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Job Hunting Advice

12/1/16 – Think Like a Hiring Manager and Land the Job

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Jessica Pierce Think Like a Hiring ManagerWritten by Susan Lamphiear

Here Comes the Sun (George Harrison, The Beatles),  a reminder that there is hope for a new sunrise every day of our lives, whether we are gripped with fear or experiencing loss or grappling with any of life’s problems and glitches, and the song’s long been a favorite of mine.  To me the song will always be a metaphor for hope. So I thought of the song when our keynote speaker’s intro mentioned  hope’s importance during life’s trials, including job layoffs or job transition.

Keynote

“It’s all about hope,” says Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors. Hope is what gets you through the tough times.

Jessica and her husband Mark know about getting through tough times. They were both employed and “living the dream” in 2007 when Jessica was laid off from her job at Intel. She quickly opened a staffing company but that closed after two years, following the economic crisis of 2009.

When her husband was laid off during this same time period, in 2009, Jessica began helping other professional friends who also faced unemployment.  The couple had an infant, a two-year-old and a 10-year old. (Her children and supportive husband are still what she’s most proud of.)  A short sale of their home soon challenged them. But Jessica told Mark that she felt God had called her to help (Career Connectors started with helping a few people at church with their resumes), so he threw out his arms and said, “How can I argue with God?”

In 2010 Arizona hosted the U.S. Census and Jessica informed them she had about 250 people who might be interested. But when word got out they were hiring 3000 people, Jessica realized that this whole situation was about community, not just church, when people lined up around the church and TV news were there to interview her. Career Connectors was founded and since then the group has helped over 25,000 individuals and 300 companies in the metro Phoenix area, and Jessica was called to speak at the White House as a jobs expert.

Having become an expert in job search tactics, Jessica loves to share what she’s learned and to teach others how to think like a hiring manager to land the job.

Jessica learned at age 24,  you have to make it easy for hiring managers to find you, and she practically made a second career referring friends for jobs and getting paid for it! Offering referrals tends to be a win/win situation. It gave her another income. But it also saved money for the company. And it helped find appropriate candidates, because if you refer someone, it’s going to be a worker who shows up and can do the job. You’re not going to refer someone who will make you look bad!

Hiring managers have a database of resumes—but that’s actually the last place they look to hire. Most people who have succeeded have been referred. Someone said, “Hey, I heard about this job you’d be perfect for…”

The Recruitment Life Cycle is very complex and hiring the right candidate is hard work. So it’s no surprise that employers always start with known internal resources.

  • Internal Resource (known)
  • Prior Work Relationship (known)
  • Referred Resource (known – one off)
  • Through Employee (known —  one off)
  • Want Ad/Online Posting (unknown/high-risk)

Here’s what we know for sure about the hiring process

  • People do business primarily with people they know and like.
  • Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants.
  • The job you want likely will not be advertised.

Where are recruiters finding their best candidates?

  • Recruiters are finding 60% of their candidates through referrals!

Are employers using social media to hire?

  • Yes, they are! Their number one choice is LinkedIn. But be careful with social media. Sometimes offers are actually rescinded based on social media posts. You can have an opinion, but be respectful the way you express it, especially in a heated election year like we’ve just experienced. Of recruiters, 55% have reconsidered a candidate based on their social profile, with 61% of those second looks being negative.

Tips from Jessica

  1. Yes, go to the job boards. But it doesn’t stop there. Who do you know at the company? Find them on LinkedIn and connect.
  2. Stand out from the crowd. She uses the example of Anthony. He was resistant to getting out and networking as Jessica suggested. Finally, he committed to one month of calling people, meeting people, getting out of the house for 40 hours a week. He talked to anyone who would talk to him. At one point Anthony said, “I need a coffee budget.” But at the end of that one month, Anthony had two job offers and they were competing for him! Anthony admitted that what Jessica had told him worked.
  3. Don’t apply for a job if you don’t have most of the skills. It wastes the recruiter’s time and when they do see a job for you, they likely won’t contact you if they feel you’ve previously wasted their time.
  4. Don’t apply for an executive assistant job at the same time you apply for an executive job. Target the person you are. Don’t be open to ALL positions. Be that one person when you apply for a job.
  5. If you’re a creative problem solver, say this on your resume or in an interview. Creative problem solvers are valuable because they solve problems but not necessarily via a straight path.
  6. Don’t say you’re strong in TEAMWORK. That gets overlooked these days. Instead, use ACTION words like “implemented” or “created.”  Use your strong ACTION words that show up when you take the DISC assessment free through Career Connectors’ website. Click here to go to the DISC page on the website.
  7. Think about the TYPES of companies you’re interested in. Jessica LOVED Intel. But today she couldn’t work there because she’s in a different place in her career.

Remember this: Companies are looking for three things, not just skills, though competence is, of course, a vital part of the equation.

  1. Competence includes knowledge and training, your experience, and your skills.
  2. Character includes traits like trustworthiness, loyalty, patience, kindness, courtesy, cooperation, respect, responsibility and commitment.
  3. Chemistry is demonstrated by your first impression, proper handshake (match theirs), introduction, eye contact, natural smile, and mirroring the initial response.

And be kind, Jessica reminds us. In your networking conversations, find topics not related to jobs. Sports, family, kids, vacations, and activities are all possibilities for discussions. Remember, it’s all about relationships because we all want to work with people we like.

Hiring Companies

Aetna

Le Nguyen, Talent Acquisition

Aetna, a Health Care Insurance Provider, employs 50,000. Proud of its values, the company recently launched efforts to increase minimum pay and provide more employees with affordable healthcare.

Benefits of the company include paid time off (PTO), life insurance, short-term AND long-term disability, and employee work/life Assistance Program. Shared benefits include medical, dental and vision plans. Incentive programs include financial benefits like 401K and annual bonuses, wellness and incentive programs, tuition assistance and student loan repayment programs (new in 2017).A number of positions are available.

Aetna is a leader in flex scheduling and work-from-home. The company embraces diversity and has been named most admired company and rated highly by veterans as a place to work.

To apply go to their  website. Look early and often as a variety of  positions update daily ranging from customer service to marketing to project management.

MassMutual

Jessica McGrath, Recruiter

MassMutual, an Arizona financial services group, exists to help clients secure their future and protect loved ones.

The company seeks to hire three groups of people

  • Candidates from the area with a solid network of contacts, with MBA, JD, CPA or five years sales/entrepreneurial or related experience  who are changing careers
  • Career changers from the area with a network of contacts who are fully licensed—Life & Health, 6/7, 63/66
  • Career changers, fully licensed—Life & Health, 6/7, 63/66 with proven track record of success-$70,000 Annual Production looking to take practice to the next level but need help

Why Choose MassMutual?

  • If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired
  • Culture
  • Support and training
  • Impact on the community
  • Unlimited income

To apply, visit their website.

GlobalTranz

Amber Gaines, Corporate Recruiter

GlobalTranz is a privately held technology-enabled 3PL company specializing in freight management services, including Less-Than-Truck Load (LTL), Truckload (TL), Supply Chain Management, and Domestic Air/Expedited shipping. The company is a B2B company with over 25,000 customers. Any business in the U.S. who ships products in lots weighing over 150 pounds is a potential customer of GlobalTranz. Among awards they have been named among Fastest Growing Companies several times.

Benefits include choice of three medical plans, onsite Care Clinic, Dental and vision plan, $25,000 Company Paid Life Insurance, Employee Referral Bonus Program $500, internal development and advancement opportunities, Wellness Room and C.O.R.E — TruBlue, Go Team, Green Team. They’re very proud of their corporate culture, community service and Green team.

Current openings include Logistics Specialist, AR Analyst, AP Analyst, Carrier Rep (Broker), Cash Application Specialist, Inside Sales (Prescott Valley), Pricing Analyst, and Agent Support. To apply, visit their website. If you’re ready to take the next step in exploring a career with GlobalTranz, contact their corporate recruiter, Amber Gaines, TODAY.

Cenlar

Ann Pierce, Senior Recruiter

Cenlar is a premier loan servicing provider and wholesale bank. Their services date back to 1958 when Cenlar was formed from the acquisition of Centennial Savings and Loan Association by Larson Mortgage Company. Cenlar FSB was one of the first companies to pursue mortgage loan subservicing as a core business. The company supports three major/national charities: March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Toys for Tots, and other local organizations including Habitat for Humanity.

Employee benefits include 401K – match up to 4% of salary, comprehensive health benefits, vacation and sick/personal time off, 10 holidays per year, life insurance and optional supplemental life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more. The company closes for every federal holiday.

Open positions include functional trainers, HR generalist, customer care associates, loan servicing default agents (collections), and customer care supervisors. . Bilinguals are encouraged to apply. Listings change frequently. To apply visit their website.

Resources

New Horizons

Joe Rostowsky, Director of site Operations

New Horizons, a computer learning center, offers training for those in job search or career transition, but also provides information on resources available in the community, and job placement at the conclusion of classes. Certifications are available for many areas, including Microsoft Word, which can give job candidates an extra edge when they apply for jobs. Classes include  CCNA Routing and Switching, Microsoft Office Specialist, Pharmacy Technician,  and many more.  The State-of-the-Art Training Facility offers small classes conducted in a variety of ways including traditional instructor led classrooms, online LIVE learning, and online ANYTIME learning. Funding is available for many job seekers, including for veterans. For more information about enrolling or funding, visit their website.

New! Career Connectors Advice Blog

NEW — Career Connectors Advice Blog — is now LIVE. Click on the link.

Closing

Sheila Coulam, Director of Operations for Career Connectors, opened and closed the formal part of the event and kept things running smoothly. Sheila discovered Career Connectors after being an electrical engineer at General Motors for 15 years and a stay-at-home Mom for 10 years. Looking to get back into the job market during a big recession, she volunteered so she could get back into “professional mode.” After doing web development for a while, the company wound down and she found her way back to Career Connectors and her current position. “Jessica pulls me out of analysis paralysis.”

Highlands Church provides our beautiful meeting facility. The church also continues their Highlands Hope  Initiative to assist individuals in career transition. Information gathered from individuals at the event allowed some participants to receive a gift card, based on income,  courtesy of Highlands.

Sheila thanked the church and volunteers for their service and introduced Breakout Sessions including the chance to meet with hiring companies, get help with resume preparation, talk with a LinkedIn specialist, and have a free professional head shot taken.

Next meetings in December this year include the Phoenix meeting Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 9:00 AM. And Tuesday, December 13, 20016, 9:00 AM in Gilbert. For details of the meetings, including directions, speakers, and registration, click here.

2017 Event information COMING SOON!!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

10/1/14 – The Job Fair Game

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Keynote

Andy Ridley, today’s speaker, is a professional coach, trainer and speaker. He shared one important thing with us today: job fairs are a game.

You won’t get hired there. It is a place to learn who is hiring, what jobs are available, meet  others who are looking for work and impress.

“Employers don’t hire on the spot,” Andy said. They learn who is available, meet potential employees and they need to impress you, because, quite frankly, they need you!

In the end, both gain from the event.

Andy’s strategy:

  1. Have a Game Plan. Ask yourself what kind of job do you want.
  2. Be Proactive. Research companies. Plan how much time you plan to spend at the job fair with each company. Get there before it starts. Maybe you will talk to someone before they open their booth. You also want to be in the front of the line.
  3. Prepare several resumes with sticky notes separating different resumes varied by your skill sets. Bring your best work, reference letters and writing samples.
  4. Dress as a professional. When you dress for success, you show respect for the position you are applying for, but be comfortable, too.
  5. Be nimble. Get several business cards printed that reflect the top one-third of your resume.
  6. Show poise. Be confident, mature, and smile. Make eye contact. Find a reason to smile because there is hope.
  7. Make a connection. Make your 30-second speech. Tell them why you are there, but then tell them your name at the conclusion of your pitch. Shake their hand when you introduce yourself, then again at the end when you are leaving. Offer them a copy of your resume. Tell them what impresses you about their company to show that you have done some research.
  8. Listen and take notes. Be a good listener, then market yourself. You are pitching your skills, experience and qualifications. Listen for keywords, then rewrite your resume with those words. Take down names of recruiters and hiring managers at these companies.
  9. Watch your time. Limit your time at each booth if there is a line, but don’t make your stay too short, either. If you are not interested in the company, then walk away. That’s why you want to target where you want to work and who you want to talk to before you attend a job fair.
  10. Introduce other candidates to booth
  11. Bring blank thank you notes and complete them there.
  12. Follow-Up/email best prospects.

Visit his LinkedIn profile here to see his presentation: “The Job  Fair Game.”

Hiring Companies

City of Phoenix

Kerry Barnes, North Center Manager

 

  1. Job fairs
  2. Information regarding state jobs

American Express

Sara Kelley, Recruitment Relationship Manager
  • Jobs Available
    • At the I17 & Hwy 101 location:
      • Industrial Engineer
      • Customer Care Professional
    • At the Desert Ridge location:
      • Salesforce.com Software Engineer
      • Senior Android Engineer

Up Next

Join us for our next event which in Scottsdale, October 9, 2014 with Jenn Kaye “Say What You Mean.”

9/11/14 — Job Search in the 21st Century

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Written by Susan Lamphiear

In these days of high technology, who doesn’t love gadgets and fast communication? Smart phones, smart TVs, smart appliances. What next? Well, I just read where smart diapers may soon be available, meaning parents can get alerts from their six-month-old saying, “Hey, my diaper needs to be changed!” Adds new meaning to the phrase “smarty pants”! Talk about your Internet of Things!

But seriously, as we use technology in our daily lives, and certainly in the job hunt, we must be smart about how we use that technology. As our keynote speaker reminded us today, we still need people. All roads to technology must ultimately lead to people and that next great job.

Keynote

The day before his first layoff, Justin Jones had just bought a new car! I know. How awful.  Even Justin, professional speaker and trainer, an articulate, energetic and genuinely likeable guy, is vulnerable to layoffs. Yes. He said it’s impacted him more than once—the dreaded reality of “layoff.” So Justin is sympathetic and can easily relate to anyone in transition who is looking for their next great job or that new career. Especially in this still-troubled economy.

“There’s a job out there with your name on it,” Justin affirms. After telling a roomful of hopefuls he’s about to inundate us with online resources, he turns and asks, “But is that the best way to find your next job, though?” And everyone in near unison chimes, “No!” Because we all know that the technology is only a tool to get us in front of the right people.

But, the internet research is a part of the modern job hunt. It’s a fact of life. For starters, technology can help us figure out who we are. What are our strengths that we bring to a company? Start by taking the DISC assessment, Justin recommends. It’s free to anyone affiliated with Career Connectors.

Don’t forget that these resources provide tools for the job search. In life and in work, it’s still all about people. And so we were reminded, some misty-eyed,  when Justin broke into a heartfelt acapella solo of The Star Spangled Banner in commemoration of the 13th anniversary of  9-11.

Timely Tips from Justin

  • When it comes to salary, you have to play the game. The first person to mention a number loses. If asked your salary requirements early in the application process, ask what the range is. But be prepared by doing your own research on salary ranges in your field. Online websites can speed up that research.
  • Join LinkedIn but go a step further and join groups and then participate. Hopefully, you’ll meet someone in person who knows about just the right job for you. Strive to get known in groups, starting with your career field or the career you’re trying to break into.
  • If you like to write, start a blog. Consider writing a blog about your job search. Soon you’ll have followers and maybe even a job offer.
  • When you’re asked in an interview, “What do you know about our company?” – tell them what you have to offer the company. That’s what they really want to know.
  • Consider using Mail.com for all your job search emails. They allow you to write your own endings in your email address, so you can describe yourself and, “Voila” your email becomes a marketing tool!

Helpful Online Links

Researching Occupations

Job Search

Online Networking

Salary Information

Resources/Free Learning

Hiring Companies

Goodwill of Central Arizona

Caitlin King, Recruiting Manager

Goodwill of Central Arizona funds programs throughout the Valley to assist local job seekers. The company is hiring in a number of departments including cleaning and landscaping. Their retail operations include both hourly and retail management positions. Retail management employees receive four to six months of training at Goodwill’s own University of Pride. The company offers benefits including the choice of three medical plans, 401K match after one year, and sick time. To apply for positions with Goodwill, visit their website.

Charles Schwab

Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Manager

Charles Schwab, a financial services firm, from its inception sought to bring Wall Street to Main Street. Described as employee-friendly, the company strives to make each employee feel appreciated. Benefits of the company include its mission, its meritocracy – promoting based on merit not longevity—financial fitness, and a balance between work and personal life.  Towards that end, the company offers a Sabbatical after five years of employment and which includes regular vacation plus 28 additional days off. The company requires that all employees take an assessment which pinpoints their strengths. This information is used to place the employee in the job which best fits their strengths. Visit their website to apply for positions with the company.

International Cruse & Excursions, Inc.

Jason Brambier, Corporate Recruiter

International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. can be described as Expedia for the cruise industry. The company employs sales agents who interact with individuals who have been on cruises before, offering them steep discounts. Besides sales agents, the company also has need for several other positions such as art director, executive director of accounts receivable, director of sales training, leadership trainer, sales trainer and more. The company offers perks including onsite care, wellness program, a nail salon and discounts on travel. Check their website for information on applying or about their Open House Sessions where you can interview on the spot.

Resources

Cheryl Hesketh, Admissions Consultant

Training to You offers short-term training in several certifications including Project Management and Microsoft Office, plus many more which are listed on their website. The school offers flexibility, so if you land a job in the middle of your training, the school makes it easy for you to continue attending classes while you work. For more information on classes and certifications available, and to see if you are eligible for a grant, click here to visit their website.

Closing

Executive Director of Career Connectors, Jessica Pierce, thanked Highlands Church for hosting the event and reminded everyone of the breakout sessions — there, attendees were eligible for free professional head shots, resume consultations, and talks with hiring managers. The next Career Connectors event occurs Tuesday, September 23, 2014, 9:00 AM, in Gilbert and features keynote speaker Curtis Kenyon, who will speak on the topic of “There is No Manual for Life”.

The next Scottsdale Career Connectors event takes place October 9, 2014, 9:00, AM, with keynote speaker Jenn Kaye on the topic of “Say What You Mean”.

For details on Career Connectors events throughout the Valley, including locations, directions, times, and topics, click here. Everyone is welcome to attend any of the Career Connectors events in Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Phoenix.

9/3/14 – A Commando’s Guide to Finding a Job in the New Economy

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written by Ian Salsman

KEYNOTE

Close your eyes. Tight. Take a deep breath. For a few seconds, imagine that you are a vase—stay with me now. Don’t picture an old, dusty vase but one that ready to accept a new bouquet of fresh flowers. Think about it. Now open your eyes, forget everything you understood about yourself in the past, and accept everything new!

This was the message from Mike Hayes at Career Connectors. Having conducted over 5,000 personal interviews, he has a full understanding of what it takes to get through an interview. He is often asked the same questions—over and over—regarding the job hunt. From this, he decided to write a book—which can be found for $2.99 on amazon.com (http://amzn.com/B007KAE4AA) entitled “The Difference Between Being a Tool and Having a Tool.” 

Although it sounds bleak, the job market is still on life support. While it is true that jobs are being added, the $15/hour jobs are being replaced with $9-$13/hour jobs, entry level jobs geared for the young adults entering the workforce are being held by the experienced age bracket who just an income, and it still taks a lot just to get a job.

However, not all is lost. You are in the driver’s seat and you can make a difference.

Here are 10 of the tips and advice and—ahem—commands to follow as you engage in your job search (albeit in no particular order):

  1. MAKE SURE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IS CORRECT—and up-to-date.  It is surprising how many times a candidate is called back but the email address or phone number leads to dead ends or the wrong person. Your resume is an advertisement. It reflects who you are. It won’t get you the job but it will create a first impression.
  2. IF SMOKE, DON’T! It is expensive, of course, but it carries an aroma that smokers no longer detect on themselves. Your potential employer can.
  3. DON’T APPLY FOR JOB FOR WHICH YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED.
  4. HEED EMPLOYMENT GAPS—especially those that are longer than six months. Employers want to know what you have done during that time. Volunteer to stay engaged, join Toastmasters to help communication skills, and so much more.
  5. Even when it comes to staffing companies, NEVER TURN DOWN AN OPPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW. It is good practice. 50% of scheduled interviewees don’t show up. That does not sit well with interviewers and is disastrous for any future interactions with that company.
  6. HEED ALL OF THE INFORMATION ON A JOB POSTING. Often people still ask how to apply for a job when instructions are clearly listed. People often are unaware of what is listed online regarding the desired position.
  7. SOCIAL MEDIA. LinkedIn, especially, is a must complete with a professional headshot, current information and a professional layout. Facebook is a minefield so be careful.
  8. STOP BRINGING YOUR RESUME TO NETWORKING EVENTS. The last thing anyone wants to do is talk with someone who is there only to look for a job. Build a rapport with elements of commonality. That relationship building is key.
  9. KEEP A RIGID “JOB SEEKER” SCHEDULE. Get up at the same time every day and go to “work” everyday.
  10. HAVE A JOB SEEKING “BUDDY.” This is someone with whom you can share your “baggage” so you are not carrying it into an interview. This is someone with whom you can practice interviewing. This is someone to whom you can be accountable.

There. 10 is a good number. Spend your time doing instead reading of tips on how you should be ding it. Be a Commando!

HIRING COMPANIES

City of Phoenix

Al Jernigan, Business Consultant and Alicia Springs, Career Advisor

Al Jernigan reiterated Mike Hayes’ statement about keeping your information accurate and current enlightening us with staggering statistics regarding how many times they follow up but the phone number is incorrect.

One of the biggest needs are those in the IT industry—people who know more than one programming language, how to work different platforms, desktops and mobile clouds. Those familiar with the wearable technology such as Google glass and Samsung’s SmartWatch are becoming in demand as are “Big Data Experts”

8 Hot jobs for 2014:

  • Business intelligence designers
  • DevOps experts with cloud and mobility skills
  • Linux pros
  • Mobile developers
  • .NET and Java developers
  • Business Analysts and Project Managers
  • Small and midsized business (smb) IT pros.

Visit their ONESTOP CENTERS.

AZ Dept of Economic Security

Sheri Banner, HR Recruiter

You have to be specific with regards to your job description. She gave their specific process for handling hiring. Be honest on your application…..if you were let go, tell them why. Entry level will give you an opportunity for raises. Where you start out, will not likely be where you end up. The state prefers to hire/promote within their own ranks. Apply through the job website.

APC Services

Tiffany Radloff, Business Development Manager

APC has offered professional and technical service consulting for the last 20 years. They seek to positively impact their employees and partner with their clients. Tiffany shared  three specific awards the company gives employees as a means of honoring hard and dedicated work and commitment. SAS  Consultants, Project Managers, Business Analysts and others are presently needed. Go to www.apc-services.com to apply and browse open positions.

Revana

Octavio Duarte, Talent Acquisition Specialist

REVANA is an inside professional inside sales organizaiont and nationally recognized leader in outsource sales. With clients such as Facebook, ATT, Sony and Direct TV, they continue grow offering a substantial benefits package. Presently Inside and Outside Sales, and Sales Managers are needed. Go to www.revanajobs.com to apply.

Resources

Dynamic Worldwide Training

Rodger Brubacher

Roger Brubacher and Dynamic Worldwide have many training courses to engage you in developing skills and working your certifications. They are one resource approved by the Maricopa Workforce Connection for funding.  These courses are offered in-person and online by certified instructors and so can be flexible to meet YOUR needs.