Hi, I’m Claire Stroh! I was born and raised in the Buffalo, NY area and am currently living and working here. I’m a Talent Acquisition and HR Practitioner currently working at Lighthouse Technology Services as the Director of Technology Talent Management! Prior to my current position, I’ve held multiple roles in Talent Acquisition Manager and HR Generalist capacities.
I’ve built over ten years of successively diverse HR management experience with privately-owned and publicly-traded global leaders. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in HR from the University at Buffalo, an MBA from Niagara University, the PHR designation through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), and I’m a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). I’m a blog contributor for SHRM, a member of SHRM’s EPAC, (emerging professional advisory council) as well as on the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Niagara HR Association (BNHRA). I am also a Board Member and Camp Counselor for Empower Camp, and a board member for the UB School of Management Alumni Association.
So where did the passion for LinkedIn and online networking come from? Back in 2017 I was in a HR DOO (department of one) role in a very challenging environment. I felt the need for more connection and knowledge sharing with other HR pros as well as professional development opportunities. I turned to LinkedIn and Twitter and started creating posts using #HR hashtags. Through being active online and through SHRM’s #nextchat, I was contacted by SHRM and sent to their national annual conference in 2018 as a SHRM Blogger. (2022 will be my fourth annual conference on the #SHRMInfluencer team!) In this awesome role, SHRM paid my conference registration fee and I was able to get VIP seating at the keynotes, interview speakers and vendors and be invited to some amazing networking events. More opportunities then came as a result of being at the conference, such as speaking, writing and podcasting opportunities. If I had never “shown up” online, I would have never unlocked these opportunities for myself, especially so early on in my career! I now have my own business, Claire Petrie HR & Training which helps people show up intentionally on LinkedIn and Twitter to attract opportunities to themselves and reach their goals. I’ve learned a ton through trial and error using both platforms since 2017, and have experienced a ton of professional growth, so I love to share my tips and tricks and help others do the same! (I especially geek out over the LinkedIn algorithm and how to make it work for you!)
I’ve become a go-to resource when it comes to using LinkedIn to build relationships and attract opportunity to yourself. In other words, the concepts of “personal branding” and “social selling.” I love being able to see the light bulb moments – when individuals and organizations realize how much social media can do for them and their growth, and helping people reach their goals excites the heck out of me. Helping people and being able to make a difference in their life is what keeps me waking up every morning! Over the last few years, I’ve presented to The SUNY Development Career Organization, NeXTGen Insurance Professionals, Panasonic North America, BN360, M&T Bank, CannonDesign, Niagara University Alumni Association, Buffalo Niagara HR Association, University at Buffalo Alumni Association, Winona SHRM, GROW Buffalo, Fabulous Together, Hospice & Palliative Care of Buffalo, OxBlue, Say Yes Buffalo, and many individual one on one coaching sessions! I also love to speak and teach at my alma maters and Say Yes Buffalo students. I speak each year at various classes and club meetings on job searching, using LinkedIn, networking, starting off in and navigating your career. I enjoy working with emerging professionals and those finding their way in the world of work – I have experiences and learnings to share to help others get ahead on their professional journeys!
Before getting into HR, I worked at my local animal shelter, The Erie County SPCA, for 6 years. Without really knowing it, this position honed my customer service and communication skills and set me up for a great career in HR/talent acquisition. I was matching people with their new furry family member, just like I match people with career opportunities today! Each day I was interacting with potential adopters of all kinds – some experienced pet owners, and some who had never had a pet. Each person/situation needed a different approach, level of education, and communication style. I use this same mindset with my candidates and hiring managers today. Some understand candidate experience, employer branding, how to interview, etc and some have never done it before. My flexible and consultative approach has helped me achieve success in my career so far, and wow, it’s been a lot of fun!
In any environment in which I work, my mission is to provide outstanding service to internal and external customers. I am goal and results-oriented, work well under tight deadlines, and am flexible in responding to day-to-day changes. I’m known for being able to change my recruiting/communication style based on the types of candidates I’m looking for. I’ve filled the gamut from hourly production and office staff, to mid-level machinists, mold/tool makers and mechanics to higher level engineers and managers of all types. And now… I recruit in tech which is a whole new ball game and I’m loving it! My reputation for bringing a can-do attitude and positive outlook comes with me wherever I go. I’m often asked how I’m always smiling and upbeat. Honestly, because life is too short to be anything but positive, optimistic and encouraging. I don’t worry about something or make it a problem until it actually is. I have a strong belief system that things will work out and… they usually do! Everything happens for a reason. I bring “the glass is half full” vibes!
When I’m not working I like to listen to podcasts, go for walks, plan in my planners, (with lots of stickers!), play with my dog (plott hound, Lucy) volunteer, network and collaborate with others, and travel around the country to visit friends.
If there’s something I can help you with, please reach out to me through the contact me area here on the blog!
Awards
2022 – HR Impact Award Winner, Buffalo Business First
I’m honored to be 1 of 5 HR Pros named to the inaugural class of HR Impact Award Winners! Among the factors that the judges considered are experience, creativity and the ability to navigate change. “Buffalo Business First has recognized the region’s Best Places to Work for many years highlighting employer excellence. But the people behind the processes and practices help to make companies attractive workplaces. We celebrate them this year with the inaugural HR Impact Awards that recognizes excellence by Human Resources professionals.”
2020 – Alumna of the Year, University at Buffalo School of Management Career Resource Center
2019 – BN360 Spotlight Professional, The Buffalo Niagara Partnership
2018 – Recruiter of the Year, EmployBridge
I’m honored to have been named EmployBridge’s 2018 Recruiter of the Year! EmployBridge is Remedy Intelligent Staffing’s parent company. Selected from all Remedy and Westaff offices nationwide. “The Recruiter of the Year award is presented to a Colleague with outstanding recruitment capabilities and a willingness to help develop others in this area. Claire not only exceeded her own personal placement goals in 2018, but she was always willing to help others and is very involved in the community.”
Claire is Coaching 