These days, Justin Spiegal is a happily employed man. Spiegal works for a Kansas City-based information and technology company as a business products services specialist. He’s responsible for managing 12 accounts and all projects associated with those accounts. Spiegal said Jewish Employment Services was helpful in landing his new position. JES is a joint program of Jewish Family Services and Jewish Vocational Service that connects members of the Jewish community with jobs.
“I would highly recommend JES,” Spiegel said. “The staff is wonderful and provides an environment that encourages success and honest feedback.”
Started in 2001 with support from The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, the program expanded in 2010 and is now funded by Federation, the Lowenstein Brothers Foundation and the Jewish Heritage Foundation. JES offers a twice-monthly Job Club as well as the services of two career coaches — Joyce Hill and Cheryl Intrater — to help members of the community land employment. Gayl Reinsch leads the JES team and helps participants make connections in the job market and search for existing employment opportunities.
Spiegal learned about JES when he was searching for volunteer opportunities with Jewish Family Services. When his wife lost her job she started to coming to Job Club meetings; Spiegal would tag along to show his support.
“Even though I was happily employed, I found the advice useful for everyday life and client interaction,” Spiegal said. “I also enjoyed listening to other people’s stories, best practices and obstacles.”
Shortly thereafter, things started changing at Spiegal’s place of employment. He knew staff cuts were coming, so he decided to meet with Hill to discuss his situation and sharpen his interview skills before the axe fell at work.
“She was an excellent sounding board, great listener and very empathetic,” said Spiegal of Hill. “She also provided candid feedback and constructively challenged my thought process and approach.”
As he moved through this job-search journey, Spiegal called upon things he learned through the Job Club sessions. One exercise — the 30-second self commercial — was a challenge.
“I never liked giving my 30-second commercial — I’d rather let my actions speak for themselves,” he said. “While giving the 30-second commercial was uncomfortable I saw the point in it.”
Within a few months, Spiegal landed the IT position he holds today. He is the first to credit JES, especially the Job Club sessions, with making a difference in his search.
“The information presented in Job Club was invaluable,” Spiegal said. “I believe that practicing the skills taught at Job Club and modifying them to my communication style helped me become employed quicker.”
“Justin was a model student of JES. He worked hard and smart to gain the critical skills that impress employers,” Reinsch said. “He always went above and beyond in his approach to networking, job fairs and interviews. We knew it would pay off for him.”
Spiegal recommends others utilize JES.
“The JES staff is wonderful,” Spiegal said. “They provided a forum and positive environment to practice the new skills learned .... The environment and genuine interest they took in helping me is what I liked the most. They all went above and beyond to help their clients.”
Job seekers wishing to connect directly with JES should email Reinsch at , attaching a resume, if they have one. Reinsch may also be reached at 913-327-8278. The dates of the next two Job Clubs begin at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12 and 26 in the MAC room at the Jewish Community Campus.