Whether you are actively job searching, considering a career change, returning to the workforce, or otherwise focusing on the next steps in your career, the process can feel a bit lonely at times.

That's why The Job Forum is here, we are offering “1-on-1 Advising” sessions. Our expert volunteer panelists who are Managers from a variety of Bay Area Companies, Seasoned Recruiters, and Career Coaches are here to provide you guidance and advice for your next steps in your career and job search.

You will work with an expert panelist to enhance and develop the skills and confidence you need to be successful in today’s job market. Together, you will evaluate your short- and long-term career goals.

The Job Forum offers:

30 minute “1-On-1 Advising” Sessions with a Job Forum Professional Advisor. The cost is only a fee of $20 for one session and $50 if you book three sessions, which is less than the average market rate.

“1-on-1 Advising” sessions appointments can be conducted via phone or zoom

Career Coaching appointments can cover a variety of topics, including:

Exploring Career Options

Resume and Cover letter Review

LinkedIn Consultation

Networking Techniques

Advice on Internship, Job Search & Volunteering

Practice Interview

Advice on Salary Negotiation

and more.

All our expert panelists have diverse backgrounds and personalities. Each of them offers a unique approach and perspective on career exploration, which allows for different insights on career exploration.

Please pay attention to the times and dates when you request a session, as they are subject to change!

OUR EXPERT ADVISORS:

SUGARMAN, MARK

Mark Sugarman has had an impressive career as a successful Executive Recruiter where he actively sourced and recommended qualified job candidates to Private and Public companies.

He specializes in recruiting sales, marketing, purchasing, operations, and finance candidates at all levels of small, medium, and large private and public US corporations. Mark is also a knowledgeable career and job search generalist so he can discuss tech careers and new career trends.

Before starting his executive recruitment firm, Banks & Sugarman, Mark spent over thirty years in management positions with both public and private distribution companies. Mark received his Bachelor of Science at the Wharton School University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in marketing at Columbia Business School.

If you want to talk things over with an experienced senior level “headhunter” in order to have some help to identify more career and job search opportunities for yourself, make more contacts, weigh the pros and cons among options and make good decisions, Mark is who you should meet.

Areas of Specialty: Talent acquisition, job search strategies, interview preparation, resume development, and networking strategies.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksugarman

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PARADISE, LAURA

Career Coach at Paradise Coaching

Laura Paradise is a career coach who guides professionals through career transitions, workforce re-entry and leadership development. Her experience spans nonprofit management, politics and consulting. She has directed national and international environmental quality programs. Laura is known for helping clients get visible, get interviews, and get hired! A former fundraiser, Laura specializes in interview and networking skills. Laura holds an MS in Organizational Management and is a certified life coach (trained at the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). Laura is based in Oakland California.

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IMHOFF, JEROME

Career Coach at The Résumé Shop, “INK.”

Jerome Imhoff is a professional résumé writer and career coach with more than 15 years of experience in the “employment” industry. After moving to California from the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he worked as a music teacher, Jerome made is foray into the world of employment services as a vocational counselor and job developer for an adult vocational training school in Concord, California. He then spent 5 years working as a recruiter and headhunter for a national staffing agency before starting his own business, The Résumé Shop, “INK.” As a career coach, Jerome helps job seekers and career changers to assess their career goals and acquire a strategic edge to navigate an ever-changing and highly competitive job market.

Jerome is a certified human resources professional (PHR) and a certified ARTbundance Life Coach and Practitioner. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with majors in English and music as well as a Master of Arts degree in education with an emphasis on language arts. Jerome is the co-host of the podcast UpLevel Your Career with Judson & Jerome and the host of the podcast Manifesting Brilliance: Living Your Authentic Life.

Areas of Specialty: Life coaching, podcasting, resumes, career coaching

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HAGGERTY, LAURA

Business Leader Communications & Change Management

Laura Haggerty has worked with several high tech and consulting organizations including the Technology teams at Visa, Alcatel Lucent and Ernst & Young and worked in operations, product management, marketing, and information technology organizations.

A creative technology leader with expertise in change management, program management, product portfolio planning, project management, and process improvement, Laura also brings international business experience that includes directing multidisciplinary, multinational teams working in development, planning for products, and systems transformation programs. Laura has a bachelor’s degree from the NY State University at New Paltz and a Masters degree from UC Berkeley.

Areas of Specialty: Technology marketing, product management and program management, change management.

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DA COSTA, JACKIE

Founder, Redefine Your Path Coaching, LLC.

Jackie is a certified career coach and Strong Interest Inventory ® practitioner. She spent 10 years in the corporate insurance and risk management space before pivoting into non-profit fundraising. She is passionate about helping individuals find careers they love which is why she moved towards career coaching. Jackie specializes in working with individuals who are looking to change careers or figure out a career path but they don't know where to start. She works with clients from career identification to securing their new role and beyond. Jackie has a business management degree from Santa Clara University and is a certified career coach through the World Coach Institute.

Areas of Specialty: Career Coaching, Career Pivots, Strong Interest Inventory ®

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CLARK, SANDRA

Coach and Consultant at LinkedIn Mentoring

Sandra Clark has run her own business, LinkedIn Mentoring, since 2010 where she works with individuals from a variety of industries—including software, hardware, biotechnology, insurance, consulting, etc.—to create and manage their LinkedIn presence. Formerly she worked at the University of California Extension (both UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz) as a manager and Director of Corporate Training and Communications. Prior to that she was a teacher.

Areas of Specialty: LinkedIn, small business marketing

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REGISTER for only $20 for a 30-minute phone or Zoom call session.

You may register up to 24 hours in advance.

Your Advisor will contact you via email to set up the details of your session.

Sign up today!

The Job Forum volunteers are here to help job hunters with job and career search topics. We are not able to discuss matters that are better discussed with a mental health professional, a doctor, or an attorney. Our volunteers are also not immigration experts. At The Job Forum we focus on advising and helping you innterms of how to conduct an effective modern job search.

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You are welcome and encouraged to attend the Job Forum Group sessions on Wednesday and Thursday at 6:00 in order to easily add to your job search network by meeting helpful managers inside Bay Area companies who will advise you and can make referrals for you.

For more updates on how to sign up for “1-on-1 Advising” follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and The Job Forum website.

Note: We are Bay Area managers who volunteer to advise job hunters on conducting a modern job search here in the Bay Area. We may offer contacts from our professional networks when appropriate.

We do not offer jobs nor can we help job hunters with Visa challenges or work permits or other legal concerns.

1-On-1 Advising Tuesdays: Personal Career & Job Search Advice