Career Connectors

Connecting professionals in career transition with hiring companies and quality resources


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Connections

How do you build connections? 9 ways to grow your network

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9 ways to grow your connections

For many, the term networking comes across as a generic and ingenious way of advancing one’s career. That is because too many professionals approach it in the wrong way! Growing your network is not about having the most connections on LinkedIn as much as it is about developing strong relationships with people who share the same interests and goals as you. The ultimate goal is to create meaningful connections with people who won’t hesitate to say your name in a room full of opportunities.

But how do you find those people? And how do you approach them in a meaningful way? We’re glad you asked! In fact, we asked the same question to nine extremely well-connected business leaders. To learn the tips to their effortless approach, read on!

“I’ve Never Met a Stranger”

The best way to grow your network is to be approachable and easy to reach. Take the time to respond to messages, and when possible schedule quick 15-minute virtual coffee meetings. I always remember one of my Dad’s favorite sayings, “I’ve never met a stranger.”

Nicole Spracale, Coaching and Consulting

Attend Online Events

The best way to build connections and grow your network during these changing times is to attend online events. This is a great time to attend virtual events that take place anywhere across the globe and explore new industries that you otherwise may not have invested time in being plugged into. Initiate 1:1 meetings from these larger events and go deeper with a small number of people for mutually beneficial connections.

Stephanie Thoma, Networking Career Coach

Connect Based on Common Interests

Approach networking as you would making new friends. Don’t try to ask for favors or grand gestures the first time you reach out. Connect with them based on common interests or industries and get to know the person before you begin making professional inquiries or requests.

Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional

The Network Effect

The best way to build connections and grow my network is to ask people in my existing network. The term, “the network effect,” exists for a reason. I’ve found that if I can get a few introductions from friends and colleagues, those introductions lead to more introductions, and so on. Plus, these relationships hit the ground running because they’re from warm referrals instead of cold outreach.

James Pollard, The Advisor Coach LLC

Company Retreats

Lake Rabun offers company retreats that are an excellent way to build and maintain relationships with people in your same industry. While the pandemic is in full swing, virtual company retreats have become the new normal, but once things subside, retreats are always an easy way to make new connections and see new faces in the industry. 

Gwen North, Lake Rabun Hotel

A Friend of a Friend

A friend of a friend is a powerful tool. Become acquainted with your friends’ coworkers and other friends to build a series of connections that you can reach out to if you ever need it. These connections become second degree, which means you don’t know them through your own experience but you have a common friend and get to know each other through them. These connections can be just as influential.

Ryan Nouis, TruPath

Don’t Be Afraid to Shoot Your Shot

Social networking sites are a fantastic way to meet new people! The key to finding success on them is to never be afraid to shoot your shot. If you come across someone interesting that you would like to connect with, send them a message. The worst-case scenario is that they don’t reply, but the best case is that you hit it off and develop a great connection that can open doors for you down the road. 

Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors

Offer a Consultation to Introduce Yourself

I have seen people offer a service for free such as a 15-minute consultation to introduce themselves. I think this way of connection is helpful for building trust. Others have asked who our clientele is, so they can refer them to us. I think that offering something without expecting anything in return is the key to good networking.

Sara Yusupov, iHeartRadio

Integrate Networking Into Your Business Plan

Make networking a regular part of your business plan, and spend time on this every week.  Seek out colleagues in similar businesses, professional associations, community associations, and other networks for new connections, and ask your connections for suggestions. LinkedIn and other networks are great for this!

Colleen McManus, Senior Consultant

Why is making connections important? 10 experts share insights

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Why is making connections important

You’ve heard it before: it’s all about who you know. But what does that mean?

Networking is a learned skill. To build a network is to form the connections you may need in the future to support your career. This process takes time.

But how do you know where to get started? Is it worth it? We asked ten experts to share their insights about why connections are important and why you should create a network of your own.

“Who You Know” versus “Who Knows You” 

It’s not, “who you know,” it’s, “who knows you.” Making connections leads to conversations and conversations lead to opportunities. Beyond making connections, it’s vital to spend time nurturing connections as they can come in handy in unexpected ways down the road. 

Chris Dunkin, Portable Air 

It Allows Recruiters to Vouch for You

You need to develop connections to the point where recruiters may vouch for you. Recruiters do not usually approach you just because they know you, they vouch for you because they know you are worth vouching for. Similarly, connections are a method to advertise your skills, not a replacement for having skills. Personally, I think that connections are not a metric of skill, they are a metric of experience and trust.

Rameez Ghayas Usmani, PureVPN

It Gives You an Opportunity to Help Others

Connections are the most important way to advance in your career. My connections helped to open doors to three critical, life changing career opportunities. Since then, I have looked for opportunities to help others by volunteering with my alumni association and answering questions for people interested in new opportunities.

Bruce Harpham, Technology Marketing Consultant

They Bridge the Gap Between You and Employment

Connections are the bridge between an employee and a career. When all else fails, your connections will be there to support you and to help you bridge the gap between you and employment. Not every position or promotion is going to be posted on a job board somewhere, but just one email reaching out to a connection could make the difference in getting a job interview you didn’t even know about. 

Kenna Hamm, Texas Adoption Center 

Approach Connections With No Agenda

Life is about connections above and beyond your career.  You never know what role someone may play, how you may be able to make a profound difference for them, or how they may be able to help you.  When we approach new connection opportunities with no agenda other than learning about the person behind the business, we open up communication to a deeper level.  My entire corporate and entrepreneurial careers have been based on my solid connections.

Leeanne Gardner, Unbridle It

Exchanging Insights

Work is an important part of people’s lives; therefore, creating relationships at work is necessary to be successful. Find people that you can share insights with about more than just work, which in turn will give employees the sense of belonging and make them feel part of the team. This will give them motivation to take on more responsibility if they feel like what they are doing will impact people they are close to. 

JJ Hepp, Arrow Lift

The B Mohr Effect

One single connection has helped me launch two businesses. I originally introduced myself to Brian Mohr via a cold email. He answered, and after an initial meeting, he connected me with someone who helped me launch my first business. Years later, Brian again helped me launch another business by becoming my first client while introducing me to my second client. Somewhere, there’s a Brian Mohr out there who can make all the difference to you and your career. 

Brett Farmiloe, Markitors

People Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel

Whether it’s been in relation to my full-time career or my business, the biggest and most worthwhile opportunities have come from first-hand connections. Connections give us an opportunity to help others. And by helping others, we’re advocating for our brands. 

Maya Angela said “people will never forget how you made them feel”. It may take several years before someone remembers something nice that you did for them, but that could manifest into an opportunity that could transform your career or business. Don’t expect anything in return in the future. I have made many connections that have not manifested into anything. Not yet at least.

Husam Machlovi, With Pulp

Co-Made, Not Self-Made

Connections are the key to success. Joseph Campbell shared the concept of “the hero’s journey.” Along my entrepreneurial journey, there have been so many connections that were important to be where I am today. The idea of self-made is a fallacy; co-made is what they really mean. A friend shared with me that concept and shared anyone who has ever “made it” could only have done so with help along the way. “Co-made” with connections along the way has made my career, and will continue.

Mark Jamnik, Enjoy Life Daily

They Are Vital in Sharing Industry Expertise

Making connections in the professional world is essential for a plethora of reasons–one in particular is expertise. There are always going to be people who know more than you, and you should take that as a good thing. Meeting and discussing your specific industry with other experts is only going to benefit you, whether they are helping you through a rough time, giving you career advice or even financially supporting your professional endeavors. Connections are vital to the progress of a professional career.

Megan Chiamos, 365 Cannabis

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

11/10/16 – Power of Personal Connections

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Power of Personal ConnectionsWritten by Chris Layfield

Opening

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors encouraged everyone to stay engaged with Career Connectors:

  • Join the LinkedIn Group Discussion, and check the event recap
  • Consider volunteering – looking for photographers, audio/visual, and bloggers
  • Take the DISC assessment online anytime, and get your business portraits at one of the events, all for free

She also announced a new “Resource” in the Job Seekers section of the Career Connectors website.  “Career Advice” contains short articles from experts with great advice.

Keynote

Eric Walton, President of Building Up Leaders LLC

Your job search effectiveness is a function of your “Job Search Competency” multiplied by your “Connection Effectiveness”.  “Job Search Competency” includes your resume and LinkedIn foundations as well as job search marketing plans and networking activities.  “Connection Effectiveness” is how quickly, deeply, and intentionally you make connections and grow your relationship map.  These factors magnify each other!  If you doubt this, just ask yourself three questions, “What happens to your resume when you have no connection with the firm or hiring manager?”, “How will your resume and application be treated if you have a connection on the inside?”, “How do your odds increase if you have connected with the hiring manager?”  Clearly, if you have a connection, you increase your chances.  Here are some tips to manage your relationship:

  • Reconnect With Old Connections: Make a “Reconnection Week”.  Tab through your list of contacts, and notice who has something new going on.  Drop them a note highlighting the fact that you noticed, and offer something new from your end.  Do it with 10 people that week.
  • Connect With Someone New: Identify people you want to be connected with, and research the heck out of them, looking for what is important to THEM.  You don’t want to come across as fake, so keep an eye out for contextual connection points (e.g. having attended the same school in the same state where the school is located may not be enough).  Start connecting as soon as you can – real connection takes time.  Don’t start with the value you can bring – you don’t get to have that conversation with someone until you have a connection.
  • Keep Track of Your Connections: Make a simple table in Word or Excel that lists your actual or prospective connections,  whether/how you are connected to each one, the last time you connected (if at all) to each one, and what your future plans to connect are (e.g. more research, phone call, email, LinkedIn, drop-by).  If you don’t do this, you will forget.

Hiring Companies

Ring

Heather Mitchell, Senior Recruiter

Ring is a cool new product allowing you to monitor the perimeter of your home from anywhere through your smartphone.  Ring also has 300 associates in the Valley, and they have plans to hire 200 more.  Positions in the area are primarily sales and account management, and the ability to move from entry level quickly is fueled by the huge growth rate and entrepreneurial culture.  The company will centralize all local associates in Glendale (Westgate).  In addition to career development, benefits include medical/dental/vision, a 401k program, and a staff discount on the product itself.  Ring also has a Santa Monica, California location for those looking to relocate.

Check out the <Careers> link at their website.

Matrix Absence Management

Bert Stone, Vice President

Matrix Absence Management is a 3rd party of administrator for companies’ FMLA, LTD, STD, PTO, LOA, and ADA benefits.  Matrix competes with larger insurance carriers by tailoring products for individual customers, and last year was the highest sales year ever.  Matrix is looking to fill claims leadership and claims management positions with individuals who have empathy for people in distress, the ability to get up-to-speed quickly on individual companies’ offerings, and the critical thinking to evaluate medical and vocational information received from multiple sources.  Benefits include medical/dental/vision, a 401k plan with 4% company match, flexible spending accounts, PTO, and 10 paid holidays.  Matrix’s office is at Peoria Avenue and the I-17.

Check out the <Careers> link under the <Company> tab on their website.

Freedom Financial Network

JD Hasna, Director of Talent Acquisition

Freedom Financial Network provides debt relief and debt education services to borrowers.  The company is looking to mature after several years as a high-growth start-up, all the while retaining an entrepreneurial spirit in an accountable and collaborative culture.  Freedom Financial is located in Tempe at Baseline and the I-10; there are about 1200 associates, and they are looking to grow to ~2200.  Entry level and supervisory jobs are available for customer and loan servicing, negotiation specialists, sales, training, HR, and Salesforce engineers.

Check out the <Join Our Team> link on the website.

NESCO Resource

Kelli Perkins, Area Manager

NESCO Resource is a national temporary staffing and staff-to-hire recruiting firm.  Temporary work enables job seekers to increase connections, test out a company’s culture, and keep skills fresh and sharp.  NESCO offers contractors medical, dental, vision, and 401k benefits and sometimes more benefits which are assignment-specific.  Current openings range from professional (hardware design engineer, technical support, and R&D formulation specialist), to administrative (recruiting coordinator, recruiter, regional administrative assistant, call center supervisor), to industrial (maintenance techs).  Go to the website, and attach your resume.

Resources

Canyon State Institute

John Dvorak, Academic Advisor

Canyon State Institute (CSI) offers in-demand, career-based certifications. Certifications are funded through government-backed grants and are available in many areas including:

  • Microsoft Office
  • Comp TIA
  • Cisco Certified Network Administrator
  • Medical Support Specialist
  • PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • SHRM Human Resources
  • Process Improvement (e.g. Scrum Master, Six Sigma)
  • Digital Marketing Specialist

What sets CSI apart? Small classes (maximum 6 for most programs), career advisors on staff, and the ability to audit the next set of classes while studying to pass national exams.

 

 

9/10/15 — Think Like a Hiring Manager and Land the Job

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Written by Susan Lamphiear

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt

For anyone who has ever faced a challenging job search, Roosevelt’s words probably take on new meaning. Something about a sudden or unwanted job search forces most people to call on emotional strength they never knew they had.

It sure helps along the way to know we’re not alone, though, and that others have overcome challenging career roadblocks. I’ve heard so many people through Career Connectors willing to share their career journeys, and it’s beyond encouraging to know there is a light at the end of that proverbial job-search tunnel. Our keynote speaker today gave valuable practical tactics for the job search, but just as important, she included inspirational examples.

Keynote

“Why can’t they just be nice and get back to me?” Many people faced with a job hunt these days have probably at least whispered these words. Jessica Pierce, Founder and Executive Director of Career Connectors, was talking recently with many people who said they needed help in landing interviews.

Jessica used the example of Anthony, who’d confessed to her he’d been putting in many hours on job boards, sending out hundreds of resumes, but he just wasn’t hearing anything back. Jessica suggested he reframe his brain. You can’t just send out resumes all day long. You have to get out of your house, have coffee, she told him. Network with people. Jessica had asked him, “Is what you’re doing working?” It was not, but that was about to change. Anthony told Jessica “I’ll trust you.”

Armed with Jessica’s advice that you can’t stop with the job boards, sending out hundreds of resumes, you must network and use LinkedIn, Anthony started getting out and meeting people. Fast forward a short time later and Anthony received multiple interviews, followed soon by three job offers– beyond what he ever though he could wish for. He found his job through someone who knew someone through LinkedIn.

Jessica asked how many attendees had hired employees and many in the group raised their hands. She said, “You know, then, about the recruiting cycle.”  Most employers don’t have the resources or the time and patience to go through the lengthy process. One exception is the State of Arizona that literally looks at each resume. However, that’s also why, even if you make the resume cut, it may be months rather than weeks before you hear back from someone. It takes time, money, and human resources to tackle hundreds of resumes. One woman Jessica knew had already taken another job by the time she heard back.

To think like a hiring manager, keep in mind competence is only part of the picture. Competence plus Character plus Chemistry equals a Cultural Match. Hiring managers are in a hurry to hire good people who are a match for the company.

Competence

  • Knowledge/Training
  • Experiences/Accomplishments
  • Skills/Expertise

Character

  • Document your traits by completing the DISC assessment
  • Use action words and research the company, highlighting your similar traits–including your values and behaviors.

Chemistry

Begin with a proper handshake. Then before the interview, research the employer, know your resume, and prepare and review interview notes. During the interview, dress to impress. Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Engage with everyone. After the interview, send a thank you note. Email is OK, but a personal note in the mail is better. Then connect on LinkedIn or other social media if you haven’t already. Always remember that people want to work with people they like.

NOTE: A whopping 55% of recruiters have reconsidered a candidate based on their social profile. And 61% of those re-considerations were negative. It’s not surprising, then, if hiring managers and recruiters look for easier and safer options. And, they don’t begin their process with the job boards.

When Jessica was looking to hire her Director of Programs recently, she started asking people she knew, telling them she absolutely had to have someone dependable, but if she posted it, she’d get hundreds of resumes. As she asked around, Sheila Coulam‘s name kept coming up, and that’s who she ultimately hired.

How Hiring Managers Find Employees

  1. Internal Resource (known)
  2. Prior work Relationship (known)
  3. Referred Resource (known-one off)
  4. Through Employee (known—one off)
  5. Want Ads

Where recruiters find the best candidates

  • Social Networks – 73%
  • Referrals – 63%
  • Corporate career site – 60%
  • Direct sourcing – 57%
  • Career site – 51%

Social networks recruiters use

  1. LinkedIn 94%
  2. Facebook 66%
  3. Twitter 52%
  4. Google 21%
  5. RSS (Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication) Feed 20%
  6. You Tube 15%

Employers are starting to put more money into social networks, primarily LinkedIn. “You’ve got to be on LinkedIn,” Jessica says. Google search your name. Whatever you can see, the public probably sees (She’s in the process of looking at her teenage son’s social media profile because he’ll soon be applying for scholarships, and she knows the importance of an appropriate online presence.).

Job boards are still important, but you can’t let that alone be your source for finding a job. You must connect with people through relationships and social media as well. As far as the job boards, the number one is Indeed.com. It’s a crawler, meaning that Indeed.com scours other websites for jobs. Jobing.com is our local job board and a partner with Career Connectors. Career Builder and Simply Hired are two more possibilities.

In the beginning at Intel, Jessica tells us she was making $18 an hour, so she loved those referral bonuses and practically made a second career out of those $1000 referral bonuses. There are solid reasons for those referral bonuses. Statistics show that a person who is referred usually stays longer on the job. People like to work with people they like. “So be likable!” Jessica says.

So it’s ultimately what you do AFTER you apply that really counts.

Once you apply, find someone at that company and connect on LinkedIn or find someone who can introduce you to someone who works at the company you’re targeting. Recruiters are engaging with potential candidates through social media. It’s all about how you stand out compared with the other 200 people who are applying.

Vision without action is just a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. ~Loren Eisley

When Jessica read the above quote, she admitted she’s by nature a non-planner but stressed its importance. At one point she gave everyone a few minutes to share with each other — an intended job action from their list — to do by the end of this week. Then she reminded everyone that there’s an 80 percent chance you’ll follow through with an action if you tell someone about it. It’s a commitment thing.

History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats. ~B.C. Forbes.

Jessica knows what it’s like to suffer job loss.  The quote above, taken from a book by her friend Jerry Jerome*, comforted her during tough times.

She’d started her own staffing company in 2007 after being laid off from Intel, along with 10,000 other people. But then in 2009, she closed the doors to her staffing company due to the economic downturn at the very same time her husband was laid off from his corporate recruiting position. She launched Career Connectors despite her husband thinking she was crazy when she started volunteering to help people with their resumes even before she got another job. With an infant, and children ages two and ten, they finally sold their home and rented a house. But the week of Christmas 2009 they found a notice on the door of their rental– giving them ten days to find a new place to live.

Jessica is here to tell you that there is hope on the other side of extreme job loss. She knows because she’s been there. And back.

*Jerry Jerome donated his book, Instant Inspiration, for everyone in attendance, and books were handed out at the conclusion of Jessica’s presentation. The quotes Jessica used in her presentation she found in Jerry’s book. The quote I selected to open the blog came from his book as well.

Hiring Companies

City of Phoenix Workforce Connections

Kathy Thiessen, Senior Workforce Project Manager

The City of Phoenix Workforce Connections offers job seekers skills development, employment talent marketing and business services. Clients receive these services free, including help with online job bank registration, setting up email accounts, use of computers and equipment, referrals to community resources, public workshops, on-site events and job fairs, and youth services. Through assessment and conversations, the one-stop sites help job seekers identify transferable skills, determine your interests and work values, help with soft skills training, basic computer training and more.

Grants are available under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) with the goal of employment, transitioning back to the workforce as quickly as possible. The WIOA updated the 1998 Act and is the first legislative reform in 15 years, passed by a wide bipartisan majority in the Congress. SOAR is a program including personal and career awareness, soft skills for success in the workplace, and social media networking via LinkedIn. Its purpose is to strengthen Arizona’s economy by developing the workforce and matching employers with job seekers.

WIOA Services

  • Assess your  transferable skills, strengths, and areas needing improvement
  • Match skills/background to occupation/career.
  • Determine if training/certification is needed to increase your marketability.

Three One-Stop Career Centers are located in the Valley.

Among resources available at the One-Stop Centers include practice interviews and analyzing video tapes of yourself in order to be better prepared to market yourself for a job.

To check on exact locations and services available, visit their website.

Taser

Shelby Hagan, Recruiting Coordinator

Taser products in Scottsdale, with locations in Seattle and recently Amsterdam, include smart weapons (Tasers, electrical weapons), body-worn cameras and evidence solutions. The company prides itself on being innovative, including continually asking employees for their ideas. Taser’s culture includes the attitude that what you do matters and the importance of continual learning. Benefits include medical insurance, 401K, unlimited PTO, 12 weeks maternity leave, six weeks paternity leave and more. A variety of jobs are available and the list changes continually. “We have something for everyone,” they say. For more information about the company, or to apply, visit their website.

Aetna

Le Nguyen, Director, Recruiting Operations and Dani Sykes, Senior Recruiter

Aetna, a health care insurance provider, employs 50,000 people. In January of 2015 its CEO announced two important initiatives including increased pay for its minimum base hourly wage for its U.S. employees. The second initiative is the launch of an enhanced medical benefits program in 2016 to lower the out-of-pocket health care expenses for some of its U.S. employees.  The company is considered a leader in flex scheduling, including work schedules or telecommuting from home. Other benefits of Aetna include Paid Time Off (PTO)—three and one-half weeks vacation to start– six percent 401K match, annual bonuses and more. Currently, Aetna is in the process of acquiring Humana. Opportunities for careers include accounting, finance, human resources, customers support, marketing, sales and more. For the most current list of positions or to apply, visit their website.

Verizon Wireless

Darrin Ruof, HR Recruiter

Verizon Wireless is a national wireless provider, a technology leader with fast connections. Lots of phone support is available to its customers. Verizon cares about the community including one of their projects called Hopeline, a program which help victims of domestic violence. Benefits of working at Verizon include the opportunity to advance, health benefits starting on the first day of employment, and tuition assistance, up to $8000 per year. They have openings now including their call center, with jobs starting at an hourly rate, but most employees earn sales commissions starting at $1300 on up. For further information about positions, or to apply, go to their website or reach out through social media.

Education Management Corporation (EDMC)

Kelly Moncada, Talent Acquisition Specialist

Education Management Corporation is one of the largest and most diverse providers of proprietary post-secondary education in the United States. The corporation includes five schools:  The Art Institutes, Argosy University, Brown Mackie College, South University, and Western State College of Law. Their top value and top priority involves providing education that builds careers.  Opportunities for advancement abound and 96% of the admissions management team members are promoted from within. The company expanded from 100 employees to over 3000 in five years. Among other benefits, the company provides employees tuition benefits to any of their schools after only 90 days on the job, as well as paid time off, 401K and 401K Roth participation, life and health insurance, and more. For more information on open positions, or to apply, visit their website.

Closing

Sheila Coulam, Director of Programs at Career Connectors, closed the meeting, thanking Highlands Church for providing the beautiful facility for hosting the monthly events. She reminded everyone of the free DISC assessment available through the website.  Also, concluding the formal part of the event, attendees were all welcome to talk to hiring managers or get help with free professional head shots, resume writing and LinkedIn assistance.

Career Connectors next meets Tuesday, September 22, 2015, 9:00 AM, in Gilbert, featuring keynote speaker Carl Forkner: Social Media: Your Job Search Secret Weapon. Next up will be Wednesday, October 7, 2015, 9:00 AM, in Phoenix. Keynote speaker Ted Robison will speak on the topic of Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out. The next Scottsdale event will be Thursday, October 15, 215, 9:00 AM in Scottsdale, featuring keynote Dave Sherman on the topic of Get the Job Fast – How to Find a Great New Job in Half the Time.

For more information including specific locations and registration, click here.