Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP
Andrew Stanton, a filmmaker who co-wrote the “Toy Story” movies, says, “A great story comes from using what you know, capturing a truth from experiencing it and from expressing your values you feel deeply”. He suggests you allow the listener to make their own deduction about you from the story. That is, come out and say you’re collaborative, adaptable, or anything – you tell a story that convinces your listener you possess these traits. Stanton says a well-told tale grips, excites and engrosses.
Keynote
“Telling Your Story”– Cary Pfeffer
Even with the low unemployment rate, the job market is still a difficult one for job seekers. Cary shared with us how to make yourself stand out from fellow job seekers and how to leave a lasting impression with the interviewer. Cary reminded us it takes just a few moments to reveal a great deal about ourselves and an organization.
TELLING YOUR STORY EFFECTIVELY ONE-ON-ONE
Points to be effective include…..
- What you know about the audience
- Knowing your comfort zone
- Being a good editor
SAY IT IN A SENTENCE
When you are asked to “tell us about yourself”, you need to….
- Avoid mission “statement-itis” & avoid buzz words
- Make sure there is a “people connection” to quickly gain the listener’s attention
- Your message needs to be quickly understood and remembered
TELLING YOUR STORY EFFECTIVELY IN WRITING
Research has found that “most written communication is interpreted more negatively” than it is intended. Just like verbally sharing your story, you also need to know the audience and know your comfort zone; and be a good editor to share your story in writing.
KEY POINTS FOR SUCCESS
- Consider how you want to start your message
- Spend time on the subject line and greeting
- Demonstrate your knowledge and need right away
- Finish when possible in the email window
- If needed include support material
- Keep your introductory/cover letter to one page; reference a connection in your cover letter
- Spend time on your story and make it unique
- Make it meaningful and about the employer
- Keep it brief!
FINAL NOTE
Consider the words you are using and whether they work for your story and if they connect with the employer.
TELLING YOUR STORY BEFORE AN AUDIENCE
- Focus on what you are going to say as you begin your story; the goal is to capture the audience’s attention.
- Less is more; get to your story early.
- Consider how the audience hears you; remember your word choice, voice tone and body language.
- Make the end of your message a memorable one; avoid making statements like “Guess this is the end!”
- Think about how you will handle Q&A; allow the audience to think about the presentation before seeking questions.
- Give thought to how you want to end the Q&A.
FINAL POINTS
The most overlooked skill in communication is listening. Smile!
“Storytelling is about connecting with other people and helping people to see what you see”. – Michael Margolis
HIRING COMPANIES
Vixxo
Heather Kitsko, Talent Acquisition Manager
Vixxo is a technology driven asset and facilities management company that services clients such as Starbucks, Target and Michaels. There are 700 associates across the US and Canada. Vixxo has been an INC 500 Fastest Growing Private Company for 8 years straight. The company’s culture is a team of doers that create innovative solutions for their customers in a fast-paced environment. They believe that their employee diversity is their strength. Some open positions include: Data Architect; Decision Support Analyst; Director, Data Governance; Director, Reporting Strategy; HR Coordinator; Senior Accountant; Service Coordinator; Sr. Director, Supply Management; Talent Acquisition Coordinator; VP Project Management Officer. For more information, go to www.vixxo.com/careers.
Headfarmer
Jessica Corral, Partner
Headfarmer’s mission is “to serve our community and its families by helping professionals connect and grow”. There are several things that set Headfarmer apart from its competition, including their proactive approach to cultivate an exclusive network, build meaningful relationships, an extensive due diligence process and purpose driven approaches that will enhance lives and enrich organizations. The organization handles both direct hire and temporary solutions in the Accounting & Finance and Technology arenas. A sampling of Accounting & Finance opportunities include clerical & entry level accounting, staff/senior accountant/tax, Accounting Manager/Assistant Controller, Controller/ Director/C-level, audit, and corporate financial planning & analysis. Technology possibilities are Help Desk Support Technician, Architects & Developers, Business Intelligence, DevOps Engineers, IT Manager/Director/C-level, and Cyber Security. Go to their website for a complete listing.
Farmers
Surrie Atkins, Recruiter
Farmers, one of the largest and most respected insurance brands in the USA. It was founded in 1928 in Los Angeles. Farmers is a leading insurer of small and medium-sized businesses and operates a large Life-insurance company as well as a rapidly growing financial services company (Farmers Financial Solutions). Certified as a Great Place to work in 2017, the company fosters a casual work environment and community outreach programs. Open positions include Inbound Sales and Customer Service. For current job opportunities and to apply, visit their website.
RESOURCES
Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ
Tonia Oliver, Quality Assurance Analyst
Goodwill’s mission is “through the goodwill of others, Goodwill creates the pathway to a better future for all by helping those who desire self-sufficiency”. Goodwill’s long-term goal is to eliminate unemployment. The organization offers a number of Career Centers in the area. Onsite offerings include Career Advisors, employment support, mock-interviews/resume assistance, Goodwill Management System and numerous resources, and hiring events for hundreds of local hiring companies. Goodwill maintains numerous community partnerships with such organizations as Career Connectors, to better meet the needs of the job seeker. As partners, these organizations target the professional job seeker, provide awareness at events and ongoing support during job search. Go to Goodwill for employment events, talent sourcing and job boards
Grand Canyon University
Rob Loy, Head of Education of Non-Degree Technology Programs
In today’s job market, 58% of all new jobs are in STEM. Computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the United States. To help you get the necessary skills to compete in this job market, GCU is now pleased to be offering Immersive Java Boot Camp. The camp includes more than 600 hours of project-based collaborative instruction, accelerated path to employment, competitive pricing for an on-site experience, and transferable college credits.
CLOSING
De Anne Russell, Career Connectors Board Member, closed the meeting by thanking Highlands Church & the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Glendale on Thursday, October 18, 2018 & features Travis Hardin, as speaker for the topic “Your Focus Determines Your Expansion.” For additional information on this event & future events, please visit the Event Schedule.
