JVS

After having three more months under my belt at JVS I am better prepared to review their services. As my previous review mentioned, they are not a fast track to a new job, but they do have a plethora of services available and they won’t stop trying to help you until you find one. To make the most of their services you have to be patient and get smart about which workshops you sign up for. My previous gripes about the front desk staff have been fixed and I’ve seen JVS actively try to create programs that better fit the needs of job seekers. I think of their services as two distinct offerings. The main hurdle to access the second phase of services is a 2-​week/​6-​session boot camp meant to get your resume and networking skills to a minimum level. Before the boot camp you are stuck with only the workshops mentioned in my first review. After the boot camp, you are assigned an Employment Specialist and mine (Kristie Harris) has exceeded all expectations. I also now get invitations to networking events where folks from local companies are in attendance. From just such an event I was able to network my way into a series of interviews with an extremely desirable company. They are also piloting a Digital Marketing boot camp with General Assembly that might be a job search game changer for me if I can get in.
In summary, if you don’t have a lot of experience job searching and can afford the time, JVS will help you get your job search on track. Their biggest strengths are in building interview skills through mock interviews, one-​on-​one coaching, job search prioritization and guidance after you get an offer. If you hang around long enough, JVS will help you brush up your hard and soft skills enough to find a job.

Oddly enough, JVS was actually a resource referral from another employment non-​profit, LGBT Center’s Job Club, but JVS is much more polished, supportive, in-​depth, and has more resources available in their approach.
As another poster mentions, to have a 1:1 with an Employment Specialist (ES), you have to go through a mandatory workshop. Mine was 2 weeks of intense, practical strategies of the basics of searching for a job. This is an important structure as it prepares you to optimize your meeting with your ES, plus the ESes teach the workshops so you’re actually building a relationship with them along with your peers (read: chat it up during wait periods and start networking; your job search begins now). Workshops have great info: It’s been a while since I’ve had to job search, and the industry has changed dramatically (eg, attire for certain business industries, not necessarily suit and tie). They are interactive, such as presenting your elevator pitch and mock interviews with peer evaluations (what a great idea). It was nerve wracking as heck, but it was also necessary for me to log in some practice time.
The main instructors were Patricia Acosta and Patrick Barresi, both had good energy, were encouraging, and informative. I loved that one of Patricia’s homework assignment was ‘to go to a park and give yourself a break.’ It’s so important to de-​stress and give yourself an opportunity to reassess your approach as a whole. Make this part of your routine when you’re feeling the stress of and are discouraged by the job search. Commitment and keeping the motivation up is a full-​time job.
They have special events like panel discussions on networking, mock interviews with actual volunteers from an industry. Laura Alei was spot on at matching me up with a Salesforce volunteer from Marketing, which was not only one of my target companies but also with the employment category that I was particularly interested in. This was my first ‘interview’ in like 4+ years… right? Ugh. I felt the pressure to make a good impression, and it was intense. Since this is a mock interview, I actually have the advantage of receiving immediate feedback from the interviewer (Katherine, I think) who was incredibly insightful and detailed. I very much appreciate that they volunteer and the amount of their effort and professionalism — invaluable.
JVS also has technical resources available: tutorials on various software, computer and web access, printer, etc. Jennifer Volk has an orientation that is condensed and useful to get the most out of these resources. All that’s required is that you give her your full attention.

I’ve had the opportunity to avail of several classes and workshops at JVS (Jewish Vocational Services) to keep my professional skills up to date when searching for new employment. The instructors I’ve had are all very knowledgeable and engaging. I would highly recommend JVS to any professional who is seeking work or wants to update his/​her skill set. It’s also a great way to network! I also highly recommend their job search cohorts where you get much more in-​depth attention to detail with a small group that meets weekly over 6 weeks. You’ll learn a lot just through the others you meet and the knowledge and information you all share.

Back job hunting, again.
The more I use JVS, the more I appreciate all the services they have to offer. This is one of those cases of the old saying, «The more you put into something, the more you’ll get out of it.»
Again, I can’t say enough about their services. If you are looking for work in the San Francisco area, get your behind down there and get some support!

When I arrived at my first JVS workshop, I was concerned that the classes would be too basic because of the broad audience targeted. I very nearly decided against participating. Because the services are free, however, I decided to keep with it, eventually participating in about eight workshops. I am so glad I did. The positive energy of the workshops was spirit-​boosting and every workshop presented at least one useful tip or tool that ultimately helped give my job search a leg up. I especially benefitted from the workshop I took with Dylan Ruggles, and panel-​led workshops featuring guest presenters. The workshop handouts were a valuable return – especially from the interview workshops, in my case. As an introvert, I often struggle in interviews, so I took several hours to methodically go through the interview packets from both interview workshops before my interviews – it made a substantial difference in my self-​presentation. The workshops also presented a valuable opportunity to network with other job-​seekers. The diversity of people making use of JVS’ services is truly inspiring. I met accomplished people from many industries, all of them very willing to share their personal network to help other job seekers. I am aware of at least one networking encounter that I participated in during a workshop that led to an interview and then to a job offer.
In addition to the free workshops, I took advantage of a couple of other programs that were especially useful to me:
First, I joined the cohort program, another free service provided by JVS. The cohort program is specialized into different industry tracks. For six weeks, I met weekly in a small, closed group with a facilitator and a handful of really bright, talented people seeking work in the same industry in order to hone a personalized strategy for our individual career goals. The opportunity to have half a dozen people bring focused, intelligent attention to the nuts and bolts of my job search every week was incredibly helpful. Our facilitator, Donna Caranto, created a warm, safe space for open sharing and feedback, and provided targeted self-​marketing training. One of our group members landed what she described as her «dream job» during our cohort period. Another made some significant revelations about her career goals. I am signing a contract this week for a job with a company that runs a top-​ten website. Donna provided one-​on-​one mock interviews tailored to my position description before my first and third interviews. Her constructive feedback and upbeat encouragement made a concrete difference in my confidence level heading into all four interviews. I believe her support was critical to getting a job offer.
Finally, I took advantage of the career coaching service, the only service at JVS that is fee-​based. For the reasonable cost of a $ 100, I met once with Mark Guterman, the Career Coach at JVS. During this period of vocational soul-​searching, I had been following a few career coaches in order to glean whatever resources I could, but, frankly, I’d found the resources to be fluffy and lacking depth. However, Mark Guterman really blew me away with his perceptive, intuitive listening and the rapid precision with which he identified tools that would be genuinely supportive for my particular blocks. He did not take a cookie-​cutter approach to our session. He responded to my individual circumstances with empathy and solutions-​oriented feedback that felt relevant to my life.
I think JVS is a top-​notch nonprofit in San Francisco. It’s fantastic that they make such practical, life-​impacting programs available almost entirely for free. Thanks so much to all of the JVS staff for your game-​changing support!

When I was unemployed and needed to focus on what I was doing wrong during my job search, I went to JVS. There are a lot of available introductory workshops on resume writing, cover letters, job search, etc., but JVS was the first place where I felt like I always walked away having learned one new thing.
I haven’t taken every workshop or worked with an Employment Specialist yet, but I have spent enough time there to feel comfortable recommending their services (possibly even too much time learning/​not enough time searching for a job). Searching for a job can be very discouraging, especially while unemployed, so it’s nice to have a scheduled workshop during the day and a chance to meet people in similar situations.
Everything they offer is free, except for career coaching, and the range of services is fairly wide. I am currently considering their career coaching services because the price is reasonable per session ($ 100) and the coach seems to know what he’s talking about.

I’m an alumni of Lee Hecht Harrison as well as JVS. Where LHH is paid for by the company losing the employee, JVS is funded by grants earned by getting people back to work. How I experienced this was JVS being much more pragmatic and systematic. The 6 week cohort had a set schedule and we were expected to plan how many hours we’d spend on which activities each week, then come back and report what activities brought us the most success. The practicality and discipline of this approach gave me a sense of stability and progress during my search. The coaches are great too. Sure, they don’t have a coffee bar and relaxed corporate feel like LHH, but that’s not why I’m here. I heartily recommend JVS.

Went on a recommendation from a friend. Went to their orientation and then onto their 4 core classes. The instructors were positive and helpful, but the classes and materials are geared more towards those re-​entering the job market after many decades at the same career. If you’re in your 20s and 30s and you’ve been on the job hunt at all in the past few years, this stuff be should pretty old hat by now. «How to write a cover letter», «How to create a linked in profile» etc etc. A few nice tips, but mostly a lot of massive paper handouts (information overload if you ask me).
After completing my core classes and orientation (after which I was supposed to be called by a counselor/​specialist– I never was), I finally after a month called them wondering what the next step was. The «Intake Specialist» was on vacation for 2 weeks. OK, no hurry, I called back a few weeks later. I did receive a call setting up an appt. Was sent an email detailing about 8 different documents I needed to bring for the meeting (resume, cover letter examples, job description printouts for positions I’d like etc). At the meeting, the specialist didn’t even look at anything I’d brought. Just asked me what I was looking for. I said I was looking for employment in non-profits/Ngo’s with a specific focus on X issues. She said that she couldn’t help me and that I was not ready to talk to an Intake Counselor. Told me to do an online podcast and that I needed to know the EXACT Position I wanted to apply for. If I knew that I wouldn’t be here, would I? Why didn’t you inform me of this BEFORE I paid $ 8 and spent 2 hours on Bart there and back to meet you? Isn’t that WHY I’m coming to you– to figure this all out? Ah, but no– that will cost you: $ 100 per hour for career counseling.
Sorry, I’ve wasted enough time coming downtown on my off hours. Unemployed people don’t have cash to throw around on those kind of prices, even Bart rides cut into our wallets. I was hoping for some better clarity and/​or help, but clearly I’m in the wrong place. Won’t be coming back.

I’ve been very frustrated with their process. Took all of the required classes and had an intake appointment and then they just dropped off the face of the earth. 4 phone calls and a month later, I sill cannot get anyone to return a call for next steps. Not happy at all with the way I’ve been dealt with — not very professional.

JVS is a real gem to discover in the Bay Area.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the range and depth of free services, experienced and caring staff, and clientele.
The name suggests vocational training only. And while they offer vocationally oriented services (e.g., healthcare), their classes and workshops also cater to clientele who are highly experienced as well as entry level — Vice Presidents, Managers, etc.
Among their offerings: Classes include beginner and intermediate Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Outlook. Workshops include, but are not limited to, LinkedIn, Developing Your Pitch, Impactful Interviewing ll, Twitter for Job Search, Strategies for the Experienced Professional, and Strategies for Job Seekers 50+.
In order to qualify for an Employment Specialist who works with you one on one, first you must complete 4 core sessions — Cover Letters, Resume Writing, Interviewing and Job Search Planning.
Most of the of coaches and instructors are outstanding, as is the content.
There is also a Technology Access Center, with free computers, training programs, and online resources and courses. Volunteers and staff are available to help you.
The only negative I’ve encountered is that it can take a few weeks or so to get a first meeting and subsequent sessions with an Employment Specialist/​Coach. It’s not because they don’t care, it’s the volume of people wanting services vs. the number of staff available. The technology for setting up appointments needs to be updated. All in all, problems that most non-​profits face…

No Good.
Like another reviewer said the classes they conduct are good.
Beyond that the people who work there are NOT helpful and have no empathy/​sympathy for you.
The state sponsored job clubs are more helpful and sympathetic.
If you want just take some of the classes they offer and STOP here. This will save bitterness.

THE GREAT: Free Classes!
I have been taking courses at JVS for the past few months and I have found these classes to be extremely beneficial. All the classes are free and worth the time if you’re a little rusty like me when it comes to resume, cover letters, interviewing, and networking skills. And as an added bonus, every instructor I have worked with has been very pleasant and informative.
THE BAD: Disorganize.
JVS gives you the option of meeting with an employment specialist after completing three specific courses. After completing these specific courses, I was assigned an employment specialist. A few days prior to my initial meeting with my assigned person, I was told by chance that my specialist no longer works for the company and that I was to be assigned a different person. I found it strange to be told of this change at the last moment, and only because I had asked the person at the front desk for a confirmation of my initial meeting. More noticed would have been nice. Maybe an email or a phone call to notify me of this change? So, I meet with this new person only to have her tell me that she would not be working with me from beginning to end because she was an interim and that someone else would be assigned to me. Okay. I’m glad we got that cleared from the beginning because it gave me time to focus on the remaining classes I had chosen to take before seeking employment. Now that I am ready to return to the work, I was hoping that I would be assigned a permanent person who would help me with some one on one coaching. Unfortunately, I am still working with this «interim» because no one has been assigned to take the work load of my original person.
UPDATE: I am truly frustrated by my current «interim» lack of service in working with me on specific goals because she is overwhelmed with clients whom she is working on only as an «interim». When I asked her supervisor for assistant in re-​assigning me to someone can truly work with me on a one on one basis, I was denied. Therefore, I am now dropping a star from JVS due to their inflexibility and insensitivity on the matter. Seriously, if you decided to take classes at JVS, don’t bother following their protocol of completing the courses necessary to speak with an employment specialist. It would just be a waste of your time and theirs.
LESSON LEARNED: JVS is good for providing tools only.
Going in, I knew that JVS was not job placement agency, but I thought they would be able to provide a little one on one coaching when I was assigned an employment specialist. I made the mistake in believing that they could. What JVS is great for is supplying you with the tools necessary to get back into the work field through their many free classes. Although I haven’t used their TAC, (technical access center) services, I’m hearing from other students that it’s great.
If you decided to try out JVS, go for the classes only and don’t bother wasting your time or energy with an employment specialist. If you do, I hope you have better luck than I did with getting some one on one coaching.

Helpful in every way. There are computers available — and even better — classes for all basic business software.
Classes on Networking, using LinkedIn, Twitter — all ways to help with your job search. Other job seekers are great to network with — but it is the staff who really put themselves out there.
Many thanks to JVS — it is reassuring to have a partner in my job search.
Check it out yourself:
(PS to JVS — you should double-​list under Jewish Vocational Services too — could not find you that way.)

The JVS’ free workshops are information packed with guidance and cover a broad range of job seeking skills from crafting effective cover letters and resumes, using LinkedIn and preparing for interviews to salary negotiation. Numerous other free ob preparation and job training services are offered, and programs change regularly to keep up with the times. Attending the orientation can feel like a waste of time, especially if you know exactly what you’re looking for, but it does make sure that one isn’t missing out on additional pertinent or specialty programs, of which there are many.
I’ve seen people of all ages and from every imaginable walk of life at JVS. This tells me that its programs are designed to serve a broad base and there’s likely to be something for anybody who’s serious, or perhaps even curious, about finding a new job. Not everything is for everybody, there are services one would like to see but that are not offered, and one may feel drawn to some staff more than others.
The experiences one has in group settings (workshops, support groups, employer events, etc.) are partially defined by that day’s participants as well as by the presenter and other factors. While the material is consistent you never know who’s going to show up and some groups turn out to be livelier than others, so I found it informative and useful to attend sessions on topics of interest repeatedly.
My experience is that, for the most part, the JVS staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, respectful and accommodating. They attend to keeping up to date with job market trends. They understand what it feels like to be unemployed or dissatisfied with one’s job, and they sincerely strive to be helpful and supportive in practical ways. While JVS has natural limitations, the information and assistance it provides are high caliber.

I have a networking group that I usually meet with every week, and some folks from that recommended JVS as a good resource for job hunters, so I went to the JVS website and signed up for a bunch of different workshops.
I’ve only taken 2 classes/​workshops here so far: Impactful Interviewing I and Excel Pivot tables. I enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm the instructor leading the Impactful Interviewing workshop had, but that class basically reinforced things I already knew or is common sense (e.g. dress, nicely, send thank you notes, etc.).
In the Excel pivot table class, I learned how to create and manipulate them, which was valuable to me, as that was something I had been wanting to learn for awhile. It’s a 3 hour class, and you should keep in mind that there will be people in the class who are very new to Excel, or haven’t used a version newer than 2003.
I do feel that you’re getting a good deal here, considering most of JVS’ classes and workshops are free. However, *my* impression so far (and mind you I’ve only taken 2 classes/​workshops!) is that the audience JVS focuses on and caters to is *generally* a little less technical/​computer-​savvy, and *may* be new to or reentering the workforce.
Just something to keep in mind.

JVS is one of the best places to go to for assistance in employment searches. I went to this 3 week retail and customer service skills training workshop. This was one of the best 3 week courses I have ever been to. They even have course sessions that will teach you tips on writing up the best resume and cover letter when you look for a job. I have really learned a lot and this knowledge is useful during the span of the course or at a later time. The staff who works here are very friendly and that’s always a good thing.
Want to learn more about the services at JVS? Feel free to click on
for complete details and information. Not sure where to start with the job search process? Questions with contents that goes on your resume, cover & thank you letters? There is always an event, workshop or course session (s) at JVS that will answer some of these questions you may have! Overall, I have positive experiences at JVS.

An impressive array of resources, support, classes, counseling etc. They have a large computer room, offering free use. The info session was basically useless, a waste of time reading through forms you have to sign. And don’t let them talk you into any of their computer classes unless you don’t know how to type or have never heard of Microsoft
Once you get to see an personal career specialist, they’re very helpful, with everything from help re-​writing your resume, with valuable tips on where to find openings you might not have considered, and how to get yourself considered for jobs.
They seem to have real strengths placing people in the health care field, and in clerical /​administrative /​secretarial positions in general.

JVS has friendly, knowledgable staff who come from a variety of backgrounds. They have free job search workshops, computer training, tutorials, tests and more. (Make sure you read the workshop description or you could find yourself sitting in a workshop that doesn’t pertain to you, when you could be looking for a job!

I’ve been taking the Microsoft classes and am pleased with them. However, once I’ve completed these I will not return here for any further assistance. The staff in the «Technology Access Center» is just plain rude and condescending. Treating job seekers like children is unacceptable. While I appreciate the training and that that training is free, I don’t need to be treated like a stupid adolescent.
Idiots.

I was not treated well by the staff and found kinder treatment from the EDD.