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Career Evolutions

8/15/19 – Connecting with Top Staffing Firms to Find Your Next Career

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Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

According to ASA (American Staffing Association), every day, staffing businesses send more than three million employees to work in America’s offices, factories, hospitals, warehouses, and other work sites-virtually every place that people work, staffing employees are on the job.

The staffing industry, comprises of more than 20,000 staffing firms and nearly 1.7 million staffing employees , contributes over $160 billion to the US economy through temporary and contract staffing recruiting and permanent placement, outsourcing and outplacement, and human resource consulting.

STAFFING PANELS

PANEL 1: Myths about Working with Staffing Firms

Q: Provide a 2 Minute overview of your staffing firm/agency and your position.

vCandidates: The firm is a subscription based career eco system for candidates and recruiting professionals. vCandidates uses a cloud-based platform, mobile app, and CRM to give candidates the ability to create the best presentation of themselves. It is more than just a resume. LT has been in the entertainment business, but enjoys recruiting even more! In October, the website will launch the opportunity for candidates to access recruiters.

Blue Signal Search: Specializes in executive placement for industry leaders. Specialties include: wireless & telecom, manufacturing, cloud & managed services; engineering & construction; finance & accounting, emerging technology, human resources & logistics & supply chain. Trevor loves connecting talented, driven people to opportunities that enhance their careers.

HireRising: Concentrates on filling IT positions. This year HireRising will help 80 IT professionals land jobs at 50 local companies around the Valley. Graham founded HireRising without having any previous staffing experience.

NESCO Resource: One of the leading national staffing and employment agencies offering services in temporary staffing, direct hire, and a host of other staffing and recruiting solutions. Opportunities include Engineering & IT, Clerical & Light Industrial, and Accounting & Finance specialties. Brendan ran his own business and decided to go back into sales with NESCO. He is now a Branch Manager.

Q. Can you explain the different types of Staffing models?

vCandidates: Concentrates on full time positions. LT & team focus on finding the right fit for both the employer and candidate. Their goal is a permanent fit for longevity.

Blue Signal Search: Firm working with employers and making a commitment to employees. Goal is to find a forever career. Company is more dynamic than before.

NESCO Resource: NESCO is doing more contract work. 99% contracts with option to hire. People who perform well usually get hired.

HireRising: Provides direct hire, contract work, and short and long term projects.

Q. Staffing Agencies often get a bad rap. Why do you think this happens?

vCandidates: A lot of the bad rap comes from expectations of the candidate contributing to the myth. LT will go the extra mile if the candidate is into the job and employer.

Blue Signal Search: Employers, candidates and firms need to cooperate together. Transparency needs to be put in place and active.

HireRising: The bad rap is focused on the lack of follow up from recruiters.

NESCO Resource: There are a lot of recruiters currently trying to fill all the positions. Many are using Sourcers. Their goal is to comb databases for candidates. Many lack the professionalism of a Recruiter.

Q. How should candidates best build a relationship with you?

HireRising: Try to make contact with candidates on a weekly basis. If candidate does not hear from HireRising, they should reach out to the agency every 2-4 weeks.

vCandidates: LT encourages the candidate to make themselves memorable. Candidates need to remember to build a positive relationship with the recruiter & remember the challenges the recruiter faces. Your mantra should be Pause-Think-Act! Age differences should encourage professional and personal development.

NESCO Resource: Reminded us there is also reverse ageism. Everyone should respect one another regardless of age.

Blue Signal Search: Focus on experience is shifting to the value the candidate can bring.

Q. What is the most effective way to stay in contact with your Staffing Firm? Phone, email, text?

vCandidates: LinkedIn.

Blue Signal Search: When networking, go to meet people where they work.

HireRising: Recruiter is focusing on relationship with client.

NESCO Resource: Phone.

Q. TELL US A SUCCESS STORY.

vCandidates: LT had an employer that had a mindset of the perfect candidate. LT found the right candidate but with a different skill set than what the hiring manager had wanted. LT continued to gently present her candidate.

Blue Signal Search: Trevor had a candidate from another country and was unable to find an employer to hire on a full time basis. The man did contract work. Trevor stayed in touch with the man & eventually was able to help him find a full time job.

HireRising: Graham had a candidate that was qualified but did not have a current job for him. Graham stayed touch with him and after 18 months the perfect job presented itself. The story is a great reminder that it may take a while to find the right position.

NESCO Resource: Brendan came across a candidate who was down on his luck. He was a veteran, living in low income housing and did not have a car. Brendan drove the man to his interview and got him a job.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:

Q: Do you continue the relationship with Staffing Firms when you have a job?
Absolutely!

Q: How do Staffing Firms help a candidate with a niche skillset?
The candidate needs to help educate the recruiter.

CURRENT OPENINGS
vCandidates: In house recruiters and salespeople.
Blue Signal Search: Product management, engineer and manufacturing.
HireRising: Everything IT; and all levels.
NESCO Resource: 105 openings. Please see website.

PANEL 2: Advantages to Working with Staffing Firm

Nick Mazur, APN USA, Recruiting Manager

Ryan Nouls, Trupath, CEO

Christian Kaijser, Career Evolutions, Manager Director

Jerilyn Arthur, Atrilogy Solutions Group, Senior Account Director

Q. Give us an overview of your Staffing Firm/Agency and your position.

APN USA: Works on staffing for nurses and car dealerships.

TruPath: Very diverse in types of positions that they fill. Do not want to become niche.

Career Evolutions: Will do anything they can to help.

Atrilogy Solutions Group: Recruitment done nationwide. Do both direct placement and contract work.

Q. Why should someone looking for a new position work with a Staffing Firm?

TruPath: Agencies work with multiple staffing firms. They build relationships with all types of employers. Candidates should check in every month.

APN USA: Include staffing firms in your search. It broadens your possibilities and network.

Career Evolutions: Finding a job is a numbers game. Knowing someone or working your way into an organization through informational meetings.

Atrilogy Solutions Group: Recruiters are your cheerleaders. Will go above and beyond to work with candidates.

Q. How do we best prepare to work with Staffing Agencies? What is negotiable?

Career Evolutions: Think about what you do well. Do not take a rejection personally.

TruPath: Remember that the recruiter is working on your behalf. You can negotiate salary.

APN USA: The more recruiters you have working for you, the better.

Atrilogy Solutions Group : Be honest with self and recruiters.

Q. What do you like about your job?

Atrilogy Solutions Group: Never a dull moment. Really enjoy the people aspect.

Career Evolutions: Put people to work. Feel good about helping someone. It is great to hear thank you and that the candidate is happy with their job.

APN USA: Being open and honest. Work with profit and non-profit companies.

TruPath: They are following up with employers and enjoy seeing how candidates have contributed.

Q. How can a candidate best prepare for an interview with you? What about an interview with a client?

TruPath: Prepare just as you would for an employer. Learn as much as you can about the job and employer. Be enthusiastic.

APN USA: Know what is expected. What is the process you will go through? Determine if there will be testing.

Atrilogy Solutions Group: Allow the employer to get to know you.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:

Q: How do you find Staffing Firms that are a good fit? How to work for the best companies?
Atrilogy Solutions Group: The best company is the one you like and is a great fit.

HOT JOBS:

Atrilogy Solutions Group: IT. Over 60 positions are available in Arizona.
Career Evolutions: Software developer, sales, product manager are a few examples.
TruPath: Manufacturing; all types of positions.
APN USA: Nurses, nurses, nurses!

CAREER CONNECTORS ACADEMY
Brighton College, Ryan Golden, Enrollment Advisor

Ryan shared the exciting news and details about Career Connectors new partnership with Brighton College! The partnership forms Career Connectors Academy. The Academy offers a wide variety of accredited online college programs along with many professional development classes. The focus is on quality and affordability.

A few of the best accredited online certificate programs that are being offered to Career Connectors at a reduced price are: Information Technology Certification Programs, Business Management Associate Degree Online, Paralegal Certificate, Medical Assistant School, Legal Nurse Consultant Certification and Online Professional Development Classes. Career Connectors members will receive a 30% discount on the programs and certifications. For more information go to the Career Connectors Academy website.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Founder & CEO, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking Highlands Church & the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Gilbert on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 and features Kevin Dumcum, as speaker for the topic “Kick Start Your Job Search. For additional information on this event & future events, please visit the Event Schedule.

12/13/18 – 5 Superpowers To Be Unstoppable

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Jean BrieseWritten by Rachel Gersten

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

5 Superpowers To Be Unstoppable

Jean Briese

Jean Briese has been honored as Arizona’s highest ranked motivational speaker and business coach. Prior to starting her own business, Jean spent 25 years leading successful sales teams in corporate American.

Jean started her speech by sharing a story from her childhood. She was the oldest of 4 raised by a single mother who left her children two weeks before Christmas when Jean was 15 years old and the youngest sibling was only 5 years old. Through these painful early life lessons, Jean developed the superpowers necessary for success.

3 Things To Focus On:

Inspiration

Information

Transformation

The Superpowers recommended by Jean are:

Superpower Number 1
The Power of Habits 

Jean looked at behaviors of top performers in various fields. One of which was Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history.  He doesn’t believe in can’t and will not even think or say the word can’t. Instead he envisions himself successful and overcomes obstacles.

Superpower Number 2
The Power of Purpose

Each of us has a set of talents and gifts. Stop to think about who you are and what makes you special. No one has the same gifts, experiences, and knowledge as you do. Look to your passions. A strategy Jean recommended is to send out an email asking friends and colleagues to list 3 of your strengths and 1 weakness. Then pick 1 strength and make yourself amazing at it.

Superpower Number 3
The Power of Your Beliefs

A negative mind will never give you a positive life. Jean spoke about her negative feeling about not having a college degree, but she turned that negative self-doubt around and said I have everything I need for success.

Superpower Number 4
The Power of People

We rise and fall to the level of our relationships. Some people are blessings and some people are lessons. Try and surround yourself with positive people. Ask yourself these questions and work on your answers. How should I add people to my circle? Do I have a mentor?

Superpower Number 5
The Power of Actions

Fear is the number 1 reason we don’t take action.  It’s important to remember one must fail first to accomplish anything. A recommendation Jean had for the group was to commit to one idea by putting it on your calendar and doing it within the next 24 hours.

Jean concluded her remarks by reminding us, THE TIME IS NOW.

HIRING COMPANIES

Career Evolutions

Christian Kaijser, Managing Director

Career Evolutions a recruiting agency that opened its doors during one of our countries’ worst recessions in November of 2008. The company has thrived in large part due to their understanding of how to brand the job seeker properly and knowledge of the ever-changing job market.

Top 10 Search Tips:

  • Start the search immediately.
  • Treat the search like a job.
  • Be open to consulting/freelancing.
  • Don’t panic, be patient.
  • Stay fit and relaxed.
  • Network, Network, Network.
  • Have a dynamic relevant resume.
  • Manage your personal and professional brand.
  • Do your homework.
  • Don’t talk about salary too early.

Solar Mosaic

Eve Clark, Recruiter

Mosaic makes it simple to go solar by leveraging technology and financial innovation, with a goal of providing access to clean energy for everyone.

Positions Available:

  • Customer Support Associates
  • Sales
  • Credit Underwriting Reps
  • Salesforce Administrator
  • Software Engineering Manager
  • System/DevOps Engineer

Farmers Insurance

Surrie Atkins, Recruiter

Established in 1928 Farmers Insurance has been an innovative leader providing care and assistance when help is needed the most. Farmer Insurance offers an extensive array of coverage options. They have been recognized as a leading insurer for small and mid size businesses. Due to the companies ongoing success Farmers Insurance will be hiring an additional 1000 employees to work in their North Phoenix office.

Positions Available:

  • Customer Service
  • Inbound Sales

RESOURCES

Rohn Financial

Tom Rohn and Jamey Pugh

Five Financial Keys to a Successful Job Transition

  • Do a financial reality check, which entails creating a spending plan- for example, the everyday extras like a cup of coffee from Starbucks may no longer be in your budget.
  • Create additional income sources, such as freelance work and part-time work.
  • Manage your debt. If you have credit card debt, call the credit card company and explain your situation and discuss your options with them. Also remember to stop using cards.
  • Maintain proper insurance coverage such as medical, life, car and homeowners insurance.
  • Ask for help from a trusted advisor.

Rohn Financial Services Include:

  • One hour consultation
  • Budget forms
  • 401K rollover
  • Financial planning
  • Direct2MD

WozU

Jason Jones, Strategic Partnership Specialist

The University’s Mission Statement is to bring opportunities in the technology field to the masses. WozU has a passion for education. For a career in technology, students will learn different computer languages such as Java, .NET, Ruby on Rails as well as Data Science and Cyber Security. If you are transitioning in your career and wish to learn more about technology, contact a representative at WozU for additional information. They provide career services support.

CLOSING

Jessica Pierce wrapped up the meeting by reminding the group to visit the Career Connectors website at https://careerconnectors.org for additional information on upcoming meetings, support tools and event recaps. She went on to thank our wonderful host Highlands Church for their support, as well as, all our amazing corporate sponsors and volunteers. Also, Jessica spoke about upcoming events. The next meeting will be held on January 10th, 9 am at the Phoenix location of Grand Canyon University – 5115 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ. Please remember to sign up online for our next meeting. Seasons Greetings!

I will end our last blog of 2018 with a quote from Laird Hamilton. “Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your two ears.” Stay positive! 2019 will be an amazing year.

9/6/17 – Staffing Firms Impact on Phoenix

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Staffing FirmsWritten by Michelle Soracco

Staffing Firms Panels

Panel 1: Myths About Working with Staffing Firms

Deanne Desautels, President of Staff Logic/AFP
Kristy Bach, VP of Operations for TechFinders
Christian Kaijser, President of Career Evolutions

There are three different staffing firm models: direct hire, contract to hire and contract (temp). Many temp positions become full-time hires. You can still look for work while on assignment. Building a relationship with a staffing firm recruiter is of the utmost importance, as it is all about communication. Recruiters can give you inside information, help evaluate an offer, and even negotiate a better offer for you. Let them know what is most important to you (salary, commute time, vacation time, benefits, etc.). Know what motivates you.

Recruiters get paid from professional fees, not head count. They try to get you more money, since they will get paid more if you do as well; however, they know the limits of their clients, who always pay the fees, not the candidates. They find candidates on Linkedin, Career Connectors, networking events, advertising, etc. It’s best to register with more than one firm, preferably three or more, in your specialty or niche. There are many recruiting firms out there with just as many specializations, so use the firms that will work best for you.

A lot of what recruiters do depends on their clients. They will submit three to five candidates for one position, sometimes more. They don’t always respond to candidates because of the sheer volume of calls and emails, but they are trying to do better!

Panel 2: Advantages of Working with Staffing Firms

Michelle Grinberg, Regional Sales Consultant for Modis
Kelli Perkins, Area Manager for NESCO Resource
Kristy Bach, VP of Operations for TechFinders

Companies use staffing firms for contract to hire positions – “try before you buy” on both sides. Recruiting firms have insider information, including constructive information during interviews and helping candidates negotiate the job offer.

Miscellaneous tips:
-Use as many job search options as possible.
-Interview your staffing firms to find the right fit.
-How candidates can prepare: resume copies, online job search on website, use Linkedin to research recruiter, research company, ask questions.
-At the end of the interview, always let the interviewer know that you want the job–ask about next steps in the process, do they have any hesitations about hiring you, and if so, you can address these issues then and there.
-Recruiters do what they do because they are career matchmakers; they want to connect individuals to great jobs.  In the end, they like helping people, and no two days are ever the same. Their world changes on a day-to-day basis.

Resources

Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ

@GoodwillAZ

Carter Ellis, ‎District Manager, East Valley Career Services

Goodwill works with all job seekers, not just those looking for retail work. Their services are free for both job seekers and companies. Their goal is to end unemployment. They have on- and off-site employment events. They provide additional resources for job seekers, such as career advice, resume preparation and mock interviews. Goodwill’s job board has many internal leads from companies in the Valley. For open positions, click here.

New Horizons Learning Center

@nhphoenix

Joe Rostowsky, Director of Site Operations

Career Connectors has partnered with New Horizons as their only WIOA-funded school. New Horizons is an international training organization that serves the needs of top companies to help individuals enhance their current skills and go to the next level in their career. They offer courses in IT, Office Mgmt, Healthcare Records and Management, Project/Production Mgmt Certifications. Classes are conducted live in a classroom, live online and self-paced online courses, depending on the student’s needs.  Joe’s best job seeking advice is to keep up with your skills, and don’t blow off an interview!

Closing

Jessica graciously thanked all of the day’s speakers, volunteers and job seekers for participating. She encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the many Career Connector services like having your resume reviewed, a free professional portrait and visit all of the staffing firms. She also encouraged everyone to view the career blog, which is up and running and has a lot of good career advice.  As always, network, network, network!

The next event is in North Scottsdale on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 9am. Click here to register.

3/16/17 – Salary Negotiation – Make More Money

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Salary NegotiationWritten by Michelle Soracco

Keynote Speaker

Jack Milligan, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP @LMAAZ

Jack has been in the HR world for many years, including being the VP of HR in Los Angeles, wondering why he felt the need to be VP of HR.  Known to many as “The HR Guy,” he’s been part of the hiring process for 20,000+ people.  His book, “Make More Money,” came out a few months ago.  You can purchase it here on Amazon.

Salary Negotiation – Make More Money

Negotiation doesn’t work for every job.  Rated jobs, about 25% of job offers, have a specific rate attached, such as trades/unions, nursing, government, teaching and contract work.  The salary stated is what you get, take it or leave it. However, ranged jobs, about 75% of job offers, have a sophisticated salary structure, so there is flexibility in the range.  Requestive Channel Negotiation (RCN) works well for almost everyone if the job is ranged.

According to Jack, most people with ranged job offers don’t negotiate at all before accepting the job because they’re so relieved to have work and/or think that they have no leverage.  Jack’s premise is that the job offer stage is the best time to negotiate, as long as you do it properly.  There are three legitimate ways to negotiate: ultimatum, demand and requestive.  If you are in more of a position of power (because someone is trying to lure you away from your current job that you like, for example), ultimatum or demand may work for you, but the chances still aren’t in your favor.  RCN has the best chance of success because it never hurts to ask–politely!  That means asking a question, not making a statement or giving an ultimatum.  With practice, courage and patience, you’ll maximize your offer, giving you peace of mind that you’ve gotten the best offer–even if they tell you there is no room to negotiate.  There is no risk involved; Jack has never met anyone who used RCN and a company withdrew their job offer because of it.

How does one negotiate a better job offer?  The only rule: NEVER say yes to an initial offer.  The employer wants closure, not to look at Candidate #2, or worse yet, go through the recruitment process again (expensive, time consuming, and the work is piling up).  Negotiation steps:

1) Be very very clear about the entire job offer and its benefits and perks.
2) Validate your enthusiasm for the position and understanding of the job offer.
3) Introduce ambiguity by asking for time (usually 1-3 days) to consider the alternatives.  You’re not lying to the employer–you always have alternatives, even if the only one is not taking the job.
4) When you call back after 1-3 days, once again validate your interest in the job and request (not demand) everything on your negotiating items short list (NISL).  When you ask a question, you’ll get either a yes or no answer and a reason if the answer is no.

Note:  91% of candidates who use RCN get something tangible for their efforts, but if the employer says something like having multiple candidates that could replace you, consider that a red flag and move on – the job/company won’t get any better once you get there.

Hiring Companies

Basis.ed

Jennifer Gordievsky, University Relations Manager @BASISedCareers

BASIS.ed is committed to closing the global achievement gap and redefining education.  They are the leading school network in the country, with three schools ranked in the top six of all high schools in the US (U.S. News and Reports). They are hiring for positions at their K – 12 school sites nationwide, and the central office located in Scottsdale:  accounting, design, marketing, communications, law and teaching are some of the available positions.  If you are passionate about education, click here for career opportunities.

EDMC

Mark Pierce, Talent Acquisition Manager @EDMCCareers

EDMC has four brands: The Art Institute, Argosy University, South University and Brown Mackie College.  One of their best benefits is tuition reimbursement.  They are hiring Admission Representatives, Financial Aid Counselors, and Adjunct Instructors, among other positions.  For more information and to apply, click here.

Career Evolutions

Christian Kaijser, Managing Director @disrupt2evolve

“Lead with your persona, follow with the documents.”  If you haven’t seen Christian change from punk to professional during a presentation, it is truly impressive.   A few open positions: Financial Analyst, Senior Global Accounting Manager, Sales Executive, Product Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, WordPress Developer, Salesforce Developer, Controller in Bend, OR, Chief Strategy Officer in Los Angeles, Content Strategists, and MS Access Developer.  Visit Career Evolutions positions  for current openings.

Freedom Financial Network

John Hasna, Director of Talent Acquisition, @FreedomFamily

Freedom Financial Network is a debt consulting company that provides financial solutions and services to enable consumers to achieve financial freedom.  Their 3 AZ locations have 1300 employees, and have hired 200 of the 1000 individuals they want to hire this year. They are in the process of building a new campus in Tempe and were recently named as a Phoenix Business Journal “Best Places to Work” Winner. Open positions in Tempe include Java Developers, Product Managers, Corporate Trainer, Compliance Manager, Business Intelligence Analyst, Negotiations Debt Settlement Specialist, Inside Sales Reps and Software Developer. They are willing to train for the necessary skills, as long as the culture fits.

Resources

New Horizons Learning Center, @nhphoenix

Zack Hiscock, Vice President of Learning and Development

“We are the best.” –Zack Hiscock, when asked about what should go in the blog.  I can confirm they’re good; I took one of their Excel classes and learned a lot.

Career Connectors has partnered with New Horizons as their only WIOA-funded school.  New Horizons is an international training organization that serves the needs of top companies to help individuals enhance their current skills and go to the next level in their career.  They offer courses in IT, Office Mgmt, Healthcare Records and Management, Project/Production Mgmt Certifications. Classes are conducted live in a classroom, live online and self-paced online courses, depending on the student’s needs.

Closing

Jessica graciously thanked all of the day’s speakers, volunteers and job seekers for participating. She encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the many Career Connector services like having your resume reviewed, a free professional portrait and visit all of the other services and hiring companies.  She also encouraged everyone to view the career blog, which is up and running and has a lot of good career advice.

Next event in Gilbert, Tuesday, March 28th: “Think Like a Hiring Manager and Land the Job.” Register here.