Written by Michelle Soracco
Keynote Speaker
Jennifer Rojas – Confirmed Star Wars geek and Influencer
Become a Jedi Communicator in Your Job Search
Use the DISC assessment to figure out who you are and what your strengths and weaknesses are. Learn how to communicate to get what you want by giving others what they want. Create more impact when talking with people who don’t have the same strengths and weaknesses that you do.
D – Dominance/Driver
People who are “D” are results-driven, task-oriented people who get to the point quickly. When interviewing with someone like this, answer the interview questions directly and to the point – no beating around the bush. Also list your accomplishments, results and goals achieved. Example of “D”: CEO, Attorney, Darth Vader
I – Influencer/Promoter
People who are “I” are open and personable with a lot of positive energy. They will get to the point, but approach it from a personal angle. When interviewing with an “I”, maintain high, positive energy, be engaged and talk about your projects and successes from a team standpoint. The interviewer is likely visualizing you working with them and their team. Examples of “I”: Director of Marketing, Public Relations Specialist, Qui Gon Jinn
S – Steadiness/Supporter
People who are “S” have a calm manner and approach. They will share a lot of information to help you best answer the interview questions in their context. They go at a slower pace, and will take time to get to know you. When interviewing with an “S”, it is of utmost importance that you be genuine, because they can spot a fake a mile away. Speak about deadlines you’ve successfully met, along with project dates. Emphasize your teamwork. Examples of “S”: Human Resources, Account Management, Yoda
C – Conscientious/Analyzer
People who are “C” are fairly quiet and of an engineering mindset. They are logical and objective, and like to critique and test things (and people). When interviewing with an “S”, be prepared for direct questions and lots of them, and provide answers in a linear, detailed format. Discuss projects where you objectively came to a conclusion, and give specifics of said conclusion. Examples of “C”: Finance, Engineering, Strategic Planning, Luke Skywalker
Before your interview, look at the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile to determine beforehand which above type they are. You can glean information from recommendations as well as their profiles.
If you get really nervous and forget everything you prepared for, try one of two calming exercises:
1. Inhale and exhale through your nose with eyes closed, paying attention to nothing but your breath and when it gets warm or cold through your nose. Repeat until calm and focused.
2. Close your eyes and focus on the pulse in your thumb and fingers. This will take a few seconds, and you must be calm enough to feel the pulse (the light side of the Force).
Hiring Companies
Maricopa County
Kelly Dixon, HR Operations Manager @MariCoCareers
Kelly manages more than 1200 employees for Deputy County Manager Reid Spaulding, supporting 11 county departments. Maricopa County has generous benefits, including a pension plan, which you don’t see very often anymore. They understand that there is more to business than the bottom line. There are plenty of job openings in a wide variety of fields, which change on a weekly basis. Some examples are: IT Project Manager, Dietitian, Interior Designer, Medical Examiner, Wireless Network Engineer, Attorney, Court Interpreter, and Polygraph Examiner. They take the job requirements very seriously, so if you read the description and don’t have all of the requirements and years of experience, don’t apply for the position. For more information and job listings, click here.
VIXXO
Heather Kitsko, Talent Acquisition Team Lead @WeAreVIXXO
Vixxo is an integrated facilities management company that services clients such as Starbucks, Target and Michaels. They have been a Fortune 500 Fastest Growing Private Company for 8 years straight. Vixxo 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: Customer Service Representative, Oracle DBA, Project Manager and Staff Accountant. For more information, click here.
Allstate
Jill Romanowski, Field Sales Associate
Allison Chafin, Agency Process Specialist @AllstateCareers
Allstate has been in business since 1931, and is one of the most recognizable brands in the US today. They offer a $10,000 referral to anyone who puts them in touch with someone who wants to open their own business as an Allstate agency owner. Allstate will give them all the tools they need to succeed. If owning your own business isn’t right for you, the Tempe corporate office has open positions, such as Claims Analysts, Education Consultants and Licensed Sales Producers. For more information, click here.
Closing
Kristy Bach stood in for Jessica today, and 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 visiting the hiring companies.
Next event is in Gilbert on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 9am. To register, click here.