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12/07/16 – Career Transitioners – Get Out of Your Own Way

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Career TransitionWritten by: Pamela Cales-Kuzel & Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

WAYS TO FIND CLARITY IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

Brette Rowley’s article, “9 Easy Ways to Find Clarity in Your Job Search”, highlights ways to get clarity in your search. Some of those ways include:

  • REFLECTION: Make a list of … What do you love doing? What gives you energy? What do people tell you are good at doing? What am I interested in? What are my hobbies?
  • PERSONALITY PROFILING: Understanding yourself and how you best work with others is key to finding a role that is a great fit.
  • ASK YOUR PEERS: Ask their insights on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • STRENGTHS FINDERS: Seek out on-line strength finders to identify your strengths to potential job descriptions.
  • FORWARD-LOOKING RESUME EXERCISE: Cross out those things on your resume that you did not enjoy doing. Highlight activities you enjoyed in previous roles.
  • ASK YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS: Poll them to see what types of jobs they see you in. In addition, they can provide you with a great perspective identifying your strengths and weaknesses outside of work.
  • NETWORKING: As we have heard time again and again, 80% of available jobs are not posted online.
  • TALK WITH A MENTOR OR COACH: An outside resource can assist you in gaining clarity.

Keynote
Clara Chorley, @ClaraChorley

Clara Chorley has vast experience helping professionals around the world gain clarity about what is next in their careers and then establishing strategic steps to obtain their goals. Clara is CEO and founder of Clarity Unlimited, has extensive experience as a career coach and professional speaker and has worked across 5 continents and 44 countries with organizations as diverse as Fortune 500 Ernst and Young, to humanitarian Millennium Village Project. Clara is the author of the best-selling book T.U.R.N.: 4 Steps to Clarity in Your Life and Career.

Clara highlighted with us some of the key elements relevant to our job search.
PATTERNS AND THEMES

TIME FRAMES:

  • Initially we do well with the searching and networking.
  • At 6 months there is a significant change where we become home based and depression sets in.
  • At 12 months there is constructive adaptation and we start volunteering and apply for jobs we don’t necessarily want.

THEMES:

  • THE SLOW BURN: We lose energy and eventually our job search dies. Our
    energy is sucked from us. Eventually, we loose our motivation in conducting our job search. Confidence goes way down and depression escalates.
  • THE CLIFFHANGER: We procrastinate looking for a job and wait until we need a job. As job seekers, we “talk” about finding a job but do little to actually look for a job. Most of us will wait until the last day and our last dollar before we actually do something in finding a job.

Clara encouraged us to take the time to identify what we are, why we are the way we are and develop solutions to change if needed. The best way to do so is to close our eyes and find a time when we were energized, engaging, and passionate about everything falling into place. Doing this exercise will help the job seeker in establishing clarity. To reinforce our newly found clarity, write down an activity that helps you become energized and focused.

3 TRAPS TO AVOID

  1. THE LONE WOLF
    You believe strongly you can do everything on your own and don’t need anyone to help you. The job seeker develops feelings of anger, apathy, and resentment. Reach out to your network! Find those in your network that can help you develop your skills, emotional support and define clear goals of what you want to accomplish in your career. Take a moment to set goals on how your network can help you.
  2. THE MUDDY MIND
    You are unclear about what you want or what you have to offer a potential employer. You lack focus on clear career goals and path. As a result, you have little to no regard for your skill set and experience. The Muddy Mind talks his/herself out of things. The result plays a key factor in not helping you achieve success in your job search.
  3. HORROR STORIES
    We are quick to rule out positive opportunities for ourselves since we have had one bad experience. How we define and tell our story establishes our energy. The key to managing horror stories is to change our mindset and believe we will be successful.Clara’s closing request was to have each member of the group to do something different today and change our behavior.

“A lack of clarity could put the brakes on the journey to success” – Author Unknown

Hiring Companies

Farmers
Jon Dykast, Agency Business Consultant

Farmers was founded in 1928 and is a financially sound and stable company. This industry leader in disaster response maintains a 24 hour claims service . The company is a multi-line carrier and has the ability to offer essentially every line of product to its customers with the exception of health insurance.
Jon shared with us what it takes to be a sales agent with Farmers. The organization looks for those candidates who have been in sales, management, marketing and relationship building. Farmers insurance values consultative sales, which means you are a consultant and sales advisor to your clients. Insurance is about protecting personal assets. Some of the advantages of working for Farmers are base pay, flexible schedule, unlimited earning potential, full commissions, residual income and being your own boss. Entry points to Farmers Insurance are Traditional Agent Program, Retail Agency, Acquisition and Seed Agencies, and Protégé Program.

Arizona Department of Transportation
Brennan Atwood, HR Specialist

AZDOT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, cost effective transportation system. Brennan noted that many positions were part of a hiring freeze that now has been lifted. The culture is in a constant state of change, improving processes and efficiency each day. The state is looking for individuals experienced in lean and is interested in those candidates that have Six Sigma or other lean training. The agency conducts behavioral based interviews for all positions. The state provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package. Go to AZ state website to view latest job openings and to apply.

Freedom Financial Network
JD Hasna, Director of Talent Acquisition

Freedom was launched in 2002 by Stanford classmates, Bradford Stroh and Andrew Houser. Freedom’s mission is to provide financial solutions, services and education enabling consumers to resolve their debt and achieve financial freedom. The organization has 980 employees with locations in San Mateo, California and Phoenix, Arizona. San Mateo is host to the company headquarters. Freedom has received numerous accolades including Phoenix Business Journal’s #13 Best Places to Work.
Currently there are 100 openings at the Phoenix location, which is expanding very quickly to reach 1,200 employees. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K, Life, LT disability, vacation, paid holidays and volunteer activities, employee discounts, and recognition. Top career opportunities include Sales, Customer Service Director of Workforce Operations, Negotiations, Loan Servicing Representative, QA Engineer, and PHP/Java Developer. If interested, apply here.

Revana
Mario Parra, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization and recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing solutions for industry leading clients, generating over $5B in annual client revenue. Revana has over 1,500 employees in their Tempe and Phoenix locations. The organization provides revenue-generating solutions such as professional inside sales, account management, integrated marketing and electronic direct marketing. Revana has won numerous awards and has been recognized by other leading industry professionals for its outstanding sales performance. The organization provides a number of benefits after 30 days of employment such as paid training, competitive base salary with commissions, career advancement, flexible work schedules and medical and dental benefits. A sampling of current opportunities includes Inbound Sales Associate, Inbound Web Chat Representatives, Inside Sales Representatives, Inside Sales Account Managers, and Sales Managers. Apply here to complete an online application and assessment.

Resources

Arizona@Work, City of Phoenix
Rob Stenson, Supervisor, Business Services Center

Rob highlighted 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 Job 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. 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. Rob reminded us of the value of registering with the AZ Job Connection or Maricopa Career Planning System. Phoenix Public Library has a number of E-Resources available. With your Phoenix Public Library Card you can attend nearly 500 online classes, adult learning center, video resume, learning languages and career guidance center.

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants
Rodger Brubacher, 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 Arizona@Work; and approved for Grant Programs. For more information, please visit the website.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking North Phoenix Baptist Church and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Gilbert on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 and features Dave Sherman as speaker for the topic “How to Find a Great New Job in Half the Time”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the website.

11/8/16 – Creating Your Possibilities

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 Creating Your PossibilitiesWritten by Nick Nebelsky

Creating Your Possibilities

I am the Genie of the Universe, Your wish is my Command

I must say this was an interesting speaker. Who else do you know that gets a modeling gig at her own book-signing. Joi-Ashli, is a Health Practitioner/Inspired Writer/Alignment Facilitator. She began her presentation by inviting the audience to stand up and loosen their limbs and follow her in a self-proclamation ritual that she says at least three times a day.

“I love me. I am pure, positive energy, and all possibility.” After a mixed response, she repeated louder to the audience to repeat after her:
I LOVE ME! I AM PURE POSITIVE ENERGY, AND ALL POSSIBILITY!

Joi encouraged the audience to believe in themselves before they can believe in anything. She handed out a two-page flyer that had the following questions and suggested to the audience that they fill it out.

  • Creating Possibilities during transition.
  • What does transition mean to you? Some audience members said “Change”
  • What does change mean to you? Some audience members suggested, “Opportunity”
  • What are some different transitions that we go through in life?
  • What’s the opportunity in the transition of work?  Some said, “Learning.”
  • There is some opportunity in growth.
  • Asked the group how we lost our jobs? Downsized, outsourced? Laid off?
  • What’s the big picture?

Joi said to break down all large problems into little steps to manage them better. This will allow you to make them look conceivable and acceptable. She continued to ask the entire audience the following questions and provided ways to make it happen.

  • What do you dream of Doing or Being?
  • What do you dream of Having in your life?
  • Where do you dream of Going?
  • For each of the above ask yourself:
    • Why do I want this?
    • What it do for me? Will it truly improve my quality of life? How?
    • What might it cost me, financially, time, education, dignity/integrity, identity?
    • What might stand as an obstacle and how will I overcome?
    • Will achieving this dream change who I am? How or Why?

What do you love to do that you can expand upon (with/without additional formal, informal education) and make a positive difference in your life, community , the world, and/or make a living through?

  • What steps must you take to achieve this goal?
  • What educational / vocational / experience / service steps must you take?
  • How much will it cost?
  • How will you acquire the financial backing your your goal?
  • It is not advantageous to want or ask for new things unless you are grateful of all you have and all you are able to do.
  • What are you grateful for?

The “assignment” was to take home the questions and answer them at the audience’s leisure. But to do it!

She believes that if you can visualize what you want, she believes it can really happen.

She described how she got “discovered” while at a book-signing and met water color artist, Gabriel Krekk to be the first model in a 25 portrait painting series. No longer an average American girl, she became an “American Cowgirl.”

One audience member asked, “How do you get into that zone?” She said that if you put it out there it will happen eventually. She said it helps when you meditate and clear your mind and relax. Imagine it until that time when you finally put it out there and the universe answers you. Picture yourself in that situation, Don’t put your attention on what is happening right now, make your vision your reality. Focus on what you want, where you’ll be. If you need help with finding your job, tell people what you want.

One audience member summed it up…you are what your environment is. All goals start with little steps. Starts with your environment.

Hiring Companies

Hacienda Healthcare

Kent Norris, HR Recruiter

Kent said that the majority of people still don’t know about Hacienda even though they have been around the Valley for 50 years. Kent said he was in the same boat that all of us have been in. Hacienda cares for chronically ill infants, teens, and adults. Their facility is the only one in Arizona.

They are hiring for health care positions: CNAs, RNS, and more. Right now they have 40 job postings. They’re looking for dietary aides, housekeeping, janitors, maintenance workers. Go to their web site, and view jobs. When you submit, it goes to the Hiring Manager and they will review your application. They are in constant hire mode.

Cenlar

Blanca Sandoval, HR Site Manager

Blanca said she has been in our shoes as well. The success of clients at Cenlar is a key driver of their success.  Success factors are Customer Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Initiative, Work-Life Business.

Cenlar was formed in 1958 and created by two companies. They service mortgages for clients and also manage their own portfolio as well. Their headquarters is in New Jersey and their new location is in Tempe with 500 employees. They are actively working to build relationships with local charities.

  • ESOP
  • 401K
  • Employee Stock Plan
  • Vacation
  • 10 holidays per year
  • Flexible Spending
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • with an additional 10 benefits.

Open positions: 

Functional Trainers
HR Generalist
Customer Care Associates
Loan Servicing Default Agents (Collections)
Customer Care Supervisors

Revana

Mary Ann Lopez, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization with about 1800 employees and growing.

Clients come to them as a third party vendor and Revana helps them with account management, customer acquisition, and retention. They work with Google, IBM, Oracle, AT&T, FED EX, and many others.

Benefits:

  • Paid Training
  • 2 weeks paid vacation
  • 401K
  • Career Advancement
  • Medical and Dental
  • Competitive Base + Commission
  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Convenient locations

Currently Looking For: Inbound Sales, Outbound Sales and Sales Managers.  They are especially looking for people with Google Adwords experience.  More information is here: Revanajobs.com.

Dynamic World Wide Training Consultants

Rodger Brubacher

Rodger thanked everyone for coming. Rodger talked about his role at Dynamic World Wide Training Consultants and the training that his company provides such as Juniper training, Cyber hacking (ethical), Digital Media, and Cisco and many others. They provide multiple platform instruction, offer onsite training, and small classroom sizes. They also offer a virtual classroom setup. Dynamic provides post-graduate assistance and Optimal resume assistance for life. Over 95% of their students pass their certification on their first time through. DWTC is licensed by the State Board for Private Post-secondary Education, Certified through Workforce Connection, Approved for Grant Programs. (WIOA), (TAA), and GI Bill.

10/13/2016 – The Key to Improving Your Job Search

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Written by Chris Layfield

Opening

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

  • 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

She also announced a new sponsor for Career Connectors:  Coder Camps is a 12-week coding skills program to transition people into an industry that currently has a 2% unemployment rate.  95% of incoming learners finish the program, and 75% are employed within 90 days.  Coder Camps offers financing, and their “coder for life” program enables graduates to come back to take any other courses for free.

Keynote

Greg Harnyak, job search expert, author, and leader

Your Marketing Plan is the MOST important tool in implementing and conducting a successful job search.  Job search is a competitive activity based on fundamental marketing/sales principles.  In addition to giving you a competitive edge, a Marketing Plan brings order out of chaos, provides structure and direction, affects your attitude and feelings in a positive manner, and decreases time of search.  Most of the world is not doing this, so you’ll stand out.

How do you create an effective Marketing Plan?  Here are some high-level guidelines:

  1. Create your personal Job Search Balance Sheet
    • Identify the assets you bring to the table: Use your resume, past performance reviews, and feedback from colleagues to generate a list of your skills and experience
    • Make a parallel list of your liabilities: Your liabilities can include salary expectations, age, geographic area limitations, gaps in education or credentials, extended unemployment or job hopping, single company experience, and any personal traits/characteristics/attitudes that may raise concerns (e.g. low energy level, introversion, passive attitude, etc.).  Once you have a complete and honest list, you can determine if you can/want to mitigate any of them.
  2. Develop Positioning Statements and Target Markets/Companies: Positioning Statements articulate specific job function(s) and industry(ies) you want to position yourself for.  Positioning Statements are what makes sense based on your Assets and Liabilities.  Clarify whether your search is national, regional, or local and limited by commuting time; your target markets and companies exist within those boundaries, and there are usually fewer than you think there are.  Source specific companies from online, from the Book of Lists, the library, etc. to give you grounding and focus for networking
  3. Generate interviews by advertising your search: Create your 2-minute summary, develop short Situation-Action-Result statements for key points on your resume, get active in industry groups, send out letters seeking information and network!

Hiring Companies

Abrazo Health

Christine Beck standing in for Michelle Eliseo, Lead Recruitment Specialist

Abrazo Health is a network of Arizona community hospitals that are part of the national Tenet Healthcare network.  Abrazo Health is defined by their values, and spends 53% of net revenue on a competitive benefits package.  PTO is banked, and you can use it however you want – take a holiday off or work the holiday to take time off later.  Highlighted positions include Directors of Nursing and Quality & Risk management, Nursing Managers, and Managers of Medical Staff Services and Clinical Documentation.  Abrazo has every position available on its website – create a profile at Abrazohealth.com/careers.

Nextiva

Kathleen Klein, Corporate Recruiter

Nextiva is a leading cloud communications provider, serving over 100,000 small/medium businesses, mid-market/enterprise companies, government, and educational institutions.  They are headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ.  Nextiva’s motto is “Amazing Service” to anyone that interacts with the company, from customers to candidates.  They are one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s best places to work.  On top of a casual and upbeat place to work, the benefits package is extensive.

Check out Nextiva – they are hiring for a number of positions in Sales, Operations, and Development/Product Management.

Revana

Mary Ann Lopez, Recruiter

Revana provides outsourced sales and marketing solutions for business-to-business and business-to-consumer clients.  There are over 1,500 employees in the Tempe and Phoenix locations that handle inbound and outbound solutions to increase revenue for clients.  Benefits are competitive; after 6 months on the job, Revana allows employees to rotate to build exposure to different roles and business lines.  Revana is looking for staff to support Facebook in the next several weeks.

You can apply at www.Revanajobs.com, or complete all steps on-site Mon-Fri between 9am and 3pm at 16404 North Black Canyon Highway, Suite 100, in Phoenix.

Charles Schwab

Curtis Crawford, Talent Attraction Specialist

Schwab serves the investment and asset management needs of individuals, advisors, and employers.  Schwab has centers near the Biltmore and in Chandler.  Schwab’s culture is strengths-based, meritocratic, and volunteer-oriented; Schwab encourages work/life balance and financial fitness with on-site advisors.  The average tenure of Schwab associates is 8 years.

Check on-line for open client-facing and support positions.  You can create a profile, upload your resume, and complete an application at tiny.cc/CareerConnectors.  Hot jobs in Phoenix right now include the Broker Training Program, Relationship Specialist, and Estate Services Professionals (for processing deceased investor estates).

Resources

AZ@Work, City of Phoenix

Waleed Alani, Employment Specialist

There are over 53,000 job openings in October, up about 3000 from September.  Check out the variety of Phoenix’s job search resources at www.arizonaatwork.com/phoenix.

  • There are events focusing on move interview training, understanding LinkedIn, and how to create winning resumes.
  • You can create a profile and post your resume on the statewide job database
  • Access state-funded skills development packages, including WIOA grants for training

In addition to the DISC assessment, go to www.maricopa.kuder.com to take a kuder assessment to isolate your career interests and to build confidence in your skills

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants

Rodger Brubacher, Director of Continuing Education

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants is a professional certification training school in Tempe with programs that can be funded through WIOA, TAA, and GI Bill grants.  Programs include:

  • Project Management and Six Sigma
  • Medical Administration and Coding
  • Digital Marketing and Social Media
  • IT/Networking/Cybersecurity

Class sizes are small (typically 6:1), 97% of students pass on the first try, and the school provides an interview coach.  Look them up at www.DWWTC.com.

5/24/16 – Think Like a Hiring Manager and Land the Job

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Written by Julia Churan

Sometimes landing the perfect job means thinking outside the job seeker box and getting into the mindset of the hiring team. Career Connector’s own Executive Director Jessica Pierce turned the hospitality role over to Director of Programs, Sheila Coulam, while Jessica took the stage as the keynote speaker this week to share her 15+ years of recruitment expertise.

Keynote

Jessica Pierce, @JessicaPierceAZ

Jessica in her ever-energetic manner warmed up the crowd by sharing her family’s story that led to the launch of “the” premiere career transition non-profit in the Greater Phoenix area.  She went from 10 years as an HR professional for one of the area’s largest tech employers to starting her own staffing firm to being unemployed during the worst economic period of the last 40 years.  She took a totally different approach, however, and decided to put her talents to work coaching others to improve their marketability.  Today the efforts of Jessica, her team and a large group of supporters have helped over 20,000 people get their careers back on track.

Understanding the hiring process from the corporate perspective will help you alter your game and have less frustration while looking.  Blindly submitting resumes and applying online is not necessarily your best option in the process.  Sixty percent of new hires are made through referrals.  Hiring managers begin with their inner circle.  They ask… “Who do I know for this role?” “Who does my circle of trust know?” “Who might our internal resources know?”

Sixty percent of job placements are made through referrals. The job you want today may never be posted!

The 3 most common connection points to a job are:

  1. Social Media
  2. Relationships
  3. Job Boards

Today social media is the biggest asset in matching talents and needs.  Never dismiss the power of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  They can help you land or lose a job if you aren’t careful with your images.

Fifty-five percent of recruiters have reconsidered a candidate based on their social profiles while 61% have also reconsidered negatively after looking on social media. Avoid politics right now. You just never know how it may be received.

Also, swallowing your pride during the process can keep you from closing future doors.  Two big mistakes to avoid are:

  • don’t ever criticize a company on social media
  • don’t be rude if you don’t hear back right away

Chemistry + Character + Competence = Culture Match

Hiring managers consider all three qualities when finding their perfect match.

Competence
Do you have the right training, experiences and expertise? If not, get training.  Consider the areas you should brush up on. If you are lacking in an area, start researching or go to the library.  If a new skill might round out your abilities, consider getting a professional certification. Utilize grants and GI funds whenever possible.

Volunteering or consulting may also help you gain a more current skill set. It may allow you to add new expertise to your resume.  If social media would look appealing to hiring managers in your field, start a blog about something you are passionate about.  If you struggle with nerves when public speaking, join a Toastmasters group.

Apply for just the jobs that you will be competent in — not every job you see!

Character

These are the features and traits that form your individual nature.  Understanding your strengths and weakness will help you establish a personal brand and play up your strengths.

Look at the traits that are important in the job and the company you are looking for.  Be sure your skills, traits and values align before you waste effort applying.

  • Document your personal traits.
  • Ask your friends and family what they feel are your best character strengths.
  • Take the DISC assessment through Career Connectors or other tools that may be available to you.
  • Make note of action words in the assessment results and be sure to include them in your resume.
  • Research the company’s culture before the interview or ideally before you apply
  • Highlight the traits you have that match with theirs in your correspondence and conversations.
  • Don’t say yes to an offer until you know the culture matches yours.

Chemistry

People want to work with people they like!

When you finally land that interview, you have to hit a home run in the first minutes of the interview.

Be real, but do your research.

  • Prepare to utilize what you learn about the organization and people you are meeting.
  • Connect with your interviewers through LinkedIn before the interview.
  • Be present in the moment and leave distractions AND you phone in the car.
  • Know your resume and prepare based on what their role is seeking.
  • Dress to impress.
  • Make a good introduction.
  • Have a good handshake – match their pressure, web-to-web, pump twice. Don’t hold on — it is creepy.
  • Followup with a professional thank you note.

You have a choice! You need to like them, too!

With the current market, over a hundred applicants apply for any job within days of posting, you must stand out in the crowd. You have to get out of your comfort zone and start connecting.

Hiring Companies

Local Motors
Gwendolyan Dasher, HR Manager @localmotors
They offer a global team of enthusiasts, hobbyist innovators and professionals working together to solve problems and create some of the coolest machines. Gwendolyan described Local Motors as an intimate family company that fosters team-work and personal input. They employ 150-200 team members and are growing internationally with a new facility in Germany. They proudly promote a casual, pet-friendly working environment with a great benefits package and employee discounts. Positions are available in clerical, engineering, and IT.

Cenlar FSB
Blanca Sandoval, HR Site Manager
Cenlar is a trusted mortgage and loan servicing provider headquartered in New Jersey with a growing office in Tempe.  They plan to expand to 500 employees in Arizona by September.

They pride their success on five key factors:

  1. Customer Service
  2. Teamwork
  3. Integrity
  4. Initiative
  5. Work-Life Balance

They offer a competitive benefits package including employee stock purchase and low turnover. Current opportunities include: HR, Customer Care, Loan Servicing, Foreclosure and Loss Mitigation.

NESCO Resource
Kelli Perkins, Area Manager, @NescoResource
NESCO is a contract staffing firm founded in Cleveland, Ohio with five offices throughout Arizona.  Kelli reinforced Jessica’s words of advice about companies and cultural fit.

NESCO began as an Engineering staffing firm but have expanded into IT, Administrative, Manufacturing and Finance with an award-winning reputation.  They currently have hot jobs locally in purchasing, mortgage processing, IT and call center.

They encourage applicants to look at all positions on their site and apply online or drop by to set up an appointment.

Education Management Corporation
Mark Pierce, Talent Acquisition Manager
EDMC is made up of five institutions for higher learning including Argosy University, The Art Institutes and South Univerisity locally.  They are a for-profit, post-secondary program with 1400 employees and 3000 faculty who provide programs in both brick & mortar facilities and online.  EDMC offers a complete benefits package as well as outstanding tuition benefits. Positions are available in the Gilbert and Chandler facilities in Admissions, Academic and Financial Counseling.  Apply at www.edmc.edu/careers/.  He closed out his presentation with a group selfie.

Resources

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants
Rodger Brubacher, @DWWTC_AZ
DWWTC offers professional certifications and desktop application training in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility in Tempe.  Their certification programs include PMP, Six Sigma, Medical Billing & Coding, Digital Marketing with Social Media as well as many IT and Cybersecurity programs.

Rodger reinforced financial aid programs through the AZ@Work WIOA grants and GI programs.
He also offered a free MS Office course by contacting Rodger and referring to Career Connectors and the offer.

Closing

Sheila closed the event by promoting the Top Talent – DISC Assessment to assist in establishing your personal brand. Professional photographers are available at each event to offer a free business portrait. LinkedIn and resume experts will meet with members to help improve professional profiles. The Phoenix Business Journal – offers a free copy of the annual Book of Lists to all Career Connectors members.  Finally, she offered a huge thank you to the volunteers who help make these events possible and the Central Christian Church family for opening their doors monthly for these events. Anyone interested in expanding their volunteer efforts may visit the Volunteer Center.

Future events

Join us at the next Career Connectors event in North Phoenix with Stephanie Clergé presenting on Start Strong, Finish Stronger: Your Best Self in Your Next Chapter.  Wednesday, Jun 01, 2016, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

3/2/16 – Crush the Pink Slip: Get Back to Work in 60 Days

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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:

  1. Crystal clear goals.
  2. An effective game plan.
  3. 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

Arizona@Work, City of Phoenix

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.

State of Arizona

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.

Manpower

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.

Charles Schwab

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.