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Copper Springs

9/24/19 – Expert Tips on How to Navigate the ATS

September 27, 2019 by Julia Churan

Written by Julia Churan

It sounds so easy to apply for positions online. No hassle driving to a prospective employer’s office and trying to find someone that will accept your resume, or sealing a copy in an envelope and running it to the post office only to wait for a call that may or may not come.

The reality is there are so many websites that promote the same jobs and each one wants you to upload your resume with the hope of landing your dream job. Then there is the anxiety of whether your dream company actually receive it and are they considering you. Did some bit of technology between your internet provider and the company’s recruiters go haywire? You wonder if you will get a call and you may never even know if the role was actually filled or if your resume was seen by the hiring manager. The whole process can often feel overwhelming, impersonal and extremely frustrating.

Making Sense of the Online Application Process

Keynote Speaker: Jackie Schierenberg, Dignity Health

Jackie took the stage with over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition. She was there to share her insights from the other side of the job search: the recruiter’s perspective. Her focus has been on finding top talent, understanding HR technology and maximizing social media in the hiring process.

How does a Recruiter find talent?

  1. Candidate submissions
  2. Past applicants whose data is still in the applicant database
  3. Current employees
  4. Referrals – both internal and external
  5. Social Media – Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Facebook
  6. CRM – databases of acquired names through Talent Pools and other sources
  7. Boolean Search
  8. Conferences and Association Lists
  9. Job Boards

Most companies give current employees first consideration. Roles that are more difficult may require more extensive methods of search.

The ATS

The database system that recruiters use to manage the entire hiring process is known as an ATS or Applicant Tracking System. The software will do everything from post new job requisitions on websites, store and help categorize candidate resumes, manage the interview process and track activity on any particular job opening.

Companies rely heavily on these systems to process the hundreds of applications that may come in for a posting in a faster, more efficient manner.

Some ATS systems allow new postings to populate the company’s portal and the most popular job boards in a fully-automated way. Many of the newer systems are using artificial intelligence to aid in the overall process and remove human bias.  Companies are able to maintain compliance and pull reports to analyze metrics about a specific posting, role, candidate and more.

Most job searches today start on Google.com. Candidates can search to see who is hiring, research desired companies, learn minimum requirements and keywords to include in their resume, gather salary information and tips for interview preparation.

Tips to Be Aware of When You Upload a Resume to an ATS

  • Keep things simple! – Many ATS systems will strip formatting or even omit information if they find unknown tags within the document. Font type, bullet points, and some file types can “confuse” older systems. Consider a basic formatted version specifically for uploading online.
  • Be aware of the requested file type – Jackie recommends using a PDF format unless noted specifically.
  • Keywords – Be sure your resume has terms the are specific to the role and used in the company’s description. You can use generic keywords for a specific job, but if you are looking for a nursing role and the description specifies RN, be sure to use RN rather than Registered Nurse.  Some recruiters may include both when they search for candidates, but you have a greater chance of rising to the top of the search by using the exact terms from the company’s posting.

Do Your Homework

There are so many resources today, applicants have no excuse for not preparing when applying and interviewing for roles.

  1. Start with a Google Search – Understand the business, the products and get perspective on the corporate style and culture.
  2. Leverage Your Network – Reach out to friends and social media groups to find people to share insight about the company or role. Try to find people who are connected to individuals within the hiring team.
  3. Company Career Groups – Many large companies will have their own Career Groups where you can interact with the HR team and even inquire on status or resumes.
  4. Glassdoor.com – Research the interview tips, salaries, and benefits.
  5. Indeed.com – Recruiters monitor this chatter and reviews.

Other Tips to Staying Aware in the Search

Apply Directly to the Company’s Website. The job boards may not be as up-to-date with positions and a resume can get lost between the different systems.  Your best bet is to go directly to the source.

Sign Up for Email Alerts – This feature is often in the search function or after you have uploaded your resume on the company website. It can save you time from checking that company’s website every couple of days for new postings that meet your criteria. You may also be one of the first candidates to apply if you are on these lists.

Join Talent Pools – These are often available on the employer career portals. Sourcers are tracking engagement and this is a great way to show interest in the organization. This will allow you to become part of recruiting news or email campaigns.

Recruiters Often Tag Candidate Profiles – Try to make personal connections with the talent team by social media, career fairs, and even cold calls. Recruiters can apply tags to a candidate profile to make candidates easier to find later.

Email and Text Campaigns – Recruiters will send prospective emails to potential candidates from past applicants and talent pools. Keep your resume current in the ATS.

White Text Trick – Put added keywords at the bottom of your resume in white text. They won’t be detected when printing, but when a recruiter runs a search, they may help you get picked up.

Meet the Minimum Qualifications – If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you will not make it to the hiring manager through the talent team.

Be Discoverable – Companies can see the different resumes you have submitted and your history, but the hiring company is likely looking at your most recent one. Make sure your profile is as complete as possible to be found.

Cover letters – Recruiters generally do not read cover letters. Make the resume and cover letter all one document before you upload them to the system.

Get Personal With Recruiters – Leverage LinkedIn to find recruiters and hiring managers.  Search for them on Google and make a call or reach out directly to the talent or hiring team.

Track Your Application on the Career Portal – Many companies today do not notify applicants when the position has been filled, so watch your profile on the company’s portal.

Hiring Companies

Dignity Health

Marcos Day, Recruiter

Dignity Health is one of the Valley’s largest healthcare providers and growing with a recent merger. They will soon be known as CommonSpirit Health and serve 22 states. They often carry up to 8600 open positions at any time.

CommonSpirit offers a strong benefits package including a Zero Premium Option for employees plus a pension plan & 403(b) company match program of up to 6%. They also invest in their staff with a variety of educational and financial services.

Current Career Openings:

  • Patient Facing Roles – Nurses, Rehab Therapists, Radiology, Lab Techs, Patient Transportation
  • Non-Patient Facing – Food Service, Facilities, IT, CyberSecurity, Accounting, Finance, Marketing

Applicants are encouraged to apply on the Careers Website.

Copper Springs

Cooper Springs is a part of Springstone. They have mental health and addiction services in 17 states and are opening their newest facility in East Valley, Copper Springs – East.

There will be many clinical and non-clinical opportunities available for this new location. Check out their Career Website or contact Melissa Barry regarding the new Gilbert location.

Terros Health

Tracy Outlaw, Recruiter

Terros is a non-profit, integrated care provider in the valley. Since 1969, their mission has been to serve the needs of the public with integrity, passion, and empowerment. Today they provide services through 19 locations around the state of AZ in Primary Care, Counseling, Health & Wellness, and Addiction services.

Current Openings:

  • Front Office Staff
  • Behavioral Health Techs
  • Clinicians
  • Recovery Support Specialists
  • Case Managers

Apply online at https://www.terroshealth.org/

AZ DES – Department of Economic Security

Nancy Stanford, Recruiting Manager

DES is the second largest agency of the State of Arizona with more than 7,700 team members.  They assist over 2.9 million Arizonans each year through the following agencies:

  • Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
  • Division of Benefits & Medical Eligibility (DBME)
  • Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)
  • Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
  • Division of Employment & Rehab Services (DERS)

Along with a comprehensive benefits package and time off, DES is one of the few employers to offer Arizona Retirement Systems with vesting after 5 years and a 12% match.

Current Openings:

  • Adult Protective Services Investigators
  • Program Service Evaluators
  • Direct Care Worker
  • Customer Service Reps
  • Case Managers
  • Finance roles
  • HR Roles

Application Process

  • Visit https://azstatejobs.azdoa.gov/ for current postings.
  • Be sure to watch for position closing dates, salary and job grades. Interviewing will not begin until the position close date.
  • Use keywords at the very beginning of your resume.
  • When applying and uploading a new resume, delete the old one first.
  • Recruiter’s information is always posted.
  • No ATS system is used, all resumes are reviewed individually by a recruiter.
  • Follow up with the contact in the job description and always refer to the Job ID#.
  • Keep applying!
  • Remember – Salaries are posted and always negotiable.

Upcoming Events

Diversity Talks – October 3, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This is the 5th Annual Diversity & Inclusion Event in conjunction with BestCompaniesAZ to help Arizona’s top employers meet talented individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, experiences, beliefs and abilities.

The panel will include USAA, State Farm, Freedom Financial Network, GoDaddy, AMEX, USAA, Farmers Insurance and Charles Schwab. There will also be a career fair with top companies.

To register or learn about the participating companies, visit the Event Page.


Finding and Landing a New Career FAST!
– October 10 in Scottsdale


The Networking Brief
– October 22 in Gilbert

See the Events Page for complete details of these and other upcoming events. Register today.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Founder/CEO of Career Connectors, took the stage to thank everyone for taking the next step in finding a new career.

She recognized the many hiring companies, sponsors and partners including Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona and Brighton College.

Anyone interested in IT, funding is now available up to $4000 for tuition assistance of online certifications through Career Connectors Academy and AZ@Work. To learn more about these opportunities, connect with a staff member and visit the website.

Every seeker was encouraged to network with other seekers, build more LinkedIn connections, take a free DISC assessment and have a professional portrait taken by a photography volunteer at the event. Professional resume writers, LinkedIn experts and Career Coaches are also available at the event to perfect your search tools.

Thank you to Central Christian Church for hosting the event and the 90 volunteers that serve Career Connectors around the Valley.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Terros Health, ATS applicant tracking system, Copper Springs, ATS, AZ DES, Dignity Health

11/01/18 – Healthcare Industry Panel

November 5, 2018 by Sheila

Healthcare PanelWritten by Jim McBride

Healthcare jobs are hot in Arizona.

As one of the fastest growing industries, all kinds of opportunities are generated to use your skills (and develop new ones) in a variety of healthcare roles.

Jessica Pierce, Career Connectors Founder and CEO, facilitated two informative panel discussions with healthcare industry career experts, providing insight into what it takes to become a healthcare professional and land one of those hot jobs.

While the healthcare industry is always in need of people for clinical roles, we learned that healthcare organizations – hospitals, clinics, care centers, assisted living, hospice – are actively seeking to fill administrative roles in IT, finance, marketing, food service and facilities management.

PANEL ONE – Healthcare Industry Careers in Arizona

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) – Brittany Smeal, Talent Acquisition Partner
Santé – Travis Garrard, Director of Customer Service & Business Development
Copper Springs – Melissa Barry, Director of Business Development

Q – If someone is interested in your organization, what advice do you have? Including applicants without healthcare experience.

Research the company! Go to the website and then reach out to the panel members and recruiters. Use LinkedIn to understand healthcare worker skills. Ask questions, healthcare companies want you to know everything about them. Your skills are transferable, tie in your resume accomplishments to the job. Make yourself stand out. You’re a rock star. Show us!

Q – Healthcare is in the top five industries in Arizona, why is there so much job growth?

The need for non-clinical roles is enormous. In every healthcare facility there are administrative support roles in finance, accounting, IT, food service, guest services, among others. There’s tremendous competition for candidates and employee retention is a top priority.

Q – Is there an entry point for a career path in healthcare?

We are looking for passionate people from all different backgrounds. If you want to learn, there are definitely opportunities and avenues for skill development in many areas, such as marketing, facilities and patient care.

Show interest! We’ll fight for you and help get you where you want to be internally. It’s common for employees to transition into other roles once trained, established and successful within the organization.

Q – Is volunteering a pathway into a healthcare organization?

Yes, and it looks great on your resume. Volunteers have the unique advantage of getting to know the organization (and hiring managers). It’s a great idea to volunteer while attending school, finishing a degree or if you just want to get your foot in the door.

Q – Are there any assumptions that can be shattered about healthcare roles? For example, the assumption that healthcare workers are overworked and underpaid.

Healthcare workers have a spirit to serve. It’s incredibly fulfilling. In addition, it’s rewarding to guide others on the healthcare path. In today’s world, organizations are taking steps to ensure a healthy work-life balance for their employees.

It’s hard to justify claims of underpay for clinical roles. There are so many pieces of data to consider.

Q – What is your job application process?

Brittany – Apply online. There will two assessments (for clinical roles) and a two-week typical turnaround from phone screen to onsite interview. We move ASAP on non-clinical roles. Own the follow-up piece and call if we don’t meet a target date.

Melissa – Apply online. Fill out the profile. I conduct the phone screen. The hiring manager, HR and the CEO interview all candidates. Typically, a two-week process.

Travis – Apply online. All candidates are reviewed. I believe in all-in / buy-in, so we get input from different areas for every job candidate.

Q – (from an IT job seeker) How do I get noticed? When I apply, I never get a response.

IT can be specialized and (sometimes) located in corporate offices out of state. It helps to have certifications in addition to the IT experience. Try to get out, meet and network with the right IT healthcare people. Seek professional help with tailoring your resume with relevant skills and accomplishments.

PANEL TWO – Breaking into the Healthcare Industry

Dignity Healthcare – Jackie Schierenberg, Director Talent Acquisition
Windsor – Roy Bailey, Director of Talent Acquisition
GCU – Maria Quimba, Professional Studies and Baccalaureate Programs, College of Nursing & Healthcare Professionals

Q – What are some ways to get started in healthcare?

Have a purpose. The patient experience is very important us. Show us your “why” when it comes to you and a healthcare career. Healthcare job titles can be misleading, but skills are transferable. Many roles are in patient satisfaction, which isn’t as recognizable as nursing. Bring your passion for patient care to an administrative role and find your fit from there.

Q – With all this growth in healthcare, what are the needed skill sets?

There is a perception we only hire doctors and nurses. There are many, many ancillary roles. The hospital is a mini city. Everything from IT to marketing to food service to building maintenance and security keeps the city running smoothly in support of the bedside.

Q – What education programs are needed?

Data analytics, an up-and-coming need in healthcare, will be in demand. Quality & Safety, Public Health Administration, IT Infrastructure, Coding and Informatics.

Q – With population growth in Arizona, what is the future of healthcare here?

We are trying very hard to be proactive. Employee retention programs, such as tuition reimbursement, scholarship programs and engagement surveys are in full swing. There will continue to be significant career opportunities as the population ages.

All six organizations have NUMEROUS job openings for clinical and non-clinical roles. Check out those hot jobs online.

RESOURCES

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona

Troy Maskell – Sr. Community Awareness Partner

Our Mission – Through the goodwill of others, we create the pathway to a better future for all by helping those who desire self-sufficiency.

• Community Partnership – target professional job seeker, events, ongoing support
• Awareness – community engagement, career centers, on-site services
• Preparation – career coaching, resume critiquing, mock interviewing
• Connection – employment events, talent sourcing, Goodwill job board
• Career Advisors – mock interviews, resources, employment support

CLOSING

Sheila Coulam closed the meeting with a review of upcoming events. Next up, the 4th Annual Diversity & Inclusion Career Event on November 8th at the NAU North Valley Campus. Thank you to the Career Connectors volunteers and the host facility, Calvary Community Church in Glendale.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: CTCA, Sante, Windsor, Copper Springs, GCU, healthcare, Dignity Health

06/21/18 – Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes a Day

June 27, 2018 by Diane Forner

Written by Lauren Kutsko

Keynote Speaker

Brenda Cunningham
@pushcareers

Author of Crush the Pink Slip, Brenda Cunningham, had us laughing as she clearly laid out why consistency in our job search is paramount and why LinkedIn should be utilized for at least 15 minutes a day.

The 4 reasons to use LinkedIn for 15 minutes a day:

  • It builds your professional network
  • LinkedIn is a job board
  • It is where recruiters are looking
  • We learn from other professionals in our field

We often tweak our job search to death because we fail to be consistent on a definitive strategy and instead we flit from idea to idea never fully showing up.  But by simply being consistent on social media you can build trust, prove you are an expert in your industry with the content you share, and participate in your online community.

Here is the minute by minute breakdown:

First 4 minutes: your home page

  • Scroll through the home page
  • Share what would help demonstrate you are competent
  • Like and comment on industry relevant articles
  • Post your own content

Second 4 minutes: connecting and inviting new connections

  • Always use the custom invitation button to send a personal greeting
  • Determine who would be good to connect with:
  • Other professionals in your field
  • Previous co-workers
  • Friends
      **You never know who your connections know that might help you find your next dream job!

Middle 2 minutes: strengthening existing relationships

Reach out to maintain healthy relationships with others when you don’t need a favor.  Just write a note to say hello and that you were thinking of them.

Last 5 minutes: participating in group discussions

  • Get yourself into groups of other like-minded professionals that can help develop you and connect you to other opportunities in the field
  • Here’s a great one to start with:  Career Connectors LinkedIn Group

Set a timer and be consistent whether that is twice a week, once a week, or every day.  No one loves a job search, but consistency will encourage a strong and exciting finish!

Hiring Companies

Copper Springs
Melissa Barry, Director of Business Development

Copper Springs helps over 17,000 people a year.  Every employee touches the lives of each patient.  We see people on their worst day and are committed to treating each patient like family.  We are growing with leaps and bounds, so please check out our job listings at our website.

Below are some current openings:

        • Business Development Representative
        • Assessment Specialist
        • Registered Nurse

Modis
Michelle Grinberg, Regional Account Director

Modis connects you to many opportunities with its recruiting team of over 450 people across the nation.  Some of the benefits offered are Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, a 401K, and a Learning Center.

Current openings include:

        • Senior EHS Manager
        • Electrical Test Engineer
        • Project Coordinator
        • Administrative Specialist
        • Sr Systems Analyst

Go here to see a complete list of current openings.

Resources

Woz U
John Bernard, Director of Business Development
@TheWozU

WozU prepares people to be set apart from the competition!  People all over the Valley are looking for software development professionals and after a challenging 3 month program, you will be prepared for success and leading your industry.  Check out their website to find out how to get started down a new career path.

Closing

Be sure to check the July schedule for the dates of upcoming events.  A few dates have been moved to accommodate summer programs at our host locations.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Copper Springs, woz-u, brenda cunningham, LinkedIn, Modis

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Testimonials

I would like to share that I landed a contract position for 6 months with possible conversion to a permanent position on the team after those contract periods complete. I work on a team as an Instructional Designer and the team is virtual, which means I am able to work from home 100% of the time! I am very excited for the future of my career! I wanted to share that I sadly won’t be seeing you at Career Connector events for the next 6 months at the very least, and we’ll see how my performance … Read more
Bill T.
I just wanted to reach out to you and say Thank you to you, Career Connectors and the whole Team! So let me explain why, while I’ve known of Career Connectors for many years, I never thought that I would need employment services or guidance before. On September 19th 2019 I found myself being let go from my job. I later the next day saw the Career Connectors event at Central Christian Church Gilbert Campus coming up on Facebook and signed up for it. While attending my first Career Connectors even… Read more
Brian P.
I just want to thank you and compliment you and your organization, all the people involved, for providing this free service to the people in the Phoenix area. Last August found me in the unforeseen, unplanned position of being without a job. This circumstance, anytime but especially being a single mom, is very unsettling, sometimes downright frightening and anxiety inducing. I began attending many of your weekly meetings through November, when a job opened for me. I found solace and guidance at … Read more
Dalene U.
I am profoundly grateful for all of the support Career Connectors has provided during my recent job search – from the exceptional speakers to the participating employers, LinkedIn experts (Ted Robison is amazing with his individualized approach), resume experts, photographers, and of course the great opportunity to network! I felt like I had an army of support with me every single day. I appreciate all the time and effort invested by many and am particularly grateful for Jessica! You have a fi… Read more
Cindy G.
Fantastic! Good variety of roles, Obvious interest in quality candidates, really good solid leads. Great investment of time.
Alicia
Thank you, Jessica. Although I wasn’t able to meet you personally, I was able to see you working with another applicant and was impressed with your efforts and the excellent platform that your team presented. Thank you very much.
Luis R.
It was amazing, you guys did a great job! I found several potential companies!
Irene
A good friend told me of her success using Career Connectors networking.  She landed an interview and later, a job in her field, after attending one networking event.  So, when it was my turn, I had to check it out. I was starting to get the blues about being unemployed but the speaker lifted me out of the dumps and put my life back in perspective. So many people were there to help and offer support!   Just by networking that day, I was given a job lead that has led to two interviews and a… Read more
Mary B.
I own a Leadership Company, and have enjoyed attending the Career Connector events. With gratitude I listen to the speakers you line up… they offer phenominal and practical information. What has struck me each time has been the audience. My heart hurts for them. They are in a desperate place in their lives. I have had the opportunity speak with a few of the people in attendance, and they have shared their stories… I walk away thankful to God for the opportunity to meet these people and they … Read more
Bonnie M.
This was terrific! Very successful. I’m glad I came!
Maggie D.
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