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Thursday December 23, 2010

JVS President Urges Job Seekers to Get Advice

A Word From Mr. Bloch

by Peter Bloch

At this point, there is no need for another reminder about the difficulty of the time we are living in. Discussion of the recession we currently face permeates throughout all facets of daily life it seems. Few of us have lived during a time when our community has suffered so much. At Jewish Vocational Service, we hear about it every day:

- People who once donated to food pantries are now going to the same food pantries for groceries.
- People who once lived comfortable lives are now losing their homes to foreclosure.
- People who once wore fashionable clothing have had to accept donations of business attire just to look presentable during job interviews.

Many are experiencing these problems for the first time. Some must cobble together several jobs to pay their heating bills or put gas in their car.
It can take more than a year to find a job, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And for young adults, things are even worse. Even before the recession, the 2008 Cincinnati Jewish Community Study reported that nearly 40 percent of Jewish households with people under 45 said they were just managing or could not make ends meet.

Getting help finding a job is important, but the seemingly simple act of acknowledging the need for that assistance can be painful.   And the effort to reach out for help is made more difficult by a lack of knowledge about where to turn.

A professional career consultant – someone who can enhance an individual’s job search skills – can be the answer. Yes, it’s important to have impressive work skills and a strong employment history. But here’s something that’s just as important: learning how to write an effective resume and cover letter, sharpening interviewing skills and polishing professional networking techniques.

Many come to Jewish Vocational Service for that help. Our Cincinnati Career Network coaches people in job search skills. We’re committed to helping people rebuild their lives whether they’re unemployed or underemployed, entry-level workers or top executives.

But we’re not the only ones offering such assistance. Other nonprofit and government agencies in Greater Cincinnati that can help are the SuperJob Center in Cincinnati, the Job Search Focus Group in Hyde Park and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Many colleges have career advisors for their students and graduates. In addition, private placement firms provide similar services for a fee. And the United Way of Greater Cincinnati has a telephone referral service (2-1-1) that can help with many needs, including finding a job.

Landing a job can be difficult at any time. But with unemployment soaring, it’s even more difficult now. Seeking professional advice can make a big difference.

Peter M. Bloch is president and Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Vocational Service in Blue Ash (he also rocks a bowtie!)  Cincinnati Career Network is a JVS service.

To find help:
Cincinnati Career Network -- http://www.cincinnaticareer.net/
SuperJobs Center -- www.superjobs.com
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services -- http://jfs.ohio.gov/
Job Search Focus Group -- http://www.jobsearchfocusgroup.com/
United Way -- http://www.referweb.net/uwgc/