Career Connectors

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05/28/19 – Career Organizer Toolkit

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Career Organizer Toolkit

Written by Jim McBride

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Career Organizer Toolkit

Dr. Carl Forkner – Research Psychologist, Community Advocate

Where do I start? It can be a daunting question when entering into career transition in pursuit of your next big career adventure. Getting organized, setting schedules and defining your goals are just some of the tips provided by keynote speaker Dr. Carl Forkner.

Dr. Forkner, a research psychologist and champion for numerous local non-profits including East Valley Disabled Veterans, reached into his Career Organizer Toolkit and shared tips for planning and successfully executing your transition.

Tip #1 – Before the Beginning
As rudimentary as it sounds, a good supply of paper, pencils, pens, notebooks, folders and highlighters will help with the organization of your search activity. Pursuing your next job is now your current full-time job so create a comfortable space in your home which will be dedicated to your search efforts.

Solid, actionable to-do lists will help track your tasks. Be clear and concise with your specific action steps by logging the start dates and completed-by deadlines. List who can help you achieve each action item, such as a specific network contact or a career transition resource. Just ask and you’ll find lots of people willing to help.

Preparing for and conducting a career search takes lots time and includes many activities. Use a planner to help visualize how these activities will fit into your week. Prioritize your action items and create a weekly schedule. Leave at least one full day for yourself and consider volunteering, which is an excellent way to network and get noticed by employers.

Tip #2 – Refining your Preparation
When identifying your best career options, Dr. Forkner suggests keeping an open mind. Sometimes the best opportunities are unexpected. List your personal characteristics and match them with jobs that share those personality traits. Take a deep dive into the jobs that catch your interest the most and thoroughly investigate those companies. Identify and prioritize your skills. You may not realize that your skills are likely transferable to other industries.

Use LinkedIn to conduct the research. Connect with current and former employees at those companies. Have conversations with your connections. You’ll gain valuable insights.

Utilize the internet to learn industry and occupational information. Get acquainted with industries that are gaining momentum in the market as well those in decline. Salary information is available on Salary.com and Glass Door.

Tip #3 – After You’ve Prepared
Now that you’re organized and prepared, you’re ready for an active career search. Explore employment leads, target 3 – 5 companies of interest, submit and track submitted resumes, manage and track your references.

Although job fairs tend to be geared toward entry level positions, they can be excellent networking events. Learn which companies will be attending and search their higher-level job postings before the event. Initiate conversations with the job fair recruiters and share your interest in learning more about their organization.

Get organized. Get started. Get hired!

RESOURCES

LPL Financial

Jian Boldi – Financial Tips for Career Transition

Nobody wants to worry about financial well-being while immersed in a career transition. But knowing your options and keeping an eye on household expenses is top of mind for most people when in between jobs. Jian, a professional personal financial planner and Career Connectors volunteer shared a list of 10 Financial Tips for Career Transition.

  1. Understand your unemployment benefits. Go to the DES website (Dept of Economic Security) to apply for benefits. If you were declined for benefits, you may be able to appeal.
  2. Do not forget to keep paying taxes. You are still obligated if you are collecting unemployment benefits.
  3. Job-hunting expenses, such as mileage to/from an interview and relocation expenses (if moving over 50 miles) are tax deductible.
  4. An option – Go back to school, get a certificate to advance your skills
  5. Become under-employed by taking a stepping stone position. For example, take a job as a manager and work your way back up to a director role.
  6. Budget. Budget. BUDGET. Track expenses from your primary account(s). Understand where your money is going and why.
  7. If you are 55 or older, you can take penalty-free money from your IRA using (72t).
  8. As an alternative to COBRA, purchase your healthcare insurance with your IRA funds.
  9. Consider reversing a contribution (this year) made to your IRA. Replace it when you start your new job (this year).
  10. Ask for help. There are plenty of resources and volunteers.

HIRING COMPANIES

AF Professionals

Deanne Desautels, President/CEO

Since 1999, Deanne has grown AFP into one of Arizona’s award-winning top 10 Staffing and Executive Recruiting Firms for the past seven years. AFP has been ranked the #1 Permanent Placement firm in Ranking Arizona for the last five years.

Open Positions
Government – AZ and City of Phoenix
Customer service
Accounting
Project management
Consulting
Warehouse Light Industrial
Call center operations, team leader, training manager
Mortgage collections
Underwriting
Property management
Marketing / Sales coordinator
Admin Assistant

Pearl Interactive Network

Satoria Dixon, HR Recruiter

Pearl is a social enterprise that gives hiring priority to skilled and talented people. The niche workforce includes: veterans, disabled veterans, disabled persons, military spouses, people in geographically-challenged areas and have barriers to employment. Currently staffing a contact center operation in support of the 2020 census survey.

Open Positions
WFO Labor Hours Specialist
Operations Managers
WFO Site Specialists
Trainers
Supervisors
Customer Service Reps (f/t and p/t)

Benchmark Electronics

Toni LaMack, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

At Benchmark, headquartered in Tempe, the mission is to be the solutions provider of choice for high tech OEM customers, anticipating their needs and rapidly delivering comprehensive value-creation solutions during the entire Product Life Cycle by providing:
• Innovative Design Engineering Services
• Optimized Global Supply Chain & Logistics Solutions
• World-Class Manufacturing and After-market Support
Open Positions
RF Test Engineers
RF Design Engineers
Machine Operators
Test Operators
Assemblers
Configuration Analyst/Trainer

CLOSING

Jessica recapped today’s available resources and encouraged everyone to attend the next Career Connectors session on Thursday June 20th in Phoenix at GCU. The topic is “Readiness Redefined,” presented by Trevor Stokes. Stay tuned for email updates.

12/14/17 – Master Your Mindset to Land Your Next Job

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Written by Mary Beth Huffman

Keynote

Master Your Mindset to Land Your Next Job

Vered Kogan 

Change isn’t easy.

Mindset. A mindset is a belief that you hold; a thought repeated over and over, even if completely false. Some mindsets empower us and others don’t. Master your own mindset in your own abilities. All of you have a great mindset or you wouldn’t have gotten here.

To shift any belief, you become what you believe. The meaning you give to any experience becomes your belief. By 35 years old your brain controls 95% of what you think and do. The conscious mind is 5%, just the tip of the iceberg. The subconscious mind holds all of our beliefs and this controls 95% of what we think and do. How you tie your shoe is even controlled by your subconscious. Remember when you learned to drive, you were conscious of everything. Now you drive and don’t remember how you got there.

The Mindset Cycle book
Maybe you have a belief that LinkedIn is the worst way to do a job search. Every thought controls your emotional state. When preparing for an interview, have an empowered mindset going into the interview. Think positive, think you can, be aware of your posture – sit up straight, be engaged, talk confidently, be energetic, and tell the truth because they know.

4 Step Mindshift Process

  1. Desire – Clarify your Outcome
    It is important to clarify what you want to achieve. You must have a clear, specific and compelling goal . Identify what you really want. Your brain is a goal achieving machine. It will help you identify the target. The catch is to give very clear instructions. Every thought is an instruction for your brain to achieve and your subconscious mind to capture. You will become what you believe. Your RAZ – Reticular Activating System helps you become aligned to your goal and achieve it. When you start looking for a new car and want a specific car, then you see that car everywhere.
    Write your goal in the present tense. Include how you’ll feel when you achieve it.
    It is ___________________ (future date) and I have ____________________ (your outcome).
    I feel __________ (positive emotions).
  2. Belief – Shift Your Beliefs
    Identify your limiting belief. What is holding you back from achieving your goal? Say, “What I believe about my goal is…” This is a free judgment exercise. “I want this, BUT….” Or “I can’t BECAUSE…” and notice what comes up. Now review your beliefs and chose just one limiting belief that gets in your way and keeps you from reaching your full potential. My limiting belief is ______________.
    Then cross out that lousy belief and immediately flip it with an empowering belief with something aligned with your goal, followed by the word “yet”. Ask yourself if this is always true without a shadow of a doubt? What if the opposite was true? My new empowering belief is _________________.
  3. Focus – Align Your Thoughts
    When you first awake, think about 5 things you are grateful for. Then read your goals from step 1 of the process aloud. With your eyes closed, visualize yourself having achieved them. Your brain will start coming up with all sorts of buts. I want this but…this career is too risky… What happens is that consciously you want something, but subconsciously you don’t believe it’s possible. When you notice a negative or limiting belief arise throughout the day praise yourself and find more positive meaning. Focus on happier thoughts and memories to shift your emotional state. Think about your goal and say, “I want this, BUT… – or – I can’t do this because…” These contradictory thoughts, limiting beliefs, will come up. Once you identify a belief that is really holding you back, and then weaken that belief. Is this belief always true?
  4. Action – Align Your Behavior
    One action that I will take this week to move me closer to my goal is _____________.

Mindset: The Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Then, come up with supporting statements that support your new belief, even if you don’t believe it. Then program it into your brain. Focus to Align Your Brain: Every day repeat your goals. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill demonstrates this concept.

The Ritual
Every day, as soon as you wake up, think of the 5 things you are most grateful for to train your brain to be more positive. Then, create your future! Have your goals written out and read out loud. Visualize those goals and play that movie in your mind, everything you are going to see, hear, and feel that will happen when you achieve your goals. Everyday be mindful of your thoughts. Find meaning, even in the bad times. This is one thing you have to do for yourself. If you do this you will empower your transition. You will change results. You become what you believe…and now you have the process to change your beliefs!

Vered is offering a group MINDshift™ coaching program. Go to www.veredkogan.com for more information.

Take the time to master your mindset. It is the foundation of everything that you create and achieve. It is the best investment you could ever make.

Hiring Companies

Varsity Tutors
Tyler Kinnie, Senior Recruiting Manager

Varsity Tutors, is a platform that supports learners of all ages with personalized instruction to achieve any goal. They seamlessly connect tutors with students and are changing the way people learn all across the world. Varsity Tutors is expanding with sales leadership, supervisor through account management, customer care team, managers, and directors. Check out Varsity Tutors’ Corporate and Tutoring opportunities. Corporate openings include General Manager – New Business Ventures, HR Generalist, Tutor Engagement Manager, Account Manager, Sales Rep, and Sales Trainer.

Vanguard

Michael Marchese, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant

Vanguard is a savings and investment firm with locations in Scottsdale and worldwide. Their organization will take you from where you are into the field. Vanguard hires individuals that really want to do the right thing, help individuals, and they can help you learn the finance side. If you are already in the field and have your certification, then they have higher level opportunities. Careers cover a range of areas from Client Services, Finance and Accounting, HR, IT, Investment Management, Legal, Sales and Management, and Operations. Find current openings here.

Staff Logic

Deanne Desautels, President

Accounting and Finance Professionals (AFP) focuses on accounting and Staff Logic, sister company, is more general, but both specialize in growing relationships with clients. They want to help you find what you’re looking for, but they don’t always find something for everyone. They help with relocation opportunities. Whether you’ve been searching for a few months or if you are new, Staff Logic and AFP can help you. View Staff Logic and/or Accounting & Finance Professional openings for further details.

Freedom Financial Network

Heather Marcom, Head of Talent Acquisition

When Freedom Financial Network started in 2002, they helped people overcome debt so they could achieve financial freedom. Today FFN helps people enjoy freedom in more ways than ever. View openings at Freedom Financial Network.

Resources
Career Connectors offers many services to assist you with your search: Resume Review, Hiring Company Networking, Business Portraits, LinkedIn Coaching and Educational Opportunities.

9/6/17 – Staffing Firms Impact on Phoenix

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Staffing FirmsWritten by Michelle Soracco

Staffing Firms Panels

Panel 1: Myths About Working with Staffing Firms

Deanne Desautels, President of Staff Logic/AFP
Kristy Bach, VP of Operations for TechFinders
Christian Kaijser, President of Career Evolutions

There are three different staffing firm models: direct hire, contract to hire and contract (temp). Many temp positions become full-time hires. You can still look for work while on assignment. Building a relationship with a staffing firm recruiter is of the utmost importance, as it is all about communication. Recruiters can give you inside information, help evaluate an offer, and even negotiate a better offer for you. Let them know what is most important to you (salary, commute time, vacation time, benefits, etc.). Know what motivates you.

Recruiters get paid from professional fees, not head count. They try to get you more money, since they will get paid more if you do as well; however, they know the limits of their clients, who always pay the fees, not the candidates. They find candidates on Linkedin, Career Connectors, networking events, advertising, etc. It’s best to register with more than one firm, preferably three or more, in your specialty or niche. There are many recruiting firms out there with just as many specializations, so use the firms that will work best for you.

A lot of what recruiters do depends on their clients. They will submit three to five candidates for one position, sometimes more. They don’t always respond to candidates because of the sheer volume of calls and emails, but they are trying to do better!

Panel 2: Advantages of Working with Staffing Firms

Michelle Grinberg, Regional Sales Consultant for Modis
Kelli Perkins, Area Manager for NESCO Resource
Kristy Bach, VP of Operations for TechFinders

Companies use staffing firms for contract to hire positions – “try before you buy” on both sides. Recruiting firms have insider information, including constructive information during interviews and helping candidates negotiate the job offer.

Miscellaneous tips:
-Use as many job search options as possible.
-Interview your staffing firms to find the right fit.
-How candidates can prepare: resume copies, online job search on website, use Linkedin to research recruiter, research company, ask questions.
-At the end of the interview, always let the interviewer know that you want the job–ask about next steps in the process, do they have any hesitations about hiring you, and if so, you can address these issues then and there.
-Recruiters do what they do because they are career matchmakers; they want to connect individuals to great jobs.  In the end, they like helping people, and no two days are ever the same. Their world changes on a day-to-day basis.

Resources

Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ

@GoodwillAZ

Carter Ellis, ‎District Manager, East Valley Career Services

Goodwill works with all job seekers, not just those looking for retail work. Their services are free for both job seekers and companies. Their goal is to end unemployment. They have on- and off-site employment events. They provide additional resources for job seekers, such as career advice, resume preparation and mock interviews. Goodwill’s job board has many internal leads from companies in the Valley. For open positions, click here.

New Horizons Learning Center

@nhphoenix

Joe Rostowsky, Director of Site Operations

Career Connectors has partnered with New Horizons as their only WIOA-funded school. New Horizons is an international training organization that serves the needs of top companies to help individuals enhance their current skills and go to the next level in their career. They offer courses in IT, Office Mgmt, Healthcare Records and Management, Project/Production Mgmt Certifications. Classes are conducted live in a classroom, live online and self-paced online courses, depending on the student’s needs.  Joe’s best job seeking advice is to keep up with your skills, and don’t blow off an interview!

Closing

Jessica graciously thanked all of the day’s speakers, volunteers and job seekers for participating. She encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the many Career Connector services like having your resume reviewed, a free professional portrait and visit all of the staffing firms. She also encouraged everyone to view the career blog, which is up and running and has a lot of good career advice.  As always, network, network, network!

The next event is in North Scottsdale on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 9am. Click here to register.

5/23 – Lost My Job, Now What

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Naomi BucktaWritten by Michelle Soracco

Keynote Speaker

Naomi Buckta @naomibuckta

Naomi is the Sales and Marketing VP for two related companies.  She got laid off from her job in 2010, but was unprepared for it.  She formulated a plan to get herself employed again, and brings a wealth of information and tips to help people get back on their feet through a very trying phase.  She is also a mystery shopper and restaurant reviewer.

Lost My Job, Now What

First things first:  Don’t panic, and don’t forget all of the great things about yourself!  Don’t foster resentment about your situation; it can be a blessing in disguise.

Prepare yourself:

  • Write down all of your skills, abilities, successes and gifts
  • Write down your top three priorities–no more than that
  • File for unemployment immediately
  • Tell everyone you’re unemployed; you never know where the next job lead is going to come from
  • Prepare your story
  • Update your resume

Plan of Action:

  • Take a Self-Assessment
  • Become/stay current in your field.  One way to do that is to take a MOOC (massive open online course).
  • Google yourself to make sure nothing inappropriate shows up through social media.  When posting on a social media site, assume that everything is public.
  • Reconnect with people (i.e. network, network, network) – GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
  • Use www.networkingphoenix.com to find networking events of all types
  • Use LinkedIn groups, church groups, and Meetup groups to expand your network
  • Find the people who can help you
  • Prepare your elevator speech – How are you unique?  Do you volunteer somewhere interesting?  If you don’t know how you are unique, ask your friends.
  • Use a “human voice” in your resume, as well as writing “pain” letters instead of cover letters.  Follow Liz Ryan on LinkedIn and/or Twitter for more information.
  • Use LinkedIn to skirt around the recruiting sites and reach out directly to the hiring manager.
  • Get ready for interviews by updating a portfolio with all of your work, resume, and letters of recommendation; as well as a 30/60/90 day plan (Google it if necessary).  Prepare questions for every level of management.
  • If you ask the same questions of all levels and get widely varying answers, consider that a red flag.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions
  • Find a mentor who can encourage you and be honest, someone who knows your professional self (as opposed to your best friend).
  • In the interview, the more the interviewer talks, the more information you have.  The first question you should ask before the interview really gets going is: what three important qualities or skills should the right candidate have for this position.  Then work those into every answer you give the interviewer with the bridge, hook and flag method.

Show me the Money!

  • Review your spending habits to eliminate waste and reduce expenses.  Where can you save money?  Can you barter with people for goods and services that you need?  Find cost effective ways to replace what you used to do, such as an at-home movie night with all your friends, game night, and cheap/free things to do in Phoenix.   There are so many inexpensive things to do here in the valley; there aren’t enough hours in the day or days in the week to do everything!
  • Let your family know you’re unemployed, since this affects them too. Let people help/contribute.

Get Off the Couch!

  • Volunteer and add that to your resume to fill in the gap
  • Teach a class in something you know
  • Learn something new: another language, take a MOOC course in your field of interest.  Udemy and Coursera are the two most well-known websites. Large universities have online courses as well.  If you take a MOOC, put it on your resume ONLY IF YOU FINISH, in the professional development section.
  • Make your own opportunities by doing contract work, consulting, working part-time to make ends meet or doing something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the time.

Hiring Companies

 

Orbital ATK

Rich Skelnik, Talent Acquisition Consultant @OrbitalATK

Orbital is comprised of three Operating groups:
-Flight Systems in Chandler
-Defense Systems in Mesa
-Space Systems in Gilbert

The Chandler location has the most jobs.  About half of the jobs require some sort of security clearance.  Positions to be filled in Gilbert:
-Principal Test Engineer – no clearance necessary
-Sr. Financial Analyst – must already have top secret security clearance
-Mechanical Engineer – Structures analysis, top secret clearance
-Electrical Engineer – FPGA experience necessary, as well as design and test experience, top secret clearance

For other open positions, click here.

WageWorks  @WageWorksCares

Anne Hart, Human Resources Manager – Recruiting
Christine Jones, Recruiter
Lisa Denham, Recruiter

WageWorks is a 3rd party consumer-directed benefits administrator located in Tempe.  Their goal is to put more money back in your paycheck.  If you like challenge and responsibility, as well as a lot of growth opportunities and change, see their many open positions here, including Accountant, Director Information Security, Operations Analyst, Quality Assurance Analyst, Recruit, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer and Vendor Manager.

Staff Logic  @StaffLogic1

Deanne Desautels, President

Accounting & Finance Professionals has placed over 50,000 professionals in long term careers.  63% of their referrals come from clients or professionals they have placed, and AFP has been ranked #1 for 5 years in a row for direct hire placements. AFP (Accounting and Finance Professionals) is a staffing firm that focuses on A/P, A/R, banking, bookkeeping and CPA tax accounting, while Staff Logic focuses on IT, Engineering, customer service, software sales, medical, executive search, administrative, marketing and HR.  They are currently looking for admins for city and state government, financial analysts and tax positions in CPA firms.  For open positions with Staff Logic, click here; for open positions with AFP, click here. Check back often as openings change frequently.

Resources

Goodwill of Central AZ @GoodwillAZ

Carter Ellis, Professional Career Advisor

Goodwill works with all job seekers, not just those looking for retail work.  Their services are free for both job seekers and companies.  Their goal is to end unemployment.  They have on- and off-site employment events. They provide additional resources for job seekers, such as career advice, resume preparation and mock interviews.  Goodwill’s job board has many internal leads from companies in the Valley.  Please reach out to Carter with any questions at carter.ellis@goodwillaz.org  For open positions, click here.

Closing

Sheila Coulam graciously thanked all of the day’s speakers, volunteers and job seekers for participating. She encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the many Career Connector services like having your resume reviewed, a free professional portrait and visit the hiring companies.  She also encouraged everyone to view the career blog, which is up and running and has a lot of good career advice.

The next event is in Phoenix, Wednesday, June 7.  Register here.

Reminder: the next Scottsdale event is the third Thursday of June instead of the usual second Thursday. Register here.

3/8/17 – Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes Per Day

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Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes Per DayWritten by Kimberly Rife

Keynote Speaker

Brenda Cunningham, CEO, Push Career Management, LLC

LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for job seekers. Whether you’re trying to tap into the hidden job market or make inroads into a prospective employer, your presence on LinkedIn is important. However, without a plan, you can get less than stellar results and find yourself wasting valuable time, clicking link after link on the homepage or scrolling endlessly through lists of people you may know.

“Doing is the normal mode of Western society. The culture is one of constant interaction…Information and new ideas flood in from all over the globe which can be invigorating to your thought life, sparking dreams and plans for the future, but it can also mean taking on too much and ending up with mediocre results or being so overwhelmed you feel constantly defeated” – Dr. Cindy Trimm

Brenda Cunningham, an expert in the field of career services, stresses the need to have a game plan. If you’re not actively using LinkedIn, you could be missing opportunities. On the flip side, misusing your access to influencers can cause problems. Some job seekers ask to immediately send their resume to people they don’t know, which can be a turn-off. Others mistake LinkedIn for a social network, posting content unsuitable for a professional network. For example, photos of your lunch don’t belong on LinkedIn, no matter how delicious the turkey panini and the latte with the leaf design in the foam were.

To avoid these pitfalls, users should know their strategy. Focus on what you’re trying to accomplish. Be strategic and intentional in your use of LinkedIn.

Brenda recommends setting a timer for 15 minutes and dividing the time as follows:

  • 4 minutes – Homepage – Scroll through to gain an understanding of what people in your network are doing and what articles they are sharing. Like and comment on relevant items. Posting your own meaningful thoughts will add substance, help establish you as an expert in your field, and keep you top of mind in your network
  • 4 minutes – Search and Invite – Know who you want to connect with. Search for your target companies. Who do you know that works there? Who are the decision makers? Why should they connect with you? Send an invitation to connect that is meaningful to them from within their profile.
  • 2 minutes – Say Hello – Rekindle relationships through quick check-ins without asking for anything, even if it has been a few years since you’ve been in touch. “Hello” can go a long way. Don’t be that person who only reaches out when they need something.
  • 5 minutes – Groups – Consistently visit a handful of groups so that members will recognize you and view you as a thought leader. Learn from what others have done. When you are working, groups can help find solutions to problems you may be having on the job. After you’re back to work, continue to post your perspectives on what others have posted in your groups.

Be consistent. Check LinkedIn Monday through Friday, even when you’re employed. It’s important to keep doing the work so that you’re ready when opportunities arise. “Keep the pump primed, always be ready, stay ready.” – Brenda Cunningham

Hiring companies

Brokers Alliance

Deuce Mangine, HR Manager

Family-owned Brokers Alliance of Fountain Hills strives to incorporate fun into the workday. Hardworking team members can de-stress with video games or a ping pong match in the company game room. Brokers Alliance is comprised of Brokers Alliance, Launched Financial, Life’s Best Insurances (Outlook Advisors), and WiredUp Installation. As a leading, independently owned distributor of life insurance and annuities, they harness experience and technology’s power to provide solutions for insurance professionals to grow and sustain their practices. They offer many benefits and perks, including unlimited Nespresso for coffee lovers. A few positions they are currently hiring for are Life Insurance Sales Agents, Annuity Sales Consultant, and Business Development Representative. To view the full lists, visit Brokers Alliance or Life’s Best Insurances.

Edward Jones

Tahara Coleman, Senior Recruiter

Founded in 1922, privately-held Edward Jones is an award winning company with $876 billion in assets under its care and nearly 7 million clients. With headquarters in St. Louis and Tempe, they are the largest US brokerage firm in terms of the number of offices. They provide some of the best training possible and pride themselves on their community service and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Because they want to be sure their financial advisors are growing profitable practices, they offer support including paid training, a guaranteed salary for up to five years, bonuses and commissions. They are currently hiring for financial advisors in their branches and for various roles in their corporate office.

AF Professionals and Staff Logic

Deanne Desautels, President

At Accounting & Finance Professionals and Staff Logic, one of their goals is to find the best opportunity for the job seeker. They are also active in the community and are partnered with Homeward Bound, sponsoring an employment center which serves as a resource for homeless women and families. Their weekly newsletter features positions with employers including government entities such as the State of Arizona and City of Phoenix, as well as many public and private companies. They recommend registering with several staffing companies because each one works with different employers. Some of the positions they are currently recruiting for are: inside sales positions, customer service and data entry jobs, accountants, call center positions, financial analysts, and IT roles. All jobs are not listed on the website because they are often filled quickly.

Resources

Arizona@Work

Rob Stenson, Business and Workforce Development Supervisor, City of Phoenix

Arizona@Work offices offer job search and workforce development services including resume assistance, career advising, job leads, workshops, hiring events, training grants for certifications, on-the-job training grant programs and insight on labor market trends at no cost to the job seeker. Appointments are recommended. Walk-ins are accepted.

Visit Arizona Job Connection (AJC) to post a resume and search open jobs.

Visit Maricopa County Career Planning System (MCPS) to explore career interests.

Phoenix Public Library has resources free with your library card including access to nearly 500 instructor-facilitated online classes and Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center.

Closing

Jessica Pierce thanked all of the day’s participants. She reminded people to take advantage of the resources available on site, such as professional portraits and coaching. She urged attendees to visit the Career Advice blog which currently is about how to get your resume to “talk” to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The next Career Connectors event is on Thursday, March 16th in Scottsdale. Jack Milligan will be presenting “Salary Negotiation – Make More Money.” For upcoming Career Connectors events, click here.