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10-3-2013—LinkedUp on LinkedIn

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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.

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

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

8/27/13 – Go-Giver Networking

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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.

8/21/13 – Twitter: A Love Story

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Morning Bird
#Tweet!
  

Good Morning!

I awakened in the morning to the sounds of nature, the sun barely over the horizon. I listened intently to the silence of the air, broken only by the cheerful melodies of the morning doves, the finches and other sundry cousins.

Chirp cheep chip twit, I hear.

Not knowing whether to (1) lie there embracing the fragile beauty of nature allowing my heart to dance with the glory of nature or (2) get up and break the pristine magic, I chose to hit the snooze button one more time.

Again I hear—even louder—Cheap tweet twitter twit #getup!

What!?! Did I just hear that correct?

Twitter tweet twit #ccevent.

The message was as clear as the golden rays of morning. I quickly dressed, shaved my gravelly face, grabbed of a cup of fresh roasted Costa Rican coffee, and rushed over to North Phoenix Baptist Church to learn more. Good morning, Twitter! Good morning, Dusty Parsons! Good morning, #hashtagworld! #welcometoCCevent

Keynote

This morning, the coffee-breathed, amateur-hour host, Dusty Parsons, the “NON-guru” of Twitter, shared his love affair…with Twitter. [Apologies on behalf of Dusty to Terre, his wife, who is the target of his true non-Twitter affections]

Twitter should be one of those tools you have at your disposal in your tool belt ready to use…well…ALL the time. It should be its own Love Language – especially for the job seeker. #loveaffair

One’s first challenge is to write your personal bio on six (6) words. That is right 6 words. This forces one to get down to the very core of one’s story. #sixwordbio Go ahead…try it.

Next, consider using search.twitter.com as the browser’s home page. The search results will be current. One learns, not only the history of Cheetos®, but who is eating Cheetos® RIGHT NOW! #currentevents As a job seeker, that means submitting applications ahead of the competition the moment the job opening becomes public.

For any skeptics, 400,000 tweets are posted every second. 400,000!  (That is one tweet from everyone in Scottsdale, Tempe and Fountain Hills!) As Dusty illustrated, one need not be overwhelmed. Consider entering the freeway: one joins 400,000+ other vehicles. You have rules and lanes to help you travel safely to your next destination and so you manage. So, it is with Twitter. #lotsoftweetspersecond

Twitter was spurned in 2006 in Silicon Valley by Jack Dorsey and Biz Stone responding to a need for conversation among team members spread around that world in real time. In 2007, they used the same technology at a South-by-Southwest conference where attendees could keep track of events. By 2009, a person took a photograph of the plane that crashed landed in the Hudson River and “tweeted” it out. The image went viral….and so did Twitter. Today, Twitter is a pillar in the Social Media world. #numberone

As a Twitter user, follow three simple rules:

  1. Keep it simple: Tailor make your feeds to what interests you
  2. Keep it real: find your own voice, be as human as you are in real life. Your reputation these days is all online sending a strong message
  3. Keep it Fun: If it is not fun, you are not doing it right.

Because you are limited to 140 characters per tweet, you are forced to think about what and how to say what you want to say. Use hashtags (for us “older” folks, that is the “#” sign on our phones). Hashtags, are searchable meaning your thoughts become discoverable. #hashtags

Set your feed to things that interest and encourage you. Some key feeds for the job search include:

  • @tweetmyjobs
  • @Phoenix_Jobs_
  • @LocalWorkCom
  • @CareerConnected
  • Twitjobsearch.com
  • #jubhuntchat

In the end, Twitter is the most like real life in real time. Follow up all you can and gain a competitive edge. But follow up in REAL life!

Take heart. Stay the course. Be encouraged. Be tenacious. Presevere. Don’t Quit. Don’t be Overwhelmed. Press on.
@EugeneCho

Resources/Partners

Disc and Your Job Search

Sandi Ashton (on behalf of Top Talent Consulting)

The DISC assessment is an invaluable tool for your job search. It is not a measure of who you are or the level of your skills. It simply gauges your BEHAVIOR.

Use the results in your resume, cover letters, 30 second elevator speech, interview responses and job matching.

Looking at your level of DOMINANCE, INFLUENCE, STEADINESS and COMPLIANCE you will gain a clear image of a description of your ideal work environment and how you respond to others as well as what value you have to an organization.

The DISC is free (hosted by Top Talent Consulting). here through our site. Allow for 30-40 minutes of uninterrupted time. DO NOT “opt-out” (you will NOT be spammed) or else you will not receive your results. Remember YOUR email!

Top Talent Consulting offers free resources such a free e-book “Success DISCovery”, resume examples and help for veterans at www.ivetx.com.

“Be yourself. No one can say you are doing it wrong.” – Snoopy

Computer Skills Institute

Sheri Carparelli

Sheri founded the company eight years ago to offer certification grant training in:

  • Microsoft Office Training
  • Medical Support Specialists
  • Project Management
  • CompTia A+
  • CompTia Security+
  • CompTia  Network+
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  • …and more

There is funding available through Maricopa Workforce Connections and other venues. In fact, no one has had to pay, personally, for any of the classes since they started unless the person wanted such.

Hiring Companies

Insight

Linda Michaels, HR manager

Linda lost her job in 2008, expected  a short turn around but it took 3 months to find work. That job lasted 4 months and lost that job. Eventually found employment at Insight.  Her first piece of advice? VOLUNTEER…somewhere…anywhere.

Insight is a technology company with plenty of IT solutions for people and businesses. Having started in a garage in 1988, it has grown to a $5.3 Billion company based in Tempe, Arizona. They have identified their values that drive their business and a broad spectrum of benefits. At present, they are in need of various skills including Accounts Receivable, Recruiters, JAVA Architect, and Sr. Manager Services. Visit their job board for these … and more.

Charles Schwab

Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Advisor

Charles Schwab is a company that sets out to help everyone be financially fit, providing clients with ETHICAL services, RESPECTING fellow employees, and STRIVING relentlessly to innovate what they do. They have many positions to fill beyond the most obvious Financial Advisors. Go to bit.ly/CareerConnectors

AF Professionals

Deanne Desautels, Owner

AF Professionals is an executive search firm. Founded in 1999, this search engine for jobs seekers retains clients from government and the private sector to education. Indicating that several positions with the county of Maricopa and city of Phoenix are vacant, Deanne stressed the desire to place job seekers into job openings in an expeditious manner.

Available positions run from data entry to tax advisors and encouraged registration at the web site. Most of the positions are temp to hire, Deanne explained, but some are direct hire. Others fields of placement include accounting, IT, sales, tax/audit and payroll analysts as representing current openings.

In Closing

Jessica announced the addition of a third location for Career Connectors events starting on September 12. This will be a once-a-month venue at the moment. It will be located at Highlands Church (Pima Road and Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale).

Tweeters: Make it Fun #thanksdusty

7/23/2013 – Just Outside the Comfort Zone: Social Media

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Written by: Ian Salsman

I hear many stories of people who had lost their jobs or had a traumatic experience that rocked their world or simply met a significant turning point in their life. Each one of those stories is unique and is just as valuable and rich as one’s most cherished keepsake. The world is changing rapidly and, since the arrival of social media, that fact becomes even more apparent. Thus, each of those stories is part of the fabric of life that makes it exciting – despite periods it may seem terrifying.

Keynote

Anne McAuley, the zestful freelance writer and social media expert, shared her story – well at least the portion that applies to her job loss – and plenty of social media tips in a concise, useful and convincing address. The key it seems is your willingness to step just outside your comfort zone. It takes a little – no, let me rephrase that – a LOT of soul searching but without that single, most important step, you won’t really become the real “YOU” you can be.

Anne begged, borrowed and stole a phrase by Dave Sherman, “Who do you know?” In truth, this is the foundation of networking – meeting others who will be instrumental in your job search. She elaborated actually that she does not go to networking events to do business with those people but with the people they know.

I am not going to go into great detail about Anne’s story for, truly, I am bound to butcher the facts and you will get a more accurate, heart felt account getting the version directly. However, I will note that she was, as she phrases it, “Kicked out of the corporate world” in 2010. With a condo worth half of what she was paying, she gave her condo back to Bank of America and faced the unknown of the future.

This is when she realized how much she had be living inside her comfort zone for most of her life. Now, if you are like me, stepping out of that comfort zone is gruesome – good, but gruesome. Anne realized now that she had a chance, as many of us do, to step out of that comfort zone. In fact, a colleague, Wendy Kenny, of 23Kazoos, asked her, “What do you want to do?” Anne was silent and shrugged. “You are the CEO of you,” Wendy continued, “No more excuses.”

Anne’s excuses?

  • Networking scares me
  • I’m not a sales person
  • I don’t know LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
  • I don’t have a degree in writing
  • …and so on.

Sound familiar? Today, Anne’s runs her own business and engaged in the passion of her life – writing – and once you meet Anne, you feel that synergetic energy.

Social Media and Networking

Regarding Social Media and Networking?  It is like a cocktail party. You have to take action and engage. You have to

  • Follow through with those you meet
  • You have to take advantage of every opportunity
  • You have to remember that you are the CEO of “You”

LinkedIn

This is more than a resume! Hence:

  • Update your profile
    • Have a proper Title…not “In job transition”
    • Heed your Summary
    • Make sure it is 100% complete
    • Get Recommendations
    • Have a Professional Headshot … no iPhone picture!
  • Search Open Positions
  • Follow Targeted Companies
  • Engage in Discussions

Facebook (for professionals)

  • Create a Business Page
    • Include a professional blog
    • Post articles of interest by others in your field
    • Give a glimpse of the real “you”

Twitter for Job Seekers

It is an open platform so you are free to engage anywhere.

  • Search for Job Postings
  • Follow thought leaders
  • Search Hashtags (#)
  • Speak to hiring managers and recruiters
  • Share valuable information

The main point is TAKE ACTION. DO SOMETHING.

In closing, Anne shared that she joined Toastmasters. From her white-knuckled experience delivering her first speech, she realized that she was, indeed standing on the very edge of her comfort zone. The challenge of public speaking pushed he far beyond where she thought she could go. The result shows.

Resources

DISC and Your Job Search

Kyla Bonnstetter, Top Talent Consultant

The DISC assessment is invaluable to your search. It is an assessment of your behaviors.

  • Why is this for me????
    • great reading material
    • share with friends and family
    • validated, credible source
    • super-awesome
    • search tool
    • free
    • get yourself a new job
  • How can I use it????
    • resume
    • cover letters
    • 30-second commercial
    • interview responses
    • job matching
  • DISC is not:
    • intelligence
    • values
    • skills and experience
    • education and training

When taking your DISC assessment, be yourself. Make sure that you do not select the “Opt-Out” button or you will not receive your results.

Hiring Companies

Insight

Linda Michaels, HR manager

Linda lost her job in 2008, expected  a short turn around but it took 3 months to find work. That job lasted 4 months and lost that job. Eventually found employment at Insight.less than 3 months unemployment…landed…lost again in 4 months. Her first piece of advice? VOLUNTEER…somewhere…anywhere.

Insight is a technology company with plenty of IT solutions for people and businesses. Having started in a garage in 1988, it has grown to a $5.3 Billion company based in Tempe, Arizona. They have identified their values that drive their business and a broad spectrum of benefits. At present, they are in need of various skills including Account Recievable, Recruiters, JAVA Architect, and Sr. Manager Services. Visit their job board for these … and more.

Enable Staffing

Neil Shah, IT Staffing Specialist

Enable Staffing is focused on IT Staffing. Established in 2007, they value building strong,  personal, and lasting relationships and networks. They offer resume review and in-depth screenings, mock interviews, timely and accurate feedback and an understanding of your career goals. Make sure you visit their job listings as they are updated often.

Charles Schwab

Shannon Grimes, Talent Attraction Advisor

Charles Schwab is a company that sets out to help everyone be financially fit, providing clients with ETHICAL services, RESPECTING fellow employees, and STRIVING relentlessly to innovate what they do. They have many positions to fill beyond the most obvious Financial Advisors. Go to bit.ly/CareerConnectors

Partners

Computer Skills Institute

Sheri Carparelli

Sheri founded the company eight years ago to offer certification grant training in:

  1. Microsoft Office Training
  2. Medical Support Specialists
  3. Project Management
  4. CompTia A+
  5. CompTia Security+
  6. CompTia  Network+
  7. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  8. …and more

There is funding available through Maricopa Workforce Connections and other venues. In fact, no one has had to pay, personally, for any of the classes since they started unless the person wanted to.

In Closing

Your comfort zone…will limit you. Step out…even a little step. Take action for you are your won CEO and only you can do it. Anne did it. I can do it. So can you!

Next Event: August 13, 2013 in Gilbert: Personally Branded. Please come!