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Nextiva

10/13/2016 – The Key to Improving Your Job Search

October 19, 2016 by Chris Layfield

Written by Chris Layfield

Opening

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors encouraged everyone to stay engaged with CareerConnectors:

  • Join the LinkedIn Group Discussion, and check the event recap
  • Consider volunteering – looking for photographers, audio/visual, and bloggers
  • Take the DISC assessment online anytime, and get your business portraits at one of the events

She also announced a new sponsor for Career Connectors:  Coder Camps is a 12-week coding skills program to transition people into an industry that currently has a 2% unemployment rate.  95% of incoming learners finish the program, and 75% are employed within 90 days.  Coder Camps offers financing, and their “coder for life” program enables graduates to come back to take any other courses for free.

Keynote

Greg Harnyak, job search expert, author, and leader

Your Marketing Plan is the MOST important tool in implementing and conducting a successful job search.  Job search is a competitive activity based on fundamental marketing/sales principles.  In addition to giving you a competitive edge, a Marketing Plan brings order out of chaos, provides structure and direction, affects your attitude and feelings in a positive manner, and decreases time of search.  Most of the world is not doing this, so you’ll stand out.

How do you create an effective Marketing Plan?  Here are some high-level guidelines:

  1. Create your personal Job Search Balance Sheet
    • Identify the assets you bring to the table: Use your resume, past performance reviews, and feedback from colleagues to generate a list of your skills and experience
    • Make a parallel list of your liabilities: Your liabilities can include salary expectations, age, geographic area limitations, gaps in education or credentials, extended unemployment or job hopping, single company experience, and any personal traits/characteristics/attitudes that may raise concerns (e.g. low energy level, introversion, passive attitude, etc.).  Once you have a complete and honest list, you can determine if you can/want to mitigate any of them.
  2. Develop Positioning Statements and Target Markets/Companies: Positioning Statements articulate specific job function(s) and industry(ies) you want to position yourself for.  Positioning Statements are what makes sense based on your Assets and Liabilities.  Clarify whether your search is national, regional, or local and limited by commuting time; your target markets and companies exist within those boundaries, and there are usually fewer than you think there are.  Source specific companies from online, from the Book of Lists, the library, etc. to give you grounding and focus for networking
  3. Generate interviews by advertising your search: Create your 2-minute summary, develop short Situation-Action-Result statements for key points on your resume, get active in industry groups, send out letters seeking information and network!

Hiring Companies

Abrazo Health

Christine Beck standing in for Michelle Eliseo, Lead Recruitment Specialist

Abrazo Health is a network of Arizona community hospitals that are part of the national Tenet Healthcare network.  Abrazo Health is defined by their values, and spends 53% of net revenue on a competitive benefits package.  PTO is banked, and you can use it however you want – take a holiday off or work the holiday to take time off later.  Highlighted positions include Directors of Nursing and Quality & Risk management, Nursing Managers, and Managers of Medical Staff Services and Clinical Documentation.  Abrazo has every position available on its website – create a profile at Abrazohealth.com/careers.

Nextiva

Kathleen Klein, Corporate Recruiter

Nextiva is a leading cloud communications provider, serving over 100,000 small/medium businesses, mid-market/enterprise companies, government, and educational institutions.  They are headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ.  Nextiva’s motto is “Amazing Service” to anyone that interacts with the company, from customers to candidates.  They are one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s best places to work.  On top of a casual and upbeat place to work, the benefits package is extensive.

Check out Nextiva – they are hiring for a number of positions in Sales, Operations, and Development/Product Management.

Revana

Mary Ann Lopez, Recruiter

Revana provides outsourced sales and marketing solutions for business-to-business and business-to-consumer clients.  There are over 1,500 employees in the Tempe and Phoenix locations that handle inbound and outbound solutions to increase revenue for clients.  Benefits are competitive; after 6 months on the job, Revana allows employees to rotate to build exposure to different roles and business lines.  Revana is looking for staff to support Facebook in the next several weeks.

You can apply at www.Revanajobs.com, or complete all steps on-site Mon-Fri between 9am and 3pm at 16404 North Black Canyon Highway, Suite 100, in Phoenix.

Charles Schwab

Curtis Crawford, Talent Attraction Specialist

Schwab serves the investment and asset management needs of individuals, advisors, and employers.  Schwab has centers near the Biltmore and in Chandler.  Schwab’s culture is strengths-based, meritocratic, and volunteer-oriented; Schwab encourages work/life balance and financial fitness with on-site advisors.  The average tenure of Schwab associates is 8 years.

Check on-line for open client-facing and support positions.  You can create a profile, upload your resume, and complete an application at tiny.cc/CareerConnectors.  Hot jobs in Phoenix right now include the Broker Training Program, Relationship Specialist, and Estate Services Professionals (for processing deceased investor estates).

Resources

AZ@Work, City of Phoenix

Waleed Alani, Employment Specialist

There are over 53,000 job openings in October, up about 3000 from September.  Check out the variety of Phoenix’s job search resources at www.arizonaatwork.com/phoenix.

  • There are events focusing on move interview training, understanding LinkedIn, and how to create winning resumes.
  • You can create a profile and post your resume on the statewide job database
  • Access state-funded skills development packages, including WIOA grants for training

In addition to the DISC assessment, go to www.maricopa.kuder.com to take a kuder assessment to isolate your career interests and to build confidence in your skills

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants

Rodger Brubacher, Director of Continuing Education

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants is a professional certification training school in Tempe with programs that can be funded through WIOA, TAA, and GI Bill grants.  Programs include:

  • Project Management and Six Sigma
  • Medical Administration and Coding
  • Digital Marketing and Social Media
  • IT/Networking/Cybersecurity

Class sizes are small (typically 6:1), 97% of students pass on the first try, and the school provides an interview coach.  Look them up at www.DWWTC.com.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Coder Camps, Step Up Your Job Search, Abrazo Health, Nextiva, Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants, Charles Schwab, Revana

5/4/16 – Get Hired by the Best

May 11, 2016 by Sheila

Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

“Are You the Best Employee”?

We hear frequently about organizations being an Employer of Choice or winning accolades declaring them a Best Company. In fact, many companies put much time and energy into having an outstanding work environment and culture.

But are you an extraordinary employee? Do you have the qualities that set you apart from your fellow employees? What does your boss want from you to exceed the performance of average employees? INC magazine shares in its article “How to Be Extraordinary: 9 Qualities Only the Best Employees Possess” by Jeff Haden. After reading, challenge yourself in deciding if you truly are the best employee.

Keynote

Denise Gredler, Founder & CEO, BestCompaniesAZ, @BestCompaniesAZ

Denise is the founder and CEO of BestCompaniesAZ. The organization has been at the forefront of building sought-after employer brands and prestigious workplace awards programs since 2003. BestCompaniesAZ helps award-winning employers position themselves as great places to work. In addition, BestCompaniesAZ also supports employers in talent attraction and recruiting; and employee engagement. Best employers are represented by financial services, healthcare, technology and service/solutions industries. BestCompaniesAZ knows what it takes to win workplace awards. As a job seeker, BestCompaniesAZ is a valued resource in finding a winning position with a Best Company. Open positions are listed on the organization’s website along with event specifics to meet Arizona’s best employers and profiles of those companies.

Today’s presentation was comprised of 8 award winning companies. These companies offered us an inside look at what it takes to ‘get hired by the best.’

PANEL 1: CHANGING THE CULTURE OF CALL CENTERS
FACT….There are 400 call centers in Phoenix!

Charles Schwab, Shannon Grimes, Talent Acquisition Manager
USAA, Latasha Cousey, Director, Phoenix Operations
DISH, Elizabeth Reed, Work at Home Coach
Synchrony Financial, Ignacio Bejarano, AVP Operations Manager

QUESTION: Please give an overview of your company and what you like best about the culture.
• CHARLES SCHWAB, Shannon: “Schwab is a financial services firm. Employees come to work each day to reach Schwab’s goals. Employees feel empowered to make a difference. It is a special place to work.”
• USAA, Latasha: “USAA provides full financial services to military and military families. USAA is a member-based company. All employees believe in USAA’s mission and serving those in the military.”
• DISH, Elizabeth: “DISH offers TV and Internet services. The company has a work at home program. The workforce is a tight knit one. DISH offers lots of technologies to serve customers. Employees take pride in customer service interactions. DISH supports their employees by providing them with a variety of opportunities.”
• Synchrony Financial, Ignacio: “I began working at Synchrony in January 2011. The company has a heritage of 80 years. Synchrony provides promotional funding to its customers. Customers’ voices are valued by the organization. Synchrony is experiencing continued growth and adding sales and fraud divisions. I like the level of engagement and diversity programs.”

QUESTION: What advice would you give to prospective employees?
• Synchrony Financial, Ignacio: “Synchrony is a career center rather than a call center. There is networking taking place within the company. There are diversity networks available. Cross state networking meetings are established and an active part of the employee population.”
• USAA, Latasha: “I echo the networking going on within USAA. I got my job at USAA through a contact from a previous employer. Make sure your resume stands out from the competition.”
• Charles Schwab, Shannon: “Your resume is important in securing a job with Schwab. Also need to have self-awareness of your skills and experience. Take advantage of available self-assessments such as DISC and Myers Briggs. They are great resources. Need to be confident in yourself and interview. Practice your interview skills and how to apply your skills to the job you applied for.”
• USAA, Latasha: “No member experience can be greater than the employee experience at USAA. USAA has a unique and employee centric environment filled with numerous perks. There is an on site gym, childcare center, break rooms that are focused in having employees relax. Most employees do not want to leave the campus. USAA takes care of its employees. If you choose a healthy meal at the cafeteria you are given a discount for eating healthy food.”
• DISH, Elizabeth: “Employees are given a flexible work environment. I work at home like many others. DISH is maximizing its head count with limited space restrictions. Employees will do a split schedule; working 4 hours in the morning, taking a break to run errands or take care of personal needs and then work 4 hours at night. Work at home employees are paired with a coach with like skills. Those at home are made to feel a part of DISH and engaged in their roles.”

QUESTION: Did you have any assumptions about call centers that were shattered once you joined a call center organization?
• Charles Schwab, Shannon: “I had worked in call centers prior to joining Schwab. Those centers were metric driven. Schwab is not metric driven and emphasizes high level of customer service. I watched one employee at Schwab who worked with a client that had $30 in their account. The employee’s manager complemented the employee on a job well done. Schwab maintains a professional environment with employees calmly helping clients.”
• USAA, Latasha: “I assumed an opportunity at USAA had to be filled with someone with prior experience. This is not true. Opportunity presents itself to employees. Career progression is allowed to take place.”
• DISH, Elizabeth: “DISH does not have the stigma of a call center. A number of opportunities are available to employees. It feels like home at DISH. The environment is very friendly and offers a lot of support. Employees have the opportunity to move up in DISH”.
• Synchrony Financial, Ignacio: “The environment at Synchrony keeps me there. Opportunities are available for employees. There is one culture for employees. Career paths are offered along with tuition reimbursement.”

QUESTION: Do you have established career paths/how do employees move throughout the organization?
• Charles Schwab, Shannon: “Schwab has a little bit of both. A lot depends on the employee. An employee can transfer in and out of a department. Most of Schwab’s recruiters and trainers started in a call center. I am leaving my current position in talent acquisition and moving into a social media role. Employees need to make the right connections within the organization and consistently be an advocate for the self.”
• USAA, Latasha: “We are responsible for are own careers professionally and as an employee of USAA. Employees are given an opportunity to talk to senior management. If you do well in your role, new open opportunities will become available. Employees should not place themselves in a silo but be open to career progression and opportunity.”
• Synchrony Financial, Ignacio: “Synchrony has several different programs. Employees need to seek out mentors within the organization. Skill training and employee based training are available. Those individuals who want to move ahead need to carry themselves well. Everyday you are interviewing in Synchrony’s work environment.”
• DISH, Elizabeth: “DISH has very structured careers. Employees should demonstrate an eagerness to learn. It is to the employee’s benefit to be consistent and advance in the company. DISH dedicates time to those who want to stay in the same position or move ahead.”

AUDIENCE QUESTION: What does a typical day look like in a call center? Do employees spend 100 percent of their day on the phone?
• USAA, Latasha: “Employees spend a lot of time on the phone. Metrics are not used to evaluate performance. Employees get two 20-minute breaks and 35-minute lunch and have a structured schedule. There are times when time is permitted to work on projects and research client issues.”
• DISH, Elizabeth: “Employees are mostly on the phone so they can develop their skills.”

QUESTION: Tell us some of the hot jobs you have available.
• Charles Schwab, Shannon: “There is the need for Broker Training candidates. It is a great entry-level position. If the Broker performs well, he/she is usually moved into another role in 18 months. Other openings are for Participant Services and Client Services. ”
• USAA, Latasha: “USAA is seeking Customer Service Representatives. Candidates do not have to have served in the military. Training for the role consists of a 12-week training period. Other opportunities are available in claims and for Financial Advisors. Benefits start on the employee’s first day of employment. For further details see website.”
• DISH, Elizabeth: “Work at Home program is looking for employees and coaches. DISH is growing fast and has a high need for qualified candidates.”
• Synchrony Financial, Ignacio: “Every job at Synchrony is a great opportunity. Benefits begin on day 1 of employment. To see openings go to Synchrony’s website.”

PANEL 2: NEVER EXPECTED TO BE WHERE I AM TODAY
Freedom Financial Network, LLC, Linda Luman, Vice President, Human Resources
Arizona Federal Credit Union, Eric Givens, Sr. Director of Digital Banking
Vanguard, Tyler Craig, Manager Personal Advisor Services
Nextiva, Amanda Dziuk, Talent Brand Manager

QUESTION: Please give an overview of your company and what you like best about the culture.
• Freedom Financial Network, LLC, Linda: “Freedom helps clients eliminate debt through debt settlement and consolidation. The team is filled with empathy.”
• Arizona Federal Credit Union, Eric: “The organization was started in 1936. Arizona Credit Union is a financial services leader. Routine coaching sessions take place at the credit union. Members make their money about their dreams. It is a fun place to work.”
• Vanguard, Eric: “There are 17,000 employees at Vanguard and offices around the world. 3,000 employees are based in Phoenix. Numerous opportunities are available. Vanguard is a client owned company. Employees put the needs of the client first.”
• Nextiva, Amanda: “Nextiva was started in 2008. The employee population has grown from 250 to 400 employees. The company focuses in technology and is currently expanding its IT and financial services. It is one of the fastest growing companies in Phoenix.”

QUESTION: What are the skills you need to land a job with your company?
• Freedom Financial Network, LLC, Linda: “Freedom is growing and expanding; and has numerous opportunities. Potential employees need to be flexible, have a sense of caring, be empathetic and able to bring compassion to the table.”
• Vanguard, Eric: “Candidates need to be positive, have a high energy level, and effective in having a positive influence on the entire membership. Company maintains an open door policy. Upper management loves feedback.”
• Arizona Federal Credit Union, Tyler: “Desired candidates need to have a passionate desire to help people. There is not a defined skill set sought in securing the right candidates. Employees need to connect with people effectively. There should be a desire to learn and grow; and enjoy the learning process.”
• Nextiva, Amanda: “The company provides good service to one another and clients. Employees need to have passion, a desire to learn products, open to change and being nimble.”

QUESTION: How has continuing your education helped you in your current role?
• Arizona Federal Credit Union, Eric: “A lot depends on the position. It is not a requirement to have a secondary degree. One advantage to a college degree is you learn to think and talk differently. The person is more important than a degree. Need to have high energy.”
• Freedom Financial Network, LLC, Linda: “Freedom is not focused on degrees. Employees have an opportunity to learn. “
• Nextiva, Amanda: “Nextiva has an apprenticeship program. Candidates need to have an interest in technology. Software experience is desirable. A lot depends on attitude. Employees are given time to improve.”
• Vanguard, Tyler: “Vanguard hires bachelor degrees. There are opportunities to obtain the required licenses. Employees can participate in tuition reimbursement.”

QUESTION: What is the best way to get started within your company?
• Freedom Financial Network, LLC, Linda: “Interested candidates should review their network to find employees at Freedom. LinkedIn is a great resource to find contacts. Networking and referrals are great resources.”
• Vanguard, Tyler: “Referrals are a great source in finding candidates. Interested candidates should review their connections to find a possible referrals.”

QUESTION: What do you tell others looking for a career about your job/career path?
• Nextiva, Amanda: “There is the opportunity for growth and transition. Nextiva’s President was the company’s first receptionist. Employees can grow with the company. Open internal positions are posted internally.”
• Arizona Federal Credit Union, Eric: “I was a communications major in college. I started in loan sales. College helped me with critical thinking. Next position was as a Repossession Specialist and then Call Center Lead. Now oversee nerd stuff and play with different gadgets. I come from a risk management background to current role.”
• Freedom Financial Services, LLC, Linda: “I started in a call center. While going to college, I was asked to hire people. Always had opportunities in areas that were unexpected. I have a passion for people. If you are given a lead, be sure to follow up.”
• Vanguard, Eric: “I started 11 years ago in a contact center. Was out of college 5 year before going to work at Vanguard. Current role allows exposure to all areas.”
• Nextiva, Amanda: “Depends on what you want to do. Start a conversation and connect with a recruiter.”

AUDIENCE QUESTION: What are the positives in working in a call center?
• Freedom Financial Network, LLC, Linda: “Employees work a flexible schedule. Number of different types of communication used at Freedom such as texting and email group.”
• Arizona Federal Credit Union, Eric: “Employees are not attached to remain in one place. They have the opportunity to move around. Different tech groups visit locations. Environment is welcoming.”
• Vanguard, Eric: “ There is a high level of professionalism and autonomy. Employees are not solving easy problems. Simple call center jobs are not available. Roles are problem solving ones.”

QUESTION: Tell us of some of the hot jobs you have available.
• Freedom Financial Network, LLC, Linda: “Some of the current opportunities include Negotiators, Sales and IT. There is a career progression at Freedom.”
• Arizona Federal Credit Union, Eric: “There are entry level opening in branches and call center.”
• Vanguard, Tyler: “There are a number of open positions including roles at the Contact Center, 401K participants and Financial Advisors.”
• Nextiva, Amanda: “Hot jobs include Product Managers, Network Engineers and Web Designers.

ADDITIONAL AWARD WINNING COMPANIES

Revana
Revana has 75 plus openings they need to fill before May 30, 2016

Progrexion
Progrexion is looking to add 100-150 employees before the end of the year. Training is all about the person.

GoDaddy
GoDaddy is growing very quickly. The culture is one of a kind. There are 5,000 employees at the Tempe facility and approximately 3,000 at the Phoenix flagship location.

Hyatt Regency Phoenix
The Hyatt is a great place to work. Many employees are long tenure ones at 25 and 40 years of service. The General Manager has been at the Hyatt for 36 years.

Resources

New Horizons of Phoenix
Zack Hiscock, Vice President of Training

New Horizons has provided world-class training for over 30 years and over 30 million students. New Horizons recognizes that there are several learning styles and offers traditional, instructor led classroom training; online LIVE learning and online anytime learning. Learning tools are varied to meet the needs of students including hands-on labs, reference materials, practice exams, learning guides, coursework and exam preparation.
The Phoenix location is a new state-of-the-art training facility. Information Technology programs, Office Management and/or Healthcare Records Management programs, and Project/Production Management programs represent education offerings. Some of the items included in tuition are books & supplies, labs, on-going career services and 6-month re-sit option. New Horizons does provide Job Placement Assistance. The school offers top IT Certifications approved by the GI Bill. Additional funding sources are available up to $4K through the WIOA Program. New Horizons has free classes in Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Visit New Horizons today!

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, May 12, 2016 and features Kirk Wilkinson as speaker for the topic “The Optimist’s Advantage”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit our event schedule.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: USAA, DISH, Synchrony Financial, Arizona Federal Credit Union, Vanguard, Nextiva, Best Companies Arizona, Freedom Financial Network, New Horizons of Phoenix, Charles Schwab

3/10/16 – Activate Your Job Search

March 14, 2016 by Jim Tousek

Written by Jim Tousek– MAOM, SHRM-CP

My wife and I attended the Bruce Springsteen concert last Thursday. What a show! The Boss is going on 70 years old, and he gave a non-stop 3 and half hour heart pounding performance. His energy and passion was immediately contagious. I took a valuable lesson away from that night which has taken me 40 years to learn. We all know the saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work another day in your life”. Springsteen’s “work” is testimony to this fundamental truth.  Looking at his expressions on the huge monitors, it was clear how much he loves what he does, and that he is doing what he was born to do. Most of us are not fortunate enough to know what we were born to do at an early age. The great news is that it isn’t too late to CREATE this next chapter of our lives by taking this time of transition and change to explore our passions, values, and motivators. Today’s keynote speaker encourages us to do just that.

Keynote

Kevin Dumcum
Activate Your Job Search

As a Business Account Coordinator with Arizona@Work Maricopa County, Kevin is able to fulfill his passion for helping all job seekers, especially low income and homeless job seekers. He is a matchmaker of sorts, matching Maricopa County businesses with job seekers by assisting employers with their recruitment and screening efforts through AZJobConnection.gov and coordinating on-site recruitments and job fairs.

Kevin has been affiliated with Career Connectors since 2009, and he is a Career Connectors success story! He found meaningful work through Career Connectors after he lost his job working for the same company for many years. He received a phone call and was told his services were no longer needed due to the shut down of the company’s Phoenix location.  We have all experienced similar scenarios of being “right-sized”, “down-sized”, laid off, or let go due to a “reduction in force”. If you have not personally experienced it, you certainly know some one who has.

Kevin reassured us that it is okay to grieve your job loss, and there are some valuable lessons to learn:

Lesson #1: Recognize job loss is traumatic.  Take some time to grieve your job loss, but set a deadline and get back in the game. Your new full-time job is finding that next new opportunity!

Lesson #2: Understand how companies think. It helps to detach emotionally from what happened to you by accepting that companies exist to make a profit, not to give you a life long career. This may seem harsh, but it is a truth that when fully embraced allows you to move on knowing that the company’s decision to let you go was not personal.

Lesson #3: Control you own career path. Your job security comes, not from your employer, but from your skills, experience, education, and talents. Use this time to get additional training and education, take on temporary or contract work, volunteer, start your own business, start a professional blog, make connections with others. Well, you get the picture.

Lesson #4: Take care of yourself. Some of Kevin’s suggestions included: getting out and exercising (running, hiking, swimming, cycling, weight lifting, yoga), having balanced and nutritious meals,  and getting enough sleep. Join a support group and network.

I enjoyed and learned from Kevin’s story about the site meetup.com. This is a social site, and no one thinks of it has a networking site. But, here is some out of the box thinking from Kevin: You go to meetup.com because you love hiking, and you would love to hike with like minded individuals. You find a great hiking group and you go on your first hike.  Before you are half way up Camelback Mountain the fellow next to you asks you what you do for a living. Wow, there is your opening to strike up  genuine heart felt conversation about your situation. Now this fellow may not have a job for you, it is true, but he might know some one who does. So here you are just taking care of yourself on a lovely hike, and yet, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Be open to possibility!

Lesson #5: Decide what you really want. Maybe you did not like the job you had anyway. In fact, maybe you hated your job. This is a time to reflect and determine what you really want. Kevin recommended a great book What Color is Your Parachute 2016 by Richard N. Bolles. There are effective exercises in this book to help you discover your core values and motivators so your next career is rewarding and fulfilling. Other resources include Strengths Finder 2.0, DISC (free through CareerConnectors.org), OnetOnline.org, Business Journal Book of List (free at your public library).

Lesson #6: Try Everything! 

  • Career Connectors
  • Stengths Finder 2.0
  • Phoenix Business Journal Book of Lists
  • BestCompaniesAZ
  • Hoovers a D&B Company
  • Arizona@Work
  • Public Library
  • Goodwill Career Centers
  • Fresh Start Women’s Foundation
  • Job Fairs! That is where the employers are!

Lesson #6: Find all the jobs! Create profiles on the major and industry specific job boards, create/update online profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, FaceBook, attend job fairs (Kevin says that is where the employers are!! So yes, job fairs are effective if worked properly), Network! 

Lesson #8: Volunteer – Five Ways Volunteering Can Help You Find a Job or Advance Your Career

Lesson #9: Expect Rejection. You will get rejected by e-mail, by phone, and simply by just never hearing back from the employer. It happens, it is not personal. Keep moving forward! Kevin likes this quote from Rocky:

Rocky Balboa quoteLesson #10: Success Breeds Success! All you need is one Yes!

Hiring Companies

Nextiva
Amanda Dziuk
Talent Acquisition Specialist
@Nextiva

Nextiva, headquartered in Scottsdale, provides cloud communication across the country. They offer award winning service with the goal to make owning and running a business easier, less costly and more profitable through the use of VoIP Phone systems. Nextiva has a great culture with perks such as prizes and awards for employees, appreciation days, office olympics and, most importantly, premium employee benefits. As they continue to grow, they  have positions that must be filled ranging from business development (account executives, inside sales managers, marketing associates),  operations (technical specialists, technicians, account managers), and development (software engineers, front end developers, and more). Visit their site for more information and be sure to check out the Nextiva Culture!

Northcentral University
Jennifer Prilliman and Becky Neal
Talent Acquisition Specialists
@NorthcentralU

NCU is regionally accredited, 100% online University and is comprised of the School of Education, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and School of Business and Technology Management. Courses are taught by an experienced, all-doctoral faculty. NCU’s mission is to educate professionals throughout the world and provide an accessible opportunity to earn a US regionally accredited degree. Northcentral mentors students one-to-one with a highly credentialed faculty via advanced delivery modalities. NCU commits to helping students achieve academically and become valuable contributors to their communities and within their professions. Northcentral offers a comprehensive benefits package and supports the professional growth of its team through free education benefits. NCU is currently looking for Enrollment Advisors, Financial Aid Advisors, Academic Counselors, IT professionals and others. If interested, apply at www.NCU.edu/Careers or contact the Human Resources team at careers@ncu or 855-552-2010.

NESCO Resource
Kelli Perkins
Area Manager
@NescoResource

Nesco Resource is one of the leading national staffing and employment agencies offering services in temporary staffing, direct hire, and a host of other staffing and recruiting solutions. Through its branch office network, Nesco Resource offers clients and employees services ranging from Temporary Staffing, Permanent Placement, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Onsite Management Services and more. Nesco Resource is an employment agency with dedicated offices supporting Engineering & IT, Clerical & Light Industrial, and Accounting & Finance specialties.

Call (480) 898-9452 for an appointment. Visit the site and know what position you are applying for before your call.

Resources

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
Zack Hiscock
VP of Training
@NHPhoenix

Whether you’re looking to change careers or advance in your current one, there’s a voice in your head telling you there’s something bigger and smarter you could do with your career if you had the right IT training. New Horizons has fueled the ambitions of more than 30 million people, providing the technology training demanded most by companies looking to hire, retain and nurture top technology talent. As the world’s largest independent IT training company with 300 centers in 70 countries, New Horizons has the global presence, course accessibility and experience to help you thrive in a rapidly evolving IT job market. They call it a human upgrade—a more capable, productive, valuable version of yourself (Source: http://www.newhorizons.com/CareerTraining.aspx

Depending on your situation you may qualify for FREE training at New Horizons through a grant program offered through Arizona’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Trade Adjustment Act (TAA)

Closing

Jessica Pierce closed the event with a big thanks to Highlands Church who graciously provides their spacious and beautiful facility for these events. Jessica, the staff, and volunteers at Career Connectors pray for us that we will find work soon. Also, be sure to take advantage and utilize the many free services offered at these events like LinkedIn Coaching, free business portraits, resume coaching, and my personal favorite, the DISC profile offered free in partnership with Top Talent Consulting. This behavioral assessment will help you conduct a stronger interview, increase your understanding of your strengths and value to a company, and even help you integrate key action word and phrases in to your resume. Take your DISC assessment today at CareerConnectors.org/disc/

See you at the next event!! 

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Nextiva, Northcentral University, NESCO Resource, phoenix jobs, New Horizons of Phoenix, career transition, Job Search, Kevin Dumcum

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Networking helps, especially when you do not directly know anyone at a target company. I have attended 4 of your meetings and at one of them a company representative and recruiter presented. I was already familiar with this company, but she also said some other things in the presentation that made me take notice and created more interest on my part. I spoke with the recruiter at your event and she followed up the next week and from there I went on several phone interviews and on site interview t… Read more
Todd S.
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.
After a company layoff thrust me into the job market, Career Connectors was exactly what I needed to develop my networking skills. Networking is a job in itself, and the skills I learned helped me to land a temporary position just three months later that is now permanent. I believe in the Career Connectors mission and continue to volunteer as a way of expressing my appreciation for their support during a very tough time…thank you Career Connectors!
Diane N.
Career Connectors offered me a one-stop-shopping capability for all of the coaching, resources and connections I needed to perfect my job searching skills.  The package of services, and support I found while attending these workshops over the past 7 months was unique to, and more productive than any other networking venues I attended. I am thrilled to share that I’ve landed with B/E Aerospace in Tucson.  I recommend to all Job Seekers to find out what works for you, and exploit it for best r… Read more
Aidan F.
Career Connectors has given me the courage to move forward and the mindset to move out of this moment. I have gained encouragement, opportunity, and a stronger skill-set in each meeting I have attended. This interaction has given me the vision to see my God given talents, the realization of how much I still have to offer, and the ability to put value in my career, instead of only seeing value by a job.
Anonymous
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.
When I was laid off last year from the company I’d worked with for over 14 years, I actually found I had an even BIGGER job ahead of me. With an outdated resume, no interview skills, and a huge feeling of displacement, I went searching for help. Career Connectors was my savior. The program and its’ leaders were instrumental in rebuilding my confidence, providing the necessary tools and resources, and ultimately responsible for my landing a great position with a company that was featured at o… Read more
Lynn S.
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.
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.
I just want to thank you and compliment you and your organization, all the people involved, for providing this free service to the people in the Phoenix area. Last August found me in the unforeseen, unplanned position of being without a job. This circumstance, anytime but especially being a single mom, is very unsettling, sometimes downright frightening and anxiety inducing. I began attending many of your weekly meetings through November, when a job opened for me. I found solace and guidance at … Read more
Dalene U.
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