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Pamela Heward

06/12/18 – Career Transition in 2018 – Top Ten Tips

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Pam HewardWritten by Cindy Nowack

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Career Transition in 2018 – Top Ten Tips

Pamela Heward

Pamela Heward is passionate about helping others through career and life transition as the owner and founder of Box Free Minds. She shared that a successful career transition is a combination of discipline, patience and creative thinking. The best place to begin is with your mindset. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” How you feel is something you control.

Pamela’s top ten tips for career transition are:

1. The WORK before the work begins NOW. Take the time to fine tune your resume, develop your LinkedIn profile, and network to get ready for the real work – finding your next opportunity.

2. Create your awesome list. You are more than bullet points on a resume. What are those things about you that are great, but don’t go on your resume? For instance, seeing things differently is not a problem. When asked what color a banana is, a younger Pamela said white. Most people think bananas are yellow, but when the banana is peeled, Pamela saw it as white. Seeing things others may have missed is a gift. What are your “white banana” gifts? Once you know this about yourself, you show up differently. You can talk about the skills that are more than bullets on your resume and how these gifts can be valuable to others.

3. There are 8 mind shifts that will get you unstuck and excited. One of the mind shifts Pamela shared is #6 – be an inquisitive explorer. You can get to know the market and industry through the Business Journal and other resources. Your responsibility is to find interesting companies that excite you. Put those companies on your target list.

4. Create SMART goals. Goals should be about your happiness, what you want to achieve. SMART goals are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable, Attainable – personable part
  • Realistic – outer reasonable goal
  • Time-oriented

To increase the likelihood of success, goals should be:
Written – in the SMART goal format
Public – tell everyone about your goals
Accountable – find a coach or a person you trust, and create weekly tasks to help you complete your goals

5. Practice, rehearse and role play. To develop your story, use the STAR method:
Situation
Task (Challenge)
Action
Result

Prepare at least three examples of your successes. Once you develop your story, practice telling it. Your story should be one minute or less. Otherwise, you will lose your audience’s attention. The first time telling your story is always too long, so practice and rehearse out loud and with others.

6. Step outside your comfort zone, try new things, learn, grow. Pamela shared this quote, “A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there.” – Unknown. Use this transition time to try new things. Get out of your comfort zone.

7. Talk with others. Don’t “firehose” people immediately. When you start talking with others, share your title and wait for their response. If they ask a question or are interested in what you said, provide a little more information. From there, the conversation develops.

8. Recharge your battery. Draw a circle with 8 pie slices on a piece of paper. In each slice, write things you can do when you need to recharge. This time should be healing and rejuvenating. Walk, enjoy nature, unplug electronics, play music, sleep, solitude, dance, talk to a friend are some of the suggestions from the audience about how they recharge their batteries.

9. Time blocking. Plan your week, but don’t put all your brain time in one basket. Most jobs are found through people you know, so get out there, meet people. If it will help you, turn your weekly calendar into an accountability partner so that you are accountable for the weekly plans you made.

10. Collaborate, connect, converse but NO Commercials. Recruit the best people to work with to maintain your spirits. Who are “your” people? This process isn’t all about you. You need others to help you. Also, be sure to grow and network even when you’re at your next position.

BONUS: No guilt. Take this time to do something nice for yourself. Energy attracts like energy. Now you are ready to show up.

HIRING COMPANIES

Enterprise
Dave Carriere, Group HR Manager, Enterprise Holdings

Enterprise is a family owned company, so company values are important. Their mission statement is to be the best transportation company in the world; to exceed customers’ expectations for service, quality and value; to provide employees with a great place to work; and to serve their communities as a committed corporate citizen. The founder, Jack Taylor, served on the USS Enterprise, which is how the company got its name.

People are promoted from within at Enterprise, which leads to an understanding of a variety of positions within the company as you move into different roles. The management training program requires a Bachelors degree. Each branch runs as its own profit center with 5-7 employees, and 100-150 vehicles. Resumes may be submitted at careers.enterprise.com.

Nammo Talley
Karin Rodriguez, Recruiter

Nammo Talley specializes in the design, development and manufacture of ammunition and energetic material solutions for defense and commercial applications. They are a Nordic company with US headquarters in Mesa. The company currently has about 2,200 employees, a significant growth from 1,100 employees in 1998. Current job opportunities in Mesa include:

  • Program Manager II
  • Test Engineer
  • Processor/Manufacturing Operator
  • Facilities Maintenance Technician
  • R&D/Manufacturing Engineer
  • Machine Operator/Core Tech, 2nd shift
  • Senior Cost Accounting

You may apply online at careers.nammotalley.com.

NESCO Resource
Brendan Naper, Branch Manager

NESCO Resource is an award winning full service staffing firm, ranked as one of the fastest growing in the United States. Beginning in Ohio more than 50 years ago, NESCO Resource now has five locations in Arizona and more than 90 branches nationwide. At the Tempe branch office, located at 4500 S Lakeshore Drive near the US60 and Rural Road, they are currently filling manufacturing, production, administrative, and clerical positions. Some of the current HOT openings are:

  • Maintenance Mechanic
  • Material/Part Buyer
  • Part Time Administrative Assistant
  • Accounts Payable/Payroll Administrator
  • Multiple Customer Service/Call Center positions
  • CNC Operator
  • Electronic Assembler/Solderer
  • Various Warehouse positions

NESCO Resource has more than 100 different clients that may be looking for your skills. Jobs change almost daily, so for the latest openings, check www.nescoresource.com. Or call for an appointment: (480) 898-9452 in the East Valley, or (623) 236-2074 in the West Valley. Know the name of the recruiter in the posting and which positions you are interested in. It’s helpful to meet your recruiter in person and stay in touch, at least once a month.

CLOSING REMARKS

State Farm is now hiring experienced software developers, infrastructure analysts, and systems/data administrators. To learn more about specific openings, visit www.statefarm.com/careers.

On Thursday, June 21 at 9am in Glendale, Brenda Cunningham will be speaking about how to “Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes a Day.” Hiring companies at that event will be Modis and Copper Springs.

Also, be sure to check the schedule for the dates of upcoming June and July events at careerconnectors.org. A few dates have been moved to accommodate summer programs at our host locations.

12/12/17 – Simple Steps to Face the Challenge and Opportunity of Career Transition

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Simple Steps to Face the Challenge and Opportunity of Career TransitionWritten by: Miriam Spinner

When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind which by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you.Norman Vincent Peale

Your LinkedIn profile is glowing, your resume depicts you as a superstar, and you crushed the last interview. So you ask yourself, why aren’t I attracting job offers? Am I overqualified, or is my experience in a certain technological niche outdated?

The problem may have nothing to do with your skills, but rather how you are showing up. Pamela Heward, the keynote speaker, calls it “the work before the work”.

KEYNOTE

Simple Steps to Face the Challenge and Opportunity of Career Transition

Pamela Heward

All the tools and resources can be wasted with a mindset that isn’t showing our best, says keynote speaker Pamela Heward. When we shift our mindset we gain clarity and rediscover our strengths. You saved the company thousands of dollars, created efficiencies, BUT your mind tells you that no one will hire you. You think “I do not have the right education or credentials.” Right?

Pamela tells us that words are important, they have the power to seep into your head and everything around you.

“I think they get on the walls, they get in your wallpaper, they get in your rugs and your upholstery and your clothes, and finally, into you” – Dr. Maya Angelou

To breakthrough our thinking, Pamela provides 3 simple steps that rewire our mindset:

SIMPLE STEPS

Inventory – Select – Practice – Share (ISPS System)

Step 1 – Inventory

Think about your past experiences – what do you enjoy most about what you do? What compliments do you receive from others? There is something special about you, but not on your resume.

Action for you -> Create your own awesome list.

Step 2 – Select

Tell a story and think about an event from the past that makes you smile. Bring in something interesting to the conversation. Do you like puzzles? Have you visited a special place?

Here is an example:

I am silly at times, I have a passion for words, and I don’t like the limelight. My favorite word is defenestrate.

Keep it short – if it is more than 1 minute, you lose people.

Step 3 – Practice

Practice in front of a mirror or in line at Starbucks. Go to a networking event and meet someone for the first time.

Here is what it looked like on stage:

Pam: Tell me about why you are here and what you are looking for?

Volunteer: I was a programmer using older technology. I am a people person. I like the work environment to be fun. I can translate software in ways that it makes sense to the business. My gift is teaching, though I don’t have the certifications. The problem is that my experience is in a specific technology niche where the jobs were outsourced overseas. I would love to do something different.

Questions/comments from the audience: Did you look at teaching positions? You have transferrable skills.

Pam: Your people and technology skills are a gift. Your block is in transferrable skills. It is overwhelming to take what you have done, and what is possible is huge. Don’t do it alone.

Action for You -> Think about you differently and select your stories. Videotape yourself and solicit feedback from family.

Step 4 – Share

Share what you do and take time to get to know other people. Look for reactions and don’t forget to ask questions.

Use Pam’s 3-Tiered Approach:

1.  Answer the question: “What do you do?”

How can you respond to the guaranteed question, “Where do you work?”?  Tell them upfront, so they don’t need to ask.

2.  Explain what you do

If you take the time to do the inventory and demonstrate your success, you can handle the interview questions. Once you know your stories, you will feel calm.

3. Tell me more

Be sure your stories are short – Pam tells us that a common mistake is that candidates talk too much.

Action for You -> Think about what is awesome about you.

Discovery Session

Contact Pamela for a free discovery session and a game plan.

A message to leave you with……….. Find your positive energy, and your awesome self will shine on the people around you!

HIRING COMPANIES

Insight
Eric Johnson, Talent Acquisition Manager

Insight is a growing company in the valley. They provide full-cycle services including application development, datalinks and data center solutions. There are two locations in the valley with 1500 employees. Their values are Hunger (get the project done), Heart (foundations – you can contribute as an employee), and Harmony. Insight is a large sales organization, and the CIO sits locally. They fill 1300 open positions on an annual basis.  Some current openings include:  Systems Architect, Information Security Engineer, Project Management Leader, and Data Analyst. View more job openings at Insight.

NESCO Resource
Kelli Perkins, Area Manager

NESCO is a private staffing company with 100 offices. If you are interested in an opportunity, call the recruiter. Don’t just send your resume – pick up the phone and get to know your recruiter. They also want to get to know you – face-to-face is huge in their business. You can register with multiple staffing firms. They also offer paid sick time and medical benefits.

Current openings are in Accounting, Programming, Data Entry, Maintenance and more. Go to NESCO Resource for more information.

State Farm
Molly Romine, Recruiter

Molly started her career at State Farm as a temporary employee for 9 months. She converted to a permanent employee, and has remained at State Farm for 30 years.
State Farm’s growth in the valley the last five years went from 1,100 to 7,000 employees. Molly recommends that when you are searching for an organization, make sure you explore – learn about how the customer is treated, and how employees are valued.  Current job openings include:  Claim Associate – Express, Java Developer, Public Affairs Specialist, and Legal Secretary.  Visit State Farm for a complete job listing.

RESOURCES

Grand Canyon University
Scott Bromander, Head of Education, Non-Degree Technology Programs

When Scott was laid off from Best Buy, he decided to hit the books and give programming a try. He studied all day and taught college at night. He became a software engineer. Scott knows how to program, but he doesn’t think of himself as a programmer. He solves problems with programming. He built a school for all walks of life to help the people that may not understand Technology.

GCU is offering for a limited time a free of charge Coding program from January 8 – April 27 (charge is normally $7,000 – $ 9,000). Students will learn immersive software engineering in a Java pilot program. Application deadline is Sunday, December 17. Contact Scott for more information.

Goodwill of Northern and Central Arizona
Carter Ellis, Employer and Community Relations

Carter took the leap from a 16-year education career to an entry-level position at Goodwill. He loves his new role and his achievements were recognized by his recent promotion.

Goodwill works with 600 employers and provides on-site career development where you can work with professional career counselors. The on-site services are by appointment only from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Services include resume review, mock interviews, and constructive feedback, at no cost.

Go to Goodwill for employment events, talent sourcing and job boards.

CLOSING

Jessica reminded us that pictures are uploaded to the site, so don’t expect to receive your picture in your email inbox.

Your responses to the surveys are important since they tell Career Connectors what you want. Please don’t forget to complete them.

There is one last December event in Scottsdale, and stay tuned for upcoming exciting new partners and speakers for next year!

Happy New Year!

Lessons from Larry

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lessons-from-larryWritten by Pamela Heward

Professionally edited by Kitty Carlisle

I met Larry at the beginning of my career as a job placement counselor, He arrived one day, just as our office opened; he was eager and motivated. What was unique about Larry is that he was completely deaf in one ear and about 80% deaf in the other. Because of this, he spoke with a speech impediment. Even if I was not able to understand every word he said, there was no misinterpreting his laser focused determination. I quickly learned that he was a skillful lip reader. He explained that it had been a difficult road getting out on his own and how in the past, interviewers seemed uncomfortable when they heard his speech impediment and would quickly end the interview.

His enthusiasm and determination was contagious, though, and I joined his quest to gain his independence and land the perfect job. I introduced my clients to Larry with an explanation of his challenges and a solution he presented to me. It was brilliant in its simplicity:

If you want to speak with Larry, tap him on the shoulder first.

If they were willing to do this, he would be able to do whatever job they gave him. This was all it took to open the door to Larry’s future! The jobs were temporary assignments at first, but quickly led to a permanent full time position.

I don’t remember his particular job skills, what part of town he lived in or what level of education he completed. What I remember is his passion and determination to live on his own. He knew Why he was there and knew that he was not going to give up until he achieved what he was looking for.

I understand that finding a new career is one of the hardest “jobs” you may have. You may endure several “Nos” and several “Nothing at alls”. Do not be discouraged. Learn from Larry:

  • Get clear about your “Why” and your passion for it.
  • Search for people and resources that are willing to help you (don’t stop til you find them).
  • Once you are given an opportunity to prove your value, be prepared.
  • Whatever your challenges, remember you are not alone.

7 Easy Steps for the Network-aphobic

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7 Easy Steps for the Network-aphobicWritten by Pamela Heward

Professionally edited by Kitty Carlisle

As a Career Transition Coach, I encounter resistance to networking on a regular basis. The perception I often hear is that networking means going to business mixers or Meetup groups, doing your 30 second commercial and exchanging leads. While these are possible options, they are not the most effective way to network and expand your sphere of influence.

A Network is defined as: a group or system of interconnected people or things. I believe this is what networking is all about. Chances are you already have a network of people in your life through your other interests: music, sports, art, children’s activities, family activities, associations, acquaintances through work … etc. These are people who already know you. The likelihood of getting a referral or some good ideas is very high within these groups of people.
Here are a few tips to help you reach out to these people that are already in your life and capture the power of your network:

  •  Make a list of people you know in your life right now. (remember that they don’t have to live where you live to qualify for this list)
  • Eliminate anyone from the list that you have any discomfort or doubts about.
  • Spend some time clarifying what you are looking for in the next chapter of your career and life. (Do not skip this step!) Reaching out to your network with an unclear message will diminish your success.
  • Draft an interesting, fun message that you can email, post or send to your network. Share your excitement and passion for your future and have a clear request.
  • If you would like to have a conversation with them, offer options: a phone conversation or meet in person over coffee or a meal. Be respectful of their time and if they say “I only have 30 minutes,” then make sure you stick to their timeframe.
  • Follow up with a thank you note.
  • Also, offer to do something for them! The best way to figure out what that is? ASK!

Bottom line, networking with people you know and trust takes the stress out of the process. So figure out who you know and whose brains you value. You will be glad you did.

9/27/16 – The Work Before the Work: Box Free Breakthroughs for a New Career and Mind

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Written by Marty Allison

Opening

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors

Jessica welcomed everyone to this event at Central Christian Church in Gilbert, AZ.  Jessica encouraged attendees to meet someone new.  She shared a story of being contacted by someone about three weeks ago who had never been to Career Connectors and was desperate for employment.  It was important for that person to “take the next step.”  Today’s keynote speaker was one resource for that individual.  Career Connectors has a vision to connect real people with real careers.  This same person who identified as feeling discouraged a short while ago will be starting a new job next week.  Jessica encouraged everyone to take the next step and hopes that others in the room or in their network can be a resource.

 

Keynote Speaker

Pamela Heward, owner and founder of Box Free Minds

Pam elaborated on the experience of the individual that was mentioned by Jessica in the opening.  She discussed the job application process.  The ‘Work Before the Work’ is identifying limiting beliefs that are obstacles to success.

“White Banana” Story – When Pam was a kindergartner, her mother was told that there was a concern with Pam because she said that bananas are white instead of yellow.  However, once you peel a banana to eat it… it does look white.  Pam’s answer was not wrong, her perspective makes her unique.  Identify 2-3 things about you which are unique, but NOT something you list on your resume.

When seeking employment, many people will say that they want a certain wage or a job within a certain distance from their home.  Consider these questions when seeking a job: What excites you?  How do you like to spend your time when no one pays you or pays attention to you?

Mindshift –  There are assumptions that we may have had, even since childhood, which ultimately turn out to not be truth.  A mindshift is needed to let go of these assumptions.

Assumption #1: Hiring managers look at your resume and online application when considering you for a position.

Mindshift #1: Hiring managers look at your overall online persona.  This includes any visible online profile such as LinkedIn.  It is not limited to the items you submit to them.

Pam noted that for your online presence, a professional photograph is much better to use than cropping a photograph taken socially  (Career Connectors offers professional headshots at no cost on-site at each event!).

Assumption #2: Your past accomplishments are what are most important when being considered for a position.

Mindshift #2: It is important to consider “What can I do for this company?”  How do you fit in with the vision and goals of this company?

Assumption #3: To successfully get a job, I am going on job boards, LinkedIn and online applications.

Mindshift #3: Time Blocking is a better approach.

Time Blocking – Spend no more than 3 hours per day on the computer for job search.  In the time beyond that, do the following instead:

  1. Schedule at least 3 coffee/lunch meetings per week.  Using Career Connectors or other networks, go out and talk with people.
  2. Get involved with people who have similar interests.  Identify any groups or clubs which share one of your interests.  A site such as MeetUp can help with this.  Trust built in a format like this could lead to a job referral.
  3. Read at least 15 pages per day that inspire you.  An alternative can be to listen to an audio book.

Pam’s challenge to you is the following homework:

  1. Identify your list of 2-3 unique attributes about yourself.
  2. Commit to Time Blocking (For at least the next 3-5 days).
  3. Take one thing that you have been avoiding, and do that first every day.

Think differently and know what sets you apart from the rest.

 

Hiring Companies

Asurion

Tasha Ford, Talent Acquisition Consultant

There was a video about the importance of technology and that when technology is not working, we miss out on life. After the video, Tasha provided an example of a parent trying to connect with their child overseas and how important it is to have the technology in the phone work correctly. Asurion is growing, with over 17,000 employees and 280 million users. Employees in Arizona are being relocated to Orlando, Florida, which is creating the need to hire people in Arizona. Tasha explained some of the benefits package, which included pet insurance.

Chase

Ashley Hilscher, Recruiting Senior Specialist

Ashley thanked everyone for the warm welcome.  There was a handout of ‘Hot Jobs’ with Chase in the Phoenix metro area given to attendees.  While there are branch locations throughout the valley, there are operations centers at Chase Towers in downtown Phoenix, near the Sky Harbor Airport and in Tempe which are hiring.  Ashley discussed the positions with Chase and noted that the key to networking is not just what you take away, but what you bring to the table for other people.

Clique Hiring Solutions

LT Ladino Bryson, Senior Managing Partner

LT noted that she has owned Clique Hiring Solutions for about 1 1/2 years, with 18 people now on her staff (and hiring).  Her advice was to only show the last ten years of relevant work on a resume in instances where there may be past employment unrelated to a new position that someone is seeking.  She explained that a ‘staffing agency’ and a ‘recruiting firm’ are different from each other.  A recruiter is not just there to fill a job position, but will seek to find the right match.  A candidate has the job of being memorable and seeing what they bring to the table for an employer.  Her team will then be able to advocate for you like an agent would advocate for an athlete.

Edward Jones

Tahara Coleman, Recruiting Manager

Tahara noted that she is the contact for operations positions.  Her colleague, Inez Browning, the other half of the “Dream Team,” is the contact for IT positions.  Since Edward Jones was founded in 1922, to date they have never laid off a single person.  She discussed the company culture being one where everybody is in a cubicle as opposed to some people having offices.  Also it is possible to interview for as many positions as you want at Edward Jones, so there is a potential to receive multiple job offers.  She said that if a position requires licensing, typically there is a 90 day window to obtain this and there is support.

Tahara encouraged everyone to not be discouraged by rejection letters.  She gave an example of someone who received 12 rejection letters but is starting their job on Monday.

 

Resources

Canyon State Institute 

Steve Carparelli, Vice President

Steve discussed Canyon State Institute’s partnership with Career Connectors being a way to provide guidance without cost to you.  He discussed the WIOA grant, which is available throughout Arizona.  Canyon State Institute not only helps you with certification, but also provides job placement after you have completed your program.  Steve noted that other educational resources such as New Horizons and Dynamic, who were both also on-site today, are great options because one school may offer something not available at another.

 

Closing

Jessica Pierce referred everyone to both sides of their handouts for additional information.  Resources include the DISC assessment, her Thursday morning email and instructions on how to view professional portraits taken at a Career Connectors event.

Upcoming events include an event in Phoenix on Wednesday, October 5 unlike any event in the past.  This will have six different staffing agencies available to attendees, and the event will use a panel discussion format.