For new members coming to MassHire Lowell Career Center, staff member Bob McIntosh offers them our first welcome.
Bob has been a Workshop Facilitator for 15 years and each week he conducts our welcome seminar for new members. It’s fitting that Bob delivers this seminar as he driven to help job seekers get the skills necessary to land that new job.
“My passion is getting that email from a customer that says ‘I landed the job,’” said Bob.
Originally starting out as the Disability Navigator at the center, Bob now conducts workshops, webinars, and seminars. He delivers about 30 events each month, with about 20 unique topic areas.
In addition to performing events, Bob also works as a Career Advisor and assists customers in finding new employment. He runs the job club and conducts mock interviews. The job club – an event where job seekers meet and discuss their job search experiences – is a great opportunity to get customers out of their homes and to start networking with others.
“I think the main challenge for customers is their reluctance to networking,” said Bob. “Communication in the job search is essential.”
Battling “ageism” is another obstacle Bob sees customers needing to defeat.
“Job seekers can overcome ageism with their attitude,” said Bob. “By coming into an interview appearing young, displaying vitality, and with a positive attitude.”
As well as being Workshop Facilitator and a Career Advisor, Bob is also a nationally known expert on LinkedIn. Networking and developing exceptional interview skills are an essential component of any job search, he said.
Bob is a native of Amherst, Massachusetts and is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. When not helping job seekers, Bob is an avid walker and claims to walk three miles a day.
A father of three, Bob says he enjoys seeing his children mature and grow into adulthood. He proudly boasts that his two daughters are both teachers.
In the Career Center, Bob is also noted – sometimes to the dismay of his colleagues – for his large collection of bobbleheads.
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