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Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ

7/18/19 – Navigating our Multi-Generational Workforce

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Steven Long - Navigating our Multi-Generational Workforce

Written by Jim McBride

Keynote

Steven Long – Executive Leadership, Retail Management, Higher Education, Pastor

Historically, there were just three; but now there are five generations in today’s workforce. You’ve likely heard of Baby Boomers, Gen X and Millennials. But, Gen Z and Traditionalists? Whether younger and inexperienced or mature and well-seasoned, understanding how to navigate the multi-generational workforce is an important strategy for everyone in career transition, according to keynote speaker, Steven Long.

The multi-generation workforce is here to stay so the basic understanding of preferences, communication styles, assets and liabilities can alleviate the potential anxieties between generations and ultimately serve you as a job seeker when immersed within the interviewing process.

It’s no surprise the differences between the five generations can be dramatic. First, some context:

  1. Traditionalists/Vets – born before 1945; 2% of today’s workforce
  2. Baby Boomers – born between 1946 – 1964; 25% of the workforce (shrinking)
  3. Gen X – born between 1965 – 1980; 33% of the workforce
  4. Millennials – born between 1981 – 1997; 35% of the workforce (growing)
  5. Gen Z – born after 1998; 5% of the workforce

As the job seeker, your navigation of the multi-generation workforce can be a competitive advantage. Rather than wonder if you’re too old, too young or perhaps thinking you’re over/under qualified – be willing to learn the generational assets – and put your focus on what you can deliver to the employer. As well, be familiar with the generational liabilities, as interviewers will likely probe your answers to their veiled generational questions to see how you react.

Generational Assets (general tendencies)

  • Traditionalists/Vets – experience, dedication, loyalty, emotional maturity
  • Boomers – service oriented, dedicated, team perspective
  • Gen X – adaptive, techno-literate, independence, collaborative
  • Millennials – collective, optimistic, multi-task, techno-savvy
  • Gen Z – idea-driven, passionate, energetic (change the world)

Generational Liabilities (general tendencies)

  • Traditionalists/Vets – reluctant to question systems, conflict resolution, change
  • Boomers – not budget minded, uncomfortable with conflict, lack in tech
  • Gen X – skeptical of organization, distrust of authority, conflict inducer
  • Millennials – need structure, inexperience, too many ideas or tech
  • Gen Z – lack experience altogether, more passionate than pragmatic

Nearly every organization on the planet has challenges with effective communication. The multi-generational workforce and the preferences behind each generation can muddy-up even the most purposefully orchestrated communication strategy. Traditionalists/Vets prefer a top-down communication approach, while Boomers tend to be guarded about change and will ask why. The Gen X prefers the hub-and-spoke informational approach. The Millennials crave collaborative idea-sharing communication while the Gen Z are electro-social and highly connected.

When it comes down to interviewing, your focus is on what you bring to the table: competency, character, chemistry, coach-ability, compatibility. Embrace your own generational strengths. Never stop learning and adapting and really think about how to best communicate with other generations.

So, hey, “get woke” when it comes to your intentional learning and don’t “throw shade” on communicating in unique generational language! Not because that’s how you’ll converse with a hiring manager during an interview, but because it demonstrates your superb and authentic self-awareness of the multi-generational workforce.

If you’re 19 and just beginning your journey. If you’re 69 and looking to take a career victory lap. If you’re somewhere in between (like most of us), you are now empowered to utilize your age as an asset in finding the next great career adventure.

HIRING COMPANY

USAA

Gay Meyer – Assistant VP of HR Operations

Mission – the mission of the association is to facilitate the financial security of its members, associates and their families through provision of a full range of highly competitive financial products and services; in so doing, USAA seeks to be the provider of choice for the military community.

• Hiring 900 local employees annually; North Phoenix campus
• 5000 on-site employees at the local campus; plus 1100 work from home
• Planning for robust IT growth in the next three years (1000+)
• Employee retention rate – 96%
• 8% 401k match
• Performance-based bonuses
• 12 weeks maternity/paternity leave
• Education assistance (available day 1)

Looking for caring, passionate, approachable, authentic, dynamic, intuitive, and empathetic individuals. You’re encouraged to apply for as many open positions as you wish.

Open Positions
Customer Service and Sales
Insurance – Claims
Risk/Compliance
IT Software developers

RESOURCES AND CLOSING

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona

Ron Mack – Community Awareness Partner

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

The Goodwill Career Centers offer free career coaching, assistance with resumes, mock interviewing, employment support and digital skills training. They specialize in providing on-going support for the professional job seeker. Goodwill delivers community awareness of local employment events through onsite career centers and through the recent launch of mycareeradvisor.com (live chat available). The services are free of charge and available to all.

Jessica Pierce thanked the many partners and volunteers for their contributions to this event. Job seekers were encouraged to utilize the many transition resources – professional resume writers, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches, the DISC assessment. Next up on the calendar of events: Interview Panel Workshop (with 10 career coaches) on Tuesday July 23rd in Gilbert. Stay tuned for weekly emails and LinkedIn posts.

6/25/19 – Get LinkedIn – or Get Left Out

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Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out - Ted Robison

Written by Jim McBride

Keynote

Ted Robison – LinkedIn Expert and Career Coach

LinkedIn is perhaps the most vital and valuable tool for people in career transition. To build your personal brand, to expand your professional network, to raise your visibility and be found:  Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out, according to career coach and featured speaker Ted Robison.

LinkedIn is not just another social media platform. It’s not just an electronic version of your resume. LinkedIn is the showcase for your individual brand of transferable skills, expertise, personal style and the outstanding value you’ll bring to your next employer.

Many recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn exclusively to find and research candidates. There are over 600,000 LinkedIn subscribers worldwide. An astounding 87% of people find jobs through networking. A robust LinkedIn profile and a personal network of past and present colleagues, friends, alumni, industry insiders, recruiters and managers can be your gateway to landing your next great job opportunity.

On your LinkedIn profile, the headline and summary areas are your first impressions, so really make them count. Create a “wow factor” with your skills, experience and industry expertise. The goal is to differentiate your profile and compel the reader with a value proposition around your personal brand. Make statements about what you will bring to a hiring company. Develop a tagline, reveal your passion and let your personal style shine. Speak to the reader.

Make sure to include industry key words, which will help with search optimization when recruiters and managers are hunting on LinkedIn. If you’re in career transition and unsure how to fill the “current role” field, Ted suggests that you indicate you’re volunteering or consulting (as applicable).

Ted said that 80% of all available jobs are hidden from job boards. Meaning, those jobs aren’t made public and it takes networking to get you noticed and talking to those companies. Networking by definition means a supportive system of sharing information between people. LinkedIn can help you get the sharing started.

When your profile is complete, begin reaching out to your network contacts. Take someone to lunch. Meet for coffee. Have conversations. Ask how you can help them, and they will likely reciprocate. Your network connections can help you “break in” to companies on your target list, bypass recruiters and find the hidden jobs.

When preparing for interviews and business meetings, utilize LinkedIn to gather intel on the hiring manager and/or recruiter. Finding commonality with an interviewer allows you to build rapport, relax and demonstrate your preparedness.

Here’s a quick list of fundamentals for anybody just getting started on the LinkedIn platform or is perhaps already using LinkedIn and looking to create a more engaging profile.

• A professional headshot/background photo for your profile is a must
• Grow your professional network to at least 500 connections
• Obtain 4 – 8 recommendations from former managers, direct reports, peers
• Follow 30 – 50 target companies
• Join 30 – 50 groups and associations
• Comment in group discussions to show off your subject matter expertise
• Customize the default contact URL so it reflects your name. Put it on your business card
• LinkedIn is free. Try the free one-month Premium Account, if interested
• Privacy – limit the amount of personal information, it’s a business forum

If you’re having trouble getting started or just want to freshen up your profile, start looking at other people’s profiles to spark ideas. Encourage friends, family members, people in your network to give you feedback on your profile. You can make edits and tweaks as often as you’d like. Do whatever it takes to build and promote your brand…so you’re LinkedIn…not left out!

Resource

Josette Bergeron
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, Community Awareness and Employer Engagement Partner

Mission – Through the goodwill of others, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona creates the pathway to a better future for all by helping those who desire self-sufficiency.

The Goodwill Career Centers offer free career coaching, assistance with resumes, mock interviewing, employment support and digital skills training. They specialize in providing on-going support for the professional job seeker. Goodwill delivers community awareness through onsite career centers as well as through the recent launch of mycareeradvisor.com. The services are free of charge and available to all.

Hiring Companies

Willis Towers Watson
Jim Lapota, Benefits Advisor

Willis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating back to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries and markets. The benefits Delivery & Administration Segment helps clients unlock their benefits strategy – by offering the highest quality administration in the industry and enabling their people to have a personalized benefits portfolio tailored to their needs. To keep updated on current job openings, go here.

Open Positions:
Benefits Advisor
Human Resources Generalist
Data Analyst
Associate Director – Client Services Management
Audit Analyst
Account Executive – Health & Benefits
Team Leader – Benefit Outsourcing Sales
Online Training Development Specialist
LMS Administrator (Learning Management System)
User Experience Engineer

State Farm
Molly Romine – Talent Brand Ambassador

Mission – The State Farm mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.

State Farm is currently hiring to fill customer service positions for their Marina Heights facility in Tempe. Patience, empathy and nurturing skills are desired to dial-in on customer emotions with a delight-to-serve approach. You can always find a current list of open positions on the State Farm site .

Open Positions
Accounting, Financial and Banking
Administrative Support
Claims Investigation
Customer Service
Facilities Management and Administrative Services
Legal, Compliance and Risk Management
Human Resources
Marketing, Design and Communications
Research and Analytics
Sales Support
Technology and User Experience
Underwriting and Actuarial

Resources and Closing

Jessica Pierce closed the meeting by encouraging participants to make full use of the resources and partner volunteers. Stay tuned for weekly email updates.

The MINDset Game™: How to Master Your Mindset to Land Your Next Job

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Written by Gary Matsuda

Ever think, ‘Why is it so hard for me to take the next step in my career? Everyone else seems to find the perfect job so easily.”
But what no one ever told you is the key to landing next job might not be just more money or more time – it’s what you’ve always had all along. It’s your own mind.

Keynote

Vered Kogan knows a thing or two about getting out of your head and making progress. As a job search expert through her private coaching practice and with Lee Hecht Harrison, she’s worked with hundreds of people making career changes.
Her coaching experience found it is mindset that makes the difference and what Vered provides is not just strategy but help with execution that leads to success.
You may have read, ”Life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it.” (Charles R. Swindoll). But if you’re dealing with job loss or are switching careers, the associated mental and emotional conflict often triggers the brain’s defenses to send out hormones that are often counterproductive.
The most common reaction to change
It’s a good thing our brain has a natural negativity bias because it’s there to protect us and to keep us safe. Within the brain’s circuitry, negativity networks outnumber positive networks 5 to 1, so when we perceive threats or something that’s unknown, it much easier for our minds to default towards safety and comfort.
When it comes to self-preservation, our brain tries to work in our favor: Stay safe! Conserve energy! Don’t put your finger there! And it also seeks out comfort: More sleep! More food! More Netflix!
But while our brain tries to warn and protect us during a job change, stress hormones get released, the fight or flight response kicks in and bad things happen to our bodies because we are stressed. We can’t think, can’t sleep and we eat ice cream, chocolate and sweets. Blame it on our brain’s desire for feel good hormones like serotonin and too much of the stress hormone, cortisol, but these and your mindset can be managed, says Vered.
So how do we get a handle on what we are experiencing and stop it from ruining our day?
As a 15-year-old sophomore on high school junior varsity, future NBA basketball star, Michael Jordan saw his close friend selected for the varsity squad instead of him. Angered and depressed, he went home, locked himself in his room and cried.
However, he turned his disappointment around and began to work hard at the game because he wanted to prove he was better than everyone thought he was. He refocused often and his short-term actions were specific and clear, “Whenever I was working out and got tired and figured I ought to stop, I’d close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it,” Jordan would explain. “That usually got me going again.”
Vered shows how we can stop our emotions from getting the better of us with 4 rules from the MINDset Game™:
Rule 1: Decide what you are searching for and why.
Behind our logic, there are deep seated reasons why we think the way we do. To make this rule work we must be intentional about focusing on a goal and ending the dilemma of too many options. If we don’t decide what to target, then by default our wily subconscious takes over and BAM! just like that we are distracted.
Our subconscious has outsized influence on our thoughts and it out performs the conscious in information processing by a factor of thousands! While many of these systems are associated with maintaining our body functions it does underscore the latent power of using our subconscious to make our brains work on autopilot.
Vered says to think of our subconscious as our personal goal achieving machine, there to help make us aware of opportunities that align with our set goals. But it needs to be given clear, positive, realistic instructions.
So do this: Create a list of what is important in career, health, and family. What is it that you want to achieve? And more importantly – why? Think – what would it take for me to do this?
Rule 2: Listen for clues. Know what direction you are facing (toward or away from what you want).
Take your emotional temperature at least 4 times a day. Make it a habit. Ask yourself “What emotions am I feeling now?” Negative emotions (along with the associated stress hormones) limit your ability to perform at your best.
Don’t serve or feed thoughts and emotions that will take you in the wrong direction, instead encourage positive emotions that free up your thinking and set your focus towards what you really want.
Be aware you are always moving closer or farther from your goal. Your habitual thoughts create your life as Gandhi said, “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.”

Rule 3: When you are moving away from what you want, change your focus to get “warmer”
Change your thoughts. Ask, “What story am I telling myself?” And verify, “Is this really true?” If it’s a negative thought then specify a new, more empowering belief by finding small proofs, reasons, past feedback and from who you know might be supportive.
And remember, “What would it take to achieve my goal?”

Change your emotions. Ask yourself, “What can I acknowledge myself for?” Call to mind even those small achievements and appreciation that you’ve received.
Ask yourself, “What am I grateful for?” This is a fast way to keep yourself grounded and change emotions.
Ask yourself, “What do I want to feel?” The Quick Coherence® technique is a powerful tool for shifting into a more positive & coherent state.
Step 1 Focus attention in the area of your heart. Imagine your breath flowing in and out of your chest area, breathing a little slower or deeper than usual. Try inhaling for 5 seconds then exhaling for 5 seconds or whatever rhythm is comfortable.
Step 2 Try to re-experience the feeling you have for someone you love, a pet, a special place, or an accomplishment or focus on a feeling of calm or ease.
While negative emotions narrow our attention and force us to act in a specific way, positive emotions do the opposite: They broaden our attention and increase our awareness of possible actions we might take. Those are the beginnings of creativity.
For Michel Jordan, it was not a matter of eliminating or forgetting the bad situation or anxiety but controlling and turning away from it by executing constructive behaviors.
Rule 4: Keep moving until you find what you want.
Commit to taking at least ONE action this week to move you closer (“warmer”) to your goal.
It’s your life. Be persistent. Plan your own reality because what you believe is stopping you might just be in your head. Put these rules to work, take your career to the next level, stop thinking too much and start doing and see if this can help your personal, relationship and business challenges!

Hiring Companies

Linda Hoolihan, CRS Temp Housing
Help families in need! Work with CRS to help insurance policy holders who have lost or damaged homes find temporary housing. This is a small company of about 160 employees. They’re hiring Customer Care Specialists to take care of families who have undergone loss, a Resident Specialist in sales (should have experience negotiating and facilitating) and a Relationship Manager who will work to increase business with current clients.
Molly Romine, State Farm, Recruiter
If you are the nurturing and caring type, State Farm needs those who can help their clients who have lost something.
Now hiring for customer facing roles for those who are trying to recover from unexpected loss. There are also tech positions open. Located on the Tempe Town Lake in one of the largest complexes in Arizona in Marina Heights. If you’re looking for a stable company that’s recession resistant, insurance is it.
Gay Meyer, USAA, AVP HR Regional Operations
USAA’s mission is to facilitate the financial security of its members, associates and their families through provision of a full range of highly competitive financial products and services; in so doing, USAA seeks to be the provider of choice for the military community. They currently have 12 million members and over 33,000 employees worldwide, with more than 4,800 in Phoenix.
The Phoenix campus is the only USAA office outside of San Antonio that supports all primary lines of business, including insurance, banking, investment management and financial planning services. Situated on 575 acres off I-17 and Happy Valley Road, USAA’s innovative and spacious work area offers a full array of campus amenities, while conducting business as a responsible steward of our precious natural resources. USAA Phoenix campus is LEED New Construction certified and LEED Platinum Existing Building certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, ENERGY STAR rated by the EPA, and has won multiple international awards for building excellence and sustainability. This company is interested in personal and professional development and will pay you to go to school!
Main areas for job openings are: Customer Service and Sales, Insurance, IT and Risk/Compliance. Apply online at usaajobs.com.

Resources

Ron Mack, Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ
Not just a retail store but an organization that provides opportunities which serve the needs of the community and help the professional job seeker become self-sufficient.
The Goodwill Career Center offers free career coaching, resume critiquing, job leads from employers, mock interviews, and digital skills training classes from beginning to advanced in 3 locations in Phoenix.
Mesa location will be open next month as a new career center.

Robert Loy, GCU, Head of Non-degree Tech Programs
Get started in the IT industry! GCU non-degree programs can provide everything to make you marketable in IT. There is a 16 week Coding Bootcamp that almost guarantees successful employment with connections with recruiters, community and hiring companies!

03/26/19 – They Want It, and You’ve Got It…How to Communicate Your “It” Factor

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Bridgett McGowen

Written by Jim McBride

KEYNOTE

They Want It, and You’ve Got It…How to Communicate Your “It” Factor

Bridgett McGowen – Awarded International Motivational Speaker, Educator, Author

Are you fit to communicate your “it?” Excite, engage, uplift and inform with your personal “It” Factor in everything you say during job interviews.

From what the box-checking recruiter actually wants, to navigating the hiring manager’s communication style, award-winning speaker Bridgett McGowen enthusiastically addressed our audience of in-transition professionals with a dynamic presentation loaded with tips on delivering your It Factor.

When conducting candidate interviews, Bridgett said recruiters are looking for specifics: CAN you do the job? WILL you do the job? Not a deep dive into your skills but more of a checklist approach on your general experience. Show you’re the right preliminary fit because you’ve worked in similar environments. Your overall interview demeanor is extremely important. Have a superb and enthusiastic mindset. Your mindset is your It Factor.

With hiring managers, Bridgett says to be prepared to converse during the interview in the way they like to communicate. Bridgett targets these four traits to watch for:

• Peacemakers – need a sense of rapport, show you’re comfortable building relationships

• Truth-Keepers – messaging that fits with what they know makes sense and is logical
• Solution-seekers – bottom line thinkers, cut to the chase, no fluff
• Risktakers – need to see energy, bring it and look alive!

When interviewing with the hiring manager, look for opportunities to connect with the company’s mission, vision and/or products and services. What drives them? Find out what the company desperately wants to change and make that change incredibly important to you. Make sure you’re not giving the impression you’re just looking for a job…say, “I’m the best person for this position!”

You’ve likely heard this before. It’s not what you say, but how you say it. Bridgett says, “your It Factor is communicated with everything you say to a recruiter or hiring manager.” So, when interviewing, keep these suggestions in mind:
• Your ability to synthesize is critical – when asked to “tell me about yourself,” focus on themes. Your response should be condensed. Start with your first role, then ascension into leadership, your current/last role.
• Focus more on strengths than on weaknesses – limit harping on what is not working, show commitment to finding solutions and how you’re moving forward and getting better.
• “I am the best person for this position” – sound as if you’re already on the team, give an idea of what life will be like with you on board.

And know this, Bridgett is passionate here, everything you say “has to scream” you’re the right person for the position. Use “we” “our” and “us” so the hiring manager hears what life would be like with you already on the team.
• Excite – drive enthusiasm and gain buy-in and interest in you. “Yes, I can do that.” “Yes, I’m looking for ways to grow and learn”
• Engage – create a connection and build rapport. Find current events about the company, challenges of the position/company, connect with the interviewer
• Uplift – make your message all about how you will elevate the company. It’s not about how you will benefit, but how the company will benefit
• Inform – your background and experience

There is absolutely no doubt that Bridgett really brings the energy when she’s talking about…energy! It Factor energy simply cannot be same-old-run-of-the-mill-I-just-need-a-job-energy. Do not expect success if you’re only mildly interested in being a part of the company. Start every response with affirmative energy, say “yes” “absolutely” “sure” “let me tell you what I did.”

We all reach the point in the job interview when it’s our time to ask questions of the interviewer. Bridgett strongly advocates these It Factor questions:
• What does success look like in this role?
• What is the first problem you want me to solve?
• What can I do to make your job easier?
• What other questions can I answer to help you determine I am the perfect person for this position?

When it comes to articulating your value to an interviewer it’s best to “learn what they have, do, believe and want.” Then, show them that you have what gives them what they want. Enhance your It Factor with a well-crafted value statement:
• Identify what you do incredibly well
• Create a one-line value statement
• “My name is…I help…or, I design…or, I create…”
• Practice – ensure that showtime is not the first time you say it
• Hear the actual words you will say
• See the body language you will use
• Avoid just going through the motions

They want it and YOU’VE GOT IT! Now harness that energy and land your perfect fit.

HIRING COMPANIES

INSIGHT

Eric Johnson, Talent Acquisition Manager

• Mission – We build meaningful connections to help businesses run smarter
• Core Values – Hunger, Heart, Harmony
• Strong values and excellent work culture
• 5300 employees in 20 countries.
• Solving IT needs since 1988, based in Tempe
• Partnering with the top, featured technology brands, global reach

Open Positions:
Internal Auditor
Buyer
Sales Solution Associate
Partner Champion
Financial Services Representative
Benefits Analyst
Contract Specialist
Travel and Expense Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst

LOGICALIS

Balynda Western, HR Biz Partner

• Global IT company – Managed, Professional and Cloud Services
• 5500 employees worldwide
• Culture – challenging, diverse, fun, flexible, collaborative
• Benefits – medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO for salaried employees

Open Positions:
Account Executive – IT
Account Executive – Business Development
Business Solution Consultant
Cloud Architect
Service Desk Technician
Solution Architect – Data Center
Technician – Security

RESOURCES

Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ

Ron Mack – Community Awareness Partner

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

Goodwill Career Centers (on-site services)
• Career Advisors – career coaching
• Navigators
• Mock Interviews/Resume Review
• Employment Support and Events
• My Career Advisor
• Digital Skills Training
• Talent Sourcing
• Employer Engagements on site

Community Partnership
• Target the professional job seeker
• Provide awareness at community events
• Ongoing support during job search

Training – Digital Literacy Courses (Computer Basics)
• Basic computer skills, information literacy
• Internet skills, social media, email
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Windows, Mac

CLOSING

Jessica Pierce thanked our keynote speaker, the hiring company representatives, valued partners and the many volunteers who make Career Connectors such a terrific resource for those in career transition.

Up next, The MINDset Game™: How to Master Your Mindset to Land Your Next Jobpresented by Vered Kogan on April 4th at GCU. Watch your email for updates each Monday morning.

01/10/19 – New Year, New Career

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Written by Gary Matsuda

Keynote – New Year, New Career

Yikes! Another YEAR just went by and you still haven’t found what you are looking for? If you’ve watched the calendar turn another year while your career plans got stuck somewhere back in March, then Dave Sherman has some tips for you!

Dave was one of the first presenters at Career Connectors when the organization was just getting started and returned this week to kick off the new year, bringing a fresh focus and energy into your job search. He is now an entrepreneur, speaker and author of 3 bestselling books on networking and sales. Dave was once an employee who had never been fired, a ‘what, me worry’ type of guy, until he was laid off and went through a frustrating job hunt experience. His talk exudes a sense of urgency and gives clear reasons and encouragement to get up and start again.

Here is a summary of Dave’s tips on getting career change to happen:

Tip 1: Embrace your decision (of making a change)
Sometimes we find it easier to worry and put things off, rather than making a decision that’s actually good for us. It’s as if we prefer being terrified and keeping ourselves up at night instead of taking the first step toward making a change. When we feel overwhelmed, fear can take over and push aside logical thinking.

INDECISION – It’s easier to stick to a decision once it’s made. Make the first step a small one – a very small one if necessary, so that it’s easier to make a commitment.

EXPLANATIONS – Beware of explaining away indecision. Excuses can come from your own self-doubt or from those who say you can’t do something, that you don’t have enough training or experience. Stick to your decision on why you’re doing this, so you can take the next steps to explore new paths and take it as far as you can go.

VALIDATION – Get support from select friends and family who know you well and understand your challenge.

NEGATIVITY – If you know you’re making the right decision for yourself, avoid those who say or imply that you can’t do it. Spend more time where you’ll be encouraged. If you are on social media, spend more time on LinkedIn which is almost all positive.

Tip 2: Examine job boards
Dave is a dedicated movie buff. But he doesn’t go out just to see any movie. Like you, before committing a few dollars and a couple hours in front a screen, if a movie title attracts him, he’ll want to know the genre, what the critics are saying and if it’s now playing in a theater near him.

Same thing with your job search, you wouldn’t want to go for just any job posted out there. Get a sense for the needs and problems companies are trying to solve and how you might be able to provide help. To see what critics (current and former employees) are saying, you can go to Glassdoor.com. Dave prefers ZipRecruiter, but also check out job postings on Indeed, Ladders, Monster to get an idea of what’s out there to see what’s trending and what skills are in demand.

But you say: ‘Job boards? – been there done that, haven’t found anything’. Well try this trick for online job searches (or for any online search): flip your search keywords around to get slightly different results. Remember, use job boards as just one of your tools, not a cure-all. Not all jobs are listed on job boards and some can even be hidden from you through search engine algorithms.

Tip 3: Meet more people
If your trash goes out more than you do, then you have a problem. Plain and simple – you need to get out more! Technology has made it way too easy for us to be consumers of experiences and information in the comfort of our own home.

One great way to meet face to face with those who may be able to help you are thousands of networking groups, associations, industry groups and special interest organizations that may fit your interests. These can be: local chambers of commerce, career transition groups, niche focused casual meet up groups that exist for a specific reason – to grow business or promote a special interest. These could be opportunities for meeting the right person who can help guide you in the right direction.

Remember, the narrower your niche, the better you’ll meet the right people. Randomly trying to connect with anyone and with as many people as possible will dilute your energy and focus, so find a group that shares your interests and goals. You will more likely find people who will recognize your experience and skills. Getting out of house to meet new contacts can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. To make it part of your routine, Dave suggests that you allocate certain days to network. You might even take it a bit farther and schedule time to reach out to people for a few minutes every day.

As professionals, it sometimes goes against our nature to ask for help because it may give us the feeling of vulnerability. Ask for help but make sure you are not just looking out for yourself, but also be giving and thinking of what others need. Be the solution that companies are looking for.

Don’t say you’re out of a job, but that you’re exploring a new adventure, or looking for new options. Frame your situation differently and turn it around to positive.

Suggestions for working networking events:

1. Show up! Get there early before the meeting when everyone is fresh.

2. Bring a business card! A good quality card, not cheap looking. This helps to make it easy for them to remember you if they ask for a card.

3. Find commonality! Don’t get too serious and pull out your resume right away. Be ready to find a way to connect easily with someone new on a personal level. Be prepared to chat about your interests, family, movie, school, hometown, hobby, food, sports, (Dave often uses his personal likes of movies, wine and cigars).

4. Be likeable! Instead of trying to be interesting, be interested in others. Ask questions, but it must be genuine and not feel like an interrogation.

5. Ask: ‘Who do you know?’ ‘Do you know anyone who might know a contact or have connections at XYZ company?’ You might not get an immediate intro to the right job, so expect to go through several degrees of separation to find the right company/position.

Dave emphasizes to keep looking for what you want, everywhere and anywhere. People are willing to help, but if you show uncertainly on what you are looking for, it will be harder for them to relate to you and your situation. It’s up to you to make it easy for them to help, so give them an idea of what you can do, where you want to work and what value you bring. The more specific you are, the more likely you’ll be guided to the right people.

So, there you have it – time tested tips to find your new opportunity, but you must take action. It’s another new year, don’t think about it too much, do something now to get your career going!

Hiring Companies

Paychex
Jeff Shaw, Recruiter
Looking for a place to grow personally and professionally? This is a major provider of HR and Human Capital Management Solutions for small, medium and large organizations. Paychex has been rated for the 9th time as one of the most ethical companies by The Ethisphere Institute; and as Best Employer for Healthy Lifestyles for the 7th time by the National Business Group on Health.

However, the best benefit of working for Paychex may be that they offer Individual learning and growth. Need stability as well? They are in good financial condition – debt free and there have never been layoffs! Even if what Paychex offers doesn’t satisfy all your passions, if there is a cause that you’re really interested in, you might even get paid for volunteering! Paychex is now hiring for: Payroll service associates process, insurance, 401k advisor and coordinator, HR generalist support. The IT department is currently being bu

Resources

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
Ron Mack, Community Awareness Partner
Need help getting started? You might not know that Goodwill is not just a retail store but an organization that provides opportunities which serve community needs and help professional job seekers become self-sufficient and put people back to work. The Goodwill Career Center offers free career coaching, resume critiquing, job leads from employers, mock interviews, and digital skills training classes from beginning to advanced in 3 locations in Phoenix.

Grand Canyon University
Robert Loy, Head of Education of Non-degreed Technology Programs
Detail oriented? Like to put things in their right place? Good at recognizing patterns? Or like to teach? GCU is looking for instructors if you have master’s degree, they’re also hiring for corporate university positions. For those want to change careers and go back to school for IT, there is a 16 week Coding Bootcamp that almost guarantees successful employment! College credit for bootcamp. $11,500 to $20K.

Closing & Upcoming Events:

Greater Phoenix Healthcare Expo
January 31, 2019 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
University of Phoenix
4045 S Riverpoint Pkwy
Phoenix AZ 85040

Career Connectors Volunteer Events:
AZ Brainfood
Thursday, January 24, 2019
8:30 am to 10:30 am
325 E McKellips Road
Mesa AZ
If you are interested in participating, email:   Sheila@careerconnectors.org

Feed My Starving Children
February 1, 2019
8:30 pm-10:00 pm
1345 S Alma School Road
Mesa, AZ
To join, sign up at:  www.fmsc.org **must use Code:  WNWNZB