Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP
“THE PINK SLIP”
In the Chilly Willy cartoon, “little Televillian”, Mr. Stoop, tells Smedley that if he’s disturbed while reading show scripts, he would be forced to pink slip Smedley. Unfortunately, Smedley doesn’t know the meaning of “pink slip”. Mr. Stoop yells at him, “It means…you will be fired!”
Unlike Smedley, many of us in today’s workforce are very familiar with receiving and knowing the ramifications of getting a “pink slip”. Unfortunately it is a very common occurrence to get a “pink slip”. Workers are losing their jobs due to layoffs, workforce reductions, reorganizations and terminations.
Needless to say, Brenda’s presentation on “Crush the Pink Slip: Get Back to Work in 60 Days” was a welcomed and well-received subject.
Keynote
Brenda Cunningham, @PushCareers
CRUSH THE PINK SLIP: Get Back to Work in 60 Days
Brenda, like many of us has been the recipient of the cursed “Pink Slip”. Brenda’s memory of the experience is still very much a part of her professional identity. Whereas many workers are often paralyzed by the event, Brenda’s experience was a springboard for her to pursue a different career path.
WHY THE BOOK?
Brenda’s intent in writing her book, “Crush the Pink Slip: Get Back to Work in 60 Days” and new profession was to encourage job seekers, provide a practical roadmap and help accelerate the professional’s transition.
SUCCESSFUL CAREER TRANSITION
Brenda noted job seekers seem to make the same errors in their job search. In order to have a successful evolution, she recommends the following:
- Crystal clear goals.
- An effective game plan.
- Realistic expectations.
In addition to the above, Brenda encouraged us to PUSH! PUSH meaning you need to do it and PUSHING being an action.
BRENDA’S FAVORITE DAYS
DAY 1: READY, FIRE, AIM! THE IMPORTANCE OF AIM
In executing your job search, you want to avoid saying, “I’m looking for a job.” Doing so shares a vague idea of what position you are seeking. Instead reframe the statement by indicating, “I am looking for a project management position”, for example. There are several criteria the job seeker needs to establish to have a positive outcome. Those include desired industry, function, maximum commute time, ideal company size, target companies (5-20) and salary.
DAY 49: STOP TWEAKING YOUR JOB SEARCH TO DEATH
Make a commitment to stick to your plan. Rather than relying on spouses or friends to provide job search advice on such topics as your resume and strategy, reach out to a qualified resume writer and/or career strategist.
DAY 57: DESPERATION IS NOT A PRETTY COLOR
Desperation does not lend to a positive presentation! Brenda reminded the group that finding your desired position does take time. And yes there will be times you will feel desperate! To offset this feeling, Brenda encouraged us to understand that our transition will take time. If it is helpful for you then determine how long it took others to find their new position. Write it down noting it will take between 1 to 6 months. Having unrealistic expectations will crush your confidence. Interviewing and selection the right candidate is a timely process. Practice and accept the mantra ‘you will not settle for just any job when you are worthy of being fulfilled at work’.
BONUS ITEMS TO CONSIDER
- LINKEDIN IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL! LinkedIn is the search tool of choice for the majority of recruiters. Be active on LinkedIn by joining in on group discussions and posting items other members would find of interest. Brenda reinforced that the job seeker needs to be different and stand out against their competition. To be further effective on LinkedIn you need to be building your network and nurturing your relationships.
- LEARN HOW TO FOLLOW UP: Effective follow up will further establish you as the ideal candidate. A common rule of thumb from career professionals is wait about one week after applying and interviewing to inquire about a decision to hire or confirm receipt of your materials. Thereafter, it is best to wait two weeks or heed what the hiring managers advise you to do. In addition, it is important to do what you said you would do.
- ASSESS YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS: Understand what reasonable salary expectations are for your line of work in 2016.
- TALK TO YOUR SPOUSE/FAMILY/FRIENDS: Help them understand the situation. Share some of the things they can do to help them better support you.
- KNOW IF YOUR INDUSTRY IS CHANGING (AND KEEP UP): Brenda noted it is important to stay current what is going on in your industry. Great resources for doing so are library databases, Onetonline.org, and professional publications and associations.
- REFRAME NETWORKING: Many of us dread the thought of networking and quickly cast the activity aside. Brenda suggests a lifestyle of networking. Most people wait until they’ve lost a job. Failing to establish a network may slow your efforts to return to the workforce. Brenda highly recommends to start building your network now and keep developing it during your transition and throughout your career. Networking is building a trusted relationship. Begin a conversation by asking the other person a lot of questions. Doing so will allow you to reconnect with the person again. Networking is not always about you and what others can do for you, but rather what you can do for others and meet their needs.
In closing, we have a choice. When you receive your pink slip you can either curl up in the corner or you can crush the pink slip and get to work in finding a new position.
HIRING COMPANIES
Waleed Alani, Employment Specialist
Waleed shared with the group the latest unemployment statistics. There are currently approximately 70,000 available jobs in the Phoenix area. Opportunities include retail, hotel management, project management and nurses. Some of the top skills being requested are bilinqual, quality assurance, IT networking, quality control and IT networking project management. A sampling of hiring employers include Banner Health, Honor Health, Pizza Hut, CVS Health, Dignity Health, United Healthcare, Bank of America, Well Fargo and Oracle.
Waleed enlightened us with the different skill development packages offered by the City of Phoenix. Those include seminars available to the public; Level 1 Package-Skills Match the Job Market; and Level 2 Package-Research Pathways to Higher Wages. Seminars include: Arizona Workforce Connection (AJC), How to Create a Winning Resume, Perfecting Your Interviewing Skills, Mock Interview Lab, Understanding LinkedIn, Leveraging LinkedIn, 21st Century Job Search Seminar, and Job Clubs. Level 1 Package; Skills Match the Job Market is for 3 days and 3 hours. The 3-day sessions are focused on ways to jumpstart your job search. Topics discussed are Social Skills, Creating and Implementing a Job Search Plan, Interviewing, and Long Term Career Management. The 3-hour session emphasizes Employability. The Level 2 Package; Research Ways to Higher Wages is a 2 day seminar. Attendees will obtain a better awareness of their career and personal skills along with a discussion of skill gaps and training options. Waleed also provided the group the LinkedIn algorithm that employers utilize to search for people on LinkedIn. For more details on the Skills Development Packages, reach out to Waleed at 602-255-4628 or waleed.alani@phoenix.gov.
Jan Plank, HR Manager III
Jan noted the State of Arizona employs approximately 35,000 employees in over 100 agencies, boards and commissions. In 2016, 25% of the state’s workers will be retirement eligible. The average age of the employees is 47. The state is currently going undergoing a transformation by evaluating its business processes and improving them to be more effective and streamlined. In addition to the traditional benefits, the state also offers 11% match into retirement after vesting, exceptionally low health care premiums and training opportunities. A sampling of current positions includes Financial Reporting Accountant, Senior Auditor, Administrative Services Officer, Applications Developer, HR Manager II, Accounts Payable Specialist, Special Collections Librarian, Contract Compliance Supervisor, Behavioral Health Coordinator, Administrative Assistant III and Special Projects Coordinator. If interested, review the open positions on line and apply online. Jan noted it is important to differentiate yourself when applying.
Jo Bryant, Recruiter
With more than 60 years experience, Manpower has established itself as a world leader in innovative workforce solutions, workforce solutions, connecting human potential to the ambition of business. Manpower serves both large and small organizations across all industry sectors through four main brands and offerings; ManpowerGroup Solutions, Experis, Manpower and Right Management. The organization operates a worldwide network of offices in over 80 countries and territories. Manpower partners with clients to accelerate their businesses by providing people and services that includes recruitment and assessment, training and development, workforce consulting, outsourcing and career management. Gone are the days where Manpower specialized in supplying light industrial help. The Manpower culture has a great team of people with a common vision and goal, unlimited growth potential, and a company that cares what its employees want and asks for their input.
The company is one of the few staffing organizations offering benefits for contract positions. Benefits include medical and dental, short term disability, holidays, 401K, shopping discount and recognition program. Some of the current positions include Bilingual Spanish Youth Coordinator, Donor Outreach Coordinator-PT, Bilingual Customer Service Agents-PT, Document Processors, Data Entry, Production/Warehouse, Packing/Kitting/General Labor, Season Shipping/Packing and Sorting, and Administrative /Clerical roles. To apply go to the Manpower website; create an account and attach your resume; and contact the office after registering.
Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Manager
Schwab sees the world through their clients’ eyes. Schwab serves investors, advisors and employers. Charles Schwab highlights include $2.54 trillion in client assets, Fortune 500 Company with annual revenues of $6.05 billion, 325 branch offices in 45 states and 3 countries. The organization is headquartered in San Francisco, has approximately 15,400 full time employees and is the recipient of 15 awards in 2015 for its employee-friendly workplace.
Schwab has about 60+ positions currently in Phoenix a few “hot” jobs are Broker Trainee, Estate Services Professional, and Relationship Specialist. Phoenix is the home of one of Schwab’s largest call centers. Those positions in high demand are Relationship Specialists and IT roles. Shannon encouraged attendees to complete an application online. Schwab initially reviews those candidates who have completed applications before sourcing other candidates. Create your online profile and upload your resume at tiny.cc/careerconnectors .
Resources
Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants
Roger Brudbacher, Director of Continuing Education
Dynamic Worldwide will prepare you with an edge in this competitive job market.
DWWTC offers programs and certificates in professional development, cyber security programs, advanced cyber security programs and information technology. DWWTC was awarded the 2015 Juniper Platinum Education Partner of the Year for its award winning instruction. The facilities are state of the art and maintain a low student to instructor ratio. Instruction is available on multiple platforms. DWWTC is licensed by the State Board for Private Postsecondary Education; certified through Workforce Connection; and approved for Grant Programs. For more information, please visit the website.
Closing
Sandi Ashton, Vice President, Career Connectors Board of Directors, closed the meeting by thanking North Phoenix Baptist Church and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, March 10, 2016 and features Kevin Dumcum as speaker for the topic “Activate Your Job Search”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the website.