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07/12/18 – YOU are the Differentiator!

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You are the differentiator Connie KadanskyWritten by Cindy Nowack

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

YOU are the Differentiator!

Connie Kadansky, PCC

Connie Kadansky works with sales people worldwide in a very specific niche of prospecting, self-promotion, and overcoming internal and external obstacles. She says she has a coffee cup that reads, “Get your ‘ask’ in gear!” That’s appropriate because her presentation was about asking for what you want. She learned at a young age to ask for what she wanted, and years later, when she was interviewing, she asked the manager for the job. She got the job, because he told her later that she was the only one who asked for it.

She started off her presentation by waving a twenty dollar bill in the air and asking, “Who will give me $1 for this $20?” After a few seconds, two gentlemen raced to the front of the room. The first guy didn’t have $1, but the second guy had his dollar ready, gave it to Connie, and she gave him her twenty. It wasn’t a joke. He just made a $19 return for going to the front of the room and asking for her twenty. Connie says that offer was available to everyone in the room, yet only two people tried for it. That’s the secret – you need to ask for what you want. If self-promotion is the missing ingredient in your job search, read more of Connie’s thoughts on how to self-promote and be the differentiator.

We paired up for an exercise, with the first person asking, “There’s a career fair coming up. Will you go with me?” The partner responded with “Yes, but…” and then the roles were reversed and the first person responded instead with “Yes, and…”

Everyone agreed that the “Yes, but” responses zap the energy of the first person. It’s difficult to defend their suggestion when they hear several negative responses starting with the words, “Yes, but…” The “Yes, and…” is not necessarily agreeing to go, but is more receptive and responds positively to the offer.

There is uncertainty when we job search.
The uncertainty fuels anxiety.
Anxiety leads to distress.
Distress stimulates fear.
Fear creates doubt.
Doubt wastes energy.

Sales call reluctance is the emotional hesitation to self-promote. It’s a fear of rejection. Instead, take proactive steps to make phone calls to the people who can influence your ability to earn what you are worth. Connie suggested putting jars in opposite corners of your desk. On Monday morning, one jar is filled with the number of coins, gems, or marbles that equals the number of calls you will make in the week. For every call, move one of the coins to the other jar. If there are still a number of coins in the first jar on Friday morning, you know you need to make more calls before you start your weekend. You need a consistent pipeline of possibilities to get the job you want, so overcome your reluctance, make those calls and ask for what you want.

Curiosity is also helpful in the job search process. While skepticism and curiosity are both questioning mindsets, curiosity turns doubt into fuel for learning and discovery. Be sure to ask curious questions in your interview. Connie even says that you can get away with almost anything when you start by saying, “I’m curious.” Curiosity is the secret ingredient that makes your job search an adventure.

Connie says you need these three traits for self-promotion:

Positioning – Utilize your existing networks and look for ways to develop new ones. Make sure you get noticed. Participate so others notice you.

Style – Possess something distinctive so people will remember you. Do people want to remember you? Is your style serving you?

Consistency – Never leave self-promotion up to chance. Know that self-promotion is important and do it repeatedly. SHOW UP!

Opportunities are out there everywhere. Connect with the right person with the right attitude, and ask for what you want. Confidence is faith and trust in yourself and your process. It transforms fear into focused thinking and action.

We all have our own internal conversations, so discipline and monitor those thoughts to banish the “Yes, but…” response, and use the “Yes, and…” reply instead. Don’t forget that self-promotion is a key ingredient in your job search. Become noticed by the hiring managers, and you will be the differentiator.

HIRING COMPANIES

Freedom Financial Network
Heather Marcom, Head of Talent Acquisition

Launched in 2002 by Stanford Classmates, Bradford Stroh and Andrew Housser, Freedom Financial provides financial solutions, services, and education, enabling consumers to resolve their debt and achieve financial freedom. They were voted the #1 Best Place to Work in Phoenix two years in a row. Their offices are located near the 202 and the 101, just east of Tempe Marketplace. They have 2,100 employees and growing. Freedom Financial takes their core values seriously, including helping their own employees who may have found themselves in debt through the Freedom Family Fund. Employees pay to wear jeans to work, the CEOs match and double these contributions, and the money is then used to help employees get out of financial trouble.

Freedom Financial is currently hiring for Call Center/Sales/Operations, IT/Engineering, and Analytics, Product/HR roles. A complete list of open positions is on their website. Also, follow Freedom Financial on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

State Farm
Molly Romine, Recruiter

State Farm is located in Marina Heights on Rio Salado, across from the ASU football field. They have 8,000 employees locally and more than 70,000 across the organization. Molly is currently hiring operations positions, including claims and customer service roles. Go to State Farm Careers for the current list of openings. State Farm offers information sessions by invitation- contact her if you’d like an invite!

RESOURCES

Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Kyle Richardson and Hope Watts, University Counselors

In the job market today, 58% of all new jobs are in STEM, and computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the United States. To help you get the necessary skills to compete in this job market, GCU offers an Immersive Java Bootcamp. In 16 weeks, the bootcamp offers more than 600 hours of project-based collaborative instruction and your accelerated path to employment. The courses completed within the bootcamp are part of GCU’s existing, regionally accredited programs. These courses are transferable to a GCU bachelor’s program, or eligible for transfer at the discretion of other regionally accredited U.S. institutions.

CLOSING REMARKS

At our next event on Thursday, July 19, Jackie Schierenberg will discuss “Expert Tips on How to Navigate the ATS” at our Scottsdale location.

Check the schedule online for more upcoming topics. A few dates of our summer events have been moved to accommodate summer programs at our host locations, so be sure to confirm the location as well.

1/11/18 – Finding and Landing a New Career FAST!

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Finding and Landing a New Career FAST!Written by: Mary Beth Huffman

Keynote

Finding and Landing a New Career FAST!
Dave Sherman

Author of 3 books: 50 Tops Tips, Breaking the Ice, Elevating Your Elevator Pitch

Tip 1: Embrace the decision
It may be obvious, but avoid indecision, explanations, validations, and negativity. Window shop the job boards. In the search box type job title or keyword city and state. Look for a job that fits you. Be creative when looking at your options. Open yourself up to whatever it could be. What career would be:
• Interesting
• Challenging
• Rewarding
• Fun
Dave works for Mobile Mini, which is hiring, by the way. See those positions here.

Tip 2: Peruse the Job Boards
Step out of your box. Can you stay here? Look for the stuff you really want to do. Do you know what you are really good at? Gallup Clifton’s survey identifies greatest strengths. You can live your best life when you tap into your unique strengths. You can either pay the nominal fee and take the survey online: https://is.gd/zNzEJd or buy the book Strength Finders and get it for free.

Tip 3: Start meeting MORE PEOPLE!

To get into a new career or field, expand your network and the people you want to meet. You will need some assistance.

Where should you go?

  • Chambers: attend 2 events. No need to join unless you are starting a business.
  • Associations
  • Business groups
  • Networking groups
  • Career transition groups

Come to meetings. Then when you get to where you want to be you can help others.

  • Show up 15 minutes early.
  • Bring business cards. If in transition get business cards with: name, phone, email, and if you want your LinkedIn profile. Make sure they’re not too thin.
  • Ask for help! Let people know you’re in transition.
  • When attending events let go of the outcome! Don’t expect to come away with something. Just see what happens. If you golf you may score an 83 and the next week 93. It doesn’t matter.

What should you do?

  • Build more likability. Smile. Be genuine. Be interested, not interesting. Ask questions. How did you get into this field? If I wanted to get into X, what do you suggest?
  • Build more commonality. Ask about their hometown, hobbies, school, family, friends, and favorites.

Finding a new career is like a rollercoaster. Think of what a great opportunity you have. How long this adventure lasts is up to you. Do all this every day. This will go faster than if you spent the day looking at the job boards. Where you are sitting might be a little scary. If you can, take that one minute and say to yourself what might come out of this?

Hiring Companies:

Connect Wireless

Chandra Sandoval, Corporate Recruiter

Connect Wireless’ headquarters is in Scottsdale, with 80+ stores in 8 states and launching 8 new stores this month. They are currently hiring for a variety of positions, from Sales, to corporate positions: Commissions Assistant Auditor, Data Reporting Specialist, and Administrative Assistant/Operations to Lead Training Manager.  A complete list of openings is here.

Supreme Lending

Darin Dow, Business Manager

Direct lender Supreme Lending has pretty much no middle-man. This privately owned and debt-free company started in 1999 in Dallas. Operations are in the main office off I-17. Supreme Lending doesn’t do reverse mortgages, but does all sorts of residential mortgages. They are a direct Lender to FHA, Fannie, Freddie, VA, and USDA. All are government down-payment assistant programs. They have a program that gets owners back into a home in under 30 days with a 580 credit score with FHA.
Supreme Lending does no-cost moves for their clients. They are opening up 8 more branches and are looking for Branch Managers, Producing Branch Managers, Licensed Loan Officers and Assistants, and Processors all across the state from Tucson to Phoenix to Flagstaff.  See all openings at Supreme Lending.

Allstate

Tori Castlegrante, Agency Process Specialist

Allstate has been around for 85 years in U.S. and Canada. They have 47 products, including financial services. They are looking for Agency Owners, IT, Product Management, Claims Analysts, and Licensed Sales Producers.
In general, Allstate’s main focus is on the local community and servicing them. A big bulk of the business is their property and casualty line. Allstate assists employees with the cost of licensing. They have an active Veterans Program and are currently running a short hiring referral promotion. There are also 40 openings with their partners. Go to Allstate for more information.

11/21/17 – Seven Simple Things™ for Career Transition

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Seven Simple ThingsWritten by Shweta Shrivastav

Keynote

Tom Gammon has been involved with Career Connectors for about 5 years, first as an attendee, and also as a volunteer. Seven Simple Things™ emerged from Tom’s professional and personal experiences, and a penchant for continuous learning. He spent 30+ years in the corporate world creating and growing business units within large organizations to 9-digit revenue levels and high profit performance. He has also trained, coached and mentored hundreds of small business owners and thousands of individual professionals. He is an Academic Associate with ASU, where he mentors students, faculty, and community-based start-ups, is a guest lecturer on the subjects of personal and team development and performance, leadership, and culture, and chairs the Venture Mentor Advisory Council for ASU’s Venture Devil’s program.

The Seven Simple Things™ is a collection of principals, practices, tools and resources to help you move forward in any situation and create a happier, less stressful and more productive life.

These principles can be applied in various fields like Entrepreneurial ventures; Management, Organizational Teaming and Leadership; Consulting, Coaching, Speaking, Mentoring; Job Search/Career Transition; Professional Sales and Sales Management; Educational Pursuits/Personal Development; Direct/Network Marketing; and Athletic team performance to name a few.

Once there were three brick-layers. Each one was asked what they were doing. The first one grimly replied, “I am laying bricks”. The second one said, “I am building a big wall”. The third one said with pride, “I am building the greatest chapel ever built.” So, our attitude towards whatever we are doing determines the level of success. If we have the bigger picture in mind and not just the task at hand, we are better able to eliminate obstacles.

From the HR perspective, the hiring criteria they have in mind is if we CAN do you our job, if we WILL do our job and if are a good culture FIT.

So, now the question is during this time of job transition how do we stay motivated, focused and end up getting a great job?

The answer is by emphasizing on the Seven Simple Things™

  • Positive Thought
  • Positive Action
  • Ponder the possibilities
  • Preparation
  • Practice
  • Persistence
  • Patience

The implementation process – How do we achieve these Seven Simple Things™?

  • Creating an ability based mindset
  • The performance triangle
  • Craft and tell your story

Creating an ability based mindset

Some of the challenges to creating an ability based mindset are Fear, difficult task, questioning your abilities, discomfort, not being clear about your “why”, and mired down or being “stuck”.

  1. So, how do we get over these challenges? Emphasize serving others be it Community, Customers, Professional Stakeholders, or Personal Network.
  2. Daily reflection about your values and your “why”, expressing gratitude either as a prayer or as gratitude journaling, setting intentions/goals, learning, and getting a little uncomfortable each day by doing something you have not done before.
  3. Taking time to contemplate and meditate. For example, learn about simple “pranic” breathing techniques.

The performance triangle

The performance triangle is Acceptance-Choice-Action.

Acceptance: The first step to great performance is acceptance. Taking stock of where we are and creating a game plan from there to reach our goals. Not approaching the job search from a victim mentality but from an abundance mentality.

Choice: Once we accept and take stock of our current situation, the inevitable question of choice comes up. We can either chose to take action and feel the pain of effort or not take action and feel the pain of regret. The choice is ours to make.

Action: One step at a time along the way to something bigger/better. We don’t need to “boil the ocean” but make a difference in our own unique way. We should appreciate, enjoy and even celebrate the action. Repeat the cycle by accepting the new moment created by your action.

Craft and Tell you Story (Leverage Your Unique-ness)

Here are the the components to crafting a compelling story about what you offer.

  1. Situation/Background – Events, Findings, Experience(s)
  2. Decision, Action, Results – Choices, Actions, Results
  3. What I like most – About current status/results
  4. Reactions – People [Clients] find that
  5. Engagement Question – OPEN ENDED

Invitation: Receive free Seven Simple Things™ introductory e-book for Entrepreneurs or Job Seekers when you join the mailing list on Tom’s website TomGammon.net.

Suggested Readings:
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
The Sedona Method by Hale Dwoskin
A New Earth ad The Power of NOW by Eckhart Tolle
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
The Path: What Chinese Philosophers Can Teach us the Good Life by Michael Puett & Christine Gross-Loh
Letting Go by David R Hawkins
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
How Good Do We Have To Be by Harold S Kushner
You are a BADASS by Jen Sincero

Hiring Companies

Bank of the West

Douglas Deyo, Recruiter
A subsidiary of BNP Paribas, Bank of the West has recently (October 2017) set up shop in Phoenix. They have plans to hire more than a 1000 people in the coming year. They have a laid back work environment due to their European roots and have a robust pay and benefit policy. Some of the roles they are hiring for are Customer Service, Administrators, Accounting professionals, IT professionals, Banking and Loan Operations professionals. You can find all their job postings at here.

LoanCare – A Servicelink Company

Robert Soukkala, VP Site Manager
LoanCare is majority owned by Fidelity National Financial, Inc. They have a casual dress code and laid back work environment. They are currently hiring in their Customer Experience, Collections, and Loss Mitigation departments. All of their jobs are listed at LoanCare.net.

Chase

Lekheythan Malone, Sr Recruiting Professional
Chase serves nearly half of America’s households with a broad range of financial services. The scale of operations provides job seekers with amazing job opportunities. There are ample opportunities to grow within the company. Their benefits are one of the best in the market. Additionally, they have various diversity groups including Veterans, LGBTQ and others.

Some of their open roles are:
Phoenix – Consumer Direct Mortgage Banker, Underwriter – Auto Finance, Customer Service & Collections Specialist I & III – Auto, and Lead Teller Ops Specialist Trainee (English/Bilingual)

Tempe – US Help Desk Specialist II, Customer Service & Fraud, Customer Service & Fraud (bilingual), Mortgage Services Specialist I, and Retail Customer Service

Find all of their job listings here.

Vanguard

Ralph Kimbrough, Sr Recruiter
Vanguard is one of the largest investment management companies. They put great emphasis on work-life integration. 37.5 hours of work is considered full-time work. They have some great benefits like on site gym, on site health clinic, tuition reimbursement, retirement savings, and learning opportunities.

They are hiring for various jobs from Entry level to Management level. Some of the roles are Client Relationship Specialist, Processing Associate, Financial Adviser, Compliance Manager, and Team leaders. For their current open positions, please visit their website.

 

11/16/17 – Think Like a Hiring Manger and Land the Job

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Written by Miriam Spinner

If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to meet itJonathan Winters

Think Like a Hiring ManagerLooking for a new job is like looking for the right partner.  The process is fraught with frustration, empty mailboxes, and uncomfortable first time face-to-face conversations.  What can be more challenging is the waiting, maybe even months, for a response.  A final gut-wrenching rejection can take you to a downward spiral of feeling unwanted, heartbreak or disappointment.
The good news is if you understand how the recruitment cycle works, and you think like a hiring manager, you can proactively manage the process.  You will learn to face setbacks with ease, and deal with those crushing moments.  So don’t wait for the ship to come in, but rather swim to it by learning techniques and tricks, and land your dream job!

Keynote

“The lights literally went out”, and at that moment Jessica Pierce, the keynote speaker, knew she was out of a job.  Jessica knew about recruiting from her ten years working at Intel.  She wanted to help people write resumes, and her passion was to volunteer.  She went to her church, and they gave her a room to offer resume advice.  This marked the beginning of what is known today as Career Connectors.
Recruitment Life Cycle
“How can you put your brain inside the brain of people that are hiring?” Jessica asks the attendees.  First, learn about the Recruitment Life Cycle.  There are multiple screenings that take place.  Candidates do not realize that there are many steps, and it could take up to 6 weeks to receive a response.  The cycle depends on the individual company.  One attendee shared that she had nine interviews.  They want to be sure they are hiring the right person.  And, if you receive and offer, don’t respond right away.
How Companies Find You
Job seekers typically begin their search with online postings and boards.  You apply for 100 openings, and you receive no response.  Recruiters start with people that they know, and they like.
Tip:  Get in front of the hiring manager.
Referrals
Employers offer attractive referral programs for the following reasons:
• The employer liked you, so you probably know someone that has a similar work ethic. • Save money on the recruiting expense• Different pool of candidates, and outside the recruitment systems
Tip:  We love to work with people we like – Be Likeable
Job Boards
Recruiters receive thousands of applications through job boards.  They enter key words so although you may be a perfect match, this channel is a matter of chance. Indeed is a job board that crawls all the sites, but there is a time delay.
LinkedIn
Recruiters use LinkedIn to gather information about you by reviewing your profile.  They can learn about your interests and groups, in addition to your competencies.
Tip:  Make sure you connect with the company and the employees.  Think about the companies that interest you.  List about 10 target companies and document ways to connect with them.
Facebook
Facebook is used for employer branding. Use Facebook to learn more about the company and the latest information.
Competencies
Recruiters are asking themselves,  “Do you have what we need to fulfill this job?” They are thinking about what the candidate can bring to them immediately.  They are not teaching you, so avoid using terms such as “I can learn”, or “I don’t know”.  Figure out ways to connect your skillset to what they need.
Jessica used a marketing example to illustrate how to connect your skills to their need.  You can adapt Search Engine Optimization (SEO) or social media experience in one industry to a different industry.  Showcase your skillset even if it is not a direct match. Think about how you can apply your skills, your accomplishments, and tell them what you did.  An example is “tell me about a time you were able to manage a successful project?”.
You might also consider training, writing a blog, writing an article, volunteering or helping a business owner to acquire new skills sets.
Character
Jessica asked the audience “Do you have the behavior style to succeed in a particular company?”.  At Google, for example, their values might be flexibility, and jeans attire vs. at IBM they might have more structure and a more formal dress code.  Know who they are, and know who you are.  The DISC assessment will help you understand who you are, and it is a free resource.  Other assessments are Predictive Index and Myers and Briggs.
Tip:  Know the company, your competency, and your character.
Chemistry
You can have all the right competencies and character traits, but chemistry is the hardest since it is a gut feeling.  Jessica reminds us of the importance of listening to our gut, and if something doesn’t feel right, be nice and wrap it up.
Handshake
Try the handshake exercise that Jessica offered to the audience.  Match the handshake style with the person that initiates the handshake.  If the handshake is light, respond light.  If you receive a hard handshake, respond in kind.
Know your Employer
Be prepared, arrive 5 to 10 minutes early.  Be familiar with company news and initiatives such as a food drive.  Drive to the location, and notice what the employees are wearing.  Your attire should be one step above it.
Social Media
Make sure there are no controversial comments such as political statements.  Candidates were not hired due to social media comments.  As an employee, you are a representative of the company.

Hiring Companies

USAA
Krista Ambrosino, Employee Relations Advisor
Krista’s mom worked at USAA, and her excitement was passed on to Krista.  Krista received a large reimbursement for her Bachelor and Master’s tuition expenses.  USAA employees love talking about the mission.  They are grounded in it.  USAA is the provider of choice for military families.  USAA sponsors volunteer events on site.  There are 16 paid volunteer hours.
The business is financial ranging from mortgages and financial advice to banking.  The headquarters office is in San Antonio, Texas.  There are 4,000 employees in the Phoenix office.
They are looking for successful results in a strong academic program, passion for growth, military service, shared core values and knowledge of financial services.
Current openings are in auto insurance sales and service representatives, mortgage processor, auto adjustor and bodily injury professional.  Other openings include software engineering.  Go to USAAjobs.com  and setup a key word search for a full view of openings.

Atrilogy Staffing Solutions
Rodney Rihela, VP Sales & Recruiting
Rodney encourages you not to be frustrated with the process.  Atrilogy was established in 2000, and is a privately held information technology consulting and staffing firm.  The headquarters office is in Irvine, California.  There are 45 internal employees, and 150 consultants.
Atrilogy believes in embracing technology.  Digital or recorded interviews using web cams are upcoming new ways to screen applicants.  The advantages are managers and candidates can conduct the interview at their leisure.  Southwest Airlines currently uses this method.  You need to make sure the lighting is right, and the technology works.
They currently house 238,000 resumes, and 20 recruiters are working on 75 jobs at any time.  Reach out to their recruiters on LinkedIn for status.  The opportunities are contract, contract to hire or direct hire.  Current openings are in Quality Assurance Analysts, Developers, Software QA Testers, Oracle Engineers, Scrum Masters and Programmers.
Go to http://atrilogy.catsone.com/careers for current opportunities.

Dream Center Education Holdings
Jonathan Tummavichakul, Talent Acquisition Specialist
Dream Center Education Holdings is moving toward a nonprofit center.  Their three brand offerings are Argosy University, South University, and The Art Institutes system of schools.  They prepare employees to make an impact through relevant education. Their degrees range from behavior health, nursing, information technology to culinary and fashion.
The Phoenix campus is located at I-17 and Dunlap.  The administrative offices for online programs are co-headquartered in Chandler.  A full tuition grant is a benefit to you and your family.
Open positions include Business Analyst, VP Marketing, Academic Counselor, Admissions Manager, HR Generalist, Talent Acquisition Recruiter and many faculty teaching opportunities. Other jobs open include on the phone – entry level with no experience. Go to the website for other opportunities.

Coder Camps
Jason Jones, Sr. Admissions Advisor
Coder Camps is available to a student that wants to learn web and software development.  Their approach to teaching assumes the student is a beginner.  It is fast paced, and you lean on the students around you for additional help.  Jason’s wife participated in the program, and she is killing it!
There are 250,000 vacancies in the industry, and a 2% unemployment rate.  The average annual compensation entry level is $ 60,000.

Closing

Sheila Coulam, Director of Programs for Career Connectors, closed out the meeting by reminding the attendees that no-cost employment resources are available at Goodwill Career Services.  Additional services are also available during breakout sessions to help with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, education, professional photography shots, and career and financial coaching.  Online resources can also help with a DISC  assessment, or additional information through the event recap blogs.  Be sure to download your professional portrait.
The next Career Connectors event is in Gilbert on November 21rst, featuring Tom Gammon on the topic, “Seven Simple Things for Career Transition”.  View the calendar more detail on upcoming events.

A message to leave you with as you embark on the at times not-so-fun journey:
Just like the swimmer learns new techniques to land on that ship, you too can get out there and adapt the practices that you learned today!

 

 

8/2/17 – Get the Job Fast – Find a Great New Job in Half the Time

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Find the Job Fast Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

JOB SEEKER: “Magic 8 Ball, Magic 8 Ball, when will I find a job?”
MAGIC 8 BALL: “Concentrate and ask again.”

During our transition, one of the consistent themes heard among job seekers is “How long have you been out of work?” Most of us know eventually we will find a job. Unfortunately, magic 8 balls, horoscopes, fortune tellers, your Mom/Dad and your spouse cannot predict when you will secure a new position. As a result, professionals seeking new opportunities are anxious to come to an end in their job search and move on in their new role.

KEYNOTE

Get the Job Fast – Find a Great New Job in Half the Time!
Dave Sherman

Like most of us in career transition, Dave has also found himself unemployed due to today’s workforce challenges. Fortunately for us, Dave shared with us what has worked for him to find a new job in half the time. His key take-aways include:
• Being fired/laid-off SUCKS.
• Looking for jobs online SUCKS.
• Very few alternatives.
• Stop complaining, whining and moaning!
• HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT!

TIP #1: GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!
WHY? You maintain a working routine. It promotes socialization, and STOPS THE VOICES!
WHERE SHOULD YOU GO? Coffee house. Restaurant. Library. ANYWHERE WITH INTERNET!

TIP #2: HANG OUT WITH EMPLOYED PEOPLE!
Hanging out with employed professionals leads to learning about current and future openings. Career transition groups are also beneficial.

TIP #3: START ATTENDING MORE NETWORKING EVENTS
Employed people hang out at networking events. To learn of Phoenix networking events & groups  at Networking Phoenix.

WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?
Chamber of Commerce: Most Chambers allow attending 2-3 times before being asked to join. Associations. Business groups. Networking groups. Career transition groups.

SPECIAL NOTE: Networking and prospecting are done at events. The more people you tell you are looking for work or talk to will accelerate your efforts in finding a job faster.

SUGGESTIONS for attending events: Show up early. Bring business cards. Know what you want. ASK FOR HELP!

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

TIP #4: When attending events, STOP LOOKING FOR A JOB!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? Work on Likeability and Commonality. These traits are the foundation in life and the key to everything!

LIKEABILITY includes: Smile. Be genuine. Be interested, not interesting. By being interested it will increase your odds to get a job.

COMMONALITY could come through: hometown, hobbies, school, family, friends, favorites.

“WHO DO YOU KNOW?”
Be as specific as possible. There is such a thing as 6-degree of separation. According to Wikipedia, it is “the theory that everyone and everything is 6 or fewer steps, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world so that a chain of ‘a friend of a friend’ statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of 6 steps.”

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT!!!!
In order for people to help you, identify and know what you are looking for!

TIP #5: FOUR MOST IMPORTANT WORDS

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT!
Be specific and identify what you are looking for so people can help you better.

FOUR MOST IMPORTANT WORDS: “WHO DO YOU KNOW?”

Ask everyone!
Be specific.
Use all the time.
Don’t give up.

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?
Remember your profession/position are an investment in yourself!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WRITTEN BY DAVE:
“50 Top Tips: A Simple Guide to Networking Success”
“Breaking the Ice”
“Elevating Your Elevator Speech”

“A DREAM DOESN’T BECOME A REALITY THROUGH MAGIC; IT TAKES SWEAT, DETERMINATION AND HARD WORK.”-Colin Powell

Hiring Companies

Benchmark Electronics
Mark Bradley, HR Manager

Benchmark Electronics is a global engineering, design and integrated electronics manufacturing company. Benchmark provides contract manufacturing services and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intermedics. The company is in the process of moving its corporate office from Angleton, Texas to Phoenix. Benchmark focuses on medical, high-end computing, industrial controls, telecom, test measurement, and military/aerospace. The company has a new CEO who is enthusiastic in making the company more dynamic.
Benefits embrace a “Cadillac Plan” and are robust in their offerings. An emphasis is placed in developing/growing its employees in their career. For more information and to apply to Benchmark go to the website.

Chase
Lekheythan Malone, Sr. Recruiting Professional

Chase, the largest bank in the United States, and one of the largest in the world, prides itself as having a culture striving to help the community, and who is looking for leaders who want to grow with the company. Chase works with individual customers, small businesses, corporations, financial institutions, non-profits and governments. The organization’s global reach allows employees to get where they want to go. Whether the candidate wants to sharpen their skills or gain something new, they will have the experience that offers flexibility to move to another division or country if desired. Chase’s workplace is where you feel welcomed and valued; and creates diverse, inclusive teams that support Chase’s business and each other. Chase is heavily invested in its communities and encourages employees to do the same. Benefits include health care and insurance plans, retirement savings programs, wellness programs, employee programs and family care. A sampling of current jobs in demand are customer service, collections, business development sales, loan underwriters, client services advisors, relationship and private client bankers and tellers. To apply go the Chase website.

Vanguard
Renee Brown, Senior Recruiter

Vanguard’s rich heritage is powerfully evoked by its logo, the image of a ship. The company is named for a distinguished 18th-century vessel. Meaning “in the forefront,” the name has proven quite fitting as they have grown to become a leader in serving investors. From its start in 1975, Vanguard has stood out as a very different kind of investment firm. Vanguard was founded on a simple but revolutionary idea—that a mutual fund company should not have outside owners. Founder John C. Bogle structured Vanguard as a client-owned mutual fund company with no outside owners seeking profits.
Vanguard has 16 locations worldwide with more than 14,000 crew members. The Scottsdale location has 3,000 employees. Positions are entry level to management and include openings such as client relationship specialist, processing associate, retirement plan service representative, and financial advisor and team leader roles. Most jobs require a license. Benefits begin on day 1 and are robust including some unique offerings such as pet insurance, cell phone discounts, car services and dining. Great efforts are taken to assure that employees have a work life balance. To learn more about employment opportunities at Vanguard go to its website.

Freedom Financial Network
Heather Marcom, Head of Talent Acquisition

Freedom was launched in 2002 by Stanford classmates, Bradford Stroh and Andrew Houser. Freedom’s mission is to provide financial solutions, services and education enabling consumers to resolve their debt and achieve financial freedom. The organization has 980 employees with locations in San Mateo, California and Phoenix, Arizona. San Mateo is host to the company headquarters. Freedom has received numerous accolades including #1 Best Place to Work in Phoenix 2016. The Phoenix location is expanding very quickly to reach 1,200 employees. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K, Life, LT disability, vacation, paid holidays and volunteer activities, employee discounts, and recognition. Top career opportunities include positions in Analytics, IT/Engineering, Leadership the in Call Center. If interested, apply here.

Resources

Coder Camps
Jason Jones, Admission Representative

Coder Camps prepares students for a career in software development with immersive coding boot camps, online instruction, and career placement support. Graduates are equipped with a practical knowledge of full-stack software development, interview skills and a portfolio demonstrating their abilities. Coder Camps’ accelerated learning programs are offered full-time, part-time and online. The school is the only code camp to offer graduates lifetime access to all courses, a community of developers, and career services for free. For more information or to apply, visit their website.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking North Phoenix Baptist Church and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, August 10, 2017 and features Jennifer Rojas, as speaker for the topic “Become a Jedi Communicator in Your Job Search”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the Event Schedule.