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:
- Schedule at least 3 coffee/lunch meetings per week. Using Career Connectors or other networks, go out and talk with people.
- 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.
- 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:
- Identify your list of 2-3 unique attributes about yourself.
- Commit to Time Blocking (For at least the next 3-5 days).
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
