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9 Ways To Connect With Your Job Interviewer

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9 Ways To Connect With Your Job Interviewer

Interviews can be stressful, even if you feel well prepared. Despite going over every question you can think of and watching yourself in the mirror, you may still find yourself worried that you haven’t done enough. You have a short window to impress the interviewer and prove you have what it takes. 

What can you do?

We’ve asked nine professionals to share their advice on how to handle connecting with an interviewer in a short period of time, so that you can walk into your next interview with confidence.


Review Their LinkedIn Profile

Personal connection is always the best, I believe. Before the interview, the candidate should review the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile. Check to see if you have anything in common. If so, bring that up in the interview as an ice-breaker. Also, make sure that you are molding your answers to reflect the values of the company. This can also be a great way to connect.

Dana Felix, HR Analyst


Start With a Good First Impression

An interviewer will make their decision on whether you are likable or not within the first 5 minutes of the interview. One thing they will consider is your overall presentation. Recruiters like someone who appears neat, composed, charming (without speaking!) and one who appears prepared. To achieve this, go into your with confidence. Wear a moderate smile, one that does not reveal your teeth. Greet the interviewer formally and sit upright, looking directly into their face without being too hard as it might appear rude. Finally, speak fluently and respond as accurately as possible without stuttering or referring back to your documents.

James Jason, Mitrade


Connect In a Blink

Malcolm Gladwell’s book Blink makes the argument that people make judgements about others within a blink of an eye. No pressure, but candidates need to connect with an interviewer in that first blink. Sometimes, that first two seconds tells an interviewer more about that candidate than a 30-minute conversation. It’s just human nature. So how can you connect in two seconds? Calm the nerves prior to the first interaction. When it comes time to shine (or turn on Zoom video), be yourself, smile and make eye contact. Just connecting in a non-verbal way in the first two seconds helps pave the way for the rest of the interview. 

Brett Farmiloe, Markitors


Be Personable and Outgoing 

One of the best things you can do to connect in a short amount of time is be personable and outgoing as soon as you enter the interview. You might not necessarily have time to discuss things you have in common, but the interviewer will feel drawn to you because you gave off a positive persona. They will see that you are passionate and can have a conversation with anyone even if you are meeting for the first time. 

Henry Babich, Stomadent Dental Lab 


Body Language 

Body language is so important in interviews. Sit up straight, make eye contact and smile when you can to give off a good impression to your interviewer. In virtual interviews, use hand motions and try to look at the camera when speaking, allowing the interviewer to feel as if you are making eye contact with them. 

Jon Schneider, Recruiterie 


Make it a Two-Way Conversation

Do your best to not let the interview be one-sided. When it feels natural, ask the interviewer a question or two about their work or about the company to break up the rapid-fire of questions. Try to create a back and forth conversation to make the interview more comfortable for both parties involved.

Candi Luciano, Y Scouts


Ask Them About Themselves

Avoid talking about the weather or asking general questions such as “how are you?” Rather ask something contextual and specific such as “How have you been adjusting to being back in the office/working from home during the shelter-in-place?” This shows the interviewer that you see people beyond just their roles and your approach to work will likely be more relational rather than transactional. If it is a company that cares about culture then they will love this about you!

Philip Botha, Culture Advantage


Match the Interviewers Energy

Unless there has been no application vetting process whatsoever, interviewers already know plenty about who you are from your resume, background checks and social media investigations. Here are a few ways for candidates to connect quickly with their future job interviewer: You have about 90 seconds to make a great first impression so focus on non-verbal cues, match the interviewers energy (cadence, physical gestures, etc), ask measured questions to get them talking, find common bonds (often doing research before the interview on LinkedIn profiles, search “About” section on website, etc), captivate them with relevant personal stories and last but not least pretend you already have the job as you want them to visualize you on the job.

Mark Christensen, People & Partnerships


Interviewers Remember Personality

It sounds obvious but I personally always remember people who have shown some of their personality in their answers, rather than being robotically professional. The “worst” case scenario is that the interviewer won’t gel with your personality, but then the likelihood is that you wouldn’t be a good fit for that company, anyway — so it’s no loss.

Rosalind Smith, Mauve Group

8/5/20 – Ready, Reset, Go! Finding the Right Career

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Written by Debbie Adkins

Wade Thomas

In today’s crazy world…It can be a time and an opportunity to “hit reset” on a career that maybe is not working or fulfilling. Perhaps there is no or little chance for advancement.

Keynote

Wade Thomas will tell us that there is a formula for finding your career “sweet spot,” and to brand your new self in that opportunity. To find your career sweet spot, find the intersection between your talent, aspirations and the job market.

Currently unemployment is at 11.1% while 4.8 million jobs have been added. Is it time to reset for the future? Reset means to redo and change one’s life. So here we go…..

Ready…is setting up a place, time and get your “thinking cap” on. Do the work to choose your path.

Reset…is to a need to redo and change your life and maybe your career.

Go…is to go to work and figure out, think about what you need to do…finally go and do it. Below are areas in which you should take to heart and try and do.

Aspirations are for you to think about and figure out. Here is your future…what is it going to look like?  Areas you should look at are what you want, who are you and what is your legacy of the future. Figure out what your passions are.

Market is what is out there. You need to see what problems can be solved, to be curious about things and the job market and research what is your career interest in connection to that market.

Talents are about you. Things like what make you unique and different, what you can do. Anything that would make future employers looks at you and actions that move you forward. You can list your talents that should include the above.

After this then image yourself with all of this…envision what this will look like.

To fit into what is going on in the current job market and life, you may have to expand your talents to match up with this market. You can do this by growing your network connections, reading books/magazines and exploring other areas that can help you. Go above and beyond!

In doing this you will be able to leverage your talents, fill in any gaps and have a good chance to a good future. Plus do not be afraid to ask for help.

There is another area that you could look at and update….Your Brand. Your brand should tie into the target job market. That can be done by using what makes you special:

*Messaging-which is stories you tell, tools like resumes and LinkedIn profiles that give companies proof of what you say and do.

*Image-is what you wear, your actions and your appearance such as posture.

The last thing you can do and should do is have an Engage Team. They can help you with everything….like grow your network strategically, analyze your network by identifying who you need and evaluate them.

Here are other things to know, learn and use:

*Make all of this real…tell the truth

*Even when you are working add to your network.

*Value Quality over Quantity

*Look at the whole picture not just part of it and all at once

Hiring Company

Asurion

Brittney Rideout, Recruiter

Asurion offers Work from Home to people living anywhere in Arizona at $16.75 per hour. Incentives can be up to $550/month and benefits start after 31 days of employment. Spanish bilingual and English speaking people are needed.

For more information about these roles and more, visit Asurion’s website.

4/29/2020 – Get a Job with Skills You Learned in Kindergarten

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Written by: Debbie Adkins

Keynote

Justin Jones

Our speaker, Justin Jones, has all of us looking at “Resumes and Interviews” in a different way. He takes our days in kindergarten and the things we did and puts them to work with our resumes and doing our interviews.

First you need to know “how you feel”. To feel positive, that you can do anything and that you just need to “hold on” will give you a good start. With this you will need to sell yourself through your resumes and interviews.

Remember the employer is “purchasing” a person for their job opening. They do this by taking the resumes they get and putting them through an “application tracking system.” If your resume gets selected in the ATS, you may get to interview with them.

Here is what you can do:
*Pull out a job description for the position you are interested in. Highlight the words that indicate the skills the company wants for this position.
*Take your resume and highlight the skill words that match the job description.
*If there are skills you have but your resume doesn’t show, ask yourself when/where have you demonstrated those skills. You may need to add some of your volunteer or hobby activity to your resume to show these skills.
*Correct or add words that are on the job description to your resume.
*Always use words that the job description has and that the “application tracking system” may use. It all should match.

The interview should be next. Oh yeah, your resume should include your skills, accomplishment (what, when, how), qualifications and a cover letter.
A cover letter is the first thing the employer will see. It should show how your skills would directly match what the company needs. It should not match your resume, but you should use some of the words from the job description.

Once your resume lands you the interview, it’s time to prepare for the interview. You should know and do the following:
*Know ahead of time what questions may be asked and your answers.
*The employer will base their questions on the job description and if you can make them a profit and solve their problems.
*To prepare for answering the interview questions, ask yourself: What do I want them to think, feel, know and do after they hear my answer?
*You will need to PRACTICE with yourself, a friend and set up a “mock interview” with a job coach.
*Go to the interview positive, happy and ready for anything.

In closing, take what you did in kindergarten and put it to use in your job search. You are worth it and don’t forget that! Justin closed by sharing his voice- you can enjoy it here:

HIRING COMPANIES

TTEC
Rob Briggs, Recruiter
TTEC helps bring technology and human connections together to deliver amazing customer experiences.
One of their values is “Do the right Thing”. They have locations in Tempe on Rio Salado and Central Phoenix near I-17 and Bell Road. There is TTEC Engage which is their main office and there is TTEC at Home which are employees that work from home.
They are hiring for Service and Sales positions: B2B Sales Reps, Digital Account Sales Reps, Online Marketing Sales Reps, Social Media Marketing Strategist, Inbound Sales Reps, Customer Service Reps- healthcare and Spanish bilingual, and Healthcare Insurance Agents.

U-Haul International
Jamie Zell Behymer, Senior Recruiter
U-Haul, headquartered in Phoenix, is hiring in all stores and at their corporate office. U-Haul started in 1945 and have approximately 32,000 employees. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Coverage, Weight Watchers program, HealthierU, and soon an on site gym!
U-Haul is hiring for Customer Service Reps, Sales, Retail Sales, General Managers and Reservation Agents.

RESOURCES

LPL Financial
Jian Boldi
Here are some tips for Career Transition:
*Understand your unemployment benefits.
*Do not forget to keep paying taxes.
*Job searching expenses like mileage, relocation, and more are tax deductable.
*Go back to school to advance your skills or learn something new.
*Become under employed by working odd jobs that have lower wages for awhile.
*Budget, Budget, Budget: make a spreadsheet and keep track of your spending.
*If you are 55 or older, you can take penalty free money from your IRA using (72t).
*As an alternative to COBRA, purchase your healthcare insurance with your IRA funds.
*Consider reversing a contribution made to your IRA.
*Ask for help from friends, family and anyone that you may run into during the day. Let people know you are looking for work.

If you have questions about any of these tips, Jian would be glad to help you with them.

4/15/20 — Where the Jobs Are

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“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities 1859
Trevor Stokes Where The Jobs Are

Written by Susan Lamphiear

As we struggle to navigate this new normal we’d wish away if we could, we are surrounded by heroes. Our lives have turned upside down and inside out in a nanosecond by this thing called the novel corona virus and now simply Covid-19. We find the word “interdependence” fused with new meaning. But in the midst of pain and fear we never thought we’d see or feel in our lifetime, the meaning of the word “hero” has once again expanded. Heroes emerge from the mist. Some of them from our TV or computer screens. Some of them emerge due to our isolation. Doctors and nurses who save lives, risk their lives, and comfort the dying, of course. Journalists. Delivery drivers. Scientists. Grocery store clerks and restaurant workers adapting in record time. Meditative historians. People who suddenly set up Zoom meetings. Strangers and neighbors and little acts of caring magnify in our eyes. And we find ourselves in both fear and awe sometimes within seconds of the other. For we’re witnessing, during our collective nightmare, some of the best humankind has to offer. The best of times amidst the worst of times. And we bow our heads.

The Prayer from One World at Home

Keynote

The new quarantine and isolation stemming from the worldwide Covid-19 virus crisis has changed our lives in so many ways– including, apparently, what keynote speaker Trevor Stokes wears during online presentations. Dress shirt, Nice tie. Scooby-Doo Boxers. At least that’s what he tells us. And even in our new trauma, he makes us smile for a moment. We only see Trevor speaking from behind his desk. Via Zoom.

But the current situation is no laughing matter Trevor adds, though weeks in quarantine with families bring some positives among the challenges. He has four daughters and a wife who moved to Arizona six years ago. Trevor, an admitted lifelong optimist, and subject matter expert in labor market analysis and community profiling, realizes the added challenges for anyone in the job hunt or career transition at this particular time in history.

Trevor offered his predictions and overall optimism to the group, comprised of a number of participants who interacted with him in real time via chat technology (from their homes). Several participants, responding to his question, have recently experienced job loss or layoffs, or reduced hours–specifically due to the corona virus pandemic.

Recommendations from Trevor

  • Develop and validate your skills in office technology.
  • Lean into online learning–this is not just a crisis, it’s an opportunity.
  • Never stop building your story including everything you’re doing right now during the shelter in place. Keep building your skills.
  • Map an intentional, informed strategy for the post-COVID-19 world of work.
  • Earn the certifications that matter.

Impact of the current pandemic is huge as far as unemployment–and Trevor follows experts who say the U.S. can expect 13% unemployment, the highest since the Great Depression of the 1930s. But the good news, Trevor reassures us, is this will be short-lived at that level–but it will take awhile to recover, and many things, he says, may have been changed forever.

Crisis Can Offer Opportunity

A stock market expert Trevor follows very closely tells the story of the worst year in his career when he lost more than $18 million in the market–in a single year–and his best year he made $22 million in the stock market–the kicker being– both the worst and the best happened in the same year.

First of all, face it. The reality our current economic crisis, brought on by the pandemic, brings with it unprecedented opportunity. Realize some companies are still hiring and you are wise to use the extra time at home to prepare yourself when the economy opens up again. Make use of the time to finish a degree or complete a certification.

Second, before the pandemic hit, the economy was good, so there is reason for optimism. Labor has been interrupted but not killed. Currently we’re in a stumble–a big one–but we’ve had these challenges before and have come through them.

Five Predictions Based on Trevor’s Judgment

  1. This will not last forever. Remember, where a crisis emerges there is also opportunity. Remember, companies are still hiring. See this LinkedIn link.
  2. The nature of work will never return to normal. A lot of what we’re seeing now will be integrated into the new normal–there will be fundamental changes. It remains to be seen if some of the change will be good or bad, but Trevor wants to make sure all of us, as job hunters, have prepared for the changes in the best possible way.
  3. New emphasis on productivity is inevitable along with a new openness to remote work. When employers become more open to remote work–they’ll have to address the concept that has kept remote work from expanding more–as employers have been afraid employees will be tempted to slack off, impacting productivity. Employers worry employees will be distracted by personal activities, families, pets– and bottom line is employers fear workers will be less productive than while on site. And for this reason, employers may begin relying on technology to keep abreast of remote workers’ productivity–so he says don’t take that personally–if they put something on your computer that requires you to be working at certain times–embrace that. Understand that the employers rely on you because of what you can produce.
  4. Collaboration technologies like Zoom will become even bigger components of our work days. If you can develop your skills not just in looking at collaborative technologies–that you’re more than an attendee–you know how to administer these meetings, you will become even more valuable at work. Precisely because of the pandemic we’re experiencing, employers will continue to need to develop ways to do things formerly done in person. Employers will lean on these technologies like Zoom because many people will be less willing to go to physical locations.
  5. The ability to connect on a human level will become even more valuable when we’re restricted from connecting via a physical space. Businesses have partners and customers they want to develop relationships with. Remember that all businesses are about people and the ability to connect person to person. Also if you’re able to connect on a human level with a hiring manager or co-worker or customer–you’ve made yourself even more valuable.

Which leads him to prediction 5A ACTIVE Listening

A lot of people are good at talking but not listening. Uni-directional he calls it. People who listen are in reality those who are waiting to talk. He used to call it combat listening–where one person is getting ready to disagree with the other person when they stop talking. That’s NOT active listening.

Among resources available include lots of no cost training. (Take a look at resources links at the end of today’s blog.) You can develop skills that will make you successful at work. But remember skills don’t help you get work. Being able to PROVE you have the skills helps you get work. Validate your skills by getting a degree or earning a certification. Trevor says he’s probably gained as much opportunity from certifications as he has his degree.

Of the most valuable assets a candidate can bring to an employer, according to a project Trevor did in New Mexico communication and integrity were cited often by employers.

Over the years Trevor has interviewed many job candidates and one of the most important questions he asks is, “How did you prepare for this interview?” This question shows Trevor what kind of time and effort the person put into preparing for the interview. What did the potential employee want to know about the company? The way the job candidate handles this question reveals a glimpse into the candidate’s attitude.

Hiring Company

Axon

Elizabeth Hart, Vice President–People at Axon

Axon, once associated with Taser weapons, has now branched out. The company has evolved from Taser hardware to a variety of software used in law enforcement. This software allows law enforcement to streamline their administrative needs including body cameras, cameras in fleet vehicles, and drones. Also, a software suite of communication tools replacing dispatch allows law enforcement to access information as soon as they arrive on the scene.

The company is involved in philanthropy including their recent campaign to donate a million dollars towards Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.

A worldwide company, Axon has a presence in Arizona with offices including Amsterdam, Seattle, the UK, Vietnam, and Finland. The company currently plans to hire for 290 positions worldwide.

Axon is growing fast and has zero debt, something which is unusual for a tech startup.

Axon Hot Jobs Specific to Arizona

  • Digital customer experience developer
  • Firmware validation engineer
  • Software engineers
  • SQL Database administrator
  • Revenue accountant
  • Manager of revenue
  • AP specialist
  • Customer success manager
  • Manufacturing supervisor–night shift
  • HR business partners

To learn more about the company, or see job updates or to apply, please visit their website.

Resources & Closing

Career Connectors Academy

BestCompaniesAZ

DISC Assessment

Who’s Hiring Who Right Now–LinkedIn

Virtual Coaching via Career Connectors Volunteers

Career Advice

CEO/Founder of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce closed the meeting by thanking volunteers and inviting attendees to use the resources available through Career Connectors including the online events taking place each Wednesday morning from 9-11. Prior to the Covid-19 Crisis, events took place in person. If you registered for this week’s online event, you will automatically receive an email each Monday. If you accessed the live event via Facebook, sign up on the Career Connectors website to be kept informed via email about events and other related career information.

One more thing..

Higher Love Keith Urban from “One World: Together at Home” Be inspired by three Keith Urbans and their technology. You’re welcome.

6/28/2016 – Career Transitioners – Get Out of Your Own Way!

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Career Connectors with Clara ChorleyWritten by: Wade Stoddard

This month’s Career Connectors event at Gilbert was a packed house. I watched as more and more people began to file in and more and more seats were taken out from another room to accommodate. We were all excited to hear from Clara Chorley!

Keynote

Clara Chorley, our keynote speaker for this month has a vast experience helping professional women and men around the world gain clarity about what is next in their careers and then take strategic steps to get there! She is CEO and founder of Clarity Unlimited and has extensive experience as a career coach and professional speaker. She grew up in England and I relished the opportunity to hear her accent. It was a real treat. She is author of the best-selling book T.U.R.N.: 4 Steps to Clarity in Your Life and Career.

Patterns and Themes in Life.

• We are either in our mojo zone or groan zone. We are obviously most productive when we are in our mojo zone. When we are in our groan zone we are full of self-doubt, cynicism and fear. When we are in our mojo zone we feel like everything is smooth sailing and everything is working in our favor – positive.
• We need to be in the mojo zone and follow the patterns and themes in our life that lead us in that zone and keep us there.

3 Mistakes We Make When Job Searching.

Mistake #1 Muddy Mind:
• Unclear about what you want or what you are offering a potential employer. No focus on a clear goal or career path.
• Unknown value for what you have and what you want.

“Talking ourselves out of things is not helpful when you’re going through a job search”

Mistake #2 Checkout Line:

• The demise of the hokey pokey – we want to put one foot into the job search, take it out, take a break, and days, weeks, months later get back into the job search.
• The slow burn – akin to the frog in the slowly warming water, we lose energy and eventually our job search dies. Our energy is sapped and we no longer have motivation for the job search.
• Confidence goes way down and depression goes way up.
• Cliffhanger – we wait until the last minute to find a job. We “talk” about finding a job and it isn’t until the last day, the last dollar that we actually do something about finding a job.

Take the time now to identify what you are, why you are this way and solutions to change.

Mistake #3 Lone Wolf:Clara Chorley Woosh
• Strong belief that you can do everything on your own. You don’t need anyone to help you.
• Develop feelings of anger, apathy, and resentment.
• Reach out to your network! Find those that can help you with your skills, emotional support and set a clear goal of what you want to achieve.

Take time now to set goals on how you are going to get help from your network.

“You are way more resourceful and resilient than you realize”

Nelson Mandela when being released from prison was asked why he didn’t have anger and resentment and he responded, “ I wasn’t suffering, I was preparing.”

Hiring Companies

HealthNet
Bonnie Taylor, Sr. Staffing Consultant

HealthNet is the largest Medicaid managed care organization in the country. Their purpose is to transform the health of the community one person at a time. They offer comprehensive benefits and currently have career opportunities such as IT, Behavioral Health, Business Analysts, Clinical & Nurse Staff and more.  Contact them via their website.

Freedom Financial Network
Nicole Durkin, HR Business Partner

Freedom Financial Network provides amazing health benefits and treats everyone like they are family. Their goal is to transform clients’ lives and give help along the road to financial freedom. Opportunities are available for Account Executives, Software Engineers, Product Managers, and Business Analysts.  You may apply on their website: http://www.freedomfinancialnetwork.com/join_our_team.

Revana/Teletech
Mary Ann Lopez, Recruiter

Revana/Teletech is a professional inside sales organization and recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing. They offer great benefits and are currently hiring in both sales and sales management. Please go to www.revanajobs.com to apply.

CDI Corporation

Patti Franco, Sales Director

Unfortunately, CDI Corporation was unable to attend the event, but their website reflects many openings, including direct hire positions.

 Resources

Jian Boldi presented: “Top 10 Financial Considerations”

1. Understand your unemployment benefits.
2. Do not forget to keep paying your taxes.
3. Deduct your job hunting expenses.
4. Go back to school to advance your skills or learn something new.
5. Become underemployed.
6. Budget, budget, budget.
7. If you are 55 or older you can take penalty free money from your IRA using 72t.
8. Purchase health insurance with your IRA funds.
9. Consider reversing a contribution made to your IRA.
10. Ask for help.

Canyon State Institute
Sheri Carparelli, President/CEO

Canyon State Institute offers certifications for working professionals at 2 of their convenient locations in the Metro Phoenix area. Certifications can increase your appeal to employers and provide you with the skills you need to get your next job. Most certifications are free and covered under the Arizona Work grant. Contact Sheri directly to get more information and to sign up. Sheri Carparelli 602-266-6630.

 

Closing

Jennifer Swenson, Board of Directors President for Career Connectors, thanked attendees, hiring companies, volunteers, and host for the event, Central Christian Church. She announced that after the break, informal breakout sessions would give participants an opportunity to meet hiring managers, receive free professional head shot photos, and talk to experts about resume writing and LinkedIn.