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Gloria Petersen

3/21/19 – How to Engage in Successful Interactions When Things Get Sticky

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Gloria Petersen

Written by Cathy Cepielik

Keynote

Gloria Petersen
Ever wish you could wave a magic wand and everyone would be respectful, civil, and accommodating? Gloria Petersen provided the tools just for that type of magic! Her dynamic presentations have inspired audiences for over three decades to handle professional and social situations with class and finesse. Gloria is a renowned Certified Protocol Professional and author of The Art of Professional Connections, a four-guidebook series with companion Subject Matter Expert (SME) training modules. The entire series covers strategies for greetings and interactions, in person and online networking, meeting over meals, and event planning.
Gloria has also published articles and served as a contributing columnist for magazines, trade publications, and corporate newsletters. When it comes to Media, Gloria has hosted the FOX television 13-week series Image of Success; appeared on CNBC, FOX News, ABC News, CBS News, and NBC News; and even served as an etiquette judge which was televised on The Today Show. Chances are, we each may have caught a glimpse of her magical knowledge over the years without realizing the full spectrum of what this could do for our overall personal and professional interactions! Her clients range from Fortune 100 companies to emerging entrepreneurs. You can learn more about Gloria’s expertise at her website.
Gloria taught our audience it is more important than ever to handle sticky situations with diplomacy, dignity, finesse, tact, and civility. Why? Because …. everyone’s basic need is to be respected, appreciated, and liked. Nor does anyone like to be embarrassed or to feel awkward. How is this done? For starters … take the first step in handling any situation or individual by employing the appropriate interaction tool with a positive and helpful attitude. Remember: You are the only person in control of YOU! Aim to set the better example, always!
Your interaction tools are key! These tools contain powerful “win-win” strategies that serve as the foundation of effective communication. Use the right tool because sticky situations vary and much will depend on the environment and personalities involved. Expect resistance as some people are natural resisters, but you are the one in CONTROL! It’s how a situation is handled, not the incident itself, that is key to a successful result! The Interaction Tools are summarized below. Note they are an Art, every single one of them! The Interaction Tools are:
Diplomacy – the Art of managing situations and people
Civility – the Art of being polite and courteous
Tact – the Art of knowing what to say without giving offense
Dignity – the Art honoring self-respect
Finesse – the Art of handling an awkward question

HIRING COMPANIES

Vanguard: Renee Brown, Sr. Recruiter
Renee has been with Vanguard almost 20 years and loves the company and culture. Renee is originally from Seattle, WA, but doesn’t miss the cloudy weather at all and has been in AZ for decades, so she considers herself a native! Renee helps Vanguard fill opportunities in their individual and institutional investor divisions in the Scottsdale office.
Vanguard started in 1975 by founder John Bogle, who recently passed in January 2019 at age 89. What began as a company with 11 funds has now grown to an even larger size company with over 400 funds – talk about impressive! Vanguard’s mission is to give their all and take a stand for all investors, ensuring Vanguard is helping investors get their dreams ultimately. The Scottsdale office debuted in 1994 and today consists of over 3300 employees with lucrative benefits, such as a 37-hour work week, work life integration, community involvement via volunteering, a volunteer day off annually, matching 401k at 4%, healthcare coverage, anywhere from 18-23 paid days off yearly, tuition reimbursement, student loan payoffs, and more!
There are various opportunities at Vanguard. If you are new to the industry or experienced, there are plenty of opportunities and continued growth. Check the opportunities out at HERE!

USAA Jeff Shewan, HR Associate
Jeff has been with the USAA team since 2008, starting as a Senior Fitness Specialist with the Wellness Team and joining the campus HR team November 2017. Jeff grew up in Lewiston, NY, just outside Niagara Falls, earned his bachelor’s and master’s in Buffalo NY and then ventured to AZ. He is now the lead of the Phoenix campus diversity and inclusion team, helps support on-campus and external branding, and is a part of development events in the Phoenix area.
USAA’s history dates back almost 100 years to 1922. Every decision and action begins and ends with their mission statement, which revolves around facilitating the security of its members, associates, and their families through a full range of competitive financial products and services. Products and services include, but are not limited to: banking, investments, property and life insurance, and financial advice. The Phoenix campus debuted in 2000 and has a Starbucks on campus, which Jeff indicated is highly popular and very necessary! There are relaxation rooms for employees to enjoy during downtime to recharge, energize areas, and more. Perks and benefits include 8% match on 401k, a 24/7 fitness center, potential for performance based bonuses, wellness programs, education assistance, two volunteer days annually, and maternity/paternity paid leave, to name just a few.
USAA has over 12 million members, 33,000 employees nationwide, and 4800 at their Phoenix campus, which continues to grow. Current openings include customer service, insurance, banking, and IT software developing. Check out opportunities HERE!

CLOSING

Jessica provided additional resources and closing comments. Resources such as the DISC assessment, Event Recap blogs, and Professional Portraits are available on Career Connectors post event to follow along and encompass more. Big shout out and thanks to Highlands Church for lending their beautiful facility for our event and volunteers for helping with setup, photographs, financial counseling, LinkedIn coaching, and more!

1/3/18 – How to Deal with Challenging Situations and People

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Gloria Peterson How to Deal with Challenging PeopleKeynote

How to Deal with Challenging Situations and People with Diplomacy and Civility

Gloria Petersen

Have you ever wished you could wave a magic wand and everyone would be respectful, civil, and accommodating? Well our gracious keynote speaker, Gloria Petersen, declared the audience would receive their wand during her presentation! It’s more important than ever to deal with people, situations, and one’s own behavior with diplomacy, dignity, finesse, tact, and civility. An essential requirement to accomplish this is to remain calm and not react to stressors. If you are able to get beyond your fears, bypass resentment and resist anger, you may stay in control.

When you are in control, you can meet everyone’s basic need to be respected, validated and liked regardless of their behavior. The first step is to select the appropriate interaction tool: diplomacy, finesse, tact, civility or dignity. Gloria provided some great examples of situations that may arise, and facilitated small group discussions around each of them. The audience presented some great ideas for handling each scenario, then Gloria added her input. She also provided these relevant quotes:

“Diplomacy is the art of letting somebody else have your way.”

~David Frost

“It’s best if you can do things with a sense of humor and finesse.”

~Eartha Kitt

“Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.”

~Isaac Newton

“Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.”

~Herbert Hoover

“Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business.”

~P.T.Barnum

Hiring Companies

Supreme Lending

Darin Dow, Business Development Manager

Unfortunately, Darin was detained at home with an illness. We wish him a quick recovery! Supreme Lending is looking for individuals interested in the following positions: Branch Manager, Producing Branch Manager, Licensed Loan Officer, Loan Officer Assistant, and Processor. Darin can be reached at darin.dow@supremelending.com or (480)677-9809.

Maricopa Integrated Health System

Brian Westerberg, Recruitment Manager

Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS) has a long history in Arizona, starting with a needs based facility in 1877. It has grown into the largest teaching hospital in the valley, with 69% of Residents staying to practice in Maricopa County. There are several facilities now including a 650+ bed acute care facility, 13 family health centers, 2 behavioral health facilities, an Adult & Pediatric Level I Trauma Center, and the Arizona Burn Center.

Benefits at MIHS include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Legal Plan, Telemedicine, Retirement Plan Options and more. Current openings, updated online here, include Application Systems Analyst, Behavioral Health Technician, Clinical Nurses, Cost Accountant, IT Security Engineer, Spanish Interpreter, Payroll Specialist, Medical Assistant and Coding Supervisor.

Staff Logic

Deanne Desautels, President

Unprecedented for our events, Deanne also had to cancel her appearance at this event. We wish her well! Staff Logic and Accounting & Finance Professionals are two staffing firms that offer opportunities in a variety of industries, including Accounting/Banking/Bookkeeping/Credit (AF Professionals) and IT/Engineering/Customer Service/Software Sales/Medical/Marketing/Admin/HR (Staff Logic). Contact recruiter@afprofessionals.com or (602)306-4473 for your free staffing evaluation.

State Farm

Molly Romine & Alana O’Neal, Talent Brand Ambassadors

State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.  They have expanded so that Arizona accounts for 10% of their total employees, around 6,700 currently. Benefits include great pay, Time Off, Financial Planning & Retirement, Training & Development and more. Open positions include Legal, Compliance and Risk Management, Underwriting and Actuarial, Marketing, Claim Associates, Java Developer, Part Time Customer Service, Public Affairs Specialist and Technology Director. State Farm is offering 90 minute information sessions onsite for people interested in learning more about their company, culture and opportunities. Contact Molly for an invitation.

Resources

Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona

Carter Ellis, Employer & Community Relations

Goodwill is proud to have helped a total of over 45,000 people find employment last year! They have career centers throughout the valley ready to support people looking for a new career. For more information, visit their website.

 

 

6/7/17 – Is Your Image a Deal Breaker or a Door Opener?

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Is Your Image A Door Opener or Deal BreakerWritten by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

Most job seekers know and understand the value of a positive image. However, many of us struggle in defining what “image” means. Laura Morgan Roberts, a professor at Harvard Business School, defines professional image as the “set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of your competence and character as judged by your key constituents.” Image is not restricted to dress but embraces many other factors including:
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The importance of image starts when you walk through the door for an interview.
ADVANCEMENT: Career advisors encourage job seekers to dress for the desired job. As a reminder, your attention to your image needs to be addressed when interacting with supervisors and its overall style represent your personality and goals.
CLIENT MANAGEMENT: Clients, like everyone else, form an opinion of your capabilities based on your image.
IMPROVING YOUR IMAGE: Working on your image is a continuous opportunity since it opens the door to building your character and opportunities.

Keynote Speaker

Is Your Image a Deal Breaker or a Door Opener?

Gloria Petersen, @GlobalProtocol

Gloria shared with us her expertise in how we could make our image a door opener!

YOUR IMAGE IS YOUR TRADEMARK!
• What you wear, why you wear it, and how you wear it says a great deal about you.
• Clothing expresses your individuality, values, and inspirations.
• Remember your image goes everywhere you go.
• How you communicate, handle a conversation and interact are essential components of your image.
• Research companies you are interviewing with to determine the dress code/standards.
• Dress one level up for your interview.

IDENTIFY YOUR INDUSTRY
• Creative industries include retail/fashion, public relations, technology,
cosmetology and entertainment.
• Moderate industries are consulting, training manufacturing, education and sales.
• Conservative industries are represented by banking, medical, law, government and management
• Job seekers need to dress to meet expectations.
• Viewing the company’s Board of Directors or stock images will provide details on an organization’s dress.

LOOK, ACT, AND SPEAK LIKE THE BETTER PRODUCT
• Doing so will inspire trust with your appearance, posture, and eye contact.
• Eye contact is a powerful part of your image!

TODAY’S WORKFORCE
• The one time professional dress of the workforce has evolved greatly. Most organizations promote casual dress.
• In attending interviews, it is easy to make your formal presentation more casual by asking permission to remove a suit coat.
• Make sure your image matches what you say you are. If you are a detail-oriented professional, be sure your shoes are not scuffed.
• With the emphasis of a casual environment promotes more relaxed behaviors.
• It is more important than ever to handle people, situations and one’s own behavior with diplomacy, dignity, finesse, tact, and civility.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS FOR FEMALE PROFESSIONALS
• Use makeup to create a polished look.
• Blush brings out the color of eyes while mascara will brighten your eyes.
• Wearing a necklace will encourage the interviewer to look at your face during your responses.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS FOR MALE PROFESSIONALS
• Well-groomed facial hair or clean-shaven is best.
• Ill groomed hair or hairpieces are distracting and risky.
• Mustaches should not exceed your lips.

MIRROR THE IMAGE OF YOUR DESIRED POSITION
• Dress for the position you are seeking. If you are seeking a position with a casual workforce, you would not wear a three-piece suit.
• Your dress should project the pay grade you are seeking. If you are interviewing for a CEO position, you are encouraged to dress more formally in quality fabric.

FOR THE MEN….DETAILS = DETAIL MINDED
• The widest part of you tie should be even with you waist.
• Your belt should be the same color as your shoes.
• Trimmed haircut.
• Clean shaven.
• Warm smile.
• Feel confident.
• Formal dress.
• Firm handshake.
• Correct body posture.
• Wearing a tie establishes the strategy of accomplishing efforts with a purpose. It is also a sign of authority.

FOR THE WOMEN….DETAILS = DETAIL MINDED
• Your skirt length should be above the knee or maxi.
• Add color to dark solid suiting. The eye goes wherever color goes.
• A necklace adds authority and will guide the interviewer’s eyes to focus on your face as you communicate.
• High Quality + Exquisite Tailoring + Contrasting Colors = The Look and Feel of Power

You have SEVEN seconds to make a good first impression! -Psychology Today

BODY LANGUAGE
• Approach with confident posture.
• Body language is a composite of messages.
• Remember how your body language sends positive/negative messages.
• A person’s eyes and smile, sets the tone of interaction.
• When shaking hands mimic the strength of the other person. Keep in mind how your handshake makes the other person feel.

BEHAVIOR IMPRINT
DEAL BREAKER
• Cell phone present.
• Raise voice when on cell phone.
• Interrupts conversation.
• Self-serving, Opinionated.
• Ungrateful, Disrespectful.
• Gloom and doom attitude.
• Contradicts.

DOOR OPENER
• Cell phone on mute and out-of-site.
• Conscious of voice volume.
• Listens for comment opportunity.
• Aware of others, Open to opinions.
• Demonstrates appreciation, Respectful.
• Engages the up side of situation.
• Supports.

FINAL REMINDERS
• Interviewers are looking for people connectors.
• Your appearance, body language, and behavior should project confidence and competence.
• Your attitude should enhance your qualifications, not be the distraction.
• When networking at an event, look for someone standing alone or odd numbers.
• Balance a conservative demeanor since a conservative presence is interpreted as controlling.
• Be sincere and transparent.
• Older job seekers need to focus on value and what he/she brings to the table.

 

Hiring Companies

ADOT/Arizona Department of Transportation
@ArizonaDOT
Rob Briggs, Talent Acquisition
Gabriel Barraza, Recruiting Coordinator

ADOT is a multi-modal transportation agency responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining a complex highway system in addition to providing motor vehicle services throughout the state. Arizona Department of Transportation also operates the Grand Canyon Airport and publishes the award-winning AZ Highways magazine. The organization’s mission is to provide safe, efficient, cost effective transportation systems. ADOT embraces a culture in which every employee has the opportunity to be a leader upholding their values of accountability, integrity and respect. The State of Arizona provides excellent comprehensive benefits including affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans; top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans; accrued vacation pay and sick days; 10 paid holidays per year; deferred compensation plan; and wellness plans. A sampling of current positions represented are highway operations, administrative, finance, operations, engineering, customer service (MVD) and many more. For the latest job openings and to apply online, please visit the ADOT website.

VincentBenjamin
@VBenjaminTalent
Mike Bidak, Executive Recruiter,BD
Mike Gonzalez, Executive Recruiter, BD

VincentBenjamin was founded in 2009 and is located in Phoenix, Denver, Orange County and Los Angeles. For 3 consecutive years VincentBenjamin has been honored to make the Inc. 5000 List for fastest growing private companies in America and Phoenix Best Places to Work. The firm specializes in IT, Accounting and Finance Staffing including contract and permanent placements.
There are several reasons a job seeker should work with VincentBenjamin. From a client perspective, positive motives include specialized recruiters who understand highly technical skill sets; small company feel but backed by a large organization; and excellent client/candidate matching. From a candidate perspective, candidates will find follow up; building relationships; employer understanding & relationships; and understanding needs and skill sets. Roles VincentBenjamin is looking for are all levels of positions in AP/AR, Admin, Service Desk, Project Managers, and Software Engineers to CIO & CFO. Internal positions include roles on both verticals-IT and Accounting/Finance, Recruiters and Admin. Staff. If interested, apply directly from open jobs on VincentBenjamin site.

Chase
@ChaseCareers
Lekheythan Malone, Sr. Recruiting Professional

Chase’s global reach allows employees to get where they want to go. Whether the candidate wants to sharpen their skills or gain something new, they will have the experience that offers flexibility to move to another division or country if desired. Chase’s workplace is where you feel welcomed and valued; and creates diverse, inclusive teams that support Chase’s business and each other. Chase is heavily invested in its communities and encourages employees to do the same. Benefits include health care and insurance plans, retirement savings programs, wellness programs, employee programs and family care. A sampling of current jobs in demand are customer service, collections, business development sales, loan underwriters, client services advisors, relationship and private client bankers and tellers. To apply go the Chase website.

Allstate
@AllstateCareers
Jill Romanowski, Agency Process Specialist

Allstate was founded 86 years ago in Chicago, Illinois. The organization has a broad and diverse portfolio that offers up to 47 products to better serve customers’ needs. The SW Region is growing quickly and is represented in AZ, OK, NV NM and UT. Tempe houses the regional office for the Phoenix area. Benefits are robust. Some different offerings include group legal, adoption reimbursement, childcare discounts, flexible work schedules, good life, and lifeworks employee assistant program. Allstate is an advocate for hiring the military and their spouses. The company is supportive in community giving to community grants, disaster preparedness education, greater good grants, teen safe driving and Purple Purse Domestic Violence. Allstate has a generous referral program of $10,000. Open positions include claims adjusters & claims analyst, education consultant & sales leadership, financial analyst & product analyst, corporate relations & marketing internships, customer advocates, HR and small business owner. For additional information go to Allstate careers.

Closing

Sheila Coulam, Director of Programs, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking North Phoenix Baptist Church and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, June 22, 2017 and features Jean Briese as speaker for the topic “Discover and Unleash Your SuperPower”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the website.

11/12/15 – The Power of You

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Written by Kevin Spear, MBA: @kevinhspear

Jessica Pierce (@JessicaPierceAZ) opened our session with an encouragement to find five connections while at Career Connectors. After all, this is all about connecting with people!

Jessica noted people stop looking for jobs during the holidays. Don’t stop! Employers are not taking the holidays off. It may be a good time to search while other job seekers are taking a break.

Keynote

Gloria Petersen, CPP (Certified Protocol Professional)

The Power of You

Gloria is founder of Global Protocol, Inc. She has appeared on numerous television shows and served as etiquette judge on The Learning Channel. Gloria has a series of books entitled, The Art of Professional Connections.

Gloria began with an encouragement to make it about us and project a commanding first impression. She brought up a participant to tell a little about himself. He was dressed sharply, with a suit and tie. He also had a good elevator speech.

Gloria encouraged us to go back when you were a child and write down what you were really good at, that gave you joy, that was your escape. That is key to where you should be today.

The Inside

When you were in school, what course of study were you really good at? What class did you really struggle at? These are the keys to your success. You were born with a gift of knowledge.

You are on the wrong track if you go after something just for money, for prestige, or just to get a job. Don’t make yourself something you were never meant to be!

When you look at a job you’re applying, peel the layers and see if the role has what you really want, what you are really good at.

Opportunity Not Happening?

You need rejections to find out what you’re made of. Does anyone want to hear that? Not as much as we need to hear it!
Determination is what it takes to beat the odds.  When Gloria went through a trial, she had to persevere to make it through the other side. That is the power of each one of us.

Reassess your image. You have to help people see what is on the inside of you with what message you are sending on the outside: perceptions

Make challenges work for you, not against you!

How can you stay determined?

  • Acquire: the skills
  • Utilize: your newly acquired skills
  • Learn: strategies to get beyond any uncertainties

People make perceptions on what they think they see: Perception

Don’t let your knowledge die with you. Write down your knowledge and experiences.

The Strategy Behind a Tie

When you have the perfectly tied knot, people tend to focus with what you are saying. For women, a scarf can give a similar effect. And remember: Posture sells confidence!

Seven Steps to Impressive Greetings and Confident Interaction

  1. Check your appearance and stance
    • You should dress for an interview more formally than the job you are applying.
    • Wear your confidence like a power jacket. In fact, wear a power jacket, whether you are male or female, a business jacket makes you look more powerful and confident.
  2. Exchange names
    • Greet to acknowledge someone’s presence
    • A person’s eyes and smile set the tone of an interaction
    • You never know who you are greeting
    • You are at an advantage when you actively meet and introduce people to others
  3. Repeat names accurately
    • Include the last name along with the first
    • Yes, it’s hard to remember names, but so crucial. After all, we’re scared of last names
    • Beware of international names and respect name preferences
    • Repeat the name at least three times
  4. Deliver a confident handshake
    • Don’t get rushed!
  5. Make a courtesy comment
    • Ask about their position or title
    • Discover a commonality
  6. Ask for the business card
    • Ask for theirs before you offer yours
    • If you don’t have a business card, get at least a name card for yourself
    • Include your LinkedIn profile
  7. Take your leave and follow-up

These seven steps will help anyone exude confidence in an interview.

Hiring Companies:

International Cruise & Excursions, Inc.,
Jason Brambier, Corporate Recruiter
@ICEJobs

Jason said that ICE has a similar model as Expedia, except for cruises. They are located in Scottsdale. Some of their benefits include a gym, nail salon, and massage therapist. They sent 200 employees to travel on one of the new Princess Cruise ships. Employees can take cruises for up to 50% off retail price.

They also do many charity events such as Christel House and Phoenix Animal Care Coalition.  They have a large sales center. They assist inbound callers with their travel plans. Average inbound sales rep makes $50,000 a year. Outbound callers can make six figures.  Jason explained you are selling fun and vacations, not boring necessities!

Besides sales roles, they are looking for:

  • Director of Purchasing
  • Procurement
  • Senior Accounting Clerk
  • Accounts payable
  • Administrator coordinator
  • Software developers
  • Executive Director of Talent Management
Workway
April Miller, Market Director
Gina Gumaskas
Recruiting Manager
@Workway

Workway performs staffing and recruiting, specializing in finance and administration.  They focus in the banking and credit union industries.

Why work with Workway?

  • They are expert in marketing your specialized skills
  • You won’t pay a fee
  • They guide employees and follow up during your job search and hiring process
  • It is a candidate-focused model
  • They offer tutorials and training within and outside the company

Current opportunities:

  • Underwriters
  • Tellers
  • Loan processors
  • Client Care Specialist
  • Director of Marketing
  • Controller within the Hospitality industry
  • Branch Manager
  • HR positions

You can join their network without an intensive application process. The application is all online at www.workway.com.

State Farm,
DeAnne Prigmore, Recruiter
@StateFarm

DeAnne began at an entry-level position with State Farm.  State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.  They have very competitive benefits including 401K and pension, work life, and wellness.

They have more than agency positions in Phoenix:

  • Claims
  • Customer Care Center
  • Systems/IT LinkedIn contact: Rich Ortiz, Recruiter
  • Creative Services: Graphic Designer

You can apply at http://www.statefarm.com/careers.

The Marina Heights campus is under construction but one building is occupied. It will have five buildings and 2 million square feet. It will hold 5,500 employees. It will be open to the public and will have shops in the courtyard as well as wifi.

Charles Schwab,
Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Manager

Charles Schwab’s mission was to bring Wall Street to Main Street. Today, they’re still true to the original values, yet have expanded.  They like to see the world through clients’ eyes.

They serve:

  • Investors (9.5 million)
  • Advisors (7,000)
  • Employers (1.5 million workers served)

Schwab has their largest employee base in the Phoenix Valley. They were the recipient of 18 awards in 2014 for employee-friendly workplaces. They close the gap between the power of investing and their clients’ ability to experience it.

Careers:

  • Broker Training Program (AFSP)
  • Estate Services Professional
  • Senior Specialist, Operational Risk

In Phoenix, they hire for almost every area of the company.

They also have:

  • Technology Roles
  • Operations
  • HR
  • Public Relations

Values:

  • Meritocracy: Schwab is very open to rewarding those who do a great job
  • Financial Fitness: Access to programs that help you become financially fit
  • Sabbatical: After four years of service

You can apply at http://tiny.cc/careerconnectors.

Resources

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants
Rodger Brubacher,
Director of Continuing Education @DWWTC

DWWTC is a certification training school preparing students for the workforce.

  • Professional Development
  • Project Management
  • Six Sigma
  • Medical Front Office Administrative
  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
  • Digital Marketing & Social Marketing Strategist
  • Information Technology
  • Cyber Security

They have prime partnerships through various institutes.

They have instructor lead programs as well as hybrid online training and virtual classroom platform.

  • Low student to instructor ratio (typically 6:1)
  • Post graduate assistance
  • Online certification test prep materials
  • 95% of students pass certification exams on the first sitting
  • They use Pinterest to supplement materials

There are funds through Workforce Development, Veterans and Trade Adjustment Act.

Closing

Jessica Pierce closed the session with these announcements:

Our next events will be:

New sponsor: New Horizons Learning Center

Ted Robison has the LinkedIn Workshop on Wednesday, November 18th, 1–5PM at the City of Phoenix Business Services Center. The event is full, but there is a wait list.

3/24/15 – How to Project a Commanding First Impression

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Written by Debbie Webber

Jessica Pierce opened the event by reading an inspirational note she’d received from a former Career Connectors attendee. This individual had been laid off after 32 years at the same company. After an eight month search, he landed a great job due to the information and assistance he’d received by attending Career Connectors. What a great way to start off the program!

Keynote

Our speaker today was Gloria Petersen. She is the Founder and President of Global Protocol, Inc., and author of a four part book series entitled The Art of Professional Connections.  Her interactive presentation had us all standing and meeting others, and showed us that people make decisions first on what they see. In other words, the perception that you create.

Perception is what people see and feel about you. You must be in control of your own professional identity by controlling the first impressions and perceptions that you present. So how do you do this?

First, you need to acquire the interpersonal skills and presence needed to meet, greet and interact with people in a professional and confidence-inspiring manner.

Second, utilize your personal interaction skills from networking activities to a wide variety of business meetings and social events.

Third, learn strategies to get beyond any uncertainties or feelings of awkwardness that you may anticipate or process.

Ultimately, positive and lasting impressions are made by how graciously you transition from the greeting and conversation to the departure and follow up.

Knowing, practicing and engaging with the seven steps that Gloria has developed, you will perfect a confident greeting and interaction with those you meet in your job search.

Step #1    Check your appearance and stance. Present a self-assured persona.

Gloria had us stand up and put our hands behind our back and grasp our thumbs. This pulls your shoulders back and levels your chin. Keep this posture when you’ve released your hands and you’re on the way to projecting a confident, powerful posture that will make a great first impression.

Next, Gloria brought several men wearing a suits and ties to the front of the group. The white shirt and dark suit combo appeared most powerful due to the contrast of the clothing colors. In addition, Gloria told us that a tie brings attention to the most important part of your body during an interaction—your face. For women, a necklace or earrings do the same thing.

Step #2    Make eye contact and offer your introduction. Make yourself known.

Be the first to approach another person. Make eye contact with them during the time you are introducing yourself. At a subconscious level, people like the attention they’re given when another person truly sees them by looking them in the eye. You’ll have their attention.

Step #3    Repeat name(s) accurately. And repeat them again if not understood.

When the other person gives you their name, repeat it back to them so they feel acknowledged and know that you have absorbed their name. Don’t be afraid to ask for their name again if you didn’t hear or understand the pronunciation.  It’s important for the other person to know that you really want to clearly know their name.

Step #4    Deliver a confident handshake. Pay attention to the recipient’s handshake.

Reach out to the person with a firm hand, and close for the handshake once the web between the thumb and index fingers of both of you touch. Practice having a firm handshake with a friend—eliminate the “limp fish” or “knuckle breaker” hand shakes .

Step #5    Engage in conversation. Make a comment, inquire, discover, ask.

This may be the hardest part for some people—engaging in small talk. As Gloria said, you are prepping a conversation that will determine any future interaction you have with this person. For job seekers, conversation starters can include asking them about their role or position with the company, or even what inspired them to choose their current career. Work to discover a commonality you may share with the person—nice weather, great company or even a similar pet.

Step #6    Keep the interaction tangible with a business card.

Once you’ve come this far into the introduction, you can then exchange business cards. Always ask before you offer yours and ask for theirs if they haven’t already offered. When you receive their card, take a moment to truly look at their name and other information they have offered you.

Step #7    Take your leave and plan your follow up. Remember to close with a handshake.

Finally, keep the door open in this short relationship. Plan how you’ll stay connected—perhaps offer a future phone call or meeting for coffee. And ALWAYS close the introduction with another handshake.

So remember, if you look confident, you’ll feel confident and then you’ll act confident. Acting confident will bring you the power you need to stand out to potential employers during your job search.

Hiring Companies

LifeLock
Tammie Ragan,Talent Acquisition Recruiter
LifeLock is the industry leader in early detection ID theft. With headquarters close to  Tempe Town Lake, the organization is experiencing great growth. Because they’re growing, positions change on a daily basis. Current openings include entry level sales as well as corporate positions in finance, HR, marketing and business-to-business sales. All benefits start on day one of employment, and include 100% 401(k) match with immediate 100% vesting. Go here to apply.

Verizon Wireless
Darrin Ruof , HR Recruiter
Darrin had good results last time he presented at Career Connectors and was looking forward to finding more successful applicants today. Verizon’s credo of customers first, integrity, respect, performance excellence and accountability is very apparent to all the employees. Both upward and lateral movement is encouraged at Verizon, which gives employees exposure to multiple functions and increased opportunities. Available positions include solutions specialists in the retail sales side and customer service specialists at the Chandler call center. Apply online here. Darrin also encouraged those who were interested to contact him.

Charles Schwab
Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Manager
Founder Charles Schwab (Chuck) strove to bring Wall Street to Main Street. Today, that has morphed into championing every client’s goals with passion and integrity. Although headquartered in San Francisco, the Phoenix area has the largest number of employees. Opportunities in Phoenix include the Broker Trainee Program, Client Reporting Specialist and Relationship Specialists. Training and the attainment of broker credentials is completely paid for by Schwab. Even if these positions don’t appeal to you, Shannon urged us to get our resume into their system because recruiters will review resumes in their system first when new positions open up. Apply here.

Next event

Wednesday, April 1, Phoenix
Best the Bots! Discover the Strategies to Get Around the Robotics of the Applicant Tracking System
Justin Jones
Hiring Companies: City of Phoenix, US Bank, Adecco USA, Superior Home Services and Charles Schwab