• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Career Connectors

Connecting professionals in career transition with hiring companies and quality resources

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Career Connectors eUpdate
Subscribe Here
  • Job Seekers
    • Events
      • Event Schedule
      • Webinar Recordings
      • Event Recaps
      • Prepare for an Event
    • Resources
      • PipelineAZ
      • Community Updates
      • Career Chats
      • DISC
      • Business Portraits
      • Career Advice
      • Trusted Resources
      • LinkedIn Basics
    • Featured Companies
    • Volunteer
      • Volunteer Opportunities
      • Volunteer Application
  • Employers
    • Hiring
    • Outplacement Services
    • Partners
  • About Us
    • Donate
    • Applause & Testimonials
    • In The News
    • Mission Statement
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact

Job Hunting Advice

10-3-2013—LinkedUp on LinkedIn

October 5, 2013 by Sheila

Written by Susan Lamphiear

Keynote Speaker

Jessica loves LinkedIn.

And she’s here to tell you why.

“Every second, two new members join LinkedIn!” That’s according to Social Media Revolution 2013, the YouTube video that helped introduce the  keynote presentation by Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors. “That’s like the entire enrollment of the Ivy League joining LinkedIn!” the video goes on to say.

“Get on the train” says Jessica. And don’t worry. On LinkedIn, YOU control what content appears on your profile, unlike some of the other social media. So at LEAST have a profile!

WHY have a LinkedIn profile? Because LinkedIn is the number one search tool for recruiters, for starters.  When hiring managers search for good employees, they think, “Who do I know?” They want to find people they like and trust. Jessica gets requests all the time from people who ask who she knows and who she recommends.

And remember that every Fortune 500 company has representation on LinkedIn. Plus, recruiters and companies are using LinkedIn to find quality candidates and then to validate candidates.

Six crucial facts about LinkedIn  that you should know

  1. You must strive for All-Star status in your LinkedIn profile.  If you have All-Star status, your chances of coming up early in the search process increase dramatically. A completed profile is considered once you have 50 connections. But strive for 500, Jessica recommends.
  2. Get REAL connections.  If you connect with someone you don’t know, be sure to include a brief note–perhaps about how you met them, or connections you have in common–or likely your invite won’t be accepted. Always remember that even though you may not know someone at the company you’re interested in, someone you know probably does. To test out this idea, Jessica searched “Barack Obama”, thinking she had no connection to him on LinkedIn. But she found that she did! Guess what? Because we have some connections in common, I found I’m 2nd degree connected to Barack Obama, too. Who knew? Remember that concept of six degrees of separation? 
  3.  Find jobs via the LinkedIn site. Apply, but don’t stop there. Also connect with a real live person by using your vast network of connections you’re developing. Or ask a connection you have to introduce you to one of the decision makers in the company.
  4.  Join groups, but then vow to participate in the group. Employers actually use these groups to find candidates and to post jobs! So remember to participate in discussions or post relevant articles to gain name recognition for your own brand.
  5. Make full use of KEY WORDS in your profile. Think SEO (Search Engine Optimization).Specific key words are vital in your LinkedIn profile, but a lot of people haven’t discovered this. Pick one to three key words that describe who you are. Then make use of the key words in at least three places—your headline, the last job you had, and your current job. Volunteer jobs count, too. Most companies don’t care if it’s volunteer work or not, but only that you were using your top skills. Instead of just calling yourself a “Project Manager”, which is pretty generic, use words that show how you are unique. At least say something a little more specific like “Healthcare Project Manager”.  When writing your job title, you can use the backslash to blend your actual title with a more current title in today’s workforce since those titles tend to change and evolve over time. For example, Jessica has been in HR, but sometimes the title today may be “Talent Acquisition”, or “Organizational Development”, or other current or “modern verbiage”. Instead of just “HR”, post HR/Talent Acquisition Manager, blending your title with the current equivalent title.
  6. Be sure to have 2-3 recommendations for each job you’ve held.

When you achieve All-Star status on LinkedIn AND you use Key Words throughout your profile, especially at the start of your profile, you jump to the top of the searches!

Among “BIGGEST FAILS”, according to Jessica? You should be meeting every single person you can when you go to an event. Yet at a recent Diversity Job Fair, she noticed lots of people totally skipped her own area, and she wanted to say, “Hey, I’m free!” Also skipped by many candidates was Insight’s table and she knows they’re a great company.

There’s a job out there for you, but whether you land it is often based on who you know. So, get out there and do the work. The job market is so much better than it was in 2009, but you have to work at it. Don’t pass up any chance to meet more people.

So get out and there and network and be known online, especially through LinkedIn. Jessica’s parting tip? “We can help you get in the door! (with LinkedIn)!”

Hiring Companies

Superior Group

Mike Nielsen, Regional Recruitment Manager

Mike was on hand to give tips on  LinkedIn from the Recruiter’s perspective.

  1. How do companies find you? “If you see how we find you, then maybe you can tailor your search to make that easier,” Mike suggests.
  2. Make sure you show up in key word searches. It’s not enough to say “business analyst” because it goes to a number of job boards and the number of people that comes up is huge. The recruiter looks for the key words that show up EARLY in the resume. LinkedIn is a Godsend to the recruiter. But recruiters also use software that helps them find key words and produce the needed data fast. To make the cut, you must use key words.
  3. If you survive the key word search, as a recruiter he will send a “passive” InMail saying something like,  “I have a job to fill– let me know if you or anyone you know may be interested.”
  4. Have 4-5 versions of your resume. Constantly tweak your resume. He sees thousands of resumes each day. He hates objectives in resumes. No one reads them and it can only hurt you.  LinkedIn profile or resume–Get to the point…what do you DO?
  5. At times, a job searcher will need to use an agency. But remember that there is nothing a recruiter can do to bend the employer’s arm once they are presented with your candidacy. Either the chemistry is there between you and the potential company or it’s not. It’s 70% chemistry and 30% resume. You can’t practice chemistry, so don’t be nervous about an interview.
  6. Ten years ago everything went web based. Buzz words are crucial today.  Mike wants to see key words at the TOP, early in the resume. He also likes to see bullet points at the top of the resume. But please, he says, no list of “interests” anywhere on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

For more information about Superior Group, go to their website.

IBM

Karen Altig, Program Manager

Many people aren’t aware that IBM has a presence in the Valley and in Tucson. To locate jobs at IBM, go to their website.  IBM, known for being a very innovative company, offers many opportunities for growth right in the Phoenix area ranging from technical to niche to nontechnical. When you apply, the system allows you to have more than one resume in the system at any given time.

Insight

Linda Michaels, HR Manager

Linda loves working at Insight because they state company values and then live up to them. The company strives to hire the right people in sync with their company values. Among perks include two days each year where an employee is paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice. Coming up is their “bring your dog to work day”. Also, employees get  face-to- face time with their CEO to learn about the state of the company. Linda announced that IBM’s current CEO, Virginia Rometty, is the first woman to head IBM. To apply with Insight, go to their website  where new jobs are posted regularly.

Resources

Computer Skills Institute

Steve Carparell

Steve reminded attendees that anyone who is unemployed is eligible to apply for funding in order to receive computer training. A number of certifications are available through their school, including Medical Support Specialist, Microsoft, and advanced IT. Steve emphasized that all three schools that partner with Career Connectors have employment specialists that help students find employment once their training is complete. For more information about training programs or funding, go to their website.

Closing

Sandi Ashton, on the Board of Directors at Career Connectors, closed the meeting after providing content specific, seamless transitions between speakers and meeting segments. She thanked everyone including Highlands Church for hosting the Scottsdale events, volunteers and the speakers for their invaluable time. She also reminded everyone the next Career Connectors meeting will be Wednesday, October 9, in Phoenix, featuring keynote address Just Outside the comfort Zone: Social Media in Your Job Search, presented by Anne McAuley. The next Scottsdale meeting will be Thursday, November 14, when Dusty Parsons will present Twitter—A Love Story. For details including times and directions, go to the Career Connectors site under “events” or simply click here.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Connections, Job Hunting Advice, Job Search, LinkedIn, networking, Social Media

09/24/2013 – 12 Minutes Which Win Every Interview

September 25, 2013 by Sheila

Written by Bethany Wolf

Opening Remarks

“Hope changes everything.”

That’s how Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors, opened today’s event held at the Gilbert Campus of Central Christian Church. After welcoming participants, Jessica went on to tell the inspirational  story of one recent Career Connectors graduate who had landed a job with Green Tree after hearing about the company at a Career Connectors event in Gilbert two weeks ago.

Keynote Speaker

According to today’s keynote speaker, Bill Markham, hope means to look forward to with confidence and expectation. Having the right attitude and staying motivated can mean the difference between disappointment and self-pity, and landing your dream job.

As president of Winnerviewer and a career coach with over 35 years of experience, Bill has worked with countless professionals in transition to help them prepare for and succeed in their job search. In today’s keynote, Bill outlined 12 steps to winning every job interview:

  1. Decision – Read the job description and ask yourself, does this job work for me? Should I go for the job or not? Evaluate whether you should apply to it. Do your skills match up? As Bill pointed out, 80% of people don’t know what they want to do.  Rather than sending out hundreds of resumes, be selective on what companies you apply to. Some great questions to ask yourself are: Is this a job to which I can become committed? Do I even want this job? Can I see myself doing this job every day for 40 hours a week (or more)?
  2. Squaring up – Bill stressed the importance of “squaring up” – pulling yourself together mentally before your interview. It’s important to review your strengths and think about why you can be hired. He also talked about visualizing the interview room and the interview itself before going in as a way to help calm nerves.
  3. Gangplank –  Bill used the word “gangplank” to describe the walk from the lobby to the interview room.  The gangplank is a wonderful opportunity to start selling yourself and establish rapport with the interviewer.  Have a brilliant opening – smile and give a firm handshake. Lead with the best you’ve got. This shows you have a positive attitude and that you have confidence, passion and are engaged in the interview process. Smiling is one of the best indicators of self confidence. You need to be confident in yourself before someone else can be confident in you.
  4. Yourself –  The “tell me about yourself” question is crucial. Be brief and keep your answer to a minute and a half max. The interviewer doesn’t want to know your life story. This is an opportunity to describe your skills and the results you’ve delivered on previous jobs. Bill stressed the importance of focusing on results. Go through your resume and find the results you delivered, then weave them into your answer.
  5. Results –  Results are the number one thing you need to convey to win the interview. Talk about your strengths and greatest accomplishments. Are you skilled in leadership? Problem-solving? IT? What can you deliver that someone else can’t?  What makes you unique? During your interview, talk about your accomplishments on previous jobs. It’s all about the results.
  6. Weaknesses –   Being asked to describe your weaknesses during an interview can be tricky. Don’t let your guard down when the hiring manager throws this difficult question at you. These types of questions are designed to trip you up.  Keep your answer focused to administrative functions, never behavioral weaknesses.
  7. The Company –  The hiring manager’s job is to screen people out and pick the best candidate. One question you might get asked is what do you know about the company. Do your research before the interview and come prepared.  Not knowing what the company does, it’s philosophy or who works there could be a fatal mistake.
  8. Value –  As Bill pointed out, the interviewer will try to determine what value  you can add to the company. What are you good at? What expertise do you have that they need? Are you a good cultural fit for the organization?
  9. Revenue –  The bottom line to getting hired is whether you can create revenue and/or lower the company’s expenses.  Answer this question by focusing on your results in revenue generation or cost savings.
  10. Summary –  Towards the end of your interview, Bill described giving the interviewer a quick summary. Review your 4 – 5 best points for the interviewer and why you are the best person for job. This will help leave them with a good lasting impression.
  11. Close / Pick Me – The best way to close the interview is to ask for the job. Bill suggested saying something like, “I’m very interested in the job and I’d like to work for you. If given the opportunity, I know I could make an immediate impact on the job.” Remember, you have the skills and talent to succeed. You can be the answer to an employer’s problem.
  12. Hello Boss – It’s important to follow up with the hiring manager after your interview. Thank them for the opportunity and reiterate how much you want the job.

The key thing you must do in the interview is sell yourself. It’s okay to brag about your accomplishments. The more successes you can list, the higher you will rise above your competition.

Hiring Companies

State of Arizona

Jan Plank,  Human Resources Division, Department of Administration

The State of Arizona is comprised of over 100 agencies, boards and commissions with approx 35,000 employees. But don’t overlook the State as a potential employer because of it’s size;  25% of State employees will be retirement eligible in 2014, meaning the State of Arizona is hiring. The best way to land a State job is to apply online and use networking techniques. Try to track down the  hiring manager (using public records – internal State of AZ phone directory). Send that person a hard copy of your resume, or  leave a voice mail for the hiring manager after hours. In your voicemail you might say something like, “I’m […] and I applied for […] job. Thank you for your consideration I hope I get a chance to meet you.”  Find ways to differentiate yourself. Customize your resume for each specific state job. Make sure job description keywords are in the resume.

Jobs on offer: Graphic design, fish and wildlife, child protective services, corrections, administrative assistance, human resources.

Clearcall Solutions

Danny Real, Talent Acquisition

Clearcall Solutions is a growing sales and marketing company in the East Valley offering security and systems and dish satellite services.  It also operates a call center with a “sales floor” culture. They are looking for people who can fit the corporate culture, who are coachable and highly motivated. You will need great attitude to succeed at Clearcall Solutions.  The company works hard and plays hard together.

Jobs on offer: Sales advisors and recruiters, sales managers, director of marketing, IT specialists, marketing analyst.

Insight

Linda Michaels, HR Manager

Insight is a  fortune 500 computer technology company. It is the largest global software reseller in the U.S with extensive license management services. Client focused, accountability, and excellent customer service define it’s corporate culture.  Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Tempe, Insight operates in 23 countries. There is a strong emphasis on community involvement. Staff are given time off to volunteer and the company offers an on-site health center.

Jobs on offer: Account executive, sales, financial analyst, network engineers, services technician, pricing analyst, developers.

Closing Remarks

Jessica encouraged participants to take advantage of the full range of services on offer. These included professional resume writing services,  taking the DISC assessment, getting a professional photo, and talking with educators about national certification programs.

The next Career Connectors event will be held Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 9:00am in Scottsdale. Check out the Events Schedule on the website for further details and information on how to register.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Hiring, Interview, Job Hunting Advice, Job Interview, Job Search

9/10/13 – The New Now

September 12, 2013 by Sheila

Written by Trudy Jo Ware

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director for Career Connectors leads the event, “Good morning, can we help you?”  Are you here this morning because your “self” made you do it and your mouth is on a downhill slope as a result of the coffee you didn’t have or the proverbial situation you’re in because of no job? With deep concern Jessica nudges thoughts and creates an awareness  that extensive effort is made on your behalf to select just the right topics with relevance in the job market, as well as the speakers and resource people, so at the end of the day you are helped onto the right track for employment.  It is our pleasure and she says, “Thank you.”

Keynote

Attitude is everything in our daily quest and changing mediocrity is Bob Wilson’s reason for presenting  THE NEW NOW.

He opens with Mark Twain’s Quote, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”  15 years have gone by and Bob can say he is the master of procrastination rather than the master procrastinator.  Solutions can be upward or a downhill spiral and he gives an example by R. Alex McKenzie, The Time Trap that states, “… time is generally wasted in the same way every day.”

Therefore, the process becomes a habit which can be changed at a high level by looking at the underlying reasons for excusing or delaying response, or creating stress by self-criticism and causing worry by rushing.  Habit multipliers in many cases are the “to do list” which become too boring, too monumental, or gravely important and the “need to get done” is put aside because procrastination drained the willpower.  Beneath the surface are the real emotional controllers: Fear/Resistance; Perfectionists; Life’s Unfair – Victim Mentality/Anger; Easy Distraction; and Ego.  But wait, there is more:  the psychoscocial effects of childhood, parenting, and peers.

For those interested in changing a mode of oprindi, be aware that it takes no less than 66 days.  Niel Fiore, The Now Habit, designed a procrastination log that helps track the behavior variables and provides methods for change.  Bob offers additional techniques, such as, “Think Small” which helps with Fear/Resistance and Distractions;  For the perfectionists – “Think Things are Good Enough”; Trade up – From Victim to Choice Maker and the technique helps with the self-criticism and psychosocial tendencies; Take Breaks – The Brain actually works best in spurts; and Minimize Distractions by defining productive times according to segments of work and incorporate into daily work altered distraction techniques.

Pick one behavior and a simple strategy for limiting the procrastination.  Remember and follow through with the goal.   The Here and Now productivity will certainly increase!

Recognition

In the few minutes remaining, Jessica provided an opportunity for Paula Dumas, a Career Connector follower since July to say a few words:

“A Day Care manager, I provided service from my house and van for 13 years and had not sought employment for 15.  I heard about Career Connectors and really enjoyed attending.  At one event I heard Dave Sherman speak on Networking and decided he was talking to me.  I prepared my business cards with my picture, no less. Every opportunity: meeting with family, friends, appointments and the whole gambit, I handed out cards, telling everyone who I am and what I wanted.  This past week I landed a great job!”  Jessica strongly emphasizes “Networking” and Phoenix is the place to do it.  Put away the excuse, I can’t do that, and you too can be a success story!

Resources

DISC

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director, Career Connectors

Jessica encourages those of us who have not taken the DISC Assessment to go to Career Connectors website and select the Resource tab free of charge.  The questionnaire and results are presented in an easy to read.  Keep in mind that the DISC is an assessment that measures behavior style – no right or wrong answer.  It is not to be confused with a measurement of the seeker’s intelligence, but simply identifies behavior traits for the seeker’s understanding in relationship to self, to others whether it is the workplace, community or home.

The DISC measures normal behavior against four dimensions. They are:

  • how you respond to problems and challenges.
  • how you influence others to your point of view.
  • how you respond to the pace of the environment.
  • how you respond to rules and procedures set by others.

Include your DISC as added-value when giving thought to yourself as a marketable service for a hiring company.

Hiring Companies

Green Tree Servicing, 

Chaarmi Kathrani, HR Generalist

Green Tree has grown in the last 32 years to the largest Loan Servicing Company with more than 4200 employees across the country.  Located in Tempe, Arizona, Chaarmi presented why Green Tree is a great place to work and because of its continual growth many positions are available. For further information on the company, its culture, benefits and career opportunities, check their website.

HotFoot Recruiters

Roy Palomo, Recruiting Manager

Although HotFoot Recruiters is located in Gilbert, the company works with clients all over the Valley. Started in 2009, the company settled on their catchy name so that people would ask questions about their company. Manufacturing, engineering and ITT jobs are their specialties. Note that construction jobs are on the rise.  And in just the past few months, the company has needed to triple its own staff. The company places people in full-time employment in Phoenix and even other states including California, Colorado, Nevada, Kansas and the Northwest. For more information, visit their website.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: DISC, Job Advice, Job Hunting Advice, networking, Recruiters, self-assessment

8/27/13 – Go-Giver Networking

August 28, 2013 by Sheila

KEYNOTE

For many, the idea of networking is like sticking a hot poker through one’s eye—not quite the comfort food for a quiet Sunday afternoon. Yet, Christie Ellis, today’s keynote, brought the task of networking into a practical, less daunting reality for most of us.

For most of us who have not engaged in networking, we are clueless about where, how or with whom to go about it? We may understand that we need to find the “right” people who can connect us with a job opportunity, but who are “those” people and when are they available?

Most of what Christie shared this morning revolved around “The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success” developed by Bob Burg. These “Laws” apply to all your networking and not simply official networking events.

THE LAW OF VALUE: Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.

If you can add more value to others, such as a prospective employer, than what you are getting paid in return, it elevates your true worth. For them, it is a wise investment.

THE LAW OF COMPENSATION: Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.

In essence, testimonials speak louder than your “30-second elevator speech.” Be confident to ask others for a testimonial statement that you can post to your social media profiles or your resume or other sundry applications. This testimonial need only be a sentence or two about something you have done well but speaks boldly of the value you bring to the table.

THE LAW OF INFLUENCE: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.

How much do you invest in the interest of others? How important is it to you to reach out to tend to another’s needs without demanding to sell them through your own “pitch”? Christie cited an example of connecting a colleague with a graphic designer who could help the colleague develop his logo. While there would be nothing gained for you, you have truthfully helped two people: the colleague needing services and graphic designer needing work. Both will cherish you for your reference. Be a “walking ambassador.”

In addition, stay connected with those you meet. One never knows who they know. Connect on a common interest.

THE LAW OF AUTHENTICITY: The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.

This can be the hardest “law” to activate. Perhaps we don’t value our own worth as is. Be true to who you are. Focus on your favorite things: home life, hobbies, community efforts, etc. The more people get to know the real you, the more they like and trust you and will be more open to making you their next hire.

THE LAW OF RECEPTIVITY: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

People WANT to help you and when you refuse to accept help, it may cause more hurt. Be a gracious recipient.

Where does one meet these people? Toastmasters, networking events and industry gatherings are just a few. Find out more about the people with whom you are talking, aiming at positive responses. Send a thank you note and include some comment on a topic you learned was important to them.

Stay connected, touch base with others’ interests, add value by reposting their blogs and postings, and stay engaged. How you feel about yourself has a huge impact on how others perceive you.

If you would like to attend Bob Burg‘s (author of the 5 Laws that Christie discussed) next Phoenix’s http://www.burg.com/events/ and use “UBG” for a special discount.

PARTNERS AND RESOURCES

LPL Financial

Jian Boldi

Jian is no stranger to Career Connectors.  With a heart to help and serve people, he brought to us 10 Financial Considerations during this transition time.

  • Understand Unemployment Benefits: visit www.azdes.gov for more info
  • Pay Your Taxes: DON’T FORGET
  • Deduct your job-hunting expenses: relocation expenses, resume printing, mileage to interviews, etc
  • Go back to school to learn more or advance your skills
  • Become under-employed.
  • Budget, budget, budget
  • If you are 55 or older, you can take penalty-free money from your IRA using “72t”
  • Purchase health insurance with your IRA funds
  • Consider reversing a contribution made to your IRA
  • ASK FOR HELP….do not be embarrassed.

Thanks, Jian, for your heart of gold

Training To You

John Dvorak

John shared with us the extensive training programs they have in a variety of areas. Through the Workforce Investment Act, you can qualify to have the tuition covered…so there is little excuse not to explore further.

HIRING COMPANIES

Verengo Solar

Kelly Spencer, Inside Sales Manager

They want to educate Arizona on solar energy. The industry changes every day regarding technology and financing.  Verango has installed 8000 systems so far and increased installation by 33% in the first quarter of this year over last year. In 3 years, they have gone from 10 employees to over 300. Their biggest needs today are telesales, management and inside sales.

Arizona Department of Economic Security

Ed Richard, Recruitment Manager

AzDES is a social service organization for Arizona. Everyone has to open an account at www.azstatejobs.com. The key thing Ed shares is that, when searching open positions, the only thing that gets looked at is your resume—not your cover letter, not your photograph. With their relatively new system, you can use a different resume for each position to which you apply. He did warn us not to expect a response until the posting closes. Resumes cannot even be reviewed until that time, and then they have 30 days to work through the resumes looking for interview candidates. Benefits for the state are great and this includes a good retirement plan. Benefits, starting in September, are available upon hiring.

EDMC Online Higher Education

Ryanne Dean, Staffing Specialist

EDMC is one of the largest and most diverse for-profit post-secondary education companies. Thousands of students are enrolled through EDMC to the Art Institutes, Argosy University, South University and more. Investing in school and education is an investment in yourself where age is truly irrelevant. They have a good benefit package, which includes tuition assistance for employee’s and their families. Go to their website for more information.

CLOSING

September 12, 2013 marks the launch of our new venue in Scottsdale. Plan to come and check out the festivities there.

Our next event, however, is at North Phoenix Baptist Church on September 4, 2013.

In parting, let me remind you that how you feel about yourself has a huge impact on how others perceive you.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: 5 Laws, Job Hunting Advice, Job Search, Job Transition, networking

7/17/2013 – Linked Up on LinkedIn

July 18, 2013 by Sheila

Written by Donna Rittenhouse

Keynote Speaker

Jessica Pierce

Who do YOU know?   More than over 2 Million employees, perspective employees, and 170 industries belong to LinkedIn.  I joined LinkedIn this past year after losing my job and was amazed to find friends, co-workers, managers, and even CEO’s are in this social network.  LinkedIn is the largest professional social network with 2 new people joining ever second.  Over 4 billion people are on LinkedIn. One needs to focus on results.  The most important element the hiring manager wants to  know is what were the results you achieved at your last positions.

Linked in can be used for:

  • Managing your information from your profile.
  • Finding a hiring company
  • Connect with the decision makers
  • Ability to be found by hiring companies.

Jessica explained when she lost her job she joined LinkedIn and has never looked back only forward to make her connections, profiles, and checked to see who else she may want to connect with: “Who do you know?”

I know that  I was surprised to find so many of past co-workers, hiring managers and even some people that I have interviewed with over the past 10 months.

My first job when I get home from an interview is to log onto the computer send a thank-you email to the person I spoke with and then add the company and the interviewer to my linked in account.

You are also are able to see who has been looking at your profile and pick the top 20 companies for who you are passionate about working.  It can’t be stressed enough with social media: “Who Do You Know?”

Jessica shared a story about a friend, who had just finished RN school and was unable to  find a job.  She knew a friend that knew someone at Banner help , but she was reluctant to ask for help.  Her friend reached out several times and she is now working in a place she loves for a company that she wanted to work for.  Ask for help most people are more than willing to help a friend in need.”

Some other bullet points you may want to consider:

  • Make sure you have an All Star Profile.
  • Make real connections.
  • Check LinkedIn job board.
  • Join in group discussions.
  • Use Keywords – like experienced Business analyst when applying.
  • Remember to ask friends and former employees for recommendations and endorsements on LinkedIn.

Hiring Companies

Paychex

Jill Johnson, Talent Acquisition Manager

Jill found her job on linked in.   Paychex is one of the best place to work in Phoenix.  In 1971 Tom Golisanon started up his own business with Paychex hoping for 40 clients and it has since grown to 50,00 clients nationwide.  A Fortune 500 company and revenue exceeds 21 million dollars .  They are located in 100 locations in 39 states and Germany;  They are a leading company as third party vendor for .Payroll,Human Resources, Benefits and taxes.

You can reach their website go to jjohnson3@paychex.com

Renaissance Personnel Group

Laurel Piel, Owner and Cheryl Compton, Recruiting Manager

Laurel in 1999 was the marketing director to the Winter Olympics. They have now move to Phoenix and are doing career consulting , recruiting making a change for the better.  Renaissance offers temporary contracts, long term contracts, as well as direct placement.  They have positions in Administration and IT

EDMC

Amy Aubey

For a profit education with several schools in Phoenix which include  EDMC and the Art Institute.  There agenda includes Education on line and classroom, strategic focus, quality academics.  They have over 26,00 employees. and a faculty of 4,00.  Benefits include Healthcare, Dental, Vision , 401k and free tuition.

Revana

Elaine Sportbert, Talent Acquisition Specialist

Revana is hiring account managers, electronic direct marketing, consumer accounts.

Closing

Sandi Ashton from Career Connectors Board of Directors, thanked volunteers, Career Connectors’ Partners and North Phoenix Baptist Church, which hosts the Phoenix events.

  • Next Career Connectors meeting will be: “Just Outside the Comfort Zone: Social Media for Job Seekers” Tuesday, July 23,2013 9:00AM to noon in Gilbert
  • Phoenix next meeting is: “Twitter a Love Story” August 21, 2013 at 9:00am.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Job Advice, Job Hunting Advice, LinkedIn, networking, Social Media

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Go to page 6
  • Go to page 7
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Event Recaps

05/03/23 Superior Career & Hiring Expo Recap

2/10/22 – Getting My Career SHIFT Together

1/27/22 – Show Out When You Show Up

11/18/21 – A 7 Step Career Amplifier

More Event Recaps

Career Advice

Tech, Tac, Toe: Winning Strategies for your Job Search

12 Ways Interview Candidates Are Shortlisted

Employment Outlook: The Great Rebalance Workforce Trends

10 Ways Innovation May Affect Recruitment in 2023 and Beyond

17 Interview Tips That Anyone Can Implement

More Career Advice

Footer

Socialize with us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Testimonials

Career Connectors is dedicated to bring the job seeker to reputable employers in the valley. I appreciate their professionalism and their consistency to continue to provide great leads.
Leslie B.
I wanted to take the time to write you to express my sincerest gratitude for all that you and those who work with you do for so many of us!I lost my job due to our medical office being closed. Your company came highly recommended by an HR person who worked with us as employees to help give us a hand up to become employed again through a very generous program provided by my employer. I am employed again in a job that I really love. It came with wonderful, kind, encouraging management and coworker… Read more
Ann Marie H.
I just wanted to reach out to you and say Thank you to you, Career Connectors and the whole Team! So let me explain why, while I’ve known of Career Connectors for many years, I never thought that I would need employment services or guidance before. On September 19th 2019 I found myself being let go from my job. I later the next day saw the Career Connectors event at Central Christian Church Gilbert Campus coming up on Facebook and signed up for it. While attending my first Career Connectors even… Read more
Brian P.
After a company layoff thrust me into the job market, Career Connectors was exactly what I needed to develop my networking skills. Networking is a job in itself, and the skills I learned helped me to land a temporary position just three months later that is now permanent. I believe in the Career Connectors mission and continue to volunteer as a way of expressing my appreciation for their support during a very tough time…thank you Career Connectors!
Diane N.
Networking helps, especially when you do not directly know anyone at a target company. I have attended 4 of your meetings and at one of them a company representative and recruiter presented. I was already familiar with this company, but she also said some other things in the presentation that made me take notice and created more interest on my part. I spoke with the recruiter at your event and she followed up the next week and from there I went on several phone interviews and on site interview t… Read more
Todd S.
After one year of unemployment, I have been employed with an excellent company at a job which is perfect fit for my experience and desires for many months, through the efforts of the devoted volunteers at Career Connectors. I and my family are eternally grateful. Sincere thanks!
Jeff A.
Thank you for all you do! I’ve been nine loooong months looking for a full-time position and Career Connectors was a real life-line. I was pretty discouraged by the time I found your organization on-line and first visited. The speaker provided some great information but most importantly, encouragement and hope. The panel discussion on resumes was incredibly helpful! Last month I had the opportunity to sit with Brenda and she suggested I really pare back all but the last 10 years of experience an… Read more
Robin C.
This was terrific! Very successful. I’m glad I came!
Maggie D.
Career Connectors has given me the courage to move forward and the mindset to move out of this moment. I have gained encouragement, opportunity, and a stronger skill-set in each meeting I have attended. This interaction has given me the vision to see my God given talents, the realization of how much I still have to offer, and the ability to put value in my career, instead of only seeing value by a job.
Anonymous
If you are a job seeker in transition or looking to find that new great position I highly recommend Career Connectors. The search process has changed significantly over the years and Career Connectors will provide you many tools that will allow you to stand out and demonstrate your unique value to potential employers. At each event I had the opportunity to “sharpen the saw” through top notch expert presentations on image portrayal, positive attitude, networking, social media presence, job… Read more
Joe C.
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Services

© 2023 · Career Connectors. All Rights Reserved.