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12/10/15 – Start Strong, Finish Stronger: Your Best Self in Your Next Chapter

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Written by Susan Lamphiear

Keynote

Stephanie Clerge, @StrengthsPro

Remember that scene from the movie Kindergarten Cop when Arnold Schwarzenegger asks the children to tell what their dads do for a living? That flashed into my mind when today’s keynote speaker described her four-year-old son’s public remarks.

Proud of her own and her husband’s careers and educational backgrounds, the speaker described her own shock when her son announced his aspirations at his preschool graduation. When asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” he said, “I want to kill vampires and zombies!”

Upon further reflection, after the shock wore off, our keynote speaker decided it actually might not be such a bad idea to metaphorically kill vampires and zombies like the zombies, the walking dead, in the work place, the information-hoarding, energy-sucking backstabbers.

Maybe those energy-draining employees referenced in her opening story  never really got in touch with their career passions by becoming aware of their strengths.  Stephanie Clergè, a certified career coach, referenced Gallup poll results suggesting what makes people great.

You’re six times more likely to be successful if you know your strengths. Respondents were also three times as likely to say they have a high quality of life if they focused on their strengths. It appears knowledge of your strengths makes you happier and reduces stress.

To demonstrate our strengths, Stephanie asked everyone to sign their names. Then she asked attendees to sign with their opposite hand and asked for feedback on how that felt. “Awkward, challenging, frustrating” were some of the responses.

“We work on our weaknesses so much of the time—maybe we never get good at it.” What if, instead, everyone spent more time working on their strengths?

But how do you know what your strengths are? Stephanie tells us it’s those things which bring us energy. Your strengths are the part of you that make you unique and special. It’s basically your “personality muscles” she says. The Gallup poll suggests that your talents are reflected not  just in your outwardly visible behaviors but also in how you think and feel.

Talents are the basis for strengths but she goes a step further. Some people may have a strength in a particular area but that talent doesn’t necessarily bring them joy or energy. Energy is the key.

The DISC assessment, free to Career Connectors’ attendees, is one way to discover your strengths. Other assessments are out there, too. To find your strengths consider Ease, Energy and Excellence. Your strengths are areas where you excel but also which you do with ease and they produce energy, not drain your energy.

HIGHLIGHTS OF STEPHANIE’S ADVICE

Know Yourself

Know your strengths

  • via DISC* and other assessments
  • Ease, energy, Excellence indicators

Plan Your Work

Define Your Strong Career

  • The 4th E: Experience — Ask yourself, “In the past, what did I LOVE?” When did I love the job/task, the team, the manager, the culture, the industry, the learning or other things like commute, travel, benefits?
  • Think Out of the Box — Look for your strengths in other parts of your life including internships, volunteer activities, side projects/businesses, clubs/organizations, and hobbies.
  • Strengths in Action: Homework . . . Create One Strength Statement. Pick something that energizes you. Create a sentence with key elements of your talent contribution that you use to complete that task. Example: My best contribution is a quality mindset. I can spot areas to improve quality and provide ideas to make processes or products move from good to excellent.

Develop Your Tools

  • Resume: It should be easy to read and it should be clear where you should be working next.
  • LinkedIn Profile: Use a clear, concise headline (not cheesy or needy), in the summary, show a bit of your personality, list a contact email and answer InMail promptly.
  • Questions:  Always have questions to ask in the interview. She’s found in her experience many job candidates simply do not ask questions. Ask questions like, “What would the first 90 days on this job look like?”
  • Stories: If you have a gap in between jobs, recruiters want to know why. Have your remarks planned so this does not catch you off guard. Also, be prepared to articulate your greatest accomplishments on the job. You’re very likely to be asked this question: “Tell me about a time when…” Stephanie suggests having three solid stories of your accomplishments which should ideally be recent (can be older if you are changing careers), should be work related, and should address your leadership and technology skills. In a strength statement, tie your strength to a goal. For example, if you excel in creative use of graphics, explain the creative graphics help influence customers.

Work Your Plan: Include daily steps. For example: review industry websites for job postings, follow up with a former boss for a recommendation, attend one event per week, apply to X number of jobs a week, and call my accountability partner.

The Solution IS SMART– It should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Remember these key words:  Impact, Information, Inspiration, Strengths, Strategies, Support.

Hiring Companies

Nautilus Insurance Group
Kathleen Sandow, Senior HR Specialist

Nautilus Insurance Group provides commercial insurance (not personal insurance), specializing in excess and surplus lines of commercial property and casualty insurance coverage. Things they insure include shopping centers, exercise and health clubs, llama caddies, sea turtle watchers and doves released at weddings! Affiliated with W.R. Berkley Corporation, which is huge, Nautilus has the perks of a huge company and the autonomy of a small company. Located in Scottsdale Airpark, they employ 260 people, mostly in this location. The dress ranges from formal to summer casual.

Perks include a fitness center, covered parking, 401K, and paid vacations. The company is involved in community support including the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Current openings include Senior Claims Examiner, Data Analyst, Instructional Designer, Computer Support Specialist/Help Desk, and Senior Underwriter.  For a complete list or to apply, visit their website.

The Hartford
Harriet Darkwa, Talent Acquisition Consultant

The Hartford provides insurance to people who are usually in crisis mode because their home was flooded or their car was wrecked.  It’s a professional company who is looking to employ people who will be working with people who may not be covered and supporting customers going through life changes.  Over 200 years old, the company prides itself on both stability and innovation.

Other benefits of working for The Hartford include tremendous promotional opportunities, ongoing training and development, and pay-for-performance culture. The company offers tuition reimbursement, health insurance starting day one, and 401K.  Named “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for a seventh time by the Ethisphere Institute, it’s also been named one of the top 100 companies for remote work. Positions available include Associate Claim Representatives.  To learn more or apply, go to their website.

G/O Digital
Sean Beaudette, Sales Recruiter

G/O Digital helps businesses find their success through localized digital marketing. Founded in 2009, it’s a division of TEGNA Digital, employing over 400 people in downtown Phoenix. The culture is described as fun, diverse, and collaborative. The atmosphere is casual and  includes free snacks, ping pong, theme days and quarterly all-company events.

With a start-up feel, your voice is heard.  Inside sales (digital marketing consultants) currently shows the strongest growth, but openings also include sales development, account management, project management, PPC/Operations, Social Media, Marketing, and Finance. For more information, see them on social media or their website. To apply, visit them on their website.

Education Management Corporation (EDMC)
Mark Pierce, Talent Acquisition Manager

Education Management Corporation (EDMC), one of the largest and most diverse providers of proprietary post-secondary education in the United States, includes The Art Institutes, Argosy University, Brown Mackie College, South University, and Western State College of Law. A huge benefit to employees is free tuition for self and family at any of the schools. EDMC also prides itself on internal growth and development (96% of Admission Management team promoted from within and in five years the company has grown from 100 to over 3,000). Also the company offers 401K and 401K Roth participation, Health Benefits and more.

Dedicated to good works, the company involves itself in multiple projects such as Breast Cancer Awareness and Race for the Cure, Valley Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Adopt-a-Family.  Positions available include Admissions Representatives, Academic Counselor, and Admissions Manager. For more information or to apply, go to their website.

Resources

New Horizons
Zack Hiscock, VP of Training

New Horizons is a school that provides education for the workplace including computer training. Integrated learning solutions allow students to learn via several methods such as traditional, instructor-led; online LIVE learning; or online ANYTIME learning. The school also offers hands-on labs, reference materials, practice exams, learning guides, courseware, and exam preparation.

A state-of-the art training facility, programs there include Information Technology such as CompTIA Security, Linux +, MSCA Windows, and Office Management and/or Healthcare Records Management Programs like Pharmacy Technician or Microsoft office specialist. For more information or to enroll, check their website.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors, reminded everyone of the breakout sessions that follow the formal meeting. During those sessions, attendees have the opportunity to speak directly to hiring managers, obtain free professional head shots, and confer with experts in resume building and creating and managing LinkedIn profiles.

Jessica thanked volunteers and the monthly host for the event, Highlands Church, and invited everyone who qualifies to fill out the form for Highlands Hope Initiative. Through this program, the church presents gift cards based on income to job seekers and those in job transition. Some individuals may qualify for additional assistance provided by the church and are urged to apply.

Upcoming events include Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at 9:00 AM in Phoenix, featuring Michael Seaver, Developing and Living Your Personal Brand.

The next Scottsdale event will be Thursday, January 14, 2016, 9:00 AM. Topic for the event’s keynote address will be presented by Paula Shoup, Use Your internal GPS to Stay Positive & Productive in Difficult Times.

The next Gilbert event, Tuesday, January 26, 2016, 9:00 AM features Abby Kohut presenting Success for the Seasoned Search …The Benefit of Being Overqualified.

Click here for more details about locations and registration.

8/13/15 — LinkedIn for Job Seekers: Advanced Tips and Tricks

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Written by Susan Lamphiear

Remember that dramatic million-dollar voice of Don LaFontaine from movie trailers? “In a world…where secrets have a way of coming back to haunt you… Ghosts start arriving by the boatload….They thought they had it all figured out…but there was one thing they didn’t plan on… He’s back for justice…for freedom…for family…for keeps…”

That mellifluous voice surfaced in my memory as I thought about the keynote speech at Scottsdale Career Connectors this week. The keynote speaker was asking us to interject some personality into our LinkedIn profile, even as masterful voiceover artists like Don LaFontaine captured our attention with his unique voice. Our LinkedIn profile should be unique and memorable.

Keynote Speaker

“A huge party’s going on and they’re waiting for you to join it—on LinkedIn,” says Dayna Mathews, Career and Personal Branding Specialist. “You gotta join the party, “says Dayna. A die-hard LinkedIn specialist, Dayna wants us all to create profiles on the site that attract the right kind of attention from recruiters and hiring managers.

Dynamite LinkedIn Tips from Dayna

  • Upgrade only if you are new, with few connections yet. Upgrading means you gain immediate access to more people. She’s never paid for an upgrade and suggests if you have from 50-100 people it’s a good basis for building your network of connections.
  • Don’t forget to personalize your LinkedIn address.
  • NEVER call yourself unemployed in your profile.
  • “Naked is not pretty on LinkedIn.” Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for awesome, stellar people, so don’t just post a naked copy of your resume. Instead, brand yourself as you develop your profile.
  • Write a summary in first person and tell your story. Anyone reading your profile wants to feel like YOU wrote the summary yourself. So don’t use the impersonal third person. What are you good at? You need to stand out from the crowd. What did you absolutely LOVE about your job? Your summary is a snapshot of who you are and what you’re truly good at. Try asking five people who know you — “What value did I bring to the company?”
  • If you know what you’re looking for, then tune in to key words in jobs you want and then USE THEM. Study profiles of other successful people in your industry.
  • A professional photo is a must. No cleavage and no beer bottle near your face! Seriously, Dayna has seen both of these errors.
  • Your headline is VERY important.
  • Don’t forget to include a call to action. “Call me if you’d like to hire someone who is creative and brave in the face of challenges.”
  • Add media to your profile including video or PowerPoint if it showcases your skill set. If your name is mentioned on a website, include a link.
  • The top skills in your profile are the most important. So, if four skills are no longer relevant, update them.
  • Include your volunteer activities. One in five employers chooses employees based on their volunteer experience.
  • Recommendations are very important. When we read reviews as consumers, we want to know our time and money are worth it.
  • The more connections, the better. But invite people appropriately. Did you know that less than one percent of people personalize their invitations on LinkedIn?
  • Publish!  Anyone can publish your very own content. You don’t have to be a professional writer. But do make sure you’ve corrected typos and other mistakes. People will judge you! Dayna has increased her business originating from LinkedIn since she started writing. Recruiters will be more apt to notice you if you publish on LinkedIn. Write on topics that teach people things. Take advantage of this opportunity. But don’t give the gist of your article in your headline, though! You want to draw in your reader so they will open your article. For example, five tips on some area…so they have to actually read the article, not just your headline.
  • You can join up to 50 groups on LinkedIn but then you MUST engage. Suggest an article or ask a question. But get involved. Add mindful comments with NO TYPOS.
  • Follow companies but don’t HUNT them! People can smell desperation through your computer screen. It’s like dating. You wouldn’t think of asking someone to marry you on a first date. So don’t immediately ask a contact to help you get a job! Take it slow while you reach out. Follow thought leaders to take full advantage of LinkedIn.

Remember this: Your LinkedIn profile is your lifeblood. Show some personality through the screen by developing a LinkedIn footprint that reflects the unique you!

As Dayna reminds us, we are all much more than “unemployed.” “All of you are interesting and unique,” she reminds us.

Let your best “voice” shine through your unique, one-of-a-kind LinkedIn profile — with a little help from Dayna’s advice.

Hiring Companies

Brokers Alliance

Eric Palmer, Chief Marketing Officer

Brokers Alliance serves the insurance brokerage community.  They are building their own products, especially for millennials who don’t necessarily want to meet face-to-face with an agent. Brokers Alliance is involved with more than 50 insurance companies and financial professionals, educating and training over 11,000 insurance and financial professionals nationwide. Headquartered in Fountain Hills, Arizona, the company culture includes the idea that People Matter. Reasons to work with the company include their growth and many opportunities and benefits: multiple directions and job types, Modernization & Evolution inviting creative change, and leadership. Positions currently available include insurance marketing representatives, marketing support, insurance administration specialist, and receptionist. For more information about their company and to apply, visit their website.

G/O Digital

Jeremy Goldberg, Sales Recruiter

G/O Digital, a Forbes Top 500 Company and a Gannett Company, employs over 550 people and is located in downtown Phoenix but with presence across the country including Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, NYC and Dallas. G/O Digital prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for local businesses looking to connect with consumers through digital marketing. Perks at the company include free snacks, games like ping pong, weekly trivia contests, theme days, quarterly all-company events, and a library to check out books on business, marketing and related titles. Featured positions at this time include inside sales professionals, regional sales/outside sales professionals, lead generation specialists, and Sr. Account Manager. For a complete list of updated positions and to apply, go to their website.

TEKsystems

Nick Bielinski, Technical Recruiter

TEKsystems provides staffing solutions, IT talent management expertise and IT services to help clients plan, build and run their critical business initiatives.  A privately held company, they have 6,000 client sites worldwide with a client retention rate of  98%. They want to educate their clients that IT is not a cost but a marketing technique that can drive business.  Top clients include Wells Fargo, Safeway, Nationwide and State Farm. The jobs they have listed are all fresh and are updated every five business days. They supply all types of IT skill sets.  They seek Project Management experts, even with no specific IT experience.  For more information on positions available and to apply, visit their website.

Charles Schwab

Erika Villicana, Talent Sourcing Advisor

Charles Schwab, a Fortune 500 company with headquarters in San Francisco, employs 14,900 people fulltime. The company has hired 300 people so far this year. Employees nominate companies and Schwab continually receives awards based on it being a great place to work. Lots of opportunities exist at the company. They hire for Broker Training, Estate Services Professionals,  Relationship Specialists, and Retirement Services Associates.  They are expanding their service center and currently have 35 tech positions open in Phoenix.  Charles Schwab always aims to do right by the client. For employees, meritocracy is the key to succeeding, not just how long you’ve been there.  Every employee is asked to take an assessment. Based on that assessment, leaders in the company strive to develop each individual based on their strengths. To learn more about the company or to apply, check out their website.

Resources

Dynamic WorldWide Training Consultants

Rodger Brubacher, Director of Continuing Education

Dynamic WorldWide Training Consultants, a partner and professional certification training school, is located in Tempe at 4500 Lakeshore Drive. The school provides training for those who are preparing for national certification exams.  Certifications offered include Project Management (PMP), Medical Front Office Administrative Assistant & Billing/Coding Specialist (CMAA), Information Technology Programs and Certifications such as Juniper Networks and Microsoft and more. Many job searchers are eligible for grants. For more information about funding or programs and classes, visit their website.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors, closed the formal part of the event by reminding attendees that they will be able to connect with hiring companies, receive advice from LinkedIn and resume experts and obtain free professional head shots. She thanked host Highlands Church for providing the wonderful facility.

The next Career Connectors event will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at 9:00 AM in Gilbert, featuring keynote speech Activate Your Job Search presented by Kevin Dumcum. Then next month Wednesday, September 2, 2015, 9:00 AM the meeting in Phoenix features Michael Seaver’s keynote presentation called Developing and Living Your Brand.

Next month’s  Scottsdale Career Connectors event will be held Thursday, September 10, 2015, 9:00 AM, and features Executive Director of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce with a brand new presentation: Think Like a Hiring Manager and Land the Job.

For specific details on these events including exact locations, click here.

Parting thoughts

Be further inspired  by what famous voiceover artist Don LaFontaine says about our uniqueness, in his own voice,  in this tribute to him posted on You Tube.

“Of all the billions of souls on this planet, no one has lived the arc of your life. You could be a conjoined twin and still would not have lived the same life as your twin because you see things differently…to think how convoluted your path was…to come to this….” Don LaFontaine

 

 

 

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

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Written by Susan Lamphiear

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

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

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

Keynote

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

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

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

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

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

Competence

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

Character

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

Chemistry

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

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

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

How Hiring Managers Find Employees

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

Where recruiters find the best candidates

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

Social networks recruiters use

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiring Companies

City of Phoenix Workforce Connections

Kathy Thiessen, Senior Workforce Project Manager

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

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

WIOA Services

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

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

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

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

Taser

Shelby Hagan, Recruiting Coordinator

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

Aetna

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

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

Verizon Wireless

Darrin Ruof, HR Recruiter

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

Education Management Corporation (EDMC)

Kelly Moncada, Talent Acquisition Specialist

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

Closing

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

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

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

04/28/15 – Get the Job Fast-How to Find a Great New Job in Half the Time

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Written by Debbie Webber

Record breaking news! Jessica opened the meeting with the fantastic announcement that Career Connectors has officially registered a cumulative 20,000 meeting attendees on the eve of its sixth anniversary. Since its launch in July 2009, Career Connectors has organized 281 events with over 300 featured employers. Their LinkedIn Group now exceeds 4,700 members with new additions daily. What a great achievement—congratulations Jessica! You can read all the information in the news release sent this morning.

Keynote

Dave Sherman  has been an advocate and supporter of Career Connectors for six years. He is a professional speaker, marketing professional, corporate photographer and small business trainer. He loves Diet Mountain Dew, red wine and cigars. However he’s currently in day 8 of a cleanse and Jessica suggested that perhaps our interaction with him could “pick him up.” That wasn’t necessary even a little bit—Dave projected his straightforward and passionate message across to all of us just fine.

Dave started at his current position at AppointmentsPlus only a few weeks ago. His tenure is short because back on April 1, 2014 he was fired. And while he pursued his speaking and photography work for the year between being fired and finding his new position, he became well acquainted with the challenges and issues we’re all going through. He hadn’t been fired since 1975 when he worked at a Red Barn fast food joint, and it hurt.

What Did Dave Learn?

-Being fired SUCKS!
-Looking for a random job online also SUCKS!
-Frustrating, depressing and UGGH!
-Very few alternatives
-Stop complaining, whining or moaning
-HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Dave then presented five tips to help us find a great job fast, and assured us that “this stuff works.”

Tip #1

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!

And get out every day. Get up, shower and get dressed. This maintains your working routine. It also promotes socialization—you won’t find a job by yourself in front of your computer in your pajamas. And finally, it STOPS THE VOICES that are telling you you’ll never get another job, that you’re not good enough, and all the other nasty, untrue things our minds tell us when we’re alone.

So where should you go? Anywhere with an internet connection. And then do whatever you were doing at home in front of the computer to get a job. The important thing is to get out of the house and be around people.

Tip #2

ASK FOR HELP

And ask as many people as you can. This is hard for many people—you may be embarrassed about your job search, you may be a private person—there are many reasons why you may not want to “publicize” your job search. But you need to ask yourself HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

So who do you ask? Ask your friends and family, your inner circle, school/work connections, your network, and everybody else you are connected to on Facebook and LinkedIn. Only 30% of open positions are ever posted; the other 70% are filled through networking. And make it easy for people to help you. Know what you want and the companies you want to work for and tell them so they can help you. Order yourself some business cards and keep asking everyone you meet.

Tip #3

START ATTENDING MORE NETWORKING EVENTS!

Where should you go?
-Chambers of Commerce
-Associations—the “coolest one” according to Dave. There’s an
association with local chapters for every industry or interest.
Find yours and attend.
-Business Groups
-Networking Groups
-Career transition groups (like Career Connectors)

These activities will help you hang out with employed people who can help you find a job faster when you ask them for help. Some people aren’t comfortable attending these kinds of events, and that’s okay. You just have to ask yourself HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Tip #4

When attending events, STOP LOOKING FOR A JOB!

You won’t find one at the event. What you will find are the people and contacts that WILL connect you with your next position. So how DO you network? Dave says the key is to build up your likeability and commonality, which is the definition of schmoozing. If you are one of three equally qualified candidates for a job, who do you think is going to get it? The one who has created the greatest likability and commonality with the hiring manager. Let them see who you are.

Dave’s definition of likeability includes
-Personality
-Sense of humor
-Warmth
-Conversation style

Commonality characteristics include
-Hometown?
-Hobbies
-School?
-Family, friends, favorites
-Find a link with them!

Getting to know a person during an interview triples your chance of success. Find a way to connect! This may be difficult for some, but HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Tip #5

FOUR MOST IMPORTANT WORDS

This is the most important thing Dave told us in his presentation.

“WHO DO YOU KNOW?”

Ask everyone, use this all the time and don’t give up.

Really. Don’t give up.

Dave had one bonus tip—LinkedIn works, so learn everything you can about this social media tool and use everything you learn. People want to help you if you are clear about what you want.

Need more help?

Dave has put together a DVD kit that expands on this info, along with a powerful e-learning program that will help you become a great networker. His email is dave@daveshermanspeaks.com.  Know what you want and where you want to work and he will respond with all the help he can find for you.

And remember—HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Hiring Companies

State Farm
DeAnne Prigmore,  Recruiter

State Farm’s mission is to help people, and that includes employees as well as customers. State Farm is currently building a Phoenix hub at Marina Heights along Tempe Town Lake and is hiring hundreds of people for operations-related positions (not the insurance agents we’re familiar with). State Farm offers fantastic benefits that include a pension and 401k to both full and part time employees. Immediate openings include positons in claims, sales, banking, marketing and IT, but there’s a continual update to these openings on their website. You must apply online, but each application is reviewed by a human being (!) before being classified among the open positions. Apply here.

HotFoot Recruiters
Steven Lindsey, Marketing Specialist

HotFoot Recruiters is an employment agency with full-spectrum recruiting from entry level to senior executives. Core industries served include aerospace, manufacturing and production, construction, engineering, alternative energy, power/utilities, IT and marketing/sales/call centers. HotFoot is constantly expanding into other industries, so check their website. They work with clients (employers) to find the perfect fit and never charge the applicant any fee. Current openings include CNC mill and lathe machinist, customer service rep, project managers, electronic technician, executive admin and door fabrication. Check out the complete list of openings and apply here.

Education Management Corporation 
Ryanne Dean, Talent Acquisition Manager

EDMC is composed of The Art Institute, Argosy University, Western State College of Law (as part of Argosy), Brown Mackie College and South University. Student success is the strongest value at EDMC and the culture of education and success extends to the employees as well. Open positions include Administration Reps, Academic Counselors and Admission Managers. There are also many other positions available in other locations outside of Phoenix. You may find these open positions and apply here.

Next Event

Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 9:00 am, Phoenix
Image Matters: Elevate Your Image and Expand Your Influence
Tabitha Dumas
Hiring companies: City of Phoenix, Freedom Financial Network, TEKsystems and Education Management Corporation

Registering for upcoming events is quick and easy here!