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Arizona at Work

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.

8/3/16 – Developing and Living Your Personal Brand

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Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

MAKING YOUR MARK IN LIFE or JUST LIVING YOUR LIFE

When you grow up you tend to get told that the world is the way it is
and your life is just to live your life and try not to bash into the walls too much…
that’s a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact- -everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no
smarter than you-shake off this erroneous notion that life is there and you’re just going to live in it versus make you mark upon it. Once you learn that, you will never be the same again.”
Steve Jobs, 1995 Interview Santa Clara Historical Association

Keynote

Michael S. Seaver, @MichaelSSeaver

As noted in Steve Job’s quote, we have a choice in living our lives. We have a choice to live our life and try to not bash into walls much or make our mark in life. If you elect to do the latter then it is essential to develop and live your personal brand. Michael had several objectives for his time with the group.
• Why branding is important
• Developing your personal brand
• Face-to-face
• Online

WHY BRANDING IS IMPORTANT
In his TED presentation psychiatrist, Robert Waldinger, shares three important lessons learned from the study on what makes a good life? The findings emphasize that the key to a happy life is based on relationships. Happy people broaden and develop their relationships.
Recently, Michael was involved in a workplace research for Robert Half on “Creating a Leadership Pipeline: Developing the Millennial Generation into Finance Leaders.” It is essential for organizations to establish the desired character traits sought for their leaders. The study showed that the same traits were found in all generations.
TOP 5 TRAITS….
1. Desire to be trusted.
2. Receive respect.
3. Want to learn.
4. Be coached.
5. Deep & meaningful relationships.

DEVELOPING YOUR BRAND
In developing your brand, you need to review your past, present and future.
• THE PAST
There are several questions one needs to ask to gain a strong overview on his/her values, interests and challenges. Some of those questions include:
Favorite childhood memory?
Most difficult experience in your life?
Eye opening experience traveling?
Favorite activity to do in your free time?
In reviewing your answers, you need to look for patterns of behavior and interest; identify challenges and define strengths.
• THE PRESENT
Your present is the transition that you are currently going through, establishing what your ideal employer and position looks like, and your strengths. Items to consider are top 3 professional interests, location of office, total rewards, daily tasks, responsibility level and growth potential.
• THE FUTURE
In defining your future, you need to decide your ideal life in 3 years. The criteria for the future is the same as the present with the following exceptions: vacations and travel; health and well being.
The next steps would be intention, ambition, value proposition and constraints.
 INTENTION
Your intention is your “why”. You are establishing your personal mission/guiding statements. This should be a never changing purpose and why you exist.
 AMBITION
Ambition is what you actually do. It is your personal vision. To fulfill your vision utilize S.M.A.R.T goals and include your desired future in 3-5 years.
 VALUE PROPOSITION
Your value proposition is what makes you different and unique. Consider what makes you different, why clients choose you and what you can do that no one else can.
 CONSTRAINTS
Constraints are those weaknesses that limit your performance. Rather than focusing on developing your weaknesses, you are encouraged to limit time fixing weaknesses and maximize time developing strengths. A recent Gallup survey found that 34.1% of the American workforce like their job, 18% are actively disengaged and 65% don’t like their job.

FACE-TO-FACE
Michael noted how color has both a major influence over human emotion and the power to elicit metaphors. Most brands have intentionally chosen colors that have specific resonance with their audience. As an example, wearing ‘blue’ suggests trust, smart, calm, faith, natural, stable and power. On the other hand, ‘red’ projects the emotions of love, immediacy, energy, sale, passion, anger and hunger.
Body language shapes who you are such as when feeling confident we tend to stand tall and walk with confidence. Amy Cuddy, social psychologist shares her insights and findings on the impact of body language on TED. Cuddy further explains body language and impressions in her book, “Presence”.
In demonstrating your brand face-to-face Michael encouraged us to focus our efforts on living our brand.
• Physical presence-color, verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Adjust your communication to the other person’s communication style.
• 3-5 times per week, meet new individuals.
 Treat to coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner.
 Buy gift cards, books, greeting cards, other small gifts.
 Professional, alumni, philanthropic and faith-based organizations.
• Generate THICK value 3-to-1.
• Reflect on patterns of “yes” and “no”.

ONLINE
It is imperative in today’s job market to share your brand with your online
presence. Keys to success for an effective presentation include…
• Build your resume for LinkedIn.
• Enhance website, blog, e-newsletter.
• Develop a 90-day social media content plan.
• Deepen relationships with stakeholders.
• Connect organizations and people.
• Search your name monthly.

FINAL THOUGHTS
“BE THE PERSON YOU NEEDED WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER”
• Discover your “why”.
• Have autonomy, mastery, purpose.
• Believe that change is possible.
• Overcome your fears.
• Collaborate more effectively.
• Be engaged and productive professionally.
• Be involved in your community.
• Understand the opportunity costs of inaction.
• Communicate powerfully.
• Fill the strategy-execution gap.
• Feel accomplished.
• Efficiently manage your time.
• Generate THICK value.

SUGGESTED READING: “GRIT: The power of passion and perseverance” by Angela Duckworth

HIRING COMPANIES

HDR
Keri Dupey, HR Specialist

HDR specializes in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. The organization is located in 225 locations around the world with over 10,000 employees. HDR’s greatest investment is its employees. The company is committed to the professional development and success of its employees through a performance management model, various mentoring programs and HDR University.
HDR has a robust total rewards program. Some unique offerings include Wellness Incentive Program, Adoption Benefit, and Employee Stock Ownership. A sampling of current job opportunities includes Civil Engineers, Construction Inspectors, Project Architect, Resident Engineer and Health Director. To apply and to learn of further openings go to HDR’s website.

Arizona Department of Transportation
Brennan Atwood, HR Specialist

AZDOT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, cost effective transportation system. The culture is in a constant state of change, improving processes and efficiency each day. The state is looking for individuals experienced in lean and is interested in those candidates that have Six Sigma or other lean training. The agency conducts behavioral based interviews for all positions. The state provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package. Go to AZ state website to view latest job openings and to apply.

Freedom Financial Network
Linda Lumen, VP HR

Freedom was launched in 2002 by Stanford classmates, Bradford Stroh and Andrew Houser. Freedom’s mission is to provide financial solutions, services and education enabling consumers to resolve their debt and achieve financial freedom. The organization has 980 employees with locations in San Mateo, California and Phoenix, Arizona. San Mateo is host to the company headquarters. Freedom has received numerous accolades including Phoenix Business Journal’s #13 Best Places to Work.
Currently there are 100 openings at the Phoenix location, which is expanding very quickly to reach 1,200 employees. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K, Life, LT disability, vacation, paid holidays and volunteer activities, employee discounts, and recognition. Top career opportunities include Account Executive, Compliance Analyst, Product Managers and Sr. Software Engineer PMD. If interested, apply here.

Revana/Teletech
Mary Ann Lopez, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization and recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing solutions for industry leading clients, generating over $5B in annual client revenue. Revana has over 1,500 employees in their Tempe and Phoenix locations. The organization provides revenue-generating solutions such as professional inside sales, account management, integrated marketing and electronic direct marketing. Revana has won numerous awards and has been recognized by other leading industry professionals for its outstanding sales performance. The organization provides a number of benefits after 30 days of employment such as paid training, competitive base salary with commissions, career advancement, flexible work schedules and medical and dental benefits. A sampling of current opportunities includes Inbound Sales Associate, Outbound Sales Associate, and Sales Manager. For immediate consideration visit16610nN Black Canyon Hwy, Ste 110, Phoenix, AZ 85284, Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. Apply here to complete an online application and assessment.

Resources

City of Phoenix
Waleed Alani, Employment Specialist

Waleed shared with the group the latest unemployment statistics and noted there is currently a healthy job market. At the moment, there are approximately 81,000 available jobs in the Phoenix area. September is projected to be robust in employment opportunities. Openings include retail, hotel management, project management and nurses. Some of the top skills being requested are bilingual, quality assurance, IT networking, quality control and IT networking project management. A sampling of hiring employers include Banner Health, Honor Health, CVS Health, Dignity Health, Pizza Hut, United Healthcare, Bank of America, Well Fargo and Oracle.
Waleed highlighted the different skill development packages offered by the City of Phoenix. Those include Seminars available to the public; Level 1 Package-Skills Match the Job Market; and Level 2 Package-Research Pathways to Higher Wages. Seminars include: Arizona Job Connection (AJC), How to Create a Winning Resume, Perfecting Your Interviewing Skills, Mock Interview Lab, Understanding LinkedIn, Leveraging LinkedIn, 21st Century Job Search Seminar, and Job Clubs. The 3-day sessions are focused on ways to jumpstart your job search. Topics discussed are Social Skills, Creating and Implementing a Job Search Plan, Interviewing, and Long Term Career Management. The 3-hour session emphasizes Employability. For more details on the Skills Development Packages, reach out to Waleed at 602-255-4628 or waleed.alani@phoenix.gov.
To see a schedule of upcoming workshops, visit Arizona@Work’s website.

New Horizons Learning Center
Zack Hiscock, VP Training

New Horizons has provided world-class training for over 30 years and over 30 million students. New Horizons recognizes that there are several learning styles and offers traditional, instructor led classroom training; online LIVE learning and online anytime learning. Learning tools are varied to meet the needs of students including hands-on labs, reference materials, practice exams, learning guides, coursework and exam preparation.
The Phoenix location is a new state-of-the-art training facility. Information Technology programs, Office Management and/or Healthcare Records Management programs, and Project/Production Management programs represent education offerings. Some of the items included in tuition are books & supplies, labs, on-going career services and 6-month re-sit option. New Horizons does provide Job Placement Assistance. The school offers top IT Certifications approved by the GI Bill. Additional funding sources are available up to $4K through the WIOA Program. New Horizons has free classes in Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Visit New Horizons online.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking North Phoenix Baptist Church and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, August 11, 2016 and features Cristi B. McMurdie as speaker for the topic “Why Know Your Why”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the website.

3/2/16 – Crush the Pink Slip: Get Back to Work in 60 Days

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Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

“THE PINK SLIP”

In the Chilly Willy cartoon, “little Televillian”, Mr. Stoop, tells Smedley that if he’s disturbed while reading show scripts, he would be forced to pink slip Smedley.  Unfortunately, Smedley doesn’t know the meaning of “pink slip”.  Mr. Stoop yells at him,  “It means…you will be fired!”

Unlike Smedley, many of us in today’s workforce are very familiar with receiving and knowing the ramifications of getting a “pink slip”.  Unfortunately it is a very common occurrence to get a “pink slip”.  Workers are losing their jobs due to layoffs, workforce reductions, reorganizations and terminations.

Needless to say, Brenda’s presentation on “Crush the Pink Slip: Get Back to Work in 60 Days” was a welcomed and well-received subject.

Keynote

Brenda Cunningham, @PushCareers

CRUSH THE PINK SLIP:  Get Back to Work in 60 Days

Brenda, like many of us has been the recipient of the cursed “Pink Slip”.  Brenda’s memory of the experience is still very much a part of her professional identity.  Whereas many workers are often paralyzed by the event, Brenda’s experience was a springboard for her to pursue a different career path.

WHY THE BOOK?

Brenda’s intent in writing her book, “Crush the Pink Slip:  Get Back to Work in 60 Days” and new profession was to encourage job seekers, provide a practical roadmap and help accelerate the professional’s transition.

SUCCESSFUL CAREER TRANSITION

Brenda noted job seekers seem to make the same errors in their job search.  In order to have a successful evolution, she recommends the following:

  1. Crystal clear goals.
  2. An effective game plan.
  3. Realistic expectations.

In addition to the above, Brenda encouraged us to PUSH!   PUSH meaning you need to do it and PUSHING being an action.

BRENDA’S FAVORITE DAYS

DAY 1:  READY, FIRE, AIM!  THE IMPORTANCE OF AIM

In executing your job search, you want to avoid saying, “I’m looking for a job.”  Doing so shares a vague idea of what position you are seeking.  Instead reframe the statement by indicating, “I am looking for a project management position”, for example. There are several criteria the job seeker needs to establish to have a positive outcome.  Those include desired industry, function, maximum commute time, ideal company size, target companies (5-20) and salary.

DAY 49:  STOP TWEAKING YOUR JOB SEARCH TO DEATH

Make a commitment to stick to your plan.  Rather than relying on spouses or friends to provide job search advice on such topics as your resume and strategy, reach out to a qualified resume writer and/or career strategist.

DAY 57:  DESPERATION IS NOT A PRETTY COLOR

Desperation does not lend to a positive presentation!  Brenda reminded the group that finding your desired position does take time.  And yes there will be times you will feel desperate!  To offset this feeling, Brenda encouraged us to understand that our transition will take time.  If it is helpful for you then determine how long it took others to find their new position.  Write it down noting it will take between 1 to 6 months.  Having unrealistic expectations will crush your confidence.  Interviewing and selection the right candidate is a timely process.  Practice and accept the mantra  ‘you will not settle for just any job when you are worthy of being fulfilled at work’.

BONUS ITEMS TO CONSIDER

  • LINKEDIN IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL! LinkedIn is the search tool of choice for the majority of recruiters.  Be active on LinkedIn by joining in on group discussions and posting items other members would find of interest.  Brenda reinforced that the job seeker needs to be different and stand out against their competition.  To be further effective on LinkedIn you need to be building your network and nurturing your relationships.
  • LEARN HOW TO FOLLOW UP: Effective follow up will further establish you as the ideal candidate.   A common rule of thumb from career professionals is wait about one week after applying and interviewing to inquire about a decision to hire or confirm receipt of your materials.  Thereafter, it is best to wait two weeks or heed what the hiring managers advise you to do.  In addition, it is important to do what you said you would do.
  • ASSESS YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS: Understand what reasonable salary expectations are for your line of work in 2016.
  • TALK TO YOUR SPOUSE/FAMILY/FRIENDS: Help them understand the situation.  Share some of the things they can do to help them better support you.
  • KNOW IF YOUR INDUSTRY IS CHANGING (AND KEEP UP): Brenda noted it is important to stay current what is going on in your industry.  Great resources for doing so are library databases, Onetonline.org, and professional publications and associations.
  • REFRAME NETWORKING: Many of us dread the thought of networking and quickly cast the activity aside.  Brenda suggests a lifestyle of networking.  Most people wait until they’ve lost a job.  Failing to establish a network may slow your efforts to return to the workforce.  Brenda highly recommends to start building your network now and keep developing it during your transition and throughout your career.  Networking is building a trusted relationship.  Begin a conversation by asking the other person a lot of questions.  Doing so will allow you to reconnect with the person again.  Networking is not always about you and what others can do for you, but rather what you can do for others and meet their needs.

In closing, we have a choice.  When you receive your pink slip you can either curl up in the corner or you can crush the pink slip and get to work in finding a new position.

HIRING COMPANIES

Arizona@Work, City of Phoenix

Waleed Alani, Employment Specialist

Waleed shared with the group the latest unemployment statistics.  There are currently approximately 70,000 available jobs in the Phoenix area.  Opportunities include retail, hotel management, project management and nurses.  Some of the top skills being requested are bilinqual, quality assurance, IT networking, quality control and IT networking project management.  A sampling of hiring employers include Banner Health, Honor Health, Pizza Hut, CVS Health, Dignity Health, United Healthcare, Bank of America, Well Fargo and Oracle.

Waleed enlightened us with the different skill development packages offered by the City of Phoenix.  Those include seminars available to the public; Level 1 Package-Skills Match the Job Market; and Level 2 Package-Research Pathways to Higher Wages. Seminars include:  Arizona Workforce Connection (AJC), How to Create a Winning Resume, Perfecting Your Interviewing Skills, Mock Interview Lab, Understanding LinkedIn, Leveraging LinkedIn, 21st Century Job Search Seminar, and Job Clubs.  Level 1 Package; Skills Match the Job Market is for 3 days and 3 hours.  The 3-day sessions are focused on ways to jumpstart your job search.  Topics discussed are Social Skills, Creating and Implementing a Job Search Plan, Interviewing, and Long Term Career Management.  The 3-hour session emphasizes Employability.  The Level 2 Package; Research Ways to Higher Wages is a 2 day seminar.  Attendees will obtain a better awareness of their career and personal skills along with a discussion of skill gaps and training options.  Waleed also provided the group the LinkedIn algorithm that employers utilize to search for people on LinkedIn.  For more details on the Skills Development Packages, reach out to Waleed at 602-255-4628 or waleed.alani@phoenix.gov.

State of Arizona

Jan Plank, HR Manager III

Jan noted the State of Arizona employs approximately 35,000 employees in over 100 agencies, boards and commissions.  In 2016, 25% of the state’s workers will be retirement eligible.  The average age of the employees is 47.  The state is currently going undergoing a transformation by evaluating its business processes and improving them to be more effective and streamlined.  In addition to the traditional benefits, the state also offers 11% match into retirement after vesting, exceptionally low health care premiums and training opportunities.  A sampling of current positions includes Financial Reporting Accountant, Senior Auditor, Administrative Services Officer, Applications Developer, HR Manager II, Accounts Payable Specialist, Special Collections Librarian, Contract Compliance Supervisor, Behavioral Health Coordinator, Administrative Assistant III and Special Projects Coordinator.  If interested, review the open positions on line and apply online.  Jan noted it is important to differentiate yourself when applying.

Manpower

Jo Bryant, Recruiter

With more than 60 years experience, Manpower has established itself as a world leader in innovative workforce solutions, workforce solutions, connecting human potential to the ambition of business.  Manpower serves both large and small organizations across all industry sectors through four main brands and offerings; ManpowerGroup Solutions, Experis, Manpower and Right Management.  The organization operates a worldwide network of offices in over 80 countries and territories.  Manpower partners with clients to accelerate their businesses by providing people and services that includes recruitment and assessment, training and development, workforce consulting, outsourcing and career management.  Gone are the days where Manpower specialized in supplying light industrial help.  The Manpower culture has a great team of people with a common vision and goal, unlimited growth potential, and a company that cares what its employees want and asks for their input.

The company is one of the few staffing organizations offering benefits for contract positions.  Benefits include medical and dental, short term disability, holidays, 401K, shopping discount and recognition program.  Some of the current positions include Bilingual Spanish Youth Coordinator, Donor Outreach Coordinator-PT, Bilingual Customer Service Agents-PT, Document Processors, Data Entry, Production/Warehouse, Packing/Kitting/General Labor, Season Shipping/Packing and Sorting, and Administrative /Clerical roles.  To apply go to the Manpower website; create an account and attach your resume; and contact the office after registering.

Charles Schwab

Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Manager

Schwab sees the world through their clients’ eyes.  Schwab serves investors, advisors and employers.    Charles Schwab highlights include $2.54 trillion in client assets, Fortune 500 Company with annual revenues of $6.05 billion, 325 branch offices in 45 states and 3 countries.  The organization is headquartered in San Francisco, has approximately 15,400 full time employees and is the recipient of 15 awards in 2015 for its employee-friendly workplace.

Schwab has about 60+ positions currently in Phoenix a few “hot” jobs are Broker Trainee, Estate Services Professional, and Relationship Specialist.  Phoenix is the home of one of Schwab’s largest call centers.  Those positions in high demand are Relationship Specialists and IT roles.  Shannon encouraged attendees to complete an application online.  Schwab initially reviews those candidates who have completed applications before sourcing other candidates.   Create your online profile and upload your resume at tiny.cc/careerconnectors .

Resources

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants

Roger Brudbacher, Director of Continuing Education

Dynamic Worldwide will prepare you with an edge in this competitive job market.

DWWTC offers programs and certificates in professional development, cyber security programs, advanced cyber security programs and information technology.  DWWTC was awarded the 2015 Juniper Platinum Education Partner of the Year for its award winning instruction. The facilities are state of the art and maintain a low student to instructor ratio.  Instruction is available on multiple platforms.  DWWTC is licensed by the State Board for Private Postsecondary Education; certified through Workforce Connection; and approved for Grant Programs. For more information, please visit the website.

Closing

Sandi Ashton, Vice President, Career Connectors Board of Directors, closed the meeting by thanking North Phoenix Baptist Church and the volunteers.  The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, March 10, 2016 and features Kevin Dumcum as speaker for the topic “Activate Your Job Search”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the website.

 

 

2/11/16 – DISCovering Your Unique Value

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Written by Kevin Spear, MBA: @kevinhspear

Opening

Jessica opened the session. Last week at the North Phoenix event, her husband, Mark took a selfie of the group. He got a great picture of everyone else… but only got the top of his head.

We don’t always do selfies, and they are not mandatory. So if that’s not your thing, relax!

Jessica reminded us there are some good connections and possibilities online, but there is nothing like the one-on-one you get when you get out of the house and network. You never know which connection at Career Connectors, or another networking event, will lead to your next job.

Keynote

Sandi Ashton, @SandiAshton
DISCovering Your Unique Value
OptimizingExcellence.com

Sandi is Vice President of the Career Connectors Board of Directors and has been vital in its development.

In 2003, Sandi found herself in a similar position many of us have been in. She was asked to resign from her company. They didn’t have a reorganization or a layoff. They wanted someone with an accounting degree and she didn’t have one. She felt at the time she lost so much, but it was the best thing that happened to her.

She now realizes her former role was not in harmony with her personality. In her last job, she was so stressed, pressured to overachieve, and be aggressive. That wasn’t her. Recently, she retook the DISC profile and now sees that her professional roles are in harmony with her personality.

Understanding yourself is critical, both professionally and personally. She gave an example of when she and her husband were going through a stressful time. Their personality and communication styles are different. It wasn’t until they both took the DISC test and acknowledged their differences that the problem was solved.

What is the DISC assessment?

  • Basis for understanding yourself and others
  • Theory of behavior styles
  • It allows you to develop strategies to meet your development goals and find the ideal workplace.
    • Your self-awareness will guide them to understand who you are.

But it is only part of your whole person. A Total Person Analysis involves the following:

  • Essence (soul and spirit)
  • Behavior (DISC Assessment helps measure this)
  • Skills
  • Values
  • Intelligence (IQ)
  • Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

There are four styles in the DISC Assessment:

  • Dominance = Problems/challenges
  • Influencer = People/contacts
  • Steadiness = Pace/consistency
  • Compliance = Procedures/constraints

Next, we went over our individual DISC profiles. If you haven’t taken one since January 15, 2016, you can take a free test through Career Connectors at this address.  It’s a new format, and worth retaking if you’ve done it in the past.

Sections of the DISC profile report:

  1. Your key competencies and preferred work style
  2. Your problem-solving and decision-making skills
  3. Your communication style
    1. If you’re having a breakdown in communication, this section will help you pinpoint why it is happening.
    2. This will help in your personal life as well as professional life
    3. File this away and use it when you are once again employed
  4. Your value to the organization will help you sell what you can contribute to the company
    1. Use them as talking points to form your success stories
  5. Communication:
    1. Flexibility and the ability to interpret the needs of others is the mark of a superior communicator.
    2. Identifying someone else’s behavior helps you communicate effectively with that person.
    3. You can identify DISC styles by sight.
    4. Tone of voice can also give someone’s style away.
    5. Use these discovery questions to determine a person’s personality and preferences:
      1. What do you do for a living?
      2. How did you get into that profession?
      3. Why do you like what you do?
      4. Are you originally from the local area?
      5. What do you like for fun?
  6. Ideal environment:
    1. Are you in an enjoyable or frustrating environment?
    2. What environment will you feel at home with?
  7. Perceptions
    1. How do you see yourself?
    2. How do others see your behaviors?
  8. Descriptors
    1. Your preferences for solving problems and meeting challenges
    2. How you influence people
    3. Response to rules and procedures set by others

Remember who YOU are matters. Your unique value makes a contribution no one else can.

Remember to take the free DISC assessment through Career Connectors.

Hiring Companies:

VIXXO (Formerly First Service Networks)
Heather Kitsko, Senior Recruiter

It’s the first time they can publicly announce their new name.
They are a leading technology-enable asset management and business insight company

  • They have 1,000 associates and fifteen locations.
  • Headquarters are in Scottsdale
  • For seven years, Inc. Magazine named them one of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
  • Their purpose is to keep the world’s business running smoothly so the brands you love continue to inspire.
  • Their goal is to anticipate disruptions in equipment and fix them before they break down.
  • They’re going to an Agile management throughout the company
  • The site: www.vixxo.com is now live

International Cruise & Excursions, Inc,
Jason Brambier, Corporate Recruiter
@ICE_Careers

  • Their headquarters are in Scottsdale
  • They are a large travel brokerage serving the cruise industry and other travel companies.
  • How do they work?
    • Call former cruise customers and offer cruise discounts.
      • The customer gets a year to decide details when they take a discount.
    • Customers also call ICE to make plans for their next cruise.
  • Median wage is $55,000 annually
  • Voted Best Place to work in Phoenix Business Journal 2013 and 2014
  • Benefits:
    • Discounted travel 50%-75% off cruise packages
    • Free trips for top performers
  • Nonsales jobs include:
    • In-house counsel
    • Telecom analyst
    • Branding Strategists
    • Director of Digital Lead Generation
    • Data entry
    • Web designer/developer
    • Accounting Clerk

For more information: www.iceenterprise.com

All About People,
Meredith Hall, Sr Account Manager
@allaboutpeople

  • It is a full service Hiring Organization.
  • Founded in 2002 and is one of the fastest growing companies according to Inc. Magazine.
  • They have positions locally as well as across the nation.
  • They hire for:
    • Contract
    • Temporary
    • Full-time
    • Executive Searches
  • They do coaching with their candidates so you can be presented in the best light.
  • They have a great breadth of companies they work with.
  • They opened ten locations across the nation in the last year.
    • They are in most major markets.
  • They have a high offer acceptance-98%of offers extended to candidates get accepted.
  • They have several open positions from higher level to data entry:
    • Sales Positions
    • They have city and state contracts in the area.

For more information: www.allaboutpeople.net

Freedom Financial Network,
Linda Luman, VP HR
@freedomFamily

Linda experienced a layoff last year, so she knows what it is like to be without a position. She emphasized the importance of networking. She said, “Before you leave today, be sure you network with three to four people. Someone that you least expect may connect you to someone that changes your life.”

  • Freedom Financial helps people transform their financial lives.
    • They serve people who experience debt and are being harassed by collectors.
    • Freedom Financial helps the customers to consolidate, reduce debt and fix their debt situation.
  • It was founded in 2002 when Stanford classmates were experiencing too much debt.
    • Today, they have over 1,000 employees.
  • Their locations are in Tempe and San Mateo, California.
  • They don’t believe their values belong on a wall but in the hearts of employees.
  • But one value that stands out is compassion. They can train everything else, but either you care about people or you don’t.
  • They’ve been recognized by Phoenix Business Journal as a Best Place to Work winner.
  • Benefits:
    • They have a recognition program.
    • Volunteer day for an organization or a worthy cause.
    • Monthly appreciation lunch
    • Freedom Family Fund gives the ability to help coworkers.
    • They celebrate employee’s birthday with four hours off.
  • Some positions include:
    • Account Executives
    • Compliance Analyst
    • Business Intelligence Analyst
    • Product Managers
    • Senior Software Engineers
    • 32% of positions filled are through internally
    • Over 50% of positions filled externally are through referrals

For more information: freedomfinancialnetwork.com/jobs

Resources:

City of Phoenix Workforce Connection
James Jones, Career Advisor
@CityofPhoenixAZ

James works out of the North Phoenix office. They are planning to make all locations offer the same programs in the coming weeks.

They offer Skill Development Packages:

  • Phoenix Workforce Connection Seminars – Public
    • They have mock interview labs that help you polish your skills and figure how you can improve your presentation.
    • Job Clubs allows you to network with other people.
    • 21st Century job search seminar
  • Level 1 package: Skills that match the job
    • 3 + 3 Package: Three days and three hours to get a job
    • This is if you are marketable and don’t need any training
  • Level 2 package: Research Pathways to Higher Wages
    • Personal and career awareness
    • Determine if you need additional training
  • Arizona Job Connection
    • Helps you get access to 50,000 positions.

The current Phoenix unemployment is 4.7%! It’s a good time to find a new job!
They are changing their name to Arizona at Work next week

One piece of advice James has is to be happy and do the things with family to build happiness. Employers will notice your demeanor.

 

Canyon State Institute
Sherri Carparelli, President & CEO

Sherri recommends going to all three Career Connector events through the month. Each one is unique and gives you more networking opportunities. Then she reminded us when you are unemployed, you are eligible to receive a grant for certification and education.

  • They are the only locally owned certification company in the area.
  • They have locations in Phoenix and Chandler.
  • Why get certification?
    • Defines your knowledge
    • Increases your marketability
    • Enables you to answer what you have been doing while unemployed with a positive answer.
  • Different programs include:
    • Microsoft Office
    • Medical Support Specialist
    • Information Technology
    • Project Management
    • Human Resources
    • Process Improvement
  • All courses lead you to taking and passing a certification exam.
  • All of their programs are high demand.
  • Includes career service center.
  • Funding available through:
    • WIOA
    • Veterans
    • DES Vocational Rehabilitation

For more information: canyonstateedu.com

Closing:

Jessica Pierce reminded us If you haven’t taken your DISC assessment in the last ten days, be sure to take it again because it has changed.