Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP
SEVEN Seconds to a First Impression!
Did you know it takes only 7 seconds to make a first impression? Numerous studies have confirmed initial impressions are established within 7 seconds of meeting a new individual. Now count to 7. I know you will agree with me that time flies!!! What is even more important in understanding is that you only get one first impression. Sorry, there are no “do overs.”
According to the US News article, “The 7 Things Interviewers Notice First” by Jada Graves there are seven things the interviewer notices first.
7. Your Arrival Time
6. Your Attire
5. Your Body Language
4. Your Communication Style
3. Your Preparedness
2. Your Enthusiasm
1. Your Qualifications
Keynote
Is Your Image a Deal Breaker or a Door Opener?
Gloria Petersen, @GlobalProtocol
As a professional in transition, we invest money and time on our online presence and resume. If we fail to consider our image and its impact, our goal in securing a new position is not going to be fulfilled. Our image is quickly evaluated and the risk lies in the employer’s interpretation.
Gloria Peterson shared with the group her suggestions how to make an impact.
MAKE AN IMPACT!
• Business casual has gotten sloppy in many work environments. Gloria encouraged us to dress professionally for our interviews.
• What you wear, why you wear it , and how you wear it says a great deal about you.
• Clothing expresses your individuality, values, and aspirations.
• Women should emphasize a polished look when applying makeup. Blush, mascara and lipstick should be your staples for interviewing.
• Men’s facial hair is to be well-groomed or clean-shaven. Robust mustaches, long side burns or man buns will be distracting and risky to your professional image.
• If you have tattoos, you should cover them until you have the job.
• Consider your image portrayal and how it relates to the company’s brand.
DETAILS = DETAIL MINDED
Men are encouraged to:
• Not wear wrinkled or untucked shirts.
• Wear a current tie, not one from the 70’s.
• If dressing business casual, a nice shirt and khakis are great choices.
• Suit jackets are to be buttoned and unbuttoned when sitting.
• Belts and shoes are to be the same color.
• Shoes should be chosen to complement your suit or business casual.
Rubber=Casual
Leather=Formal
• Wear long sleeved shirt if wearing a suit.
• The tie knot should work with the spread of the collar.
• Your watch should work with the type of your attire.
• Other considerations include trimmed haircut, clean-shaven, warm smile, project confidence, formal dress, firm handshake, and correct body posture.
Women are encouraged to:
• Dress for the position.
• Consider hosiery. Flesh tones are best overall.
• Wear rubber sole shoes (easy to wear).
• Your outfit should fit.
• Jewelry should be dependent on the interview. Avoid jewelry that would be a distraction.
“LOOK OF AUTHORITY” FORMULA
• High quality fabrics should have exquisite tailoring plus contrasting colors to project the look and feel of power.
• Wear what makes you feel good.
• Approach with confident posture.
• Your gestures or movements should support your verbal message. Be sure to shake the interviewer’s hand at the beginning and end of the interview.
• A person’s eyes and smile, set the tone of an interaction.
BEHAVIOR IMPRINT
Deal breakers include:
• Cell phone present.
• Raises voice when on cell phone.
• Interrupts conversation.
• Self-serving.
• Ungrateful.
• Gloom and doom attitude.
• Contradicts
Door openers include:
• Cell phone on mute & out of sight.
• Conscious of voice volume.
• Listens for comment opportunity.
• Aware of others.
• Demonstrates appreciation.
• Engages the up-side.
• Supports.
POWER OF THREE
1. When greeting, pay close attention to your personal presentation.
2. When interacting, pay close attention to body language & conversation cues.
3. Start planning your follow-up.
Remember, you have 7 seconds to make an impression!!!
HIRING COMPANIES
Convergys
Gregory McKinley, Sr. Specialist of Talent Acquisition
Convergys provides customer management and information management products to primarily large corporations. Customer management products include agent assisted, self-service and care software tailored to the communications, financial services, technology, retail, healthcare and government markets. Information management provided by Convergys includes billing and business support system products and services like revenue management, product and order management, and customer care management to telecom, utilities, and cable/satellite/broadband service providers. Convergys delivers quality customer experiences in 58 languages and from more than 150 locations around the globe. Employee population is 125,000 and growing.
One of Convergys’ values is to “grow as a team”. The organization prioritizes teamwork and develops its people. Convergys has received numerous industry accolades. The culture is employee based and includes fun activities with employee participation. Benefits include health, dental, vision, 401K and tuition reimbursement. Available positions are Customer Service, Chat, Retention, Sales Positions, Site Director, Sr. Manager of Operations, and Talent Acquisition.
Apply at Convergys.
Mobile Mini
Dave Sherman, Solutions Specialist
Mobile Mini is the largest portable storage company in the world. The organization has been in business over 33 years and is the 7th largest public company in AZ. Mobile Mini has approximately over 21,000 employees and has over 150 locations in the US and 20 UK locations. Mobile Mini is focused on safety first, outstanding customer service, its employees, being results driven, community involved and pursuing continuous improvement.
Currently, there are approximately over 110 jobs available; 17 are in the Phoenix area. The company offers traditional benefits along with a wellness program, 2 weeks paid vacation, 5 paid personal days, 8 paid holidays and 401K with company match.
If interested go to Mobile Mini.
NESCO Resource
Kelli Perkins, Area Manager
NESCO is a national firm offering services in staffing, direct hire, and a host of other staffing and recruiting solutions. The company was established in 1956. NESCO has over 90 locations throughout the US. NESCO serves the following markets: Information Technology, Engineering, Industrial & Manufacturing, Administrative, and Accounting & Finance. Company culture starts with cultivating employees and working together for you. Most positions are temporary to hire or contract to hire. They include Software developer, Buyer, Procurement Management Specialist, and Loan Processor. If interested, go to the NESCO website and apply.
Charles Schwab
Sarah Timms, Talent Advisor
Schwab sees the world through their clients’ eyes. Schwab serves investors, advisors and employers. The organization is headquartered in San Francisco, has approximately 13,100 full time employees and was the recipient of 13 awards in 2013 for its employee-friendly workplace. Schwab has about 75+ positions currently in Phoenix a few “hot” jobs are Broker Trainee, Client Service Professional, and Relationship Specialist. Phoenix is the home of one of Schwab’s largest call centers. Most employees have been with the organization for 9 years and the organization has been one of the few not to downsize during the recession. Sarah encouraged attendees to complete an application online. Schwab initially reviews those candidates who have completed applications before sourcing other candidates. Create your online profile and upload your resume at tiny.cc/CareerConnectors.
Resources
City of Phoenix
Jessica Pierce provided an overview of Arizona@Work’s resources, as Waleed was unable to attend. Many resources are available through Arizona@Work, City of Phoenix, including: job search assistance, grant funding, workshops, skill match with a career advisor, and mock interviews.
Canyon State Institute
Sheri Carparelli, President/CEO
Sheri is responsible for establishing Canyon State Institute and developing it to an outstanding education venue in the Phoenix area. Canyon State Institute has locations in Phoenix and Chandler. Various certification programs are offered through Canyon State Institute that allow professionals to increase their marketability, increase success when employed, stay competitive in a changing job market, and experience growth opportunities with high demand certifications. Some of the benefits of attending CSI are small classes (limited to 6 for most programs), short term (4-16 weeks in length), graduates are encouraged to audit classes while studying to pass national exam, instructor-led only classes and career and business development specific to the labor market. Certification programs include varied IT certifications, Project Management, CCMA, ASQ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and SHRM Professional in Human Resources. Canyon State Institute offers job placement assistance through Career Advisors available at the Career Service Center. Call 602-266-6630 for a tour or visit them at the CSI 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, July 14, 2016 and features Kevin Dumcum as speaker for the topic “LinkedIn’s Power of Connection”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit our event schedule.