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LinkedIn

9 Reasons To Connect With a Hiring Manager on LinkedIn

October 27, 2020 by Markitors

LinkedIn Thought Leaders

You’re applying for a job, or maybe you just completed an interview. Now, you’re wondering whether to take that next step and send a connection request to the hiring manager on LinkedIn.

Should you press that “Connect” button? If so, at what point in the interview process does connecting with a hiring manager become appropriate?

To help provide some insights, we asked nine hiring managers what they thought about candidates connecting with them on LinkedIn. Here’s the reasons why connecting with a hiring manager on LinkedIn may be a good idea.

It Increases the Odds of Getting an Interview

In my experience, taking the time to connect with a hiring manager significantly increases the odds of getting an interview. Introducing yourself, explaining why you have an interest in their company, and asking how to learn more shows a great deal of proactivity and professionalism. The key is to make very small requests, like a 15 minute phone call, offering to buy them coffee, etc. The point is to learn more about the company, and not to try and brown nose your way into a job.

Zack McCarty, Qwick

It Gives you an Opportunity to Stand Out

In most instances, connecting with a hiring manager on LinkedIn may give you an opportunity to stand out among other candidates. The best way to manage this connection without overstepping boundaries is simply to introduce yourself. Think of a message to the hiring manager as a preview to your cover letter and resume. Give them a reason to keep an eye out for your name.

Megan Chiamos, 365 Cannabis

It Shows You’re Willing to Go Beyond

Connecting with a hiring manager on Linkedin shows that you are willing to go beyond the normal bounds of the hiring process. Requesting a connection shows that you took the time to research them and are highly interested in their company and them as a professional. Connecting with them right after you apply it’s a great way to elevate your application status and make your name stand out. 

Ryan Nouis, TruPath 

Use Linkedin to Research Similarities

I’ve always been told that it is interview etiquette not to connect prior to getting the job offer but I would suggest, however, that you review the LinkedIn profile of each person you will interview with, and you can see if there are any common connections (same college attended, similar sports interests, hobbies, etc) to discuss during the interview. In lieu of connecting on LinkedIn with the hiring manager, I would strongly recommend writing (not emailing) a thank-you letter to all the people that interviewed you immediately after the interview.

Craig Rosen, InterviewFocus

Consider Connecting if You Don’t Get the Job

Once a decision has been made, and you are hired at the company, connect away! Something to consider if you don’t get the job, you can still add that person on LinkedIn to ask what you could’ve done better and ask them to reach out if there’s an opportunity that comes around in the future. 

Michael Staton, Lyon Shield Security

View Their Profile, But Don’t Connect

Although I would not connect with a hiring manager right after an interview, you should consider reviewing their LinkedIn profile before and after the interview. This way, a hiring manager will get notified that you viewed their profile on LinkedIn. This shows that you dedicated time to review their profile and show interest in their company, but respect the interview process to resist from connecting with the hiring manager too early on.

Thylan Le, Markitors

Ask for a 15 Minute Call

If there is interest in a particular role or a particular company, why not connect? I would recommend asking for a 15 minute call to learn more about what the hiring manager loves about working for the company, and to talk about how you may be able to bring value to the position that you are interested in. Following this up with a LinkedIn connection will make you a memorable candidate. 

Deborah Bubis, Recruiter and Sourcer

Do It for the Long Run and Future Opportunities

I am a fan of the long game. Some of the best hires we’ve had have come from a conversation that spans several months. If there is a company you like and would consider working for, connect with your possible future hiring manager. Now focus on content. What are you generating on your LinkedIn page? This is a great way of communicating what you are about. LinkedIn is powerful as it is a one-stop shop in which to establish your professional brand.

Steven Brown, DP Electric Inc

Connect as Part of Your Wider Application Strategy

You can connect, but don’t be pushy on LinkedIn. Connect as part of your wider application strategy. This will make it easier for them to look you up on LinkedIn after reading your CV. Indicated to the hiring manager that you are targeting their company personally.

Justin Barlow, Nigel Wright

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.

Filed Under: Career Advice Blog Tagged With: career advice, Career Connectors, LinkedIn

07/31/18 – Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out

August 2, 2018 by Cindy Nowack

Get LinkedIn or get left outWritten by Cindy Nowack

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out
Ted Robison

Ted Robison, also known as “Mr. Link-Me-In,” has been coaching LinkedIn techniques for the past nine years at Career Connectors, church ministries, universities, colleges, companies and recruiting firms. 87% of job seekers will find a job through networking, and Ted provided many helpful techniques and tactics for making the most of your LinkedIn connections. You should be on LinkedIn for creating connectivity, raising your brand and visibility, and to be found.

While aiming for more than 500 connections on LinkedIn, you should also be engaging with professionals and online groups within LinkedIn. Ted says “connections are good, but relationships are golden.” There are more than 500 million subscribers on LinkedIn, where engaging with others is based on three degrees of separation. Ask for introductions when one of your first level connections is connected to a 2nd level that you would like to get to know. Offer to take that person to coffee or lunch to ask them about their company and its culture.

Within LinkedIn, you can maximize its benefits in the following ways:

  • Find jobs, people, groups, associations, and your target companies
  • Create your own unique URL – elevates you in Google searches
  • Understand the benefits of free vs. Premium accounts
  • Consider your privacy, contact levels and how you can be searched by others

Your profile page on LinkedIn is your personal brand and image promotion. Customize it!

  • Add keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) so you will be found
  • Your picture is a must
  • The headline should reflect your job title/industry/tagline
  • Your summary should include S.E.E.S. – skills (hard and soft), experience, expertise and style
    • Your style is what can differentiate you in your LinkedIn profile and in an interview
  • You should have 4-8 recommendations – 2 managers, 2 peers, 2 subordinates (if you are a manager), and 2 clients
  • Join 30-50 groups and associations to expand your visibility
  • Provide status updates, posts, blogs, articles – raises your brand and visibility

There is a hidden job market that accounts for 80% of the jobs. Create a list of 30-50 target companies. Use the Phoenix Business Journal Book of Lists and Reference USA to learn more about your target companies. You can then build relationships of the employees who work at these companies by reaching out to those 2nd and even 3rd level connections through your own LinkedIn network. Companies offer referral bonuses, so build your connections of employees at your target companies, and, when a job is available, your connection can refer you. It’s a win-win situation. If you’re hired, you have a new job and your connection receives a referral bonus.

Once you have an interview, you can continue to use LinkedIn to prepare. Research the company to know their products, services, competitors. Know the company’s culture and core values to determine if you would work well in that environment. Also, research your interviewers. Knowing their hobbies, work history, and common groups will help you connect in the interview. LinkedIn also has a new learning section to brush up on skills that may be needed in the role for which you are interviewing.

In summary, Mr. Link-Me-In provided a review of several action items to make the most of your LinkedIn account:

  • Build and strengthen your profile with key words
  • Meet people and increase your network
  • Create and search your target companies
  • Join associations and groups
  • Research the company and its employees in preparation for interviews
  • Talk to the hiring manager if possible. Take friends or colleagues out to lunch (ask about the company, and if they can pass your resume along to the hiring manager)
  • Know your value propositions – what differentiates you?
  • Network, network, network!

You don’t want to be left out in today’s job market, so be sure you are linked in on LinkedIn.

RESOURCES

vCandidates
LT Ladino, CEO/CMO/Founder

Technology advancements have hurt the hiring process and alienated qualified people. If you have worked with staffing firms but haven’t been thrilled with the results, vCandidates is launching a subscription-based platform in October connecting recruiters with candidates. The company will foster open communication, candidate engagement and organization, with platform key features beyond the popular job boards. The candidate can present themselves in their own voice. This new recruiting tool will combine technology with the human touch.

Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Rob Loy, Head of Non-Degreed Technology Programs

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 is 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 transferrable to a GCU bachelor’s program, or eligible for transfer at the discretion of other regionally accredited U.S. institutions.

HIRING COMPANIES

Wells Fargo
Meghan Pringle, Recruiting Manager

Wells Fargo has more than 5,000 employees at the Queen Creek and Price location. There are 10 lines of business within the company, more than just bank locations. Current Arizona openings include:

  • Analytic consultant
  • Bankruptcy specialist
  • Business Initiatives Consultant
  • Implementation Consultant
  • Quality Assurance Analyst
  • And many more.

There are also Enterprise IT career opportunities in numerous IT disciplines. Go to www.wellsfargojobs.com for a complete list of available positions here in Arizona, and in other locations. If you don’t see what types of openings appeal to you, you can set up a job search agent online, which will notify you when an opening is available that matches your criteria.

Northwestern Mutual
Joe Morris, Managing Director

Northwestern Mutual began in 1957 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company offers an array of financial products including mutual funds, disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance. In addition to a supportive team environment and a strong industry reputation, a 5 year mentoring program of new advisors is a valuable benefit for joining the company. Current opportunities at Northwest Mutual are:

  • Financial representative/advisor
  • Assistant financial representative

More information about these position plus other orporate career opportunities can be found at www.northwesternmutual.com/corporate-careers/.

Or reach out to the Director of Recruitment and Selection, Megan Wotton, on LinkedIn.

Allstate
Nate Smith, Senior Recruiting Consultant

There are more than 70,000 Allstate employees in North America, plus employees in Belfast and northern India. At the Tempe regional offices, Allstate is hiring for a number of positions including:

  • IT (4)
  • HR (2)
  • Product (1)
  • Claims (6)
  • Sales management (2)
  • Exclusive financial specialist

You also have the option of becoming an agency owner. Allstate has a 90% retention rate because as you grow your business, you build your success and own your equity. There are no royalty fees or franchise fees. A minimum of $100,000 spendable start up capital is required, but the advantages of being an Allstate agency owner are no inventory, repeat revenue, and competitive compensation in a high demand field. You can earn what you are worth, with a recognizable national brand backing you up. You can even begin without insurance experience or your license. Allstate will help prepare you for your new career.

Contact Nate Smith or visit www.allstate.com/careers for additional information.

CLOSING

Thank you to our premier and corporate partners for their continuing support. A special thank you as well to our host facility, Central Christian Church.

Our next event is Thursday, August 16 at Grand Canyon University when Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins will speak about “From Transition to Triumph: Mentally Regrouping in the Midst of Career Change.” Check the Career Connectors website for the topic and location of each week’s meeting and other resources for job seekers.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: vCandidates, Grand Canyon University, Allstate, Wells Fargo, northwestern mutual, LinkedIn, Ted Robison

06/21/18 – Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes a Day

June 27, 2018 by Diane Forner

Written by Lauren Kutsko

Keynote Speaker

Brenda Cunningham
@pushcareers

Author of Crush the Pink Slip, Brenda Cunningham, had us laughing as she clearly laid out why consistency in our job search is paramount and why LinkedIn should be utilized for at least 15 minutes a day.

The 4 reasons to use LinkedIn for 15 minutes a day:

  • It builds your professional network
  • LinkedIn is a job board
  • It is where recruiters are looking
  • We learn from other professionals in our field

We often tweak our job search to death because we fail to be consistent on a definitive strategy and instead we flit from idea to idea never fully showing up.  But by simply being consistent on social media you can build trust, prove you are an expert in your industry with the content you share, and participate in your online community.

Here is the minute by minute breakdown:

First 4 minutes: your home page

  • Scroll through the home page
  • Share what would help demonstrate you are competent
  • Like and comment on industry relevant articles
  • Post your own content

Second 4 minutes: connecting and inviting new connections

  • Always use the custom invitation button to send a personal greeting
  • Determine who would be good to connect with:
  • Other professionals in your field
  • Previous co-workers
  • Friends
      **You never know who your connections know that might help you find your next dream job!

Middle 2 minutes: strengthening existing relationships

Reach out to maintain healthy relationships with others when you don’t need a favor.  Just write a note to say hello and that you were thinking of them.

Last 5 minutes: participating in group discussions

  • Get yourself into groups of other like-minded professionals that can help develop you and connect you to other opportunities in the field
  • Here’s a great one to start with:  Career Connectors LinkedIn Group

Set a timer and be consistent whether that is twice a week, once a week, or every day.  No one loves a job search, but consistency will encourage a strong and exciting finish!

Hiring Companies

Copper Springs
Melissa Barry, Director of Business Development

Copper Springs helps over 17,000 people a year.  Every employee touches the lives of each patient.  We see people on their worst day and are committed to treating each patient like family.  We are growing with leaps and bounds, so please check out our job listings at our website.

Below are some current openings:

        • Business Development Representative
        • Assessment Specialist
        • Registered Nurse

Modis
Michelle Grinberg, Regional Account Director

Modis connects you to many opportunities with its recruiting team of over 450 people across the nation.  Some of the benefits offered are Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, a 401K, and a Learning Center.

Current openings include:

        • Senior EHS Manager
        • Electrical Test Engineer
        • Project Coordinator
        • Administrative Specialist
        • Sr Systems Analyst

Go here to see a complete list of current openings.

Resources

Woz U
John Bernard, Director of Business Development
@TheWozU

WozU prepares people to be set apart from the competition!  People all over the Valley are looking for software development professionals and after a challenging 3 month program, you will be prepared for success and leading your industry.  Check out their website to find out how to get started down a new career path.

Closing

Be sure to check the July schedule for the dates of upcoming events.  A few dates have been moved to accommodate summer programs at our host locations.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Copper Springs, woz-u, brenda cunningham, LinkedIn, Modis

10/4/17- Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out!

October 13, 2017 by Sheila

Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out Feb 2017Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

NETWORKING RULES!!!

A recent survey conducted by Lou Adler reveals that 85% of jobs were filled through some type of networking.
Lou Adler reinforces several key learning points for a successful job search:
1. Job seekers need to use the backdoor to gain access to the hidden job market.
2. Recognize that LinkedIn is a network of over 400 million people, not just a database of them. It is not about how many people you can connect. It is about meeting a few well-connected individuals that can vouch for your ability and who are willing to refer the you to a few other well-connected people.
3. Demonstrate the ability to do the work to get the interview.
4. Be different. You want to excel in those things that make you different and allow you to achieve extraordinary results.

Keynote

“Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out”
Ted Robison
Are you LinkedIn or left out in the cold cruel world? Come in from the cold and get connected with fellow professionals that can open doors to the hidden job market. Ted or as he is known “Mr. Link-Me-In” guided us on our journey to the hidden job market of LinkedIn.

LINKEDIN FUNDAMENTALS
Why should you be on LinkedIn?
• Connectivity, raising your brand & visibility
• To be found!
Networking tool for professionals
• Over 500 million subscribers
Power of Networking-Approximately 87% of jobseekers find their new job through networking.
• Engage with people. “Connections are good but relationships are gold”.
How many connections should I have? Most people have 70 or less. The more connections you have the better off you are in finding a job. Strive to have more than 500.
• Who should be in your network? It should be someone you know including prior employment, family or friends.
Based on 3 degrees of separation. Your goal is to get your resume to the hiring manager.

WHY SHOULD I BE ON LINKEDIN?
Find jobs, people, groups & associations, target companies.
Most recruiters & hiring managers use LinkedIn exclusively.
Create your own unique URL like www.linkedin.com/in/tedrobison.
Free versus ($) Premium Accounts. You may pay more to have a premium account but the benefits outweigh the cost. But master the free version before you invest in the upgrade.
Things to consider. Privacy, contact levels, you will be searched by others. Be sure not to use your home address or phone number on LinkedIn or your resume.

PERSONAL BRAND & IMAGE PROMOTION IN YOUR PROFILE
Keywords & SEO-How do people find me?
Picture- It is mandatory to have a current professional photo.
Headline: Job Title Plus-Tag line. Headline/Tag line should avoid saying unemployed. Say such things as “open to new opportunities” or “innovating wellness into people’s lives.”
Current Job Title/Post Job Titles.
Summary: Style is most important. S.E.E.S. includes skills both hard and soft; experience; expertise & style. Do not include a resume.
Style -> Value Proposition -> Differentiation.
Wow Factor/Brand
Skills & Experience: Endorsements, try to get 8 altogether. Include 2 bosses, 2 peers, 2 customers, & 2 subordinates.
Recommendations: (4-6). Should be 2 bosses, 2 peers, 2 subordinates and 2 clients.
Status update-Home Page-Posts, blogs.

GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS
How many groups & associations should I have? 30-50
3 reasons to join a Group or Association.
Target Market-Personal Interests-Professional Association.
How can groups help me raise my brand & image?
Participate in discussions, demonstrate & promote yourself as a subject expert.
Build your own group.
Used for “job title” keyword.
Raise your visibility.

HIDDEN JOB MARKET – TARGET COMPANIES
Hidden Job Market – 80%
Create a Target Company List (30-50)
Build Relationships at Target Companies.
Create leverage.
Follow Target Companies.
Phoenix Business Journal – Book of Lists

PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
Research Interviewers – Helps you connect.
Know their hobbies, jobs, groups & interests.

Research Company:
Product, Services, Competitors.
Perform Informational Interviews.
Know how you fit culture & core values.
Know your Value Propositions.
Give reasons to hire you vs. just experience & skills.
Sorry you are Over Qualified: Respond by asking the interviewer to give you 2 reasons you are overqualified. Or respond that “I am absolutely qualified” & then share why you are qualified: Here is why you want to hire me. Give the interviewer value-value-value.
Transferrable skills.
Certifications, classes, seminars, tutorial.

FINAL COMMENTS
According to a recent LinkedIn Survey, the top three things a recruiter looks for in a candidate are motivation, execution ability & cultural fit.
Ted encourages you to view Ted Trembath’s LinkedIn profile for an outstanding example.

“Networking is marketing. Marketing yourself, marketing your uniqueness, marketing what you stand for.”-Christie Comaford-Lynch

Hiring Companies

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Angie Coulter, Recruitment Specialist

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is a federally insured and chartered credit union based in Phoenix, AZ that operates 47 branches and service centers throughout Gila, Maricopa and Pinal counties in Arizona. Desert Schools is the largest credit union in Arizona. Its commitment to service is part of its culture and the community is the foundation to its success.
Benefits include competitive medical, dental and vision insurance; 401K, pension plan; carpool reimbursement, life insurance, tuition reimbursement and generous vacation time. Some of the positions that are currently available are HRIS Analyst; Sr. Recruiter; MSR (Member Solutions Representative) multiple openings are available as MSR; Network Engineer; Sr. ACH Originator; and ebranch Coordinator. For more information and to apply go to DesertSchool.org/Careers.

Maricopa County
Kelly Dixon, HR Operations Manager

Maricopa County has 13,000 employees serving over 4 million customers. The county’s mission is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services so that residents can enjoy living in a healthy and safe community. Some of the services provided by Maricopa are Animal, Health, Services, and Utility Services; Education and Youth; Election & Voting; and Justice Services. The values supported at the county are measure results, accountable, relentless improvement, this is where I fit in, communicate & collaborate, open & honest, public interest first, and achieving to your full potential.
In addition to traditional benefits, a sampling of additional benefits includes Employee Life Insurance, Ergonomic Evaluations free, onsite Fitness Facilities and Wellness programs. Current openings include Net Developer (Recorder Superior Court), Business Analyst (Sheriff), QA Analyst (Superior Court), Professional Development Coordinator (School Superintendent), Forensic Pathologist (Medical Examiner), Community Dietician (Public Health) and Sr. Telecomm Engineer (Office of Enterprise Technology). Visit Maricopa’s career site.

Revana/TeleTech
Mario Parra, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization and recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing solutions for industry leading clients, generating over $5B in annual client revenue. Revana is owned by the global outsourcing and customer experience leader Teletech. Revana has over 1,500 employees in their Tempe and Phoenix locations. The organization provides revenue-generating solutions such as professional inside sales, account management, integrated marketing and electronic direct marketing. Revana has won numerous awards and has been recognized by other leading industry professionals for its outstanding sales performance. The organization provides a number of benefits after 30 days of employment such as paid training, competitive base salary with commissions, career advancement, flexible work schedules and medical and dental benefits. A sampling of current opportunities for Revana includes Inbound Sales Associate, Outbound B2B Sales Associates, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Sales Managers, Digital Account Executive (Google), Marketing and Data Analyst. TeleTech has opening for Inbound Sales Associates, Outbound B2B Sales Associates, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Data Analyst, Manager, Sales Service Delivery and Customer Service Representative. For Revana opportunities apply here; and TeleTech positions can be found at the TeleTech site.

Resources

Coder Camps
Jason Jones, Sr. Admission Advisor

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

Jason Isaak, Board of Directors, 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, October 12, 2017 and features Naomi Buckta, as speaker for the topic “Lost my Job, Now What”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the Event Schedule.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Desert Scools Federal Credit Union, Teletech, Coder Camps, Maricopa County, LinkedIn, Revana, Ted Robison

3/8/17 – Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes Per Day

March 12, 2017 by Kimberly Rife

Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes Per DayWritten by Kimberly Rife

Keynote Speaker

Brenda Cunningham, CEO, Push Career Management, LLC

LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for job seekers. Whether you’re trying to tap into the hidden job market or make inroads into a prospective employer, your presence on LinkedIn is important. However, without a plan, you can get less than stellar results and find yourself wasting valuable time, clicking link after link on the homepage or scrolling endlessly through lists of people you may know.

“Doing is the normal mode of Western society. The culture is one of constant interaction…Information and new ideas flood in from all over the globe which can be invigorating to your thought life, sparking dreams and plans for the future, but it can also mean taking on too much and ending up with mediocre results or being so overwhelmed you feel constantly defeated” – Dr. Cindy Trimm

Brenda Cunningham, an expert in the field of career services, stresses the need to have a game plan. If you’re not actively using LinkedIn, you could be missing opportunities. On the flip side, misusing your access to influencers can cause problems. Some job seekers ask to immediately send their resume to people they don’t know, which can be a turn-off. Others mistake LinkedIn for a social network, posting content unsuitable for a professional network. For example, photos of your lunch don’t belong on LinkedIn, no matter how delicious the turkey panini and the latte with the leaf design in the foam were.

To avoid these pitfalls, users should know their strategy. Focus on what you’re trying to accomplish. Be strategic and intentional in your use of LinkedIn.

Brenda recommends setting a timer for 15 minutes and dividing the time as follows:

  • 4 minutes – Homepage – Scroll through to gain an understanding of what people in your network are doing and what articles they are sharing. Like and comment on relevant items. Posting your own meaningful thoughts will add substance, help establish you as an expert in your field, and keep you top of mind in your network
  • 4 minutes – Search and Invite – Know who you want to connect with. Search for your target companies. Who do you know that works there? Who are the decision makers? Why should they connect with you? Send an invitation to connect that is meaningful to them from within their profile.
  • 2 minutes – Say Hello – Rekindle relationships through quick check-ins without asking for anything, even if it has been a few years since you’ve been in touch. “Hello” can go a long way. Don’t be that person who only reaches out when they need something.
  • 5 minutes – Groups – Consistently visit a handful of groups so that members will recognize you and view you as a thought leader. Learn from what others have done. When you are working, groups can help find solutions to problems you may be having on the job. After you’re back to work, continue to post your perspectives on what others have posted in your groups.

Be consistent. Check LinkedIn Monday through Friday, even when you’re employed. It’s important to keep doing the work so that you’re ready when opportunities arise. “Keep the pump primed, always be ready, stay ready.” – Brenda Cunningham

Hiring companies

Brokers Alliance

Deuce Mangine, HR Manager

Family-owned Brokers Alliance of Fountain Hills strives to incorporate fun into the workday. Hardworking team members can de-stress with video games or a ping pong match in the company game room. Brokers Alliance is comprised of Brokers Alliance, Launched Financial, Life’s Best Insurances (Outlook Advisors), and WiredUp Installation. As a leading, independently owned distributor of life insurance and annuities, they harness experience and technology’s power to provide solutions for insurance professionals to grow and sustain their practices. They offer many benefits and perks, including unlimited Nespresso for coffee lovers. A few positions they are currently hiring for are Life Insurance Sales Agents, Annuity Sales Consultant, and Business Development Representative. To view the full lists, visit Brokers Alliance or Life’s Best Insurances.

Edward Jones

Tahara Coleman, Senior Recruiter

Founded in 1922, privately-held Edward Jones is an award winning company with $876 billion in assets under its care and nearly 7 million clients. With headquarters in St. Louis and Tempe, they are the largest US brokerage firm in terms of the number of offices. They provide some of the best training possible and pride themselves on their community service and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Because they want to be sure their financial advisors are growing profitable practices, they offer support including paid training, a guaranteed salary for up to five years, bonuses and commissions. They are currently hiring for financial advisors in their branches and for various roles in their corporate office.

AF Professionals and Staff Logic

Deanne Desautels, President

At Accounting & Finance Professionals and Staff Logic, one of their goals is to find the best opportunity for the job seeker. They are also active in the community and are partnered with Homeward Bound, sponsoring an employment center which serves as a resource for homeless women and families. Their weekly newsletter features positions with employers including government entities such as the State of Arizona and City of Phoenix, as well as many public and private companies. They recommend registering with several staffing companies because each one works with different employers. Some of the positions they are currently recruiting for are: inside sales positions, customer service and data entry jobs, accountants, call center positions, financial analysts, and IT roles. All jobs are not listed on the website because they are often filled quickly.

Resources

Arizona@Work

Rob Stenson, Business and Workforce Development Supervisor, City of Phoenix

Arizona@Work offices offer job search and workforce development services including resume assistance, career advising, job leads, workshops, hiring events, training grants for certifications, on-the-job training grant programs and insight on labor market trends at no cost to the job seeker. Appointments are recommended. Walk-ins are accepted.

Visit Arizona Job Connection (AJC) to post a resume and search open jobs.

Visit Maricopa County Career Planning System (MCPS) to explore career interests.

Phoenix Public Library has resources free with your library card including access to nearly 500 instructor-facilitated online classes and Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center.

Closing

Jessica Pierce thanked all of the day’s participants. She reminded people to take advantage of the resources available on site, such as professional portraits and coaching. She urged attendees to visit the Career Advice blog which currently is about how to get your resume to “talk” to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The next Career Connectors event is on Thursday, March 16th in Scottsdale. Jack Milligan will be presenting “Salary Negotiation – Make More Money.” For upcoming Career Connectors events, click here.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Brokers Alliance, Edward Jones, AF Professionals, Arizona at Work, LinkedIn, Staff Logic

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12/02/20 – Resume Mythbusters: Resumes During Covid

11/5/20 – Correcting for 20/20: 20 Career Insights to Stabilize and Clarify your Focus

More Event Recaps

Career Advice

Is It OK To Connect With a Potential Employer on LinkedIn? 9 Things To Consider

How To Connect People via Email: 8 Professional Introduction Tips

How To Connect With People on LinkedIn: 10 LinkedIn Connection Tips

10 Ways To Disconnect From Work After Hours

9 Reasons To Connect With a Hiring Manager on LinkedIn

More Career Advice

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Upcoming Events

  • Job Search Communication to Reach All Generations

    January 28, 2021, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
  • Be the Diamond in the Rough: How to Forge Through Fire & Land Your Next Job

    February 11, 2021, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
  • Interviewing With Confidence

    February 25, 2021, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Tempe Virtual Job Fair

Companies: Bank of the West, Carvana, CVS, Grainger, Honeywell, Kyrene School District, Starbucks, State Farm, Terros Health, TTEC, Viasat

January 26, 2021, 9:00 am – 11:00 am

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Testimonials

A good friend told me of her success using Career Connectors networking.  She landed an interview and later, a job in her field, after attending one networking event.  So, when it was my turn, I had to check it out. I was starting to get the blues about being unemployed but the speaker lifted me out of the dumps and put my life back in perspective. So many people were there to help and offer support!   Just by networking that day, I was given a job lead that has led to two interviews and a… Read more
Mary B.
Great lead for follow up with a couple of employers.
Rebecca, R.N.
I started a FT position back on June 3rd.   Thanks to you and your organization for helping me to stay motivated and focused during my job search.   Getting out weekly to your events was terrific.
George M.
This was terrific! Very successful. I’m glad I came!
Maggie D.
Career Connectors made the pivotal difference in my search for employment after a layoff lasting a full year. Their dedication to providing a consistent, local and no-cost program and venue to search, network and learn, ultimately provided not only an excellent fit in a new job, but also the ability to regain dignity and the ability to achieve financial independence once again. I am forever grateful to all of the volunteers that produced a program so vitally important to our family
Anonymous
Navigating the world of career transition can be an overwhelming experience.  In addition to the mechanics of transition (updated resume, career search strategies), there is the deeper need to connect to people who are in the same situation as you are.   For me, all of this was answered by Career Connectors!  Had it not been for this organization, I might still be sitting in my house, wondering what to do next!  At just one Career Connectors meeting you can be inspired by great speakers, … Read more
Iris M.
It was amazing, you guys did a great job! I found several potential companies!
Irene
I would like to share that I landed a contract position for 6 months with possible conversion to a permanent position on the team after those contract periods complete. I work on a team as an Instructional Designer and the team is virtual, which means I am able to work from home 100% of the time! I am very excited for the future of my career! I wanted to share that I sadly won’t be seeing you at Career Connector events for the next 6 months at the very least, and we’ll see how my performance … Read more
Bill T.
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.
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.
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