods Blvd N #105

Independence, OH

Our annual Holiday Mocktail Party is back! Like many businesses, organizations, families, and groups of friends, we will once again gather face-to-face. This will be a hybrid party, so you can certainly join virtually through our Zoom meeting site.

As a job seeker, these holiday gatherings are fraught with challenges. It's awkward when we're asked, "So what do you do?" Or even worse, "How are things at _____ company?" Or what if the person you have been trying to arrange a meeting with for months is actually there! Is it okay to greet them and introduce yourself, or are job search topics a taboo? Can we use a social gathering to do networking?

Join NCJS for a dress rehearsal holiday party where you can practice holding a plate of food, a drink glass, AND shake someone's hand. We will also discover polite ways to include your elevator speech in conversations, talk about being in a job search without being embarrassed, and how to leverage these holiday gatherings into networking opportunities.

If you join us online, you'll need to supply your own appetizers and beverage, but for those coming in person we'll have you covered. See you at the party!

Monday, October 23, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

HUMAN RESOURCES PANEL

Q&A with HR Experts

Panelists: Mike Barni, Kevin Carey, Regina Loiko

Previous NCJS Meetings

2023

NCJS Members and the Advisory Board seriously considered returning to in-person meetings now that the global pandemic is mostly in the rearview mirror. However, the consensus was to continue meeting virtually due to the convenience of Zoom, stewardship of time and travel, and the ability to make our programs accessible beyong NE Ohio.

We continue the pattern of meeting on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Ordinarily, the first meeting of the month is a roundtable for job search troubleshooting and the second meeting is a speaker with a presentation.

Second Monday of Each Month 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Job Search
Troubleshooting Roundtable

See description below listing of our featured speakers

We've all been there in our job searches... those times when we hit a speedbump or roadblock and need help talking it through. We have discovered in our virtual NCJS meetings that in addition to networking, some of our most valuable time is when we bring our issues to the group and ask for troubleshooting help. This meeting is a Roundtable of Experts -- ALL of us helping one another.

• Troubleshooting Help

• Tools & Tips

• Resource Sharing

• Networking

We will make the best use of this face-to-face time to help one another in a roundtable format. We will always have members of the community who have extensive experience, including our facilitators and board members. All are welcome and all are encouraged to seek input for solving those speedbumps and roadblocks.

Monday, January 23, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

I Have LinkedIn, Now What?

How to leverage LinkedIn for the next-level job search

Speaker: Christopher Gentry

Join us for an overview of areas on LinkedIn job seekers can leverage to improve their career search and networking activities. Topics to be discussed will be LinkedIn follies for new users, top-notch networking tips, job search suggestions, and Security and Privacy settings. Come with your questions as this will be a great opportunity to network and learn next-level details about LinkedIn.

Christopher Gentry became interested in this topic when his position was eliminated in 2003. At the time, his company provided him "outplacement services." Through this experience, he was introduced to the world of networking, job search groups, and techniques he had never heard of, all of which have helped him stay employed.

Monday, February 27, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Developing a Marketing Plan

Speaker: Jean Gagné

In this meeting, Jean will share the cumulative knowledge he has gained over the years in both using and coaching others to employ a personal Marketing Plan. Additionally, he will explain the purpose and value of this critical job transition document as well as dissect the content for anyone to easily make your own. Come one, come all ,and learn how this simple one-page plan can accelerate your transition to your next great opportunity!

Jean Gagné is an Information Management Professional with experience in manufacturing, distribution and retail organizations. His formal background is in Information Technology, but in addition to serving in various IT management positions, he also gained significant business acumen working in Customer Service, Warehousing and Distribution, Supply Chain and Human Resources. Earlier in his career, Jean found himself in transition which forced him to develop and refine a comprehensive Job Search Process Map ranging from what you need to do before you start your search through on-boarding your next opportunity. Jean serves as board member on two job search groups in NE Ohio and has been part of NCJS from its inception in 2014.

Monday, March 27, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Marketing Yourself Like a Pro

Speaker: Jim Folger

Jim Folger will be giving a presentation detailing a process and methodology for successfully marketing yourself into target companies where you don’t already have a contact. The presentation will show you how to expand your list of target companies, identify people to market to, obtain their contact information, and propose a methodology for initiating contact.

Jim Folger is a recruiter, and the President of OneSource Technical, Inc., a national search firm that partners with small to medium sized companies to help them recruit for a broad range of professional positions. Jim is an Engineer with 2 decades of industry experience in Engineering, management, and customer facing roles prior to founding OneSource Technical.

Jim’s background as a hiring manager and as a recruiter provides a unique perspective that encompasses both sides of the hiring desk. Jim can be a valuable resource to reach out to should you be at a crossroad in your career and need to brainstorm ideas. Job seekers are also welcome to Search Jobs in the company’s network of nearly 1.000 recruiters.

Monday, April 24, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Cuyahoga Works: Job & Career Services

Speaker: Ebony M. Hogan

Cuyahoga Works: Job & Career Services’ professional career counselors take pride in helping job seekers put their best foot forward to find employment, advance their careers, or pursue new career paths. Since 1976, Cuyahoga County Public Library has helped adults at all stages of their working lives acquire the skills employers desire, find jobs, and transition to new careers. Among services offered:

Career Counseling & Coaching
Resume, Cover Letter & Social Media Profile Reviews
Job Search Strategies
Interview Preparation
Free Workshops & Community Collaborations

Ebony M. Hogan, M.Ed. is the Career Services Supervisor and a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Cuyahoga County Public Library. In this presentation she will offer an overview of the many services available in the Cuyahoga Works program.

Ebony received a Master’s in Education with a major in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University. She has also earned a myriad of professional certifications including Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Practitioner, and Digital Brand Strategist (CDBS).

As an advocate of people and change, Ebony takes pride in providing everything from time to resources to a listening ear to a word of advice or encouragement to here clients. Her life's journey and work has always been to see others realize their utmost potential so that they can reach the highest height in their respective life venture.

Monday, May 22, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Are You On the Right Path?

Using & Interpreting the Trimetrix DNA Instrument

Speaker & Facilitator: Jim Folger

Registration Is Required for This NCJS Program

Jim Folger has been using behavioral sciences to help clients make better hiring decisions by aligning the right people with the right jobs for almost 2 decades. In Jim’s volunteer work with job seekers he has also used these tools to help job seekers understand whether they are pursuing the right jobs.

TRIMETRIX DNA ASSESSMENT

Prior to the meeting, you will be given an opportunity to take a self assessment tool to provide insights into your behavioral style, the things that motivate you, and the development levels of 25 soft skills that the instrument looks at. Jim has arranged for NCJS members to receive and use this instrument at no cost (it ordinarily costs $360 per individual). In a group presentation Jim will give an overview of how these relate to our jobs.

In this session you will:

Receive a FREE online instrument utilizing 3 sciences: Behaviors, Motivations, and Skills (a $360 value).
Gain a better understanding of yourself, how you interact with others, why you do what you do, and how your behaviors, motivations, and skills align with your career.
Understand how to read others and adapt your style to improve communication effectiveness.

* * * * *
NOTE: Thanks to Jim Folger and Target Training International,

this $360.00 instrument is offered to NCJS members for FREE.

* * * * *

Monday, June 12, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

ChatGPT for Job Search
Speaker: Jeff Trattner

Jeff Trattner is a business-to-business marketing executive with demonstrated accomplishments and deep expertise across a full range of marketing disciplines in commercial and industrial goods. He leverages career disruptions as learning opportunities to develop job search techniques. He excels in securing challenging roles and now helps others navigate the job market. Jeff holds a BS in Journalism from Ohio University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He is an operating advisor at Ronin Equity Partners and principal advisor at Construct Advisory.

Monday, June 26, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Working with a Recruiter
Speaker: John DiNallo

Monday, July 24, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

"From One Job to the Next:
Financial & Legal Best Practices"

Speakers: Gina Betti & Emily Smayda Kelly

Gina Betti works as a Financial Advisor. Her aim professionally as well as personally is to seek the highest quality possible and work for that goal. Gina sees both financial matters and every person she meets with the understanding that there is no such thing as "one size fits all." She is committed to listening, learning, and providing the best service she can. That extends from her professional life into her extensive volunteer work, including North Coast Job Seekers. Connect with Gina on LinkedIn and join her in the NCJS LinkedIn Group.

Emily Smayda Kelly, Esq. guides both individuals and companies through transitions with her legal consulting company, Kel-Lume Group. She has taken twenty years of being a labor and employment attorney experience in public (Jane Campbell Administration), private (Union Representation), corporate (Tradesmen International), and nonprofit (GC of Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio), settings on both sides of the table and now focuses on making a difference. She helps individuals navigate through their employment challenges, including non-compete, severance packages, unemployment and coaches them through to their next opportunity be it traditional employment, business owner, or independent contractor.

Monday, August 28, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Networking and the Job Search

Speaker: Christopher Gentry

Join me in a captivating presentation on the art of networking, where we'll explore its purpose, uncover invaluable tips, and dive into practical strategies to maximize its potential in job seeking. Learn how to prepare for networking events and engage in meaningful discussions that can broaden your horizons. Discover the three critical tasks that will significantly enhance your job hunt: networking, networking, networking! Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock the true power of networking. #NetworkingSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobHuntingTips #NCJS #NorthCoastJobSeekers

Monday, September 25, 2023

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Alternative No More: Career Options Beyond the Traditional 9-5

Speakers: Matt Coatney & Terese McGroarty

You can’t turn around these days without hearing about the rise of entrepreneurs and the gig economy. Professionals are discovering viable career options that were once only the path of last resort for the otherwise “unemployable”.

In this session, Matt Coatney and Terese McGroarty will discuss several alternatives to the traditional full-time employment career path, including franchising, starting your own business, and freelancing. They will share their experiences from the front lines as practitioners and provide a candid perspective on the good, bad, and ugly.

Matt Coatney is a technology executive who has extensive experience in startup businesses and freelancing, including his work as a practicing “fractional CTO” and as a thought leader whose recent book The Human Cloud explores the future of work at the intersection of freelance and Artificial Intelligence.

Terese McGroarty specializes in helping clients looking to become entrepreneurs to find the best possible match for their skills, lifestyle, goals, and financial capabilities. From start to finish, her professional approach and business knowledge will guide you through exploring top-quality business ownership opportunities. Together, we will find a fit that leads to a lifetime of fulfillment. Terese is passionate about helping job seekers whether it is for a business opportunity or finding their next position in the corporate world. She is a great connector and networker and is happy to help you in these areas. Her business website is www.frannet.com/tmcgroarty.

Join in a lively conversation with our panel of HR leaders. Topics include:

Their BEST TIPS for the job search process.
What is the best way to get noticed when going after a posted opening?
Is there more I should be doing? Will my phone calls and emails help or hurt during the process? How much is too much?
What is the best piece of advice an HR professional could share with you to make your search more effective?
What burning question do you have that an HR professional could answer?

The panel of HR professionals with unique experiences in diverse organizations will share their job search insights and do their best to answer your important questions. Click the button below to find out more about our outstanding panelists.

2022 Meetings & Topics

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2022 Meetings

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