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5 Mindsets Only the Most Successful Job-Seekers Have

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Written by: Dayna Ciarfalia (Mathews) 

Professionally edited by Kitty Carlisle

5 Mindsets Only the Most Successful Job-Seekers Have

Back in 2010, I moved to Phoenix from small-town northern Minnesota without a job and without ANY contacts in ANY industries. Smart move? Probably not, but I did it anyway because I wanted to experience life in a new place.

I didn’t really know what I was looking for in a job either. Triple trouble! About a week after moving here, I got a call from a financial company in Scottsdale and figured I’d give it a shot. What I ended up signing up for was a MILLION times less than ideal, but hey, it was something to put on my resume and give me some additional work experience. I had to start somewhere, right?

For 2 months straight, I drove over 40 miles each way and spent 3+ hours in traffic every day to a job that paid me ZERO dollars per hour.

Yep, you read that right.

I just needed to get my first three clients and then I would get paid an hourly wage – a feat I foolishly felt would be easy for me. In order to do that, I attended 4+ networking events, walked into 20+ stores and made 50+ cold calls per week. ALL of which came up with nothing – ZIP, ZILCH, NADA.

Though I would leave work every day exhausted, drained, and feeling like a failure, I still had a smile on my face and retained the utmost faith that everything would work itself out. I believe it was that ONE mindset that successfully got me through that hard time until I found what it was I was meant to find: my first high-paying, hourly, benefits-paying job as a Career Advisor at a local non-profit called Arizona Call-A-Teen Youth Resources (ACYR) here in Phoenix.

It’s because of that job that I sit where I sit today, but if I wouldn’t have had that crappy, character-building job (if you would even call it that), there’s no way I would have been introduced to the job at ACYR. In reflecting on my experiences in the job search here in Phoenix, and the experiences of my most successful clients, I’ve found that it’s been mindset that’s gotten me – and them – through to the successful places we ended up.

So, what are these mindsets, you ask? Welp, here you go!

  1. “I will find the job that’s right for me.”
    If you don’t believe finding the right job is in your future, it’s WAYYYY less likely for that to come true for you. Seriously, belief in getting what you want makes a world of difference. Just ask anyone who’s read The Secret. If you haven’t read the book and want a taste of what it’s all about, you can watch this video. You won’t regret it.
  2. “Everything will work out as it’s supposed to.”
    When you choose to see the world in this way, everything that happens in your life just becomes part of the ride; the ride that will lead you to your ultimate destination. With a mindset like this, you can handle anything and get through it successfully, even a job that pays you zero dollars an hour 🙂
  3. “I am the solution to a company’s problems.”
    Whether you believe it yet or not, YOU are a solution. The skills, experience, knowledge, and education you have equates to solutions for the companies you’re hoping to work for. When you start seeing yourself this way, you feel more empowered. You feel like YOU are in the driver’s seat being proactive in finding the problem to which you’re the answer.
  4. “I am 100% responsible for my success in the job search.”
    No, it’s not the economy. No, it’s not that there aren’t any jobs out there. And no, it’s not that you got the wrong degree. You may not be happy with me for saying this, but your success in this life and in the job search is 100% in YOUR hands and no one else’s. If you’ve placed blame on anything other than yourself while job-searching, that’s a mistake, and it isn’t helping. Take a step back and look at how you could be improving. Could you take a class to improve your skills? Could you be more active on LinkedIn? Could you be getting out of the house and meeting people more? Take responsibility for everything in your life, and watch things change for you.
  5. “With a positive attitude, I can make any experience a better one.”
    If you don’t consider yourself a positive person, I’m not saying that you can’t be successful. There are plenty of successful pessimists out there, I’m sure. BUT I would bet you all the money in the world that if you went around and asked 100 recruiters what kind of person they want to work with, one of those words would be “positive”. There’s a reason for that, folks. Positive people are more fun to be around, more enjoyable to be around, and overall, they just tend to be more successful because of their ability to turn any situation, even the most negative ones, into a more positive, successful one.

Though I’ve had many an opportunity in my life (as I’m sure have you) to have a negative mindset or not see hope in my future, I’ve chosen to keep mindsets that serve me in the highest ways possible. It’s these mindsets that have changed my life and the lives of thousands of others I’ve seen.

Your mindset is powerful. Thoughts turn into actions. Actions turn into habits. Habits turn into life-long behaviors, many of which can be negative if the wrong mindsets are chosen at the start.

Choose wisely, my friends, and you WILL be successful in the end.

Best of luck to you in all you do!

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.

 

07/16/2014 – LinkedIn Advanced Tips and Tricks for Job Seekers

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Written by Ken Abramczyk (Twitter: @KabramczKen)

I thought I knew LinkedIn well and all of its capabilities and potential.

Last year I expanded and added to my profile to attain an All-Star status with the help of Career Connectors. I networked at events, job fairs and even neighborhood gatherings to hit the 500+ connections mark. I now see who reads my profiles.

And yet, there is so much I don’t know about LinkedIn, especially about job alerts. Dayna Mathews, career coach at YourKickAssCareers.com, explained LinkedIn’s potential for job seekers. All it would take is a few changes to your LinkedIn profile, connect with the right people, envision the right jobs for yourself and build searches for job alerts, and soon, you will land that opportunity you have sought for so long.

Keynote Speaker

Dayna says job hunters should review three or four descriptions of desired jobs and related ones, find repeated keywords and phrases, and highlight those in his or her LinkedIn profile. With its 2,000-word limit, the LinkedIn summary allows job candidates to shine and present themselves and their personality in a well-written piece, expanding the depth of their multi-dimensional talents and skills well beyond the dry tone of a resume, Dayna said.

“Beef up your headline,” Dayna said. Use relevant industry-specific keywords and skills. Look at what others in your field are doing. Don’t use the words “unemployed,” “job seeker” or “searching.” “Make it interesting,” Dayna said. “It is your personal branding and marketing.”

That headline is the “most keyword heavy location” on your profile. Using keywords prominently displays them at the top of your profile, where they are viewed immediately on a visit to your page. Heavy keyword use sparks the ignitions of search engines to pick up your name and profile. When keywords appear frequently in your summary, you will show up more frequently in a search by hiring managers, Dayna said.

With that additional space, you also can highlight what you can do for an employer; detail your quantified accomplishments, specialties and skills. Write it in a first-person tone.

Highlight your portfolio with published articles, projects, PowerPoint presentations, reports or blogs. After all, it is YOUR brand. You are marketing YOU.

Dayna included other LinkedIn tips:

  • Highlight skills and endorsements. You can list 50 different skills on your profile. With more connections, you will gather more endorsements for several of those skills. Get recommendations.
  • Connect, connect…and connect. Use appropriate personalized requests, sending them to recruiters and those in your field who are successful.
  • Join and follow 10 to 15 professional groups for job seekers, your occupation or companies where you would like to work. Follow thought leaders in your industry. Dayna recommended the following groups: Career Connectors, Phoenix Jobs, Cutting Edge Career and Job Search, Best Companies AZ, Arizona Jobs and Localwork.com.
  • Set up job alerts. Download the LinkedIn jobs app. Get immediate updates for jobs of interest. Apply immediately for best results.
  • Periodically review and enhance your profile and keywords.

LinkedIn members also should display a professional, interview-ready photo and a name-focused custom URL. Click on an “Edit” button under their photo to edit the URL for a name-only one. Copy that address to a resume.

Dayna invited members of Career Connectors to connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Jessica Pierce, executive director of Career Connectors, suggested that we follow Tweet My Jobs on Twitter, where jobs are often posted first before they are posted on other online job listings.

Hiring companies

City of Phoenix

Veronica Sainz, business consultant with the City of Phoenix, and Esther Atempa, workforce site supervisor, highlighted job trends in Phoenix. Veronica said health care jobs are expected to continue to grow, including registered nurses, medical assistants and many other fields. Job seekers can visit the city of Phoenix Workforce Connection offices or go to phoenix.gov/PHXWC for more information. Veronica can be reached at (602) 256-3461. Esther can be contacted at (602) 495-7527.

GlobalTranz

Amanda Dziuk, senior recruiter at GlobalTranz  ((480) 291-6042), said her company, which works with freight logistics, expects 50% revenue growth in 2014. Positions available are carrier representatives, freight broker, front end sales, truckload logistics specialist and senior manager of truckload capacity. Visit GlobalTranz for more information.

G/O Digital

G/O Digital, a digital marketing division of Gannett, is seeking candidates for inside sales positions, regional sales, lead generalist specialists, and members of knowledge team and jumpstart team, according to senior recruiters Donny Starkins and Melissa DuPont. To apply, visit www.godigitalmarketing.com.

Arch Vacations

Dan Nikolic, talent recruiter at Arch Vacations ((602) 357-4817), said Arch Vacations features concierge services and expert guidance to assist customers on their vacations booked through Arch Vacations. The company is “all about service” with positions primarily in sales available. Visit Arch Vacations for information.

Educational Management Corp.

Mark Pierce, manager of talent acquisition at Education Management Corp. ((866) 427-4679, ext. 38025), said growth opportunities at EDMC are “awesome,” as it has grown from less than 100 employees to 3,000 in five years to assist students at these online universities, including The Art Institutes, Argosy University, Brown Mackie College and South University. EDMC is interviewing for admissions representatives. Visit EDMC for information.

Resources

Training to You

John Dvorak, director of career development at Training to You in Phoenix, said federal grants under the Workforce Investment Act are available to qualified individuals to obtain certification in IT, Microsoft Office or Project Management. Dynamic Worldwide in Tempe and Canyon State Institute also offer training.

Closing

Jessica Pierce reminded the audience to incorporate Dayna’s tips and highlighted these upcoming programs and speakers:

Please register for these events here.

 

 

10/15/2013 – Get Prepared. Get Dynamic. Get Hired!

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Written by Bethany Wolf

Opening Remarks

Executive Director of Career Connectors, Jessica Pierce, opened today’s event held at the Gilbert Campus of Central Christian Church. After welcoming many new participants, Jessica described how Career Connectors started as a volunteer organization and seeks to empower individuals to increase their confidence and reach their professional goals.

Keynote Speaker

According to keynote speaker, Don Thoren, the fundamentals to getting hired involve preparation and a positive, energetic attitude. It’s about taking a pro-active approach and stretching outside of your comfort zone.

As a consultant, trainer and speaker with over 30 years of experience, Don has inspired countless professionals in transition to help them prepare for and succeed in their job search. In today’s keynote, Don discussed how to get prepared and be dynamic in order to get hired.

Get Prepared

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Appearance does matter when interviewing for jobs.  What type of first impression are you making on a potential employer? Are you dressed professionally? Do you show confidence by smiling and having a positive attitude?

Don suggested thinking about your voice and how it impacts other people. If your voice tends to get high and pitchy under stress, Don offered this tip: Tilt your chin slightly down. It helps to lower and relax your voice during in-person interviews. For telephone interviews, Don advised to look at a picture of a person while interviewing over the phone. It gives a sense of personalization so you feel you are actually speaking to a real person not just a voice at the end of the line.

Research is also key to getting prepared. Show the company you can relate to them. Do your research to determine how you can apply your skills to the types of processes they have in their organization and how your previous experience can help make the company better.

Don stressed the importance of knowing the company’s “play book” – who they are,  what they do, the issues they are facing, business strategy, and the jobs they are hiring for. Additionally, it’s important to understand the company’s culture. Use keywords and phrases during your interview that will resonate with your potential employer. A good place to find keywords is on the company’s website. This increases the probability they will hear you and think you are a good fit with their company, and people are complimented when you take the time to learn something about them.

Get Dynamic

Are you a thinker? Have you got a strategy? Are you alert? Enthusiastic? Let the company know you are the person they are looking for. Show your energy and avoid complacency.

Don asked participants to think about what dynamism looks like to the person you are interviewing with. Getting dynamic means having a passion for the company’s mission. It’s about having the right attitude and open body language.

He then walked participants through a laughter exercise to  get people energized and activated. A positive outlook and the ability to laugh demonstrates you have a great attitude and are the person the company needs on their team.

Partners

LocalWork

Ryan Naylor

LocalWork is Arizona’s fastest growing job board. It helps connect local seekers with local jobs. Local small businesses can build a web page using LocalWork resources so that job seekers can learn about their companies. LocalWork also produces job fairs. Typically there are over 1000 jobs for hire at a single event.  Tools for job seekers include video resumes, verified letters of recommendation, and social media resume sharing.  The next job fair will be held November 4 at the Phoenix Airport Marriott from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Hiring Companies

Appointment Plus

Jennifer Rojas

Appointment Plus helps businesses be more successful. Career opportunities include product and sales marketing managers, IT, sales reps and customer support. Most important to Appointment Plus is that their employees feel like they are making a difference and bringing their best game.  Video link: www.appointment-plus.com/videos/appt_plus_epiphany-672.mp4

NESCO Resource

Kelly Perkins

NESCO is a staffing agency on the front-end of who is hiring in the Phoenix area. It helps place job seekers with contractual and full time work with top employers in the market, mostly with an engineering and manufacturing focus.  Current opportunities in professional, administrative and industrial divisions. NESCO is also looking for skilled trades people.

Charles Schwab

Shannon Grimes

Charles Schwab is a client-focused company bringing wall street to main street . It helps make investing accessible. It’s largest employee-base is the Phoenix area. Current opportunities in B2C  include financial advisors and retirement plan support. B2B opportunities include custodial and business support to independent advisors. B2B is the fastest growing part of Schwab. You can upload your resume to the company’s website. Schwab uses Gallup’s Strengths Finder Assessment to determine best fit for employees.

Closing Remarks

Jessica encouraged participants to take advantage of the full range of services on offer at the event. These included professional resume writing services,  taking the DISC assessment, visiting with recruiters,  and talking with educators about national certification programs.

The next Career Connectors event will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 9:00am in Phoenix. Check out the Events Schedule on the website for further details and information on how to register.

 

 

 

 

 

9/10/13 – The New Now

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Written by Trudy Jo Ware

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director for Career Connectors leads the event, “Good morning, can we help you?”  Are you here this morning because your “self” made you do it and your mouth is on a downhill slope as a result of the coffee you didn’t have or the proverbial situation you’re in because of no job? With deep concern Jessica nudges thoughts and creates an awareness  that extensive effort is made on your behalf to select just the right topics with relevance in the job market, as well as the speakers and resource people, so at the end of the day you are helped onto the right track for employment.  It is our pleasure and she says, “Thank you.”

Keynote

Attitude is everything in our daily quest and changing mediocrity is Bob Wilson’s reason for presenting  THE NEW NOW.

He opens with Mark Twain’s Quote, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”  15 years have gone by and Bob can say he is the master of procrastination rather than the master procrastinator.  Solutions can be upward or a downhill spiral and he gives an example by R. Alex McKenzie, The Time Trap that states, “… time is generally wasted in the same way every day.”

Therefore, the process becomes a habit which can be changed at a high level by looking at the underlying reasons for excusing or delaying response, or creating stress by self-criticism and causing worry by rushing.  Habit multipliers in many cases are the “to do list” which become too boring, too monumental, or gravely important and the “need to get done” is put aside because procrastination drained the willpower.  Beneath the surface are the real emotional controllers: Fear/Resistance; Perfectionists; Life’s Unfair – Victim Mentality/Anger; Easy Distraction; and Ego.  But wait, there is more:  the psychoscocial effects of childhood, parenting, and peers.

For those interested in changing a mode of oprindi, be aware that it takes no less than 66 days.  Niel Fiore, The Now Habit, designed a procrastination log that helps track the behavior variables and provides methods for change.  Bob offers additional techniques, such as, “Think Small” which helps with Fear/Resistance and Distractions;  For the perfectionists – “Think Things are Good Enough”; Trade up – From Victim to Choice Maker and the technique helps with the self-criticism and psychosocial tendencies; Take Breaks – The Brain actually works best in spurts; and Minimize Distractions by defining productive times according to segments of work and incorporate into daily work altered distraction techniques.

Pick one behavior and a simple strategy for limiting the procrastination.  Remember and follow through with the goal.   The Here and Now productivity will certainly increase!

Recognition

In the few minutes remaining, Jessica provided an opportunity for Paula Dumas, a Career Connector follower since July to say a few words:

“A Day Care manager, I provided service from my house and van for 13 years and had not sought employment for 15.  I heard about Career Connectors and really enjoyed attending.  At one event I heard Dave Sherman speak on Networking and decided he was talking to me.  I prepared my business cards with my picture, no less. Every opportunity: meeting with family, friends, appointments and the whole gambit, I handed out cards, telling everyone who I am and what I wanted.  This past week I landed a great job!”  Jessica strongly emphasizes “Networking” and Phoenix is the place to do it.  Put away the excuse, I can’t do that, and you too can be a success story!

Resources

DISC

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director, Career Connectors

Jessica encourages those of us who have not taken the DISC Assessment to go to Career Connectors website and select the Resource tab free of charge.  The questionnaire and results are presented in an easy to read.  Keep in mind that the DISC is an assessment that measures behavior style – no right or wrong answer.  It is not to be confused with a measurement of the seeker’s intelligence, but simply identifies behavior traits for the seeker’s understanding in relationship to self, to others whether it is the workplace, community or home.

The DISC measures normal behavior against four dimensions. They are:

  • how you respond to problems and challenges.
  • how you influence others to your point of view.
  • how you respond to the pace of the environment.
  • how you respond to rules and procedures set by others.

Include your DISC as added-value when giving thought to yourself as a marketable service for a hiring company.

Hiring Companies

Green Tree Servicing, 

Chaarmi Kathrani, HR Generalist

Green Tree has grown in the last 32 years to the largest Loan Servicing Company with more than 4200 employees across the country.  Located in Tempe, Arizona, Chaarmi presented why Green Tree is a great place to work and because of its continual growth many positions are available. For further information on the company, its culture, benefits and career opportunities, check their website.

HotFoot Recruiters

Roy Palomo, Recruiting Manager

Although HotFoot Recruiters is located in Gilbert, the company works with clients all over the Valley. Started in 2009, the company settled on their catchy name so that people would ask questions about their company. Manufacturing, engineering and ITT jobs are their specialties. Note that construction jobs are on the rise.  And in just the past few months, the company has needed to triple its own staff. The company places people in full-time employment in Phoenix and even other states including California, Colorado, Nevada, Kansas and the Northwest. For more information, visit their website.