In the executive search firm world, success goes beyond simply filling positions. It hinges on forging meaningful connections and delivering value during and between search engagements. From market insights to timely communication, every aspect of relationship-building matters. It’s a guiding principle The Forum Groupopens in a new window operates by, so when looking to bring a new leader on board, CEO Chris Fusaro knew Jim Minogueopens in a new window would be the right person to join as the new Chief Operating Officer.

Hailing from Long Island’s North Shore, Jim brings a wealth of experience and a strong client-centric approach to his new role. Having been a client of The Forum Group for nearly three decades, he understands the importance of trust, communication and reliability in this industry. His longstanding relationship with The Forum Group founder Frank Fusaroopens in a new window, spanning over 30 years, speaks volumes about his dedication to fostering meaningful connections.

Jim’s career journey, predominantly in Human Resources, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of organizational dynamics and performance management. From his roots in technical HR operations to leadership roles in talent management and HR management, Jim has led HR functions in companies ranging from 300 to 20,000 employees. His most recent endeavors include significant contributions to streamlining operations and standardizing procedures at Mizuho Americas and various leadership roles at Guggenheim Partners including Global Head of Talent Acquisition.

At Mizuho, Jim led a broad HR function transformation with operations in the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Chile. As Managing Director and Chief Human Resources Officer, Jim turned multiple legacy HR groups into a contemporary and fully integrated talent engagement organization. His ability to lead in a positive and forward-looking manner enabled the HR team to operate at peak efficiency despite the global pandemic.

What drew Jim to The Forum Group was the opportunity to leverage his expertise in HR, operations and financial performance and the firm’s commitment to community engagement. Beyond the boardrooms and balance sheets, Jim resonates deeply with The Forum Group’s ethos of giving back. Inspired by Frank and Chris’s leadership and the firm’s philanthropic endeavors, Jim is eager to merge Forum’s capabilities with his network of friends and colleagues’ business ventures.

In his new role as COO, Jim’s responsibilities span across introducing new relationships to the firm, enhancing existing partnerships and optimizing internal operations. With a keen eye for performance management and revenue generation, Jim will partner closely with Chris and firm leadership to elevate The Forum Group’s operational efficiency and profitability. His strategic approach and focus on individual productivity align seamlessly with the firm’s vision for growth and impact.

Outside of work, Jim finds joy in his family, community and the great outdoors. Married to his college sweetheart Mary Ellen, Jim cherishes moments spent with his family. Although he has traveled around the globe on business, his favorite place in the world is his backyard surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

His passion for fly fishing, hiking and golf help him strike a balance between work and leisure, and taking cues from Frank’s philosophy of giving back to the community, Jim spends a lot of time giving back.

Jim, who earned a BS in Management from St. John’s University, is a member of the Board of Advisors at the University’s Tobin School of Business. He also serves on the board of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens, and the Finance Council and Pension Committee of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. He is a long-time member of the Financial Services Compensation Association. In 2021, he received an OnCon Award as a top 50 HR professional.

In Jim, The Forum Group gains a seasoned professional and a compassionate leader committed to making a difference. As he embarks on this new journey, Jim’s mission is clear: to improve operations, drive growth, and leave a lasting impact, all while staying true to his values of family, work, and giving back. With Jim at the helm, The Forum Group is ready to reach new heights, guided by expertise, integrity and community spirit.

In 1974, a determined young man with an unwavering work ethic and an indomitable spirit embarked on a groundbreaking business endeavor. Together with two partners, Frank Fusaro established The Forum Group — a career consulting firm that has since become a leading force in the recruiting industry.

There are many ways to describe Frank and his experience leading the company. But above all, he is grateful.

When reflecting on the upcoming 50th anniversary of The Forum Group, Frank says, “50 Years. It has been a true blessing to build this business and impact so many lives. I am immensely proud of the incredible careers that have flourished here, and I am profoundly grateful.”

Humble Beginnings to Monumental Achievements: The Power of Hard Work

Frank’s father passed away when he was a young baby, forcing his family to relocate to his grandmother’s apartment building. In that building and community, Frank was surrounded by a supportive network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who instilled in him the essential principles and values he holds dear to this very day.

“We may not have had much monetary wealth,” Frank recalls, “but I had all the support I needed. We were a tight-knit community.”

After graduating from Brooklyn Prep High School at 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps, dedicating several years to serving his country. After completing his military service, he pursued higher education while working full-time, ultimately obtaining his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and landing a job with PricewaterhouseCoopers. However, when presented with the opportunity to start The Forum Group, Frank fearlessly dove in head-first.

“At the time, I may not have known much about recruiting,” Frank admits, “but I understood accounting, sales, and the value of hard work. So, I seized the opportunity. I took the chance.”

The Forum Group initially focused on accounting, forging relationships with top firms nationwide and regularly hosting informative lectures. Through tireless dedication and countless hours of hard work, success blossomed, and the rest is history.

50 Years of Heartfelt Leadership and Service

Frank credits his humble upbringing, the support of his family and community, and his experience in the Marine Corps – coupled with a touch of luck – as the foundation of his personal success. When it comes to the success of The Forum Group, he humbly acknowledges his team and the pivotal role relationships play.

“Relationships matter,” he emphasizes. “Employees and clients seek trust and genuine concern. Being a remarkable leader is everything. You must foster a culture of care for your people and communities. That is what I have shrived for.”

Indeed, Frank’s efforts are evident throughout the years. The Forum Group thrives on a remarkable culture, unwavering commitment to clients and enduring relationships. With the most tenured employee having been with the company for an astounding 47 years and many others boasting 25 to 30 years of dedicated service, The Forum Group defies the norms of today’s career world.

Frank’s dedication to giving back to his community is equally noteworthy. He has served and supported numerous philanthropic organizations, including The Columbus Foundation, Cooleys Foundation, and Tunnels to Towers – all driven by his deep conviction to honor Italian and veteran legacies.

In honor of The Forum Group’s upcoming 50th Anniversary in April 2024, the firm is partnering with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to raise funds to construct a smart home for a severely wounded United States Veteran and their family. This initiative ensures they receive the critical care and assistance they truly deserve.

The Future of The Forum Group

Frank has skillfully guided The Forum Group through unforeseen challenges and remarkable opportunities throughout the last five decades as the world, business, and technology underwent incredible, massive transformations.

Today, The Forum Group boasts a dynamic team of exceptionally talented professionals – both full-time and contract employees. The firm has connected tens of thousands of exceptional candidates with numerous success stories to exciting career opportunities across diverse industries, from startups to Fortune 100 companies.

Frank’s son, Chris Fusaro, proudly serves today as CEO of The Forum Group, continuing to build upon the firm’s success. Frank offers a simple yet profound desire when asked about his aspirations for the company’s future.

The Forum Group is honored to support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Over the last year the Forum Group, a veteran owned firm, has raised money through our monthly ‘Jeans Day’ initiative. On Sunday September 24^th the Forum Group toured the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and presented the Fallen Heroes Fund with a check of $4,000.

We would like to thank the entire Forum team and alumni that took part in this meaningful fundraising program. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund serves United States military personnel wounded or injured in service to our nation and their families. Forum is proud to align with such a wonderful organization and their deeply meaningful cause.

Forum Staff members, families and loved ones were reminded of what true sacrifice, teamwork and commitment are all about throughout our Intrepid visit. We thank the heroic men and women that sacrifice so much for our safety and well-being.

You’re not completely sold that you’re on the right career path, but the idea of making a change is daunting. There are so many unknowns, and we all know the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Plus, if you do decide to change course, you may have to take a step back to develop necessary skills.

The time and energy required to transition into the right career path may be valid concerns, but they shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a path you love. Several years ago, I went from working in finance to being on a human resources team—unconventional to say the least. The decision wasn’t easy. I knew that I would be unsatisfied if I stayed in finance, but I wasn’t 100% sure HR would be the right fit. After hours of conversations with friends, family, and people in my network and months of introspection, I finally worked up enough courage to make the leap. I haven’t looked back.

Before you make a switch of your own, ask yourself the following three questions.

Are You Developing a Competitive Advantage?

In The Start-up of You, authors Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha teach that we’re all entrepreneurs of our own careers. They argue that to become competitive in today’s global market, it’s critical to understand your assets (what you’re good at), your aspirations (what you want to do), and the market realities (what people will pay you for).

As you look at your work history, think of these three areas as puzzle pieces. Having only one or two isn’t enough. You need all three to develop a true competitive advantage.

You’ve likely heard the axiom, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” This may be true for some, but blindly following passion can lead to an unsustainable career. I’ve found Hoffman and Casnocha’s framework more practical. Know your assets and aspirations in light of the market realities—then pursue a path that maximizes all three.

How Often Do You Think About Work Outside of Work?

The importance of this question is best illustrated through a story. Henry Eyring, a former business professor at Stanford University, tells how he ended up choosing his path. His father, who was a renowned scientist and professor, hoped his son would follow in his footsteps. In Eyring’s words: “My father was [teaching physics] at a blackboard we kept in the basement…Suddenly he stopped. ‘Hal,’ he said, ‘we were working the same kind of problem a week ago. You don’t seem to understand it any better now than you did then. Haven’t you been working on it?’”

Eyring admitted he had not. His father then said: “When you walk down the street, when you’re in the shower, when you don’t have to be thinking about anything else, isn’t this what you think about?”

“When I told him no,” Eyring concludes, “my father paused…then said, ‘Hal, I think you’d better get out of physics. You ought to find something that you love so much that when you don’t have to think about anything, that’s what you think about.’”

I found this true in my life. When I was in finance, I rarely thought about work outside the office. Rather, I thought about people-related challenges my team faced and how I could improve the company culture. To be successful you don’t need to obsess about your job 24/7, but if you’re only thinking about your job during the hours of 9 to 5, it may be a sign you’re on the wrong path.

What Does Your Career Path Look Like 10 Years Down the Road?

Think of those in your company or industry who are more senior than you. Do you eventually want to be doing the type of work they’re doing?

This long-term view on your career is critical because many jobs change as you advance in your field. For example, junior investment bankers spend most of their time building financial models and client presentations, while senior bankers focus largely on sourcing deals and maintaining relationships. Even if you don’t love your current job, it may be a necessary step to develop skills that’ll help you get where you ultimately want to be.

If you don’t know what your current path looks like, schedule an informational interview with someone more experienced. These informal meetings are a great way to find out what you can expect in the future. Consider asking people what they like most about their job, the types of projects they work on, and what advice they’d give to someone in your shoes. I had a lot of informational interviews when I was in finance, and they’re what ultimately influenced me to take my career in another direction.

Determining whether to change industries is no small task, but asking yourself the three questions I’ve shared will help you make an informed decision. Are you developing a competitive advantage by maximizing your assets, your aspirations, and the market realities? How often do you think about work outside of the office? What does your career path look like in the future?

Your answers to these questions will help you understand whether you should double your efforts in your current job or start figuring out your next move.

Americans are increasingly using their mobile phones for so much more than calling and texting. Cell phone and tablet use has expanded to include everything from searching the internet, paying bills, playing and purchasing music, reading books, managing calendars, playing games and more. Statista.com reports that in 2014, 36 percent of smartphone and 45 percent of tablet users had purchased at least one app for their mobile device. According to industry figures, the number of mobile app buyers in the United States is projected to reach 85 million by 2019.

Because of this surge in the use of mobile devices and applications, companies are looking to hire specialists who can develop and program for mobile devices. Mobile Developers creates applications and solutions for mobile devices including smartphones, tablets and other handheld devices.  The demand for this type of job has continued to increase as businesses adjust to mobile strategies in their marketing and advertising efforts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about a 27 percent increase in employment growth for web developers (which includes mobile developers) by 2024. This growth is predicted as result of the rising popularity of mobile devices and ecommerce.

Job requirements for mobile development careers include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or a related field, as well as experience in software development and mobile application development, such as iOS or Android application development.  Some employers may also require candidates to have advanced certifications in areas such as advanced web development and in mobile application development. Employers are looking for strong candidates, who in addition to relevant education, also have substantial work experience in mobile development, as they may be developing applications that can potentially reach millions of users per day.

As people rely more and more on their mobile devices, the industry’s employment growth will remain strong. “The biggest shift in the industry is mobile technologies,” says Andrew Ruditser, a Lead Technology Coordinator at Maxburst Inc., a web development company on Long Island. “We have to make sure our sites don’t just look good on desktops, but also on androids and iPhones.”

If you are looking for a career as a mobile developer, consider contacting a professional and established recruiting firm such as The Forum Group. For over four decades The Forum Group has successfully placed thousands of individuals in meaningful and rewarding positions. Contact The Forum Group, an experienced staffing and recruiting company, to help you secure a career in mobile development.

Occupational therapy is a growing industry for careers today and it is expected to expand even further in years to come.  Historically, occupational therapists worked with injured, ill, or disabled patients to help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.  However, as people live longer and remain more active later in life, occupational therapists are now needed more often to help senior citizens maintain their independence as well as regain movement and perform normal activities after an injury or stroke.  In addition, there is a growing need for occupational therapists to work with children who are afflicted with an autism spectrum disorder and help them to perform a variety of daily tasks as well as to improve their social skills.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 27 percent by 2024, which is a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. With an often flexible work schedule, competitive pay and diverse work environments including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, medical offices and in-home services, US News and World Report ranked occupational therapist as #17 on its list of 2016 Best Health Care Jobs.

Occupational therapists work with patients to build or restore their abilities to perform the daily tasks of life.  The role of an occupational therapist can vary greatly and the job may look very different depending on the age of the patient and the specific issues that they may be experiencing.  An occupational therapist can treat patients with mental, physical, emotional or developmental disabilities or injuries. “We help people to perform the everyday “occupations” of life, regardless of age, ability or disability,” says Samia Rafeedie, a Doctor and Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California.

Occupational therapists require at least a master’s degree in occupational therapy as well supervised fieldwork and clinical experience. In addition, all states require occupational therapists to be licensed and pass a national examination.

Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses, injuries and disabilities and it can be a very satisfying and rewarding career. Samia Rafeedie adds, “Occupational therapists enter patients’ lives at some of their most challenging moments – a catastrophic change or illness – and they get to fashion a positive future and provide hope. And that is priceless.”

For over four decades The Forum Group has successfully placed thousands of individuals in meaningful and rewarding positions. Contact The Forum Group, an experienced staffing and recruiting company, to help you secure a rewarding career in occupational therapy.

If you are looking for a career in the information technology (IT) field, but don’t know where to start, let a specialized recruiting company’s expert staffing specialists get you started on the right path.

Staffing specialists help with medical staffing, legal staffing and support, accounting and finance recruitment, IT staffing, and more. In fact, more than 3 million employees work for America’s staffing companies during an average week, and during the course of one year, they hire over 14 million temporary and contract employees. As many as 76% work full time.

Types of Information Technology Jobs

Network Engineer: A network engineer designs computer networks, focusing on high-level design. They select and configure data communications components. This position generally requires a candidate to have a bachelor’s degree in network administration, information technology, or computer science. In addition to a degree, one may also choose to earn an IT certificate in networking like the Microsoft Network Engineer certificate and/or the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification.

Service Delivery Manager: A service delivery manager oversees the delivery of service technology to clients and customers, establishing policies for high service performance. The manager also supervises employees and receives customer feedback. This position requires technical knowledge, patience, and communication skills.

Quality Assurance Analyst: The quality assurance analyst is responsible for creating and executing a test plan to ensure that all software or technology meets a certain standard. Products are tested in terms of performance, reliability, functionality, and stability, as well as compatibility with other systems. To qualify for this position, a candidate must earn a BS or BA degree.

PHP Developer: A PHP developer creates programs, applications, and websites using the PHP scripting language. Duties include software testing, website administration, and user training. PHP developers are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree in information science, software engineering, computer science, or another related field.

There are a number of different information technology opportunities out there, and that number grows every day as tech continues to change and evolve. By working with a specialized recruiting and staffing company, you can find your perfect job in the tech industry.

Tighter Regulations Boost Auditing Careers

Advanced technology and tighter regulations continue to change the face of business. As a result, the need for greater controls and stringent internal audits has risen significantly in the business industry.

The growing overall economy and an increasingly complex tax and regulatory environment have led to a strong demand for internal auditors.  As the economy grows, auditors are needed to examine financial records, evaluate internal or external controls, identify potential control weaknesses and assess risk.  According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting and auditing jobs are projected to increase by 11% between 2014 and 2024.

Stricter laws and regulations, particularly in the financial sector, have increased the demand for auditing and accounting services, as organizations seek to comply with new standards. In addition, tighter lending standards are expected to increase the importance of audits, as this is an important way for organizations to demonstrate their creditworthiness.

Auditors are often responsible for monitoring internal controls and ensuring that they are designed to achieve operational objectives.  In addition, internal auditors oversee the effectiveness and efficiency of operations; ensure accurate and reliable financial reports; and ensure compliance with industry-related laws and regulations.

Internal auditors may be employed as part of an organization’s compliance department; however auditors often work to support various areas of a business including finance, legal, risk management, fraud and operations.  They are often relied upon to identify weaknesses and recommend process enhancements for business units.  “As an internal bank auditor, I learned the importance of determining which internal controls should be in place to safeguard assets, and how to monitor those controls and make recommendations,” says Susan Maddox, Controller and Director of Accounting at The Country Music Hall of Fame.

If you are considering a career as an auditor, education and accounting experience are required. Most auditor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Employers often prefer to hire applicants who have a master’s degree, either in accounting, finance, or business administration. Candidates who have earned a CPA certification are also often preferred.

For over four decades The Forum Group has successfully placed thousands of individuals in meaningful and rewarding positions. Contact The Forum Group, an experienced staffing and recruiting company, to help you secure the career you have been pursuing.

Your resume is important, because every piece of paper or profile that is associated with you helps to make you more marketable. If you can master a good resume and how to sell yourself on paper, you can sell yourself in your side hustle, for speaking engagements and other opportunities. Job seeker or entrepreneur, your resume is not to be ignored. By now you should know that whatever you learned about creating a resume design is probably outdated, especially if you’re in a creative industry. It is the one piece of paper that we obsess over the most and the hardest one to get right it seems. Microsoft Word templates are just not going to give you the wow-factor that you need to stand out in a pile, and the contents on it is probably a lazy collection of copy-and-paste from past job descriptions. Your resume is your introduction and speaks for you. What does your resume say about you? While a resume is just one part of the job search process, it is what can get you in the door.

A RESUME ALONE WON’T GET YOU A JOB, BUT A BAD ONE CAN ELIMINATE YOUR CHANCES. 

Recruiters spend a measly few seconds reviewing your resume. A quick scan by them or a digital application management system is your only chance to be considered for an interview. How annoying is that? You spend hours working on a resume and cover letter that most people don’t fully read. If you want to improve your chances, keep reading to learn 3 quick things you can do to upgrade your resume before 2017.

I know I’ve thrown shade at Microsoft Word resumes many times, but most make my eyes glaze over and want to go play in traffic. I know that you can do better while still remaining professional, because my students do it all the time. Take a look at this example below.