Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

KEYNOTE
Dave Sherman, INSTANT LIKEABILITY
LIKEABILITY is the impression you make on the interviewer. It is more than a great response to a question. It is your ability to connect to another person in a way that is comfortable and pleasing to the other person.
Webster’s defines likeable as…. having qualities that bring about a favorable regard; pleasant, agreeable. Synonyms include: agreeable, amiable, appealing, attractive, charming, engaging, enjoyable, friendly, genial, good-natured, nice, pleasing, sympathetic, winning. In an article by Pam Holloway, “The Secret to Likeability”, Pam notes that “likeable people are known to:
- Be more successful in business & life.
- Get elected, promoted & rewarded more often than those less likeable.
- Close more sales & make more money.
- Secure better service providers, including doctors & other health care providers.
Likeability is not magic. It’s not luck. It’s not a gift inherited by only a few anointed people. It is merely a skill set. Gallup values the benefit of likeability. The Gallup organization has conducted a personality factor poll prior to every presidential election since 1960. Only one of three factors – issues, party affiliation, and likeability, has been a consistent prognosticator of the final election result. Of course, the factor is likeability.
So how do you develop skills to be likeable or likeability? Dave was our “Likeable Guru” in sharing tips that open the door to Likeability.
TIP #1: BE HAPPY
People thrive on being around others that are happy, enthusiastic and energetic. When you smile, you make yourself more approachable and smarter.
Dave shared the story when he first began interviewing with a company that became an employer. After researching the company’s recent press releases, he discovered the organization was celebrating its 1-year anniversary for being in its new site. Dave brought a celebratory cake to his interview. The cake instantly made Dave likeable.
TIP #2: BE ATTENTIVE
When interviewing, be attentive. Listen to what others have to say. Ask lots of questions.
TIP #3: BE PATIENT
Avoid interrupting. Biggest challenge is not knowing what to say. If you don’t have anything to offer. LISTEN! If you listen, you will learn something new.
TIP #4: BE CURIOUS
Establish a commonality between you and the person you are talking with. Ask questions such as where are you from.

TIP #5: BE HELPFUL
Discover ways you can be helpful to others. Have a service mentality.
TIP #6: BE ENTHUSIASTIC
Enthusiasm is contagious!
TIP #7: BE NICE
Be nice to everyone you come in contact with & leave a niceness legacy.
TIP #8: BE FUNNY
TIP #9: BE MEMORABLE
TIP #10: BE GRATEFUL
You may have trouble being grateful but there is always room for gratitude.
HIRING COMPANIES
THE FINDERS
KRISTY BACH, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Since 1998, The Finders has been putting its personality & passion into every Tech, Finance and HR finding in Arizona. The Finders is committed to matching exceptional talent with the right company culture. In addition to assisting you in finding the right job, Finders recruiters are specialist in the job search and can be invaluable resources to you.
Current opportunities include:
Tech Finders: Full Stack Developer, Java Developer, .Net Developer, Dev Ops Engineer, Cyber Security Engineer, Technical Project Manager SQL DBA, Data Engineer, Sr Information Security Engineer, and Sr ETL Developer.
HR Finders: HRIS Analyst-Contract, HR Manager, Compensation Analyst, Contract Recruiter, & HR Coordinator. Finance Finders: Senior Auditor, Sr Controller, Staff Accountant, A/P Analyst, Financial Analyst & A/R Specialist.
If interested, please contact The Finders.
COGNIZANT
SHAUNTINA McALLISTER, SR. RECRUITER
Cognizant is a global solutions provider that provides a collaborative approach to strengthen teams and improve revenue streams as well operating efficiencies. Established in 1994 and headquarters in Teaneck, New Jersey; the organization has an employee population of 280,000 employees globally. Cognizant has been recognized for a number of achievements. The company offers a number of benefits. Frequently hired positions are business analyst, claims examiners, claims supervisors, managers, product managers, social media content specialist, technical analyst, and trainers. To apply go to the website.
USAA
JEFF SHEWAN, HR ASSOCIATE
USAA’S mission is to facilitate the financial security of its members, associates, and their families through provision of a full range of highly competitive financial products and services. In so doing, USSA seeks to be the provider of choice for the military community. Military members are primary focus. Over 33,000 employees provide legendary service, quality products. Phoenix has over 4800 employees. Jobs include Customer Service, Insurance, Banking, Software Developers. Products include comprehensive financial services including banking, investments, property & life insurance & financial advice. Go to online website to apply.
CLOSING
Jessica Pierce, Board of Directors, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking Highlands Church & the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Gilbert on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 & features Loretta Love Huff, as speaker for the topic “Courageous Leadership, Outrageous Growth.” For additional information on this event & future events, please visit the Event Schedule.