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9 Reasons To Connect With a Hiring Manager on LinkedIn

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LinkedIn Thought Leaders

You’re applying for a job, or maybe you just completed an interview. Now, you’re wondering whether to take that next step and send a connection request to the hiring manager on LinkedIn.

Should you press that “Connect” button? If so, at what point in the interview process does connecting with a hiring manager become appropriate?

To help provide some insights, we asked nine hiring managers what they thought about candidates connecting with them on LinkedIn. Here’s the reasons why connecting with a hiring manager on LinkedIn may be a good idea.

It Increases the Odds of Getting an Interview

In my experience, taking the time to connect with a hiring manager significantly increases the odds of getting an interview. Introducing yourself, explaining why you have an interest in their company, and asking how to learn more shows a great deal of proactivity and professionalism. The key is to make very small requests, like a 15 minute phone call, offering to buy them coffee, etc. The point is to learn more about the company, and not to try and brown nose your way into a job.

Zack McCarty, Qwick

It Gives you an Opportunity to Stand Out

In most instances, connecting with a hiring manager on LinkedIn may give you an opportunity to stand out among other candidates. The best way to manage this connection without overstepping boundaries is simply to introduce yourself. Think of a message to the hiring manager as a preview to your cover letter and resume. Give them a reason to keep an eye out for your name.

Megan Chiamos, 365 Cannabis

It Shows You’re Willing to Go Beyond

Connecting with a hiring manager on Linkedin shows that you are willing to go beyond the normal bounds of the hiring process. Requesting a connection shows that you took the time to research them and are highly interested in their company and them as a professional. Connecting with them right after you apply it’s a great way to elevate your application status and make your name stand out. 

Ryan Nouis, TruPath 

Use Linkedin to Research Similarities

I’ve always been told that it is interview etiquette not to connect prior to getting the job offer but I would suggest, however, that you review the LinkedIn profile of each person you will interview with, and you can see if there are any common connections (same college attended, similar sports interests, hobbies, etc) to discuss during the interview. In lieu of connecting on LinkedIn with the hiring manager, I would strongly recommend writing (not emailing) a thank-you letter to all the people that interviewed you immediately after the interview.

Craig Rosen, InterviewFocus

Consider Connecting if You Don’t Get the Job

Once a decision has been made, and you are hired at the company, connect away! Something to consider if you don’t get the job, you can still add that person on LinkedIn to ask what you could’ve done better and ask them to reach out if there’s an opportunity that comes around in the future. 

Michael Staton, Lyon Shield Security

View Their Profile, But Don’t Connect

Although I would not connect with a hiring manager right after an interview, you should consider reviewing their LinkedIn profile before and after the interview. This way, a hiring manager will get notified that you viewed their profile on LinkedIn. This shows that you dedicated time to review their profile and show interest in their company, but respect the interview process to resist from connecting with the hiring manager too early on.

Thylan Le, Markitors

Ask for a 15 Minute Call

If there is interest in a particular role or a particular company, why not connect? I would recommend asking for a 15 minute call to learn more about what the hiring manager loves about working for the company, and to talk about how you may be able to bring value to the position that you are interested in. Following this up with a LinkedIn connection will make you a memorable candidate. 

Deborah Bubis, Recruiter and Sourcer

Do It for the Long Run and Future Opportunities

I am a fan of the long game. Some of the best hires we’ve had have come from a conversation that spans several months. If there is a company you like and would consider working for, connect with your possible future hiring manager. Now focus on content. What are you generating on your LinkedIn page? This is a great way of communicating what you are about. LinkedIn is powerful as it is a one-stop shop in which to establish your professional brand.

Steven Brown, DP Electric Inc

Connect as Part of Your Wider Application Strategy

You can connect, but don’t be pushy on LinkedIn. Connect as part of your wider application strategy. This will make it easier for them to look you up on LinkedIn after reading your CV. Indicated to the hiring manager that you are targeting their company personally.

Justin Barlow, Nigel Wright

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11/12/15 – The Power of You

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Written by Kevin Spear, MBA: @kevinhspear

Jessica Pierce (@JessicaPierceAZ) opened our session with an encouragement to find five connections while at Career Connectors. After all, this is all about connecting with people!

Jessica noted people stop looking for jobs during the holidays. Don’t stop! Employers are not taking the holidays off. It may be a good time to search while other job seekers are taking a break.

Keynote

Gloria Petersen, CPP (Certified Protocol Professional)

The Power of You

Gloria is founder of Global Protocol, Inc. She has appeared on numerous television shows and served as etiquette judge on The Learning Channel. Gloria has a series of books entitled, The Art of Professional Connections.

Gloria began with an encouragement to make it about us and project a commanding first impression. She brought up a participant to tell a little about himself. He was dressed sharply, with a suit and tie. He also had a good elevator speech.

Gloria encouraged us to go back when you were a child and write down what you were really good at, that gave you joy, that was your escape. That is key to where you should be today.

The Inside

When you were in school, what course of study were you really good at? What class did you really struggle at? These are the keys to your success. You were born with a gift of knowledge.

You are on the wrong track if you go after something just for money, for prestige, or just to get a job. Don’t make yourself something you were never meant to be!

When you look at a job you’re applying, peel the layers and see if the role has what you really want, what you are really good at.

Opportunity Not Happening?

You need rejections to find out what you’re made of. Does anyone want to hear that? Not as much as we need to hear it!
Determination is what it takes to beat the odds.  When Gloria went through a trial, she had to persevere to make it through the other side. That is the power of each one of us.

Reassess your image. You have to help people see what is on the inside of you with what message you are sending on the outside: perceptions

Make challenges work for you, not against you!

How can you stay determined?

  • Acquire: the skills
  • Utilize: your newly acquired skills
  • Learn: strategies to get beyond any uncertainties

People make perceptions on what they think they see: Perception

Don’t let your knowledge die with you. Write down your knowledge and experiences.

The Strategy Behind a Tie

When you have the perfectly tied knot, people tend to focus with what you are saying. For women, a scarf can give a similar effect. And remember: Posture sells confidence!

Seven Steps to Impressive Greetings and Confident Interaction

  1. Check your appearance and stance
    • You should dress for an interview more formally than the job you are applying.
    • Wear your confidence like a power jacket. In fact, wear a power jacket, whether you are male or female, a business jacket makes you look more powerful and confident.
  2. Exchange names
    • Greet to acknowledge someone’s presence
    • A person’s eyes and smile set the tone of an interaction
    • You never know who you are greeting
    • You are at an advantage when you actively meet and introduce people to others
  3. Repeat names accurately
    • Include the last name along with the first
    • Yes, it’s hard to remember names, but so crucial. After all, we’re scared of last names
    • Beware of international names and respect name preferences
    • Repeat the name at least three times
  4. Deliver a confident handshake
    • Don’t get rushed!
  5. Make a courtesy comment
    • Ask about their position or title
    • Discover a commonality
  6. Ask for the business card
    • Ask for theirs before you offer yours
    • If you don’t have a business card, get at least a name card for yourself
    • Include your LinkedIn profile
  7. Take your leave and follow-up

These seven steps will help anyone exude confidence in an interview.

Hiring Companies:

International Cruise & Excursions, Inc.,
Jason Brambier, Corporate Recruiter
@ICEJobs

Jason said that ICE has a similar model as Expedia, except for cruises. They are located in Scottsdale. Some of their benefits include a gym, nail salon, and massage therapist. They sent 200 employees to travel on one of the new Princess Cruise ships. Employees can take cruises for up to 50% off retail price.

They also do many charity events such as Christel House and Phoenix Animal Care Coalition.  They have a large sales center. They assist inbound callers with their travel plans. Average inbound sales rep makes $50,000 a year. Outbound callers can make six figures.  Jason explained you are selling fun and vacations, not boring necessities!

Besides sales roles, they are looking for:

  • Director of Purchasing
  • Procurement
  • Senior Accounting Clerk
  • Accounts payable
  • Administrator coordinator
  • Software developers
  • Executive Director of Talent Management
Workway
April Miller, Market Director
Gina Gumaskas
Recruiting Manager
@Workway

Workway performs staffing and recruiting, specializing in finance and administration.  They focus in the banking and credit union industries.

Why work with Workway?

  • They are expert in marketing your specialized skills
  • You won’t pay a fee
  • They guide employees and follow up during your job search and hiring process
  • It is a candidate-focused model
  • They offer tutorials and training within and outside the company

Current opportunities:

  • Underwriters
  • Tellers
  • Loan processors
  • Client Care Specialist
  • Director of Marketing
  • Controller within the Hospitality industry
  • Branch Manager
  • HR positions

You can join their network without an intensive application process. The application is all online at www.workway.com.

State Farm,
DeAnne Prigmore, Recruiter
@StateFarm

DeAnne began at an entry-level position with State Farm.  State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.  They have very competitive benefits including 401K and pension, work life, and wellness.

They have more than agency positions in Phoenix:

  • Claims
  • Customer Care Center
  • Systems/IT LinkedIn contact: Rich Ortiz, Recruiter
  • Creative Services: Graphic Designer

You can apply at http://www.statefarm.com/careers.

The Marina Heights campus is under construction but one building is occupied. It will have five buildings and 2 million square feet. It will hold 5,500 employees. It will be open to the public and will have shops in the courtyard as well as wifi.

Charles Schwab,
Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Manager

Charles Schwab’s mission was to bring Wall Street to Main Street. Today, they’re still true to the original values, yet have expanded.  They like to see the world through clients’ eyes.

They serve:

  • Investors (9.5 million)
  • Advisors (7,000)
  • Employers (1.5 million workers served)

Schwab has their largest employee base in the Phoenix Valley. They were the recipient of 18 awards in 2014 for employee-friendly workplaces. They close the gap between the power of investing and their clients’ ability to experience it.

Careers:

  • Broker Training Program (AFSP)
  • Estate Services Professional
  • Senior Specialist, Operational Risk

In Phoenix, they hire for almost every area of the company.

They also have:

  • Technology Roles
  • Operations
  • HR
  • Public Relations

Values:

  • Meritocracy: Schwab is very open to rewarding those who do a great job
  • Financial Fitness: Access to programs that help you become financially fit
  • Sabbatical: After four years of service

You can apply at http://tiny.cc/careerconnectors.

Resources

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants
Rodger Brubacher,
Director of Continuing Education @DWWTC

DWWTC is a certification training school preparing students for the workforce.

  • Professional Development
  • Project Management
  • Six Sigma
  • Medical Front Office Administrative
  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
  • Digital Marketing & Social Marketing Strategist
  • Information Technology
  • Cyber Security

They have prime partnerships through various institutes.

They have instructor lead programs as well as hybrid online training and virtual classroom platform.

  • Low student to instructor ratio (typically 6:1)
  • Post graduate assistance
  • Online certification test prep materials
  • 95% of students pass certification exams on the first sitting
  • They use Pinterest to supplement materials

There are funds through Workforce Development, Veterans and Trade Adjustment Act.

Closing

Jessica Pierce closed the session with these announcements:

Our next events will be:

New sponsor: New Horizons Learning Center

Ted Robison has the LinkedIn Workshop on Wednesday, November 18th, 1–5PM at the City of Phoenix Business Services Center. The event is full, but there is a wait list.

10/27/15–The Work Before the Work

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Written by Kevin Spear, MBA: @kevinhspear

Jessica Pierce opened the session and introduced Pamela Heward. She said that the great thing about Pam is that  she will help you connect a little differently. Pamela is the owner and founder of BoxFree Minds. She has assisted thousands in finding new careers. She has received great joy in helping others find their way through careers.

Keynote

Pamela Heward
@BoxFreeMinds
The Work Before the Work: Box Free Breakthrough for a New Career and Mind

Pamela began her recruiting career in the 1980s. After interviewing thousands of job seekers, she realized there were several mental blocks that kept individuals from realizing their work goals. She concluded many job seekers forgot what they were passionate about.

Pamela asked, “What is unique about you that wouldn’t be on your resume?” Or to put it another way, “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”

What is the “Work Before the Work?”

Pam challenged us to do the work before the work: preparation! The first step to preparation is to consider what makes you unique.

  • What excites you?
  • What are you passionate about?

Pamela warned us about using online sources to find what is unique about us. The problem with using the Internet for this is it doesn’t help you figure your passion. It just makes us feel like we don’t measure up to an ideal persona. Pamela reminded us about the voluminous job search articles that make us feel hopeless because all the tasks and exercises don’t work. The secret is they don’t work if you haven’t already figured out your passion!

Mindshift #1: Let go of your assumptions

Too often, we believe we already know the outcome of an event and give up before we start. Pam asked us what if some of the assumptions we make weren’t the whole truth? There are so many assumptions or old wives tales that we accept as truth:

  • If you drop a coin from the top of the Empire State building, would it kill someone? (Rest easy! No.)
  • Can you really see the Great Wall from outer space? (not according to NASA)
  • Do dogs only sweat from their tongues? (No)

Let go of all of these assumptions! Do you have any of these?

  • Assumption 1: The most qualified person always gets the job.
  • Assumption #2: The best job search results come from recruiters, websites and job boards.
  • Assumption #3: You should search for a job based on just your skills, not your passion.
  • Assumption #4: In order to achieve your goals you have to make lots of big changes in your life.
What’s your White Banana Story?

Pam told us when she was in elementary school, her teachers were concerned she didn’t know her colors because she said bananas were white. They called in her mom. She explained to the administrators Pam loved bananas and that she observed the fruit of the banana is white when you peel it. Pam was making a correct observation, though it wasn’t the conventional answer.

  • What you interpret may be totally legitimate even though others don’t see it your way.
  • It’s how you frame it. Do you call yourself weird or unique?
  • How do you like to spend your time when no one pays you or no one pays attention to you?

The key is finding out how to do what you love and make money at it. Asking this kind of question will help you tremendously when you have job interviews. Pam reminded us companies hire people, not resumes!

Letting go of your assumptions is the first of eight mindsets Pam says we must change in order to change our career paths and lives. She is holding a workshop that covers all the eight mindshifts that will allow you to free your mind and get your career going again. The workshop is in Phoenix November 7, 2015.

For more information, you can visit her website at Box Free Minds.

Hiring Companies

Manpower
Jo Bryant, Recruiter
@ManpowerGroup

Jo works in the Chandler office and has helped over 1,000 people get back to work. Manpower connects people with the integrity of work. They specialize in all divisions of the workforce. Today, Manpower is keeping up with the technology of job search. Manpower has been named one of the most ethical companies in 2012 and 2014. In 2015, Fortune Magazine named them most admired company in the staffing industry.

Manpower began 66 years ago and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They have four different brands.

  • Manpower Group: Parent Company
  • Manpower: Staffing
  • Experis: Professional
  • Right Management

Manpower offers several benefits including

  • Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • Short Term Disability
  • 401K

There are several positions open right now, including seasonal work.

Go to manpowerjobs.com to create an account and attach your resume.

PS: You can attach multiple resumes to your account!

 Specialized Loan Servicing LLC, Gail Cunningham, Recruiter

“Talent is like a jewel, waiting for an opportunity to shine.”

Gail began as a contract employee then hired permanently at SLS six months ago. She noticed it is a growing company and is hiring from within and outside the company.

They are a third party mortgage servicing company. The company expanded to Tempe in 2012. In three months, the Tempe has grown 180 positions.

Some of the services they offer are:

  • Special Servicing
  • Real Estate Owned Asset Management and Disposition
  • Debt Recovery

Open Positions:

  • Part-time Customer Service in Call Center
    • flexible scheduling
  • Full-time Customer Service
  • Management: Customer Service
  • Collections
  • Escrow
  • Learning and development Positions

They offer:

  • 5-week Long Paid Training
  • On-site Training

State Farm
David Freedline, Recruiter
@StateFarm

State Farm is one of Career Connectors’ sponsors.

David just started with State Farm after being on active duty in the military. Even though he just started, his wife has served in State Farm for seventeen years and loved it.

State Farm’s mission is to help people manage risks, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. This is also true on the employee side. State Farm is a place you can move to other jobs within the organization. Lots of career opportunities. Go to StateFarm.com and find all the jobs in the Phoenix area.

Many of the jobs are virtual, so you can look beyond the local area.

Benefits include:

  • Tuition assistance
  • Fully funded pension after five years for full and part time jobs.

Immediate openings:

  • Customer Service
  • Claim Associates
  • Interpretation representatives in several languages
  • Customer Care
  • IT Opportunities
  • Creative Services
  • Graphic Designer

They have operations in five locations in the valley, including the new campus in Tempe.

Dave gave us two tips:

  • They don’t use screening software to nix applicants! So it is important a resume you submit to them is tailored to a human eye.
  • For their careers site, If you copy and paste your resume within the application, you will go further than most.

Education Management Corp
Mark Pierce, Manager of Talent Acquisition

Before he began, Mark had us all gather to take a massive selfie photo. Don’t you wish you were with us?

Mark has experienced layoffs and career transitions like us. He gave this advice:

  • Get your top 20 companies list
  • Get connected at Career Connectors
  • Add people on LinkedIn.
    • That said, your job search will be less effective if it is just behind a computer
  • Just dressing up and going Career Connectors is half the battle

Education Management Corporation (EDMC) is the parent company of four education institutions:

  • The Art Institutes
  • Argosy University
  • Brown Mackie College
  • South University
  • Western State College of Law

They’re located in Phoenix as well as Pittsburgh.

Their focus is education that builds careers and transforms the lives of those who teach, learn, and work here. They are big on internal growth development and employee development.

Great benefits include:

  • Free Education
  • 12 Paid Holidays, 16 PTO days
  • Community Service: Good works committee
  • Employee Assistance Program

Some current job openings:

  • Admissions Representative
  • Academic Counselor
  • Admissions Manager

They are hiring across the country, including Hawaii!

Resources

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants
Rodger Brubacher,Director of Continuing Education @DWWTC

DWWTC is a professional certification school. They include disciplines such as:

  • Cybersecurity Programs and Certifications
  • Information Technology
  • Professional Development Programs and Certifications
  • Project Management (PMP)

Roger announced the Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategist certification is now approved for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grants (WIOA).

Their Phoenix location is in Tempe.

Some of their benefits include:

  • They have instructor led as well as online training
  • Low instructor to student ratio
  • Over 95% of their students pass their certification exams on the first sitting.

 Closing

Jessica Pierce closed the session with the reminder Career Connectors has volunteer Opportunities. We are looking for:

  • Audio/Visual Support
  • Bloggers
  • LinkedIn Coaches
  • Photographers
  • Writers

For more information, you can go here.

LinkedIn Workshop

Ted Robison is hosting/teaching this event Wednesday, November 18, 1’00-5:00 PM at the City of Phoenix Business Services Center. There is an early bird rate of $39 until November 1. Then the price is $49.

You can register at Eventbrite or Career Connectors.

Next Career Connectors Events:

November and December dates are different.  Due to the Holidays, the Gilbert events will be in the second week of November and December.

The next Career Connectors event is Wednesday, November 4 at North Phoenix Baptist Church. Kindra Hall will be speaking on the power of strategic storytelling.

You will find more information on upcoming dates here.

5/26/15 The Successful Interview

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Written by Debbie Webber

The Vice President of Career Connector’s Board of Directors, Sandi Ashton, did a great job filling in this week for Jessica Pierce. Sandi mentioned that she was mesmerized by the changes that the career transition process has taken since 2006. Networking has become so important—every conversation you have could be the connection you need for your next position. So talk to everyone!

Keynote Speaker

Jim Paisley has provided Career Transition Services, Executive Assessment, Executive Coaching, and Management Training to hundreds of professionals. As a licensed psychologist, with more than 30 years experience as a coach and consultant, he has served a variety of Fortune 500 as well as smaller corporate clients. Jim is a former jet pilot, flight instructor and classroom instructor in the USAF.

The entire career/job environment has changed radically. Jim told us that statistics now indicate that by the age of 38, today’s college graduates will experience eight to ten job changes, with three to five career changes within those job changes. This averages out to only two years per position. Considering these changes, excellent interviewing skills are becoming even more valuable.

A successful interview is defined as a formal meeting between two individuals where an information exchange takes place. Exchange is the key word here. You’re a solution to a problem the employer has and you need to gather information about your potential employer as much as the interviewer does about you.

Jim emphasized that preparation for an interview is needed long before the appointment is made. The interview is a sales pitch selling YOU, so take some time to become more self-aware. Collect all the knowledge you can about the product –YOU. You need to inventory your abilities in leadership, conflict resolution, team building and other notable skills. Formal assessments (like the DISC Behavior Assessment via Career Connectors) can be very helpful in this exercise.

Once you’ve got your skills at top of mind, Jim outlined six critical steps that must be completed to prepare for a successful interview.

  1. Determine your strategic direction. Where do you want to work and what do you want to do?
  2. Prepare a truthful and polished explanation about the reason you left your previous job.
  3. Prepare your answer to the “Tell me about yourself” question with a two minute explanation of your accomplishments and what you’re good at.
  4. Put together a master list of your accomplishments that relate to responsibilities in the job description of the potential position. Develop at least 6-12, using the problem, action taken and result format.
  5. Have an excellent resume and LinkedIn presence. Put together a portfolio, if applicable.
  6. Make sure your references are prepared and available.

Interview Types

The screening interview – You’ll usually talk with someone from human resources about introductory items that allow the interviewer to determine if you have the minimum qualifications for the job. These usually last no more than 30 minutes.

  • One-on-One – self explanatory
  • Panel – A small group of employees will interview you at the same time, each asking pre-determined questions.
  • Group – This can include being asked to solve a hypothetical business challenge with a group of people that you don’t know.
  • Video – Skype and other technologies are being used more frequently.

And finally—The Actual Interview!

Get the Details

It sounds obvious, but make sure you get the details. When and where as well as with whom, along with the interview’s name,  title and telephone number.

Grooming and Appropriate Attire

As the saying goes, “There’s no second chance to make a first impression.” Dress at least one-half step above what others in the office will be wearing (call and ask the HR department about usual office dress). Make sure your clothes are pressed, shoes shined, limit your jewelry and do not wear perfume/cologne.

What to Take With You

Take something to write on in a portfolio or binder, carried in a briefcase, if you feel it’s appropriate. Bring extra copies of your resume and your references. Don’t forget something to write with and if you must bring your cell phone, turn it completely off!

Do Your Research

Research the company by reading their annual reports. Search for and read articles about the company from the last several years. Use the Book of Lists at the library to research their closest competitors and find other options by working with a reference librarian at your local library. Research the responsibilities of the position you’re interviewing for in order to completely understand the position. And finally, talk with your network to learn firsthand about the company.

Visualize Success

Oftentimes being without a job makes us uneasy and fearful. Jim noted that even though we are no longer at our previous position, we did not leave our talent, or our knowledge and experience, or our leadership skills, or our contacts. We only gave up the job. Worry disturbs our thinking, behavior and emotional responses. Maintain your social contacts and talk with a friend to release your stress. Speak with optimism, this will influence your thinking. Believe in yourself and work to have a positive attitude, seeing yourself as successful.

Know Yourself and Practice

Practice your “Tell me about yourself” answer, be ready to speak about your accomplishments and prepare for questions you may be asked such as:

Tell me about your best (worst) boss, your best (worst) work situation.

What interests you most about the job?

What experience do you have in this field?

Tell me about two key accomplishments.

Why should I hire you?

At the Beginning of the Interview

Manage your first impressions, and make sure you practice your handshake—no stiff-as-a-board, limp fish, half handshakes or bone-crushers.

Use Your Self Statement

Start off the interview strongly by making sure to relate your statement to the job description and what you do best.

Questions You May Be Asked

Come prepared with questions of your own. Why is the job open? What is the career path for the position? What are the most pressing challenges for the person filling this position? Why do you like working here? How do you see my skills and experience fitting your needs? Remember, an interview is a conversation.

Share Key Accomplishments

Can’t say it enough—be prepared! Use the P A R Format

P = what is the problem

A = What action(s) did you take?

R = What was the result or impact?

Make your accomplishments relatable to the current job, and use numbers for measurable results whenever possible.

Two-Way Info Exchange

Let the interviewer lead and set the tone. Give short, relevant responses, but tell what YOU bring to the job. Listen carefully.

Closing the Interview

Jim stated that “By your entrance and exit shall you be known.”

Validate your interest in the position, ask your questions and restate your qualifications. And be sure to ask what the next steps in the process will be and when you will hear about the next step.

After the Interview

ALWAYS send a thank you note. E-mail is acceptable, but it never hurts to follow up with a thank-you via U.S. mail.

Jim closed his presentation with a comment from his book (titled “Career Transition Guide, The 3 Step Solution,” ).  His recipe for success is the result of preparation, a positive attitude and a lot of hard work.

Employers

Liberty Mutual
Justin Oviatt, Branch Manager

Liberty Mutual is #76 on the Fortune 100 list, with a great mission to help people be and feel more safe and secure. Field Sales Representatives positions are available. These are sales positons in the personal insurance unit that come with 12 weeks of training, and a FIXED salary with bonus earnings available. The average representative income is $91,000 annually, with many opportunities for increases. Sales positions have a service department to back up your sales and are W-2 positions with a large array of benefits. Opportunities are available across the state, including Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert Phoenix and Prescott. Contact Justin via email here  or 480.532.4211.

Revana
Octavio Duarte, Talent Acquisition Specialist

Revana is a professional inside sales organization that provides business process outsourcing to their clients. This business processing includes sales, marketing and analytics for Google, Craig’s List, Directv, Verizon Wireless and many more. The exact activity depends on what the client company has asked for. Opportunities include inbound and outbound sales associates and sales managers. A Senior Financial Analyst position is also currently available. Revana has locations in Tempe and north Phoenix. To apply, click here, select your preferred location, complete the online app and a recruiter will contact you for a phone screen. Octavio also encouraged interested applicants to visit the office and talk to a recruiter face to face.

Verizon Wireless
Darrin Ruof, HR Recruiter

Darrin told us that a Verizon Wireless retail position is the “best retail position you can have.” Verizon is currently #16 of the Fortune 20, and provides an excellent career path and opportunities for their employees. The environment is fast-paced and fun—available positions include Solutions Specialists in retail sales and Customer Service Specialists in customer care. Benefits include competitive pay, healthcare benefits from day one, tuition assistance up to $8,000 annually, phone discounts and a 401(k) with employer matching. Apply here.

Apollo Education Group
David Specht, Senior Recruiter

Apollo Education Group is much more than University of Phoenix. It also owns and runs Western International University, the College of Financial Planning and the Carnegie Learning institutions. Apollo encourages an environment that embraces innovative ideas and people from diverse backgrounds. Every resume that is submitted is looked at by a human being. Positions open now include entry level enrollment to paralegals to financial analysts to traveling sales professionals. Opportunities change from day to day so check in often. Apply here.

 

Next Event

Wednesday, June 3, 9:00am, Phoenix
DISCover Your Unique Value, Sandi Ashton
City of Phoenix, Dave Meadows
Hiring companies: Maricopa County, Northcentral University, Revana and Verizon Wireless

04/28/15 – Get the Job Fast-How to Find a Great New Job in Half the Time

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Written by Debbie Webber

Record breaking news! Jessica opened the meeting with the fantastic announcement that Career Connectors has officially registered a cumulative 20,000 meeting attendees on the eve of its sixth anniversary. Since its launch in July 2009, Career Connectors has organized 281 events with over 300 featured employers. Their LinkedIn Group now exceeds 4,700 members with new additions daily. What a great achievement—congratulations Jessica! You can read all the information in the news release sent this morning.

Keynote

Dave Sherman  has been an advocate and supporter of Career Connectors for six years. He is a professional speaker, marketing professional, corporate photographer and small business trainer. He loves Diet Mountain Dew, red wine and cigars. However he’s currently in day 8 of a cleanse and Jessica suggested that perhaps our interaction with him could “pick him up.” That wasn’t necessary even a little bit—Dave projected his straightforward and passionate message across to all of us just fine.

Dave started at his current position at AppointmentsPlus only a few weeks ago. His tenure is short because back on April 1, 2014 he was fired. And while he pursued his speaking and photography work for the year between being fired and finding his new position, he became well acquainted with the challenges and issues we’re all going through. He hadn’t been fired since 1975 when he worked at a Red Barn fast food joint, and it hurt.

What Did Dave Learn?

-Being fired SUCKS!
-Looking for a random job online also SUCKS!
-Frustrating, depressing and UGGH!
-Very few alternatives
-Stop complaining, whining or moaning
-HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Dave then presented five tips to help us find a great job fast, and assured us that “this stuff works.”

Tip #1

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!

And get out every day. Get up, shower and get dressed. This maintains your working routine. It also promotes socialization—you won’t find a job by yourself in front of your computer in your pajamas. And finally, it STOPS THE VOICES that are telling you you’ll never get another job, that you’re not good enough, and all the other nasty, untrue things our minds tell us when we’re alone.

So where should you go? Anywhere with an internet connection. And then do whatever you were doing at home in front of the computer to get a job. The important thing is to get out of the house and be around people.

Tip #2

ASK FOR HELP

And ask as many people as you can. This is hard for many people—you may be embarrassed about your job search, you may be a private person—there are many reasons why you may not want to “publicize” your job search. But you need to ask yourself HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

So who do you ask? Ask your friends and family, your inner circle, school/work connections, your network, and everybody else you are connected to on Facebook and LinkedIn. Only 30% of open positions are ever posted; the other 70% are filled through networking. And make it easy for people to help you. Know what you want and the companies you want to work for and tell them so they can help you. Order yourself some business cards and keep asking everyone you meet.

Tip #3

START ATTENDING MORE NETWORKING EVENTS!

Where should you go?
-Chambers of Commerce
-Associations—the “coolest one” according to Dave. There’s an
association with local chapters for every industry or interest.
Find yours and attend.
-Business Groups
-Networking Groups
-Career transition groups (like Career Connectors)

These activities will help you hang out with employed people who can help you find a job faster when you ask them for help. Some people aren’t comfortable attending these kinds of events, and that’s okay. You just have to ask yourself HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Tip #4

When attending events, STOP LOOKING FOR A JOB!

You won’t find one at the event. What you will find are the people and contacts that WILL connect you with your next position. So how DO you network? Dave says the key is to build up your likeability and commonality, which is the definition of schmoozing. If you are one of three equally qualified candidates for a job, who do you think is going to get it? The one who has created the greatest likability and commonality with the hiring manager. Let them see who you are.

Dave’s definition of likeability includes
-Personality
-Sense of humor
-Warmth
-Conversation style

Commonality characteristics include
-Hometown?
-Hobbies
-School?
-Family, friends, favorites
-Find a link with them!

Getting to know a person during an interview triples your chance of success. Find a way to connect! This may be difficult for some, but HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Tip #5

FOUR MOST IMPORTANT WORDS

This is the most important thing Dave told us in his presentation.

“WHO DO YOU KNOW?”

Ask everyone, use this all the time and don’t give up.

Really. Don’t give up.

Dave had one bonus tip—LinkedIn works, so learn everything you can about this social media tool and use everything you learn. People want to help you if you are clear about what you want.

Need more help?

Dave has put together a DVD kit that expands on this info, along with a powerful e-learning program that will help you become a great networker. His email is dave@daveshermanspeaks.com.  Know what you want and where you want to work and he will respond with all the help he can find for you.

And remember—HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Hiring Companies

State Farm
DeAnne Prigmore,  Recruiter

State Farm’s mission is to help people, and that includes employees as well as customers. State Farm is currently building a Phoenix hub at Marina Heights along Tempe Town Lake and is hiring hundreds of people for operations-related positions (not the insurance agents we’re familiar with). State Farm offers fantastic benefits that include a pension and 401k to both full and part time employees. Immediate openings include positons in claims, sales, banking, marketing and IT, but there’s a continual update to these openings on their website. You must apply online, but each application is reviewed by a human being (!) before being classified among the open positions. Apply here.

HotFoot Recruiters
Steven Lindsey, Marketing Specialist

HotFoot Recruiters is an employment agency with full-spectrum recruiting from entry level to senior executives. Core industries served include aerospace, manufacturing and production, construction, engineering, alternative energy, power/utilities, IT and marketing/sales/call centers. HotFoot is constantly expanding into other industries, so check their website. They work with clients (employers) to find the perfect fit and never charge the applicant any fee. Current openings include CNC mill and lathe machinist, customer service rep, project managers, electronic technician, executive admin and door fabrication. Check out the complete list of openings and apply here.

Education Management Corporation 
Ryanne Dean, Talent Acquisition Manager

EDMC is composed of The Art Institute, Argosy University, Western State College of Law (as part of Argosy), Brown Mackie College and South University. Student success is the strongest value at EDMC and the culture of education and success extends to the employees as well. Open positions include Administration Reps, Academic Counselors and Admission Managers. There are also many other positions available in other locations outside of Phoenix. You may find these open positions and apply here.

Next Event

Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 9:00 am, Phoenix
Image Matters: Elevate Your Image and Expand Your Influence
Tabitha Dumas
Hiring companies: City of Phoenix, Freedom Financial Network, TEKsystems and Education Management Corporation

Registering for upcoming events is quick and easy here!