For almost 7 years Hudson Job Search has been benefitting from the expertise of Advisor, Rob Gerling, Senior Director of Human Resources at Goodyear. As an Advisor he volunteers to works with job seekers, one-on-one, to help coach them through the job search process. Rob also volunteers as a speaker for our Monday Night Meetings where he leads a discussion for our job seekers to gain insight from the Hiring Manger perspective. We take this month to feature Rob and spotlight his history and contribution to the organization with this interview:
Professional Background
Rob has 39 years of professional experience, mostly in Human Resources. He originally got his start in manufacturing operations. Rob currently works as a human resources executive for Goodyear supporting manufacturing, supply chain, chemical operations, and sales operations in the Americas. Rob has also worked for General Motors, Delphi Corporation and BP and is a true asset to job seekers in the Northeast Ohio area.
Q: What inspired you to become an Advisor with Hudson Job Search?
A: My wife, actually. She encouraged me to use the skills I have acquired in my career to assist others who may benefit from my background. When I met with Jim Ahern, then President of Hudson Job Search, it was easy to see the benefits of the work HJS does. I was a little nervous initially, but everyone made me feel welcome and was willing to assist me in becoming an Advisor.
Q: How long have you been an Advisor with Hudson Job Search?
A: I started in 2016 so coming up on 7 years.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your role as an Advisor with the organization?
A: I really enjoy helping someone with their job search. Hudson Job Search has a process that works with tools that support the job seeker. Taking someone through those steps and coaching them to put in the work to secure an interview and ultimately a job – I find that rewarding.
Q: What’s your favorite Hudson Job Search story?
I was working with a young lady right who was only a few years out of college and she had worked abroad for a year or two before returning to Hudson. She was looking to work in digital marketing. Honestly, I did not know what digital marketing was, but we went through the process and she tackled the “to do’s” one at a time. After a month or two she began to get some interviews. She then landed a role with a local company doing work in the field she wanted and had studied for in college. There were steps along the way when my client was uncomfortable. By performing the HJS process she pushed past her inhabitations and saw it through. She was very excited when she got the first job offer. Seeing her fulfilled was rewarding for me.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a Hudson Job Search Advisor?
A: I would say simply, DO IT.
Q: How did you learn about Hudson Job Search?
A: My wife and I saw the articles in the “Hudson Hub Times”.
Q: If Hudson Job Search could do anything, with limitless donations, what would you like to see the organization accomplish in the next 5 years?
A: Continue to focus on local residents in the area. The other thing I would like to see is for Hudson Job Search to continue the work it started in providing more professional development for Advisors. Eventually, it might be nice to have Advisors receive some sort of certification through a professional organization. This would elevate HJS and provide additional confidence for job seekers.
See other Featured Advisors below:
