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Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins

03/26/19 – They Want It, and You’ve Got It…How to Communicate Your “It” Factor

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Bridgett McGowen

Written by Jim McBride

KEYNOTE

They Want It, and You’ve Got It…How to Communicate Your “It” Factor

Bridgett McGowen – Awarded International Motivational Speaker, Educator, Author

Are you fit to communicate your “it?” Excite, engage, uplift and inform with your personal “It” Factor in everything you say during job interviews.

From what the box-checking recruiter actually wants, to navigating the hiring manager’s communication style, award-winning speaker Bridgett McGowen enthusiastically addressed our audience of in-transition professionals with a dynamic presentation loaded with tips on delivering your It Factor.

When conducting candidate interviews, Bridgett said recruiters are looking for specifics: CAN you do the job? WILL you do the job? Not a deep dive into your skills but more of a checklist approach on your general experience. Show you’re the right preliminary fit because you’ve worked in similar environments. Your overall interview demeanor is extremely important. Have a superb and enthusiastic mindset. Your mindset is your It Factor.

With hiring managers, Bridgett says to be prepared to converse during the interview in the way they like to communicate. Bridgett targets these four traits to watch for:

• Peacemakers – need a sense of rapport, show you’re comfortable building relationships

• Truth-Keepers – messaging that fits with what they know makes sense and is logical
• Solution-seekers – bottom line thinkers, cut to the chase, no fluff
• Risktakers – need to see energy, bring it and look alive!

When interviewing with the hiring manager, look for opportunities to connect with the company’s mission, vision and/or products and services. What drives them? Find out what the company desperately wants to change and make that change incredibly important to you. Make sure you’re not giving the impression you’re just looking for a job…say, “I’m the best person for this position!”

You’ve likely heard this before. It’s not what you say, but how you say it. Bridgett says, “your It Factor is communicated with everything you say to a recruiter or hiring manager.” So, when interviewing, keep these suggestions in mind:
• Your ability to synthesize is critical – when asked to “tell me about yourself,” focus on themes. Your response should be condensed. Start with your first role, then ascension into leadership, your current/last role.
• Focus more on strengths than on weaknesses – limit harping on what is not working, show commitment to finding solutions and how you’re moving forward and getting better.
• “I am the best person for this position” – sound as if you’re already on the team, give an idea of what life will be like with you on board.

And know this, Bridgett is passionate here, everything you say “has to scream” you’re the right person for the position. Use “we” “our” and “us” so the hiring manager hears what life would be like with you already on the team.
• Excite – drive enthusiasm and gain buy-in and interest in you. “Yes, I can do that.” “Yes, I’m looking for ways to grow and learn”
• Engage – create a connection and build rapport. Find current events about the company, challenges of the position/company, connect with the interviewer
• Uplift – make your message all about how you will elevate the company. It’s not about how you will benefit, but how the company will benefit
• Inform – your background and experience

There is absolutely no doubt that Bridgett really brings the energy when she’s talking about…energy! It Factor energy simply cannot be same-old-run-of-the-mill-I-just-need-a-job-energy. Do not expect success if you’re only mildly interested in being a part of the company. Start every response with affirmative energy, say “yes” “absolutely” “sure” “let me tell you what I did.”

We all reach the point in the job interview when it’s our time to ask questions of the interviewer. Bridgett strongly advocates these It Factor questions:
• What does success look like in this role?
• What is the first problem you want me to solve?
• What can I do to make your job easier?
• What other questions can I answer to help you determine I am the perfect person for this position?

When it comes to articulating your value to an interviewer it’s best to “learn what they have, do, believe and want.” Then, show them that you have what gives them what they want. Enhance your It Factor with a well-crafted value statement:
• Identify what you do incredibly well
• Create a one-line value statement
• “My name is…I help…or, I design…or, I create…”
• Practice – ensure that showtime is not the first time you say it
• Hear the actual words you will say
• See the body language you will use
• Avoid just going through the motions

They want it and YOU’VE GOT IT! Now harness that energy and land your perfect fit.

HIRING COMPANIES

INSIGHT

Eric Johnson, Talent Acquisition Manager

• Mission – We build meaningful connections to help businesses run smarter
• Core Values – Hunger, Heart, Harmony
• Strong values and excellent work culture
• 5300 employees in 20 countries.
• Solving IT needs since 1988, based in Tempe
• Partnering with the top, featured technology brands, global reach

Open Positions:
Internal Auditor
Buyer
Sales Solution Associate
Partner Champion
Financial Services Representative
Benefits Analyst
Contract Specialist
Travel and Expense Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst

LOGICALIS

Balynda Western, HR Biz Partner

• Global IT company – Managed, Professional and Cloud Services
• 5500 employees worldwide
• Culture – challenging, diverse, fun, flexible, collaborative
• Benefits – medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO for salaried employees

Open Positions:
Account Executive – IT
Account Executive – Business Development
Business Solution Consultant
Cloud Architect
Service Desk Technician
Solution Architect – Data Center
Technician – Security

RESOURCES

Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ

Ron Mack – Community Awareness Partner

Goodwill’s Mission
Through the goodwill of others, we create the pathway to a better future for all by helping those who desire self-sufficiency.

Goodwill Career Centers (on-site services)
• Career Advisors – career coaching
• Navigators
• Mock Interviews/Resume Review
• Employment Support and Events
• My Career Advisor
• Digital Skills Training
• Talent Sourcing
• Employer Engagements on site

Community Partnership
• Target the professional job seeker
• Provide awareness at community events
• Ongoing support during job search

Training – Digital Literacy Courses (Computer Basics)
• Basic computer skills, information literacy
• Internet skills, social media, email
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Windows, Mac

CLOSING

Jessica Pierce thanked our keynote speaker, the hiring company representatives, valued partners and the many volunteers who make Career Connectors such a terrific resource for those in career transition.

Up next, The MINDset Game™: How to Master Your Mindset to Land Your Next Jobpresented by Vered Kogan on April 4th at GCU. Watch your email for updates each Monday morning.

08/09/18 – From Transition to Triumph!: Mentally Regrouping in the Midst of Career Change

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Written by: Connie Huber, PHR SHRM-CP

Keynote

From Transition to Triumph! Mentally Regrouping in the Midst of Career Change
Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins

As we conduct our search to find our next opportunity, we will experience a roller-coaster of emotions. One day we will be coasting and have a “can do”/positive attitude and find our positive mindset results in good things coming our way. The following day we may be spiraling downward and filled with guilt and depression. No longer are we rewarded with the riches of success, but have few if any.

We may have an awesome resume, an “All Star” rating on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, but our mental attitude needs to be a positive one to be a success. As we shift to a positive mindset, our confidence level rises. Being confident is knowing what you’re good at, the value you provide, and acting in a way that conveys that to others. Bridgett enthusiastically shared her road to success in reframing your mental outlook.

  1. Make a statement of your worth, __AND__, BUT THEREFORE. An example is the following:
    STATEMENT OF WORTH
    “It’s hot outside and it is important to stay hydrated in this kind of weather.”
    __AND__
    “But conveniently getting a quality beverage made from the freshest of ingredients can be a challenge.”
    BUT
    “Therefore, I operate a lemonade stand that offers a refreshing homemade beverage with great service and a smile!”
    THEREFORE
  2. Get comfortable with displaying awesomeness! It is difficult for many of us to openly share how great we are to those who need to know. Don’t be shy in communicating your achievements and what a great professional you are. If you fail to do so, many will not know just how awesome you are.
  3. Do something that excites or scares you. Get out of your rut and tackle new endeavors! Ideas are returning to school, starting a blog, collaborating with someone on a project, selling a service or starting a business.
  4. Get MORE uncomfortable. Keep pushing yourself to try new things.
  5. Be ready with a response. You will be asked time and time again why you left your former employer. Think about what you are going to say to someone who asks this question. “The company closed its office/made some changes/did some reorganizing. I am actively looking and networking but am not ready to talk about my search at length. I appreciate your concern and will be sure to keep you updated.”
  6. Mark the past. Find a way to let go of your past. Look at the pros of what you encountered with your previous employer. If necessary, have a ritual of letting go of the past. Cortez burned his own ship! Letting go prevents you from being stuck.
  7. Respect the past (position, company, etc.). Friends, family or potential employers do not want to hear about your terrible experience with your former employer. The more you engage in the negative the longer you hold on to your past and ill feelings.
  8. Avoid burning bridges. You may want to march into your former boss’s office and give him/her a piece of your mind, but don’t do it. You never know who your former boss knows or those organizations that may share contacts that might open doors for you.
  9. Burn some bridges. Get rid of the negative mojo in your life. Take a moment and make 2 lists. 1. Who are the people, things, ideas you need to keep. 2. Those you need to toss.
  10. Use power words, not wimpy words. Remember power words are way more impactful than wimpy ones. A powerful vocabulary makes your awesomeness sparkle. Examples include establishing the stronger statement such as “I can do that” versus “I might be able to do that”; or “Let’s review this challenge;” instead of “Let’s review this problem.”
  11. Give great eye contact. Pretend there is an inverted triangle between the eyes of the person you are talking with. Focus your attention on their eyes first the left then the right. Avoid looking away from the individual.
  12. Avoid giving reasons for actions or decisions.
  13. Respond to criticism only when/if necessary.
  14. Don’t just talk about it; be about it. Demonstrate the commitment of your thoughts by showing action. Things do not have to be perfect before taking action.
  15. Make others feeling incredibly important. They should feel as though they are a VIP.

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” – Napoleon Hill

HIRING COMPANIES

vCandidates
LT Ladino, CEO/CMO, Founder
vCandidates is a three-pronged solution for the staffing marketplace. The company’s focus is to buildup small to medium recruiting and staffing firms while giving candidates the ability to create the best presentation of themselves. The recruitment tools used expedite the search, screening and presentation process eliminating the use of costly job search boards. vCandidates is not another database but a marketplace of pre-screened candidates by the organization’s recruiting and HR team members. The company is a true subscription-based career ecosystem for candidates and active recruiting professionals. The cost for the service is $50 to sign up and $25 per month. For more information go to here.

Amazon
Elia Gal, TSC Solutions Team Lead

Amazon’s work environment has employees handling many sizes of packages, requires comfortable shoes, emphasizes safety, and earns the trust of customers by making promises and keeping them. Jobs allow employees to move around and feel comfortable while working in relaxed clothing. Employees must be able to lift up to 45 pounds, stand/walk for 4-10 hours a day and may be asked to drive powered industrial trucks. Benefits begin day one for full time employees and include medical, time off options, extra time opportunities and multiple shift options. It is important to know most of the available jobs are part time and focus in fulfilling the customer promise by moving small to medium packages, lifting, bending and standing for long period of times. Shifts are varied and can be 4-day work weeks, full or part time, and day or night; 5-day work weeks, full or part time, day or night; or flexible work week, days and night, part time. Current job postings can be found here, or you can begin the hiring process by texting PHXNOW.

Equality Health
Blanca Sandoval, Director of People and Culture

Equality Health is an Arizona based integrated, holistic healthcare delivery system focused on improving care delivery for under-served populations with culturally-sensitive programs that improve access, quality and patient trust. Through an integrated technology and services platform, a culturally competent network and a unique cultural care model, Equality Health helps managed care plans and health systems improve care for diverse populations while simultaneously making the transition to risk-based accountability. The company’s mission is to see health disparities disappear and working relentlessly to do its part.
Benefits include a variety of health plans and supporting programs as well as paid time off. Offerings include multiple PPO and high deductible medical plans, dental, vision, wellness incentives, employee assistance program, 15 paid days off in year one and paid leave benefits. Current opportunities include senior software developer, senior MySQL developer, credentialing specialist, production development specialist, behavioral health counselor, development operations analyst, physician, pain specialist, quality assurance analyst, call center representative, director, clinical quality improvement, behavioral health, medical assistant, network data coordinator, and business analyst. If interested, please visit Equality Health.

Allstate
Steve Morin, Senior Sourcing Consultant

Allstate was established in Chicago in 1931 and has been in business for 80 years. Allstate is #81 on the Fortune 100 list and has 70,000 employees in the US and Canada. The SW region is composed of AZ, OK, NV, NM and UT. Allstate is one of the most recognizable brands in America and has 47 products to help serve its customers’ needs.
Available positions in Tempe Regional Office include IT, Human Resources, Product, Claims, and Sales Management. Other opportunities are Financial Specialist, Agency Owner, and Licensed Sales Producers. The company is military friendly and offers free education to veterans and a bonus award of $500. In addition, Allstate has a $10,000 referral award. To learn more about careers visit Allstate’s website.

RESOURCES

Grand Canyon University
Kyle Richardson, University Counselor
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 transferrable college credits.

CLOSING

Kristy Bach, Board of Directors, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking Grand Canyon University and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, August 16, 2018 and features Sean O’Neil, as speaker for the topic “Be Unforgettable.” For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the Event Schedule.

1/23/2018 – What Did You Say?!: Read and Respond to Interviewer Body Language Like a Pro

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Written by Shweta Shrivastav

Keynote

What Did You Say?!: Read and Respond to Interviewer Body Language Like a Pro

Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins

Bridgett is the CEO and Founder at BMcHAWK Talks, LLC, a public speaking coaching firm. She has presented at various conferences, universities, colleges, student organizations, and corporations. She gets her energy from being around others who are passionate about the work they do and how it propels others to be their best. You can find more about her work here.

Three Branches of Nonverbal Communication

  • Kinesics – body movement
  • Haptic – integration via touch
  • Proxemics – use of space

How your message is conveyed

  • Verbal (Words) – 7%
  • Vocal (Pitch, tone, pauses) – 38%
  • Nonverbal (Body language) – 55%

Five types of body language

  • Eye contact
  • Facial expressions
  • Gestures
  • Posture and stance
  • Space relationship

At the time of the interview, the interviewer’s behavior might be affected by many factors like professional culture, major events/forces unrelated to work, colleague’s expectations, and education. We have no control over the other person’s behavior and body language, but we can control our body language by taking authority over our mind and body. Create affirmative assertions and strike a power pose before entering the meeting room. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, hold your head high, pull your shoulders back, and stretch out your arms. If you hold this pose for two minutes, you will feel (and be perceived as) more confident and competent as you walk into the interview. Strive to look, talk, stand, and walk like you.

Here are some resources to learn more about body language:

https://www.bridgettmcgowenhawkins.com/blog/public-speaking-tips
https://www.bridgettmcgowenhawkins.com/blog/timetomakeastatement
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/interviewer-body-language-secrets
https://www.ivyexec.com/executive-insights/2016/interviewers-body-language/

Hiring Companies

Stewart Title
Leslie Banes, Escrow Operations Manager 
Jasmina Traver, Director of Marketing and Social Media Strategy

Stewart Title is an International Company and one of the Top 3 underwriters in the country. If you are looking for high paying, fast paced/challenging work, love learning new technology, are open to change and are looking for long term stability then, Stewart Title is the place to be. They are currently hiring Support Staff for their centralized processing division of the Escrow Department and Customer Service representatives. Current postings can be found here.

Northwestern Mutual
Jessica Livermore, Director of Recruitment

Northwestern is an industry leader in financial planning, insurance and the investment sector. They don’t have shareholders, they report to their policy owners. They have award winning Training and Development. In Arizona, they have offices in Chandler, Tucson, and a location opening in Gilbert soon. Current openings include full time Financial Representatives and Interns. For more information, visit Northwestern Mutual.

Resources

WOZ U (in partnership with Coder Camps)

John Bernard, Director International Business Development

Inspired by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, WOZ U has partnered with Coder Camps. WOZ U specializes in technology and career-based programs designed to get people into the workforce quickly and affordably. Woz U is passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators and developing the workforce of the future. They provide various cost-effective boot camps to kickstart a career in IT. Anyone from any background can sign up for their courses. They do not need to have a background in IT or coding to enroll. WOZ U offers online and on-campus classes.

WOZ U has various staff like Business Development professionals, Recruiters, Mentors (Seasoned IT pros) to make sure that the students land a great role after completion of the course. They are currently looking to hire more Business Development professionals and Recruiters.

 

10/19/17 – You’ve Got This!: Real, No-Nonsense Ideas for Mentally Regrouping After a Layoff

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Written by  Shweta Shrivastav

Keynote Speaker

Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins

Bridgett is the CEO and Founder at BMcHAWK Talks, LLC, a public speaking coaching firm. She has presented at various conferences, universities, colleges, student organizations, and corporations and gets her energy from being around others who are passionate about the work they do and how it propels others to be their best. You can find more about her work here.

As a job seeker, we have a lot of ideas but do we know how to mentally regroup and charge ahead after a layoff? It is one thing to work on our resume and another thing to work on our mindset.

The objectives of the presentation are to:

  1. provide practical, real-life techniques
  2. examination of your “why”
  3. strategies for the neutral zone

When we think of someone who is incredibly confident, what qualities do we associate with them? Happy, positive, energized, go-getter? The fact is that all of us came to the world as confident beings. A baby is always happy. As we grow up and as we interact with others, we imbibe their opinions of us as our own and we lose our confidence. Similarly, when a company sends us a rejection letter, we think that something is wrong with us. Bridgett says, “A company does not define you or what you are good at.” So, she suggests the following steps to gain your confidence back and make your job search a success.

  1. Make a statement of your worth – Start with two realities (__and __), present a problem (but), and then present what you do (therefore).
    • Example: It’s hot outside and it is important to stay hydrated in this kind of weather. But conveniently getting a quality beverage made from the freshest of ingredients can be a challenge. Therefore, I operate a lemonade stand that offers a refreshing homemade beverage with great service and a smile.
  2. Get comfortable with displaying awesomeness – Being humble is a great quality to have but this is not the time to be humble. As a job seeker, we need to be proud of our achievements and the difference we can make. So toot your own horn and let the world know what you can do.
  3. Do something that excites or scares you – like returning to school, starting a blog (ex. WordPress), collaborating with someone on a project, selling a service (ex. Thumbtack.com) or starting a business.
  4. Get (more) uncomfortable – Once you start doing something exciting or scary, challenge yourself to get more uncomfortable. This moves you away from the despair over rejections and helps you focus on something positively creative and stops you from brooding.
  5. Be ready with a response – When people ask about your job search. You might say something like, “I am good at what I do. I know my industry. I will be fine.” Use positive and powerful words. Share how much you are comfortable sharing.
  6. Mark the past – Captain Hernan Cortes landed in Veracruz for his great conquest in 1519. After arriving he ordered his crew to burn the ships. Similarly, as job seekers when we are looking for a new role we should take steps to mark the past and get ready for a new chapter in our life. It could be having coffee with your boss, cleaning the closet or traveling.
  7. Respect the past – The last job provided you with great returns but it is a thing of the past now. Though it was fun while it lasted, now is the time to keep moving by taking one step at a time to reach your target of finding a great new role.
  8. Avoid burning bridges – The world is a connected and small place. Don’t spoil your relationship with your last employer. Part on good terms. You never know who from the company might reach out to you. If they decide to burn the bridges, you be the bigger person and keep your side of the bridge.
  9. Burn some bridges – Clean up some toxic connections and make space for more awesomeness in your life. You might also decide to suspend some connections for the time being and decide to get back to them later.
    • Take a minute to make two lists:
      • the people, thing, and ideas you need to keep
      • those you need to toss
  10. Constantly use power words –
    • I hope this will work vs. I know this will work.
    • I might be able to do that vs. I can do that.
    • If we can meet, then we can share more ideas vs. When we meet, then we can discuss more ideas.
    • I believe that I can make that happen vs. I am confident I can make that happen.
  11. Give great eye contact – When talking to someone looking them in the eye displays confidence. Either as a speaker or listener, eye contact is essential. Here is a trick to stay focused in a conversation and to give a great eye contact. When talking to someone first look at their one eye, then the other eye, and then the nose.
  12. Avoid giving reasons for actions or decisions – Say you spilled wine at a restaurant dinner table. Instead of saying “My bad. I am sorry” and moving on if you decide to explain how you think that the wine glass was too close to your plate or how the waiter had placed it incorrectly, it is to no avail. You don’t need to explain. If someone specifically asks you, then you give them an answer, a strong one, filled with power words.
  13. Respond to criticism only when/if necessary – Maybe you find yourself in a situation where someone you know criticizes you for your career decisions. Try and get out of that discussion as soon as possible. That might mean diverting the discussion or responding to it briefly. If you give it too much time, you get sucked into their black hole.
  14. Don’t just talk about it; be about it – The purpose here is to constantly move and keep growing instead of being stuck in a negative mindset. So, make a plan and stick to it. The list of things which excite you or scare you, work on them. Make moving a habit. Make your plan and work your plan.
  15. Make others feel incredibly important – It gives you a sense of achievement and helps you build your confidence. It also takes the spotlight away from your situation and helps you manage your energy in a positive way.

Hiring Companies

Arizona Department of Health Services

Key Bentley, Sr. Healthcare/Administration Recruiter at Arizona Department of Health Services presented about key job opportunities at Arizona State Hospital (ASH). Some of the available jobs are for nurses, behavior health technicians, and administrative positions along with many other roles. You can find all the ASH jobs by going here and in the agency field select “Department of Health Services” and hit search. She suggested reaching out to her in case an applicant has a follow-up question about their application.

Accounting & Finance Professionals, Inc./Staff-Logic Inc.

Deanne Desautels, President/CEO at Accounting & Finance Professionals, Inc./Staff-Logic Inc. talked about some of the roles they generally get which are in IT, Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Legal, Healthcare, Customer Service, and Light Industrial / Warehouse. Staff Logic has ranked #1 for 5 years in a row for direct hire placements. They are also a preferred vendor the State of Arizona jobs. Please visit their office to register as a job seeker so that they can match you with a suitable role.

Allstate

Jill Romanowski and Allison Chafin presented about the opportunities at Allstate. Allstate is one of the most recognized brands in America helping to educate and protect consumers from life’s uncertainties. The SW region (AZ, OK, NV, NM, & UT) is growing and they have new roles added every week. Some of their current roles are Claims Analyst, IT, Small business owner, Licensed Sales Professional and Agency owner. Find all of their open positions here. Allstate is currently offering a referral bonus of $10,000 for referring a small business owner for their Agency owner position.

Resources

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona

Jezreel Ramirez, Employer and Community Relations at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. Jezreel described that Goodwill put 90 cents of every dollar they earn from reselling the donated goods toward helping job seekers in the community. They have career centers all over Arizona. You can find the nearest one here. They have five divisions – Commercial Maintenance, Corporate Careers, Retail, Workforce Development, and Warehouse/Transportation. Open positions in all the divisions can be found here.