By Debbie Webber (contact via linkedin)
The event was opened by Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors, who introduced Janice Hurley-Trailor.
Keynote Speaker
Janice Hurley-Trailor is an image expert/consultant, author, speaker and executive coach based in Scottsdale. Her presentation was entitled HIRE ME – Please (Use the Visual, Verbal and Body Language Skills to Get Your Career Back on Track)
Ms. Hurley-Trailor began her presentation by impressing upon the audience that if you are unemployed, your job is to find a career that best fits your goals. Although the “un-“employment rate is currently 6.6%, that means that the employment rate is 93.4%, so the odds are in your favor that you will find a job.
Our professional image is made up of three areas: Visual, Verbal and Energy. The presentation focused on three questions that emphasized these three areas.
First—How Are You?
People are drawn to attractive and successful people, not needy people. Your answer should be at least “really good” and you must convince yourself to MEAN it. Position your current situation as positive in your head and you will project an upbeat, energetic and successful person to those you encounter.
Second—What Type of Job are You Looking For?
Your response to this question should be in five words or less—short and concise.
Third—How Do You Want to be Perceived?
Obviously, we all want to be perceived as professional, intelligent and approachable. Our first impression is made within a tenth of a second of the first meeting, so be very aware of your presentation. Following are many of the tips and expert advice from Ms. Hurley-Trailor.
- Be well-groomed. Get clothes that fit, tailoring them if necessary. Laced shoes are appropriate for a man in a suit. Be aware of the current styles (including ties) and discard your out of date clothing. The color blue in a dress shirt projects the best impression.
- Do not wear perfume or cologne to a job interview. Women should wear skillfully applied make up.
- You must have an actual style to your hair—and for women the shorter your hair the more confident you are perceived.
- Women’s skirts should hit the middle of the knee, and NOT be tight. Suit jackets for men or women should be no longer than the middle of your rear. Short sleeves are too informal, so always wear long sleeves unless your suit or jacket will not be removed.
- A woman’s shoes (for an interview) should be closed toe—no straps and avoid the color red. And no dangling earrings. Both men and women should always err on the side of conservatism.
- The person who initiates a handshake has the most confidence. Make eye contact while you shake hands, and match the pressure of the other person’s handshake. The web of your hands should meet. Your hand should not be cold—hold a cup of coffee if necessary to warm them.
- When exchanging business cards, pause to obviously read the card and make sure to make eye contact.
- Your mindset is the most important piece of you getting a job. The story in your head is what you will tell and intuit to other people, so make that story positive and upbeat.
First impressions are vital, so make yours count!
Hiring companies
Appointment-Plus
Jennifer Rojas, Human Resource and Recruiting Manager
Appointment-Plus helps businesses become more successful by providing a robust cloud-based scheduling system that alleviates appointment schedulers and calendars. The system keeps track of customer information, allows customers to self-schedule and allows wide scale customization. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to 70 employees and was recognized by INC Magazine. The company culture strongly encourages a work – life – family balance and offers a full range of benefits, among them health insurance and 15 PTO days/year. Various sales and customer support position are available. Apply here or send resume to careers@appointment-plus.com.
International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (I.C.E.)
Jason Brambier, Corporate Recruiter
I.C.E. is a global leader in the travel industry, second only to Carnival in sales of cruises. I.C.E. is a broker for all the cruise lines, with 800 agents who sell to previous cruise customers. Jason explained he is recruiting for full time sales positions, with a median income of $52k a year. He is also looking to fill non-sales positions of accountant, accounts receivable, web developer, coordinator, scheduler and senior financial analyst. I.C.E. offers health and convenience benefits onsite, such as massage therapists, a nail salon, nurses, a cafe and other concierge services such as dry cleaning and pet insurance. Jason can be contacted at 602.635.5129.
Education Management Corporation (EDMC)
Mark E. Pierce, Manager of Talent Acquisition
EDMC manages four academic brands from offices in Pittsburgh and Phoenix. The four brands are The Art Institute, Argosy University, Brown Mackie College and South University. Mark represents Argosy University, and spoke about the quality of EDMC’s mission and their goal of quality community growth—it’s all about the students. Argosy culture emphasizes personal growth, promotions and opportunities for their employees. They offer a robust benefits package along with FREE EDUCATION. Mark is looking to fill administrative rep positions, finance counselors, virtual academic counselors, and a center reporting coordinator in Phoenix, with several other higher level positions available in other cities. Apply here.
Closing
Jessica encouraged attendees to complete their DISC assessments to help them on their career path by highlighting their communication styles and their desired ideal work environment.
Future Career Connectors events:
- Kimber Lanning with “The Upside of a Down Economy,” on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Phoenix with DES, Hotfoot Recruiters, Global Tranz and Revana
- Dusty Parsons with “Twitter – A Love Story” on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in Gilbert with Intel Corporation, Clearcall Solutions, Charles Schwab and Insight.
- Bill Markham with “12 Minutes Which Win Every Interview,” on Thursday, March 13, 2014 in Scottsdale with Echo Global Logistics and Charles Schwab
Check the events calendar for details and exact locations