Career Connectors

Connecting professionals in career transition with hiring companies and quality resources

Career Connectors eUpdate
Subscribe Here

Revana

10/4/17- Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out!

by

Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out Feb 2017Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

NETWORKING RULES!!!

A recent survey conducted by Lou Adler reveals that 85% of jobs were filled through some type of networking.
Lou Adler reinforces several key learning points for a successful job search:
1. Job seekers need to use the backdoor to gain access to the hidden job market.
2. Recognize that LinkedIn is a network of over 400 million people, not just a database of them. It is not about how many people you can connect. It is about meeting a few well-connected individuals that can vouch for your ability and who are willing to refer the you to a few other well-connected people.
3. Demonstrate the ability to do the work to get the interview.
4. Be different. You want to excel in those things that make you different and allow you to achieve extraordinary results.

Keynote

“Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out”
Ted Robison
Are you LinkedIn or left out in the cold cruel world? Come in from the cold and get connected with fellow professionals that can open doors to the hidden job market. Ted or as he is known “Mr. Link-Me-In” guided us on our journey to the hidden job market of LinkedIn.

LINKEDIN FUNDAMENTALS
Why should you be on LinkedIn?
• Connectivity, raising your brand & visibility
• To be found!
Networking tool for professionals
• Over 500 million subscribers
Power of Networking-Approximately 87% of jobseekers find their new job through networking.
• Engage with people. “Connections are good but relationships are gold”.
How many connections should I have? Most people have 70 or less. The more connections you have the better off you are in finding a job. Strive to have more than 500.
• Who should be in your network? It should be someone you know including prior employment, family or friends.
Based on 3 degrees of separation. Your goal is to get your resume to the hiring manager.

WHY SHOULD I BE ON LINKEDIN?
Find jobs, people, groups & associations, target companies.
Most recruiters & hiring managers use LinkedIn exclusively.
Create your own unique URL like www.linkedin.com/in/tedrobison.
Free versus ($) Premium Accounts. You may pay more to have a premium account but the benefits outweigh the cost. But master the free version before you invest in the upgrade.
Things to consider. Privacy, contact levels, you will be searched by others. Be sure not to use your home address or phone number on LinkedIn or your resume.

PERSONAL BRAND & IMAGE PROMOTION IN YOUR PROFILE
Keywords & SEO-How do people find me?
Picture- It is mandatory to have a current professional photo.
Headline: Job Title Plus-Tag line. Headline/Tag line should avoid saying unemployed. Say such things as “open to new opportunities” or “innovating wellness into people’s lives.”
Current Job Title/Post Job Titles.
Summary: Style is most important. S.E.E.S. includes skills both hard and soft; experience; expertise & style. Do not include a resume.
Style -> Value Proposition -> Differentiation.
Wow Factor/Brand
Skills & Experience: Endorsements, try to get 8 altogether. Include 2 bosses, 2 peers, 2 customers, & 2 subordinates.
Recommendations: (4-6). Should be 2 bosses, 2 peers, 2 subordinates and 2 clients.
Status update-Home Page-Posts, blogs.

GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS
How many groups & associations should I have? 30-50
3 reasons to join a Group or Association.
Target Market-Personal Interests-Professional Association.
How can groups help me raise my brand & image?
Participate in discussions, demonstrate & promote yourself as a subject expert.
Build your own group.
Used for “job title” keyword.
Raise your visibility.

HIDDEN JOB MARKET – TARGET COMPANIES
Hidden Job Market – 80%
Create a Target Company List (30-50)
Build Relationships at Target Companies.
Create leverage.
Follow Target Companies.
Phoenix Business Journal – Book of Lists

PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
Research Interviewers – Helps you connect.
Know their hobbies, jobs, groups & interests.

Research Company:
Product, Services, Competitors.
Perform Informational Interviews.
Know how you fit culture & core values.
Know your Value Propositions.
Give reasons to hire you vs. just experience & skills.
Sorry you are Over Qualified: Respond by asking the interviewer to give you 2 reasons you are overqualified. Or respond that “I am absolutely qualified” & then share why you are qualified: Here is why you want to hire me. Give the interviewer value-value-value.
Transferrable skills.
Certifications, classes, seminars, tutorial.

FINAL COMMENTS
According to a recent LinkedIn Survey, the top three things a recruiter looks for in a candidate are motivation, execution ability & cultural fit.
Ted encourages you to view Ted Trembath’s LinkedIn profile for an outstanding example.

“Networking is marketing. Marketing yourself, marketing your uniqueness, marketing what you stand for.”-Christie Comaford-Lynch

Hiring Companies

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Angie Coulter, Recruitment Specialist

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is a federally insured and chartered credit union based in Phoenix, AZ that operates 47 branches and service centers throughout Gila, Maricopa and Pinal counties in Arizona. Desert Schools is the largest credit union in Arizona. Its commitment to service is part of its culture and the community is the foundation to its success.
Benefits include competitive medical, dental and vision insurance; 401K, pension plan; carpool reimbursement, life insurance, tuition reimbursement and generous vacation time. Some of the positions that are currently available are HRIS Analyst; Sr. Recruiter; MSR (Member Solutions Representative) multiple openings are available as MSR; Network Engineer; Sr. ACH Originator; and ebranch Coordinator. For more information and to apply go to DesertSchool.org/Careers.

Maricopa County
Kelly Dixon, HR Operations Manager

Maricopa County has 13,000 employees serving over 4 million customers. The county’s mission is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services so that residents can enjoy living in a healthy and safe community. Some of the services provided by Maricopa are Animal, Health, Services, and Utility Services; Education and Youth; Election & Voting; and Justice Services. The values supported at the county are measure results, accountable, relentless improvement, this is where I fit in, communicate & collaborate, open & honest, public interest first, and achieving to your full potential.
In addition to traditional benefits, a sampling of additional benefits includes Employee Life Insurance, Ergonomic Evaluations free, onsite Fitness Facilities and Wellness programs. Current openings include Net Developer (Recorder Superior Court), Business Analyst (Sheriff), QA Analyst (Superior Court), Professional Development Coordinator (School Superintendent), Forensic Pathologist (Medical Examiner), Community Dietician (Public Health) and Sr. Telecomm Engineer (Office of Enterprise Technology). Visit Maricopa’s career site.

Revana/TeleTech
Mario Parra, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization and recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing solutions for industry leading clients, generating over $5B in annual client revenue. Revana is owned by the global outsourcing and customer experience leader Teletech. Revana has over 1,500 employees in their Tempe and Phoenix locations. The organization provides revenue-generating solutions such as professional inside sales, account management, integrated marketing and electronic direct marketing. Revana has won numerous awards and has been recognized by other leading industry professionals for its outstanding sales performance. The organization provides a number of benefits after 30 days of employment such as paid training, competitive base salary with commissions, career advancement, flexible work schedules and medical and dental benefits. A sampling of current opportunities for Revana includes Inbound Sales Associate, Outbound B2B Sales Associates, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Sales Managers, Digital Account Executive (Google), Marketing and Data Analyst. TeleTech has opening for Inbound Sales Associates, Outbound B2B Sales Associates, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Data Analyst, Manager, Sales Service Delivery and Customer Service Representative. For Revana opportunities apply here; and TeleTech positions can be found at the TeleTech site.

Resources

Coder Camps
Jason Jones, Sr. Admission Advisor

Coder Camps prepares students for a career in software development with immersive coding boot camps, online instruction, and career placement support. Graduates are equipped with a practical knowledge of full-stack software development, interview skills and a portfolio demonstrating their abilities. Coder Camps’ accelerated learning programs are offered full-time, part-time and online. The school is the only code camp to offer graduates lifetime access to all courses, a community of developers, and career services for free. For more information or to apply, visit their website.

Closing

Jason Isaak, Board of Directors, 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, October 12, 2017 and features Naomi Buckta, as speaker for the topic “Lost my Job, Now What”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the Event Schedule.

 

 

 

 

 

12/07/16 – Career Transitioners – Get Out of Your Own Way

by

Career TransitionWritten by: Pamela Cales-Kuzel & Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

WAYS TO FIND CLARITY IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

Brette Rowley’s article, “9 Easy Ways to Find Clarity in Your Job Search”, highlights ways to get clarity in your search. Some of those ways include:

  • REFLECTION: Make a list of … What do you love doing? What gives you energy? What do people tell you are good at doing? What am I interested in? What are my hobbies?
  • PERSONALITY PROFILING: Understanding yourself and how you best work with others is key to finding a role that is a great fit.
  • ASK YOUR PEERS: Ask their insights on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • STRENGTHS FINDERS: Seek out on-line strength finders to identify your strengths to potential job descriptions.
  • FORWARD-LOOKING RESUME EXERCISE: Cross out those things on your resume that you did not enjoy doing. Highlight activities you enjoyed in previous roles.
  • ASK YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS: Poll them to see what types of jobs they see you in. In addition, they can provide you with a great perspective identifying your strengths and weaknesses outside of work.
  • NETWORKING: As we have heard time again and again, 80% of available jobs are not posted online.
  • TALK WITH A MENTOR OR COACH: An outside resource can assist you in gaining clarity.

Keynote
Clara Chorley, @ClaraChorley

Clara Chorley has vast experience helping professionals around the world gain clarity about what is next in their careers and then establishing strategic steps to obtain their goals. Clara is CEO and founder of Clarity Unlimited, has extensive experience as a career coach and professional speaker and has worked across 5 continents and 44 countries with organizations as diverse as Fortune 500 Ernst and Young, to humanitarian Millennium Village Project. Clara is the author of the best-selling book T.U.R.N.: 4 Steps to Clarity in Your Life and Career.

Clara highlighted with us some of the key elements relevant to our job search.
PATTERNS AND THEMES

TIME FRAMES:

  • Initially we do well with the searching and networking.
  • At 6 months there is a significant change where we become home based and depression sets in.
  • At 12 months there is constructive adaptation and we start volunteering and apply for jobs we don’t necessarily want.

THEMES:

  • THE SLOW BURN: We lose energy and eventually our job search dies. Our
    energy is sucked from us. Eventually, we loose our motivation in conducting our job search. Confidence goes way down and depression escalates.
  • THE CLIFFHANGER: We procrastinate looking for a job and wait until we need a job. As job seekers, we “talk” about finding a job but do little to actually look for a job. Most of us will wait until the last day and our last dollar before we actually do something in finding a job.

Clara encouraged us to take the time to identify what we are, why we are the way we are and develop solutions to change if needed. The best way to do so is to close our eyes and find a time when we were energized, engaging, and passionate about everything falling into place. Doing this exercise will help the job seeker in establishing clarity. To reinforce our newly found clarity, write down an activity that helps you become energized and focused.

3 TRAPS TO AVOID

  1. THE LONE WOLF
    You believe strongly you can do everything on your own and don’t need anyone to help you. The job seeker develops feelings of anger, apathy, and resentment. Reach out to your network! Find those in your network that can help you develop your skills, emotional support and define clear goals of what you want to accomplish in your career. Take a moment to set goals on how your network can help you.
  2. THE MUDDY MIND
    You are unclear about what you want or what you have to offer a potential employer. You lack focus on clear career goals and path. As a result, you have little to no regard for your skill set and experience. The Muddy Mind talks his/herself out of things. The result plays a key factor in not helping you achieve success in your job search.
  3. HORROR STORIES
    We are quick to rule out positive opportunities for ourselves since we have had one bad experience. How we define and tell our story establishes our energy. The key to managing horror stories is to change our mindset and believe we will be successful.Clara’s closing request was to have each member of the group to do something different today and change our behavior.

“A lack of clarity could put the brakes on the journey to success” – Author Unknown

Hiring Companies

Farmers
Jon Dykast, Agency Business Consultant

Farmers was founded in 1928 and is a financially sound and stable company. This industry leader in disaster response maintains a 24 hour claims service . The company is a multi-line carrier and has the ability to offer essentially every line of product to its customers with the exception of health insurance.
Jon shared with us what it takes to be a sales agent with Farmers. The organization looks for those candidates who have been in sales, management, marketing and relationship building. Farmers insurance values consultative sales, which means you are a consultant and sales advisor to your clients. Insurance is about protecting personal assets. Some of the advantages of working for Farmers are base pay, flexible schedule, unlimited earning potential, full commissions, residual income and being your own boss. Entry points to Farmers Insurance are Traditional Agent Program, Retail Agency, Acquisition and Seed Agencies, and Protégé Program.

Arizona Department of Transportation
Brennan Atwood, HR Specialist

AZDOT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, cost effective transportation system. Brennan noted that many positions were part of a hiring freeze that now has been lifted. The culture is in a constant state of change, improving processes and efficiency each day. The state is looking for individuals experienced in lean and is interested in those candidates that have Six Sigma or other lean training. The agency conducts behavioral based interviews for all positions. The state provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package. Go to AZ state website to view latest job openings and to apply.

Freedom Financial Network
JD Hasna, Director of Talent Acquisition

Freedom was launched in 2002 by Stanford classmates, Bradford Stroh and Andrew Houser. Freedom’s mission is to provide financial solutions, services and education enabling consumers to resolve their debt and achieve financial freedom. The organization has 980 employees with locations in San Mateo, California and Phoenix, Arizona. San Mateo is host to the company headquarters. Freedom has received numerous accolades including Phoenix Business Journal’s #13 Best Places to Work.
Currently there are 100 openings at the Phoenix location, which is expanding very quickly to reach 1,200 employees. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K, Life, LT disability, vacation, paid holidays and volunteer activities, employee discounts, and recognition. Top career opportunities include Sales, Customer Service Director of Workforce Operations, Negotiations, Loan Servicing Representative, QA Engineer, and PHP/Java Developer. If interested, apply here.

Revana
Mario Parra, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization and recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing solutions for industry leading clients, generating over $5B in annual client revenue. Revana has over 1,500 employees in their Tempe and Phoenix locations. The organization provides revenue-generating solutions such as professional inside sales, account management, integrated marketing and electronic direct marketing. Revana has won numerous awards and has been recognized by other leading industry professionals for its outstanding sales performance. The organization provides a number of benefits after 30 days of employment such as paid training, competitive base salary with commissions, career advancement, flexible work schedules and medical and dental benefits. A sampling of current opportunities includes Inbound Sales Associate, Inbound Web Chat Representatives, Inside Sales Representatives, Inside Sales Account Managers, and Sales Managers. Apply here to complete an online application and assessment.

Resources

Arizona@Work, City of Phoenix
Rob Stenson, Supervisor, Business Services Center

Rob highlighted the different skill development packages offered by the City of Phoenix. Those include Seminars available to the public; Level 1 Package-Skills Match the Job Market; and Level 2 Package-Research Pathways to Higher Wages. Seminars include: Arizona Job Connection (AJC), How to Create a Winning Resume, Perfecting Your Interviewing Skills, Mock Interview Lab, Understanding LinkedIn, Leveraging LinkedIn, 21st Century Job Search Seminar, and Job Clubs. The 3-day sessions are focused on ways to jumpstart your job search. Topics discussed are Social Skills, Creating and Implementing a Job Search Plan, Interviewing, and Long Term Career Management. The 3-hour session emphasizes Employability. Rob reminded us of the value of registering with the AZ Job Connection or Maricopa Career Planning System. Phoenix Public Library has a number of E-Resources available. With your Phoenix Public Library Card you can attend nearly 500 online classes, adult learning center, video resume, learning languages and career guidance center.

Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants
Rodger Brubacher, Director of Continuing Education

Dynamic Worldwide will prepare you with an edge in this competitive job market. DWWTC offers programs and certificates in professional development, cyber security programs, advanced cyber security programs and information technology. DWWTC was awarded the 2015 Juniper Platinum Education Partner of the Year for its award winning instruction. The facilities are state of the art and maintain a low student to instructor ratio. Instruction is available on multiple platforms. DWWTC is licensed by the State Board for Private Postsecondary Education; certified through Arizona@Work; and approved for Grant Programs. For more information, please visit the website.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking North Phoenix Baptist Church and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Gilbert on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 and features Dave Sherman as speaker for the topic “How to Find a Great New Job in Half the Time”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the website.

11/8/16 – Creating Your Possibilities

by

 Creating Your PossibilitiesWritten by Nick Nebelsky

Creating Your Possibilities

I am the Genie of the Universe, Your wish is my Command

I must say this was an interesting speaker. Who else do you know that gets a modeling gig at her own book-signing. Joi-Ashli, is a Health Practitioner/Inspired Writer/Alignment Facilitator. She began her presentation by inviting the audience to stand up and loosen their limbs and follow her in a self-proclamation ritual that she says at least three times a day.

“I love me. I am pure, positive energy, and all possibility.” After a mixed response, she repeated louder to the audience to repeat after her:
I LOVE ME! I AM PURE POSITIVE ENERGY, AND ALL POSSIBILITY!

Joi encouraged the audience to believe in themselves before they can believe in anything. She handed out a two-page flyer that had the following questions and suggested to the audience that they fill it out.

  • Creating Possibilities during transition.
  • What does transition mean to you? Some audience members said “Change”
  • What does change mean to you? Some audience members suggested, “Opportunity”
  • What are some different transitions that we go through in life?
  • What’s the opportunity in the transition of work?  Some said, “Learning.”
  • There is some opportunity in growth.
  • Asked the group how we lost our jobs? Downsized, outsourced? Laid off?
  • What’s the big picture?

Joi said to break down all large problems into little steps to manage them better. This will allow you to make them look conceivable and acceptable. She continued to ask the entire audience the following questions and provided ways to make it happen.

  • What do you dream of Doing or Being?
  • What do you dream of Having in your life?
  • Where do you dream of Going?
  • For each of the above ask yourself:
    • Why do I want this?
    • What it do for me? Will it truly improve my quality of life? How?
    • What might it cost me, financially, time, education, dignity/integrity, identity?
    • What might stand as an obstacle and how will I overcome?
    • Will achieving this dream change who I am? How or Why?

What do you love to do that you can expand upon (with/without additional formal, informal education) and make a positive difference in your life, community , the world, and/or make a living through?

  • What steps must you take to achieve this goal?
  • What educational / vocational / experience / service steps must you take?
  • How much will it cost?
  • How will you acquire the financial backing your your goal?
  • It is not advantageous to want or ask for new things unless you are grateful of all you have and all you are able to do.
  • What are you grateful for?

The “assignment” was to take home the questions and answer them at the audience’s leisure. But to do it!

She believes that if you can visualize what you want, she believes it can really happen.

She described how she got “discovered” while at a book-signing and met water color artist, Gabriel Krekk to be the first model in a 25 portrait painting series. No longer an average American girl, she became an “American Cowgirl.”

One audience member asked, “How do you get into that zone?” She said that if you put it out there it will happen eventually. She said it helps when you meditate and clear your mind and relax. Imagine it until that time when you finally put it out there and the universe answers you. Picture yourself in that situation, Don’t put your attention on what is happening right now, make your vision your reality. Focus on what you want, where you’ll be. If you need help with finding your job, tell people what you want.

One audience member summed it up…you are what your environment is. All goals start with little steps. Starts with your environment.

Hiring Companies

Hacienda Healthcare

Kent Norris, HR Recruiter

Kent said that the majority of people still don’t know about Hacienda even though they have been around the Valley for 50 years. Kent said he was in the same boat that all of us have been in. Hacienda cares for chronically ill infants, teens, and adults. Their facility is the only one in Arizona.

They are hiring for health care positions: CNAs, RNS, and more. Right now they have 40 job postings. They’re looking for dietary aides, housekeeping, janitors, maintenance workers. Go to their web site, and view jobs. When you submit, it goes to the Hiring Manager and they will review your application. They are in constant hire mode.

Cenlar

Blanca Sandoval, HR Site Manager

Blanca said she has been in our shoes as well. The success of clients at Cenlar is a key driver of their success.  Success factors are Customer Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Initiative, Work-Life Business.

Cenlar was formed in 1958 and created by two companies. They service mortgages for clients and also manage their own portfolio as well. Their headquarters is in New Jersey and their new location is in Tempe with 500 employees. They are actively working to build relationships with local charities.

  • ESOP
  • 401K
  • Employee Stock Plan
  • Vacation
  • 10 holidays per year
  • Flexible Spending
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • with an additional 10 benefits.

Open positions: 

Functional Trainers
HR Generalist
Customer Care Associates
Loan Servicing Default Agents (Collections)
Customer Care Supervisors

Revana

Mary Ann Lopez, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization with about 1800 employees and growing.

Clients come to them as a third party vendor and Revana helps them with account management, customer acquisition, and retention. They work with Google, IBM, Oracle, AT&T, FED EX, and many others.

Benefits:

  • Paid Training
  • 2 weeks paid vacation
  • 401K
  • Career Advancement
  • Medical and Dental
  • Competitive Base + Commission
  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Convenient locations

Currently Looking For: Inbound Sales, Outbound Sales and Sales Managers.  They are especially looking for people with Google Adwords experience.  More information is here: Revanajobs.com.

Dynamic World Wide Training Consultants

Rodger Brubacher

Rodger thanked everyone for coming. Rodger talked about his role at Dynamic World Wide Training Consultants and the training that his company provides such as Juniper training, Cyber hacking (ethical), Digital Media, and Cisco and many others. They provide multiple platform instruction, offer onsite training, and small classroom sizes. They also offer a virtual classroom setup. Dynamic provides post-graduate assistance and Optimal resume assistance for life. Over 95% of their students pass their certification on their first time through. DWTC is licensed by the State Board for Private Post-secondary Education, Certified through Workforce Connection, Approved for Grant Programs. (WIOA), (TAA), and GI Bill.

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

by

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.

8/3/16 – Developing and Living Your Personal Brand

by

Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

MAKING YOUR MARK IN LIFE or JUST LIVING YOUR LIFE

When you grow up you tend to get told that the world is the way it is
and your life is just to live your life and try not to bash into the walls too much…
that’s a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact- -everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no
smarter than you-shake off this erroneous notion that life is there and you’re just going to live in it versus make you mark upon it. Once you learn that, you will never be the same again.”
Steve Jobs, 1995 Interview Santa Clara Historical Association

Keynote

Michael S. Seaver, @MichaelSSeaver

As noted in Steve Job’s quote, we have a choice in living our lives. We have a choice to live our life and try to not bash into walls much or make our mark in life. If you elect to do the latter then it is essential to develop and live your personal brand. Michael had several objectives for his time with the group.
• Why branding is important
• Developing your personal brand
• Face-to-face
• Online

WHY BRANDING IS IMPORTANT
In his TED presentation psychiatrist, Robert Waldinger, shares three important lessons learned from the study on what makes a good life? The findings emphasize that the key to a happy life is based on relationships. Happy people broaden and develop their relationships.
Recently, Michael was involved in a workplace research for Robert Half on “Creating a Leadership Pipeline: Developing the Millennial Generation into Finance Leaders.” It is essential for organizations to establish the desired character traits sought for their leaders. The study showed that the same traits were found in all generations.
TOP 5 TRAITS….
1. Desire to be trusted.
2. Receive respect.
3. Want to learn.
4. Be coached.
5. Deep & meaningful relationships.

DEVELOPING YOUR BRAND
In developing your brand, you need to review your past, present and future.
• THE PAST
There are several questions one needs to ask to gain a strong overview on his/her values, interests and challenges. Some of those questions include:
Favorite childhood memory?
Most difficult experience in your life?
Eye opening experience traveling?
Favorite activity to do in your free time?
In reviewing your answers, you need to look for patterns of behavior and interest; identify challenges and define strengths.
• THE PRESENT
Your present is the transition that you are currently going through, establishing what your ideal employer and position looks like, and your strengths. Items to consider are top 3 professional interests, location of office, total rewards, daily tasks, responsibility level and growth potential.
• THE FUTURE
In defining your future, you need to decide your ideal life in 3 years. The criteria for the future is the same as the present with the following exceptions: vacations and travel; health and well being.
The next steps would be intention, ambition, value proposition and constraints.
 INTENTION
Your intention is your “why”. You are establishing your personal mission/guiding statements. This should be a never changing purpose and why you exist.
 AMBITION
Ambition is what you actually do. It is your personal vision. To fulfill your vision utilize S.M.A.R.T goals and include your desired future in 3-5 years.
 VALUE PROPOSITION
Your value proposition is what makes you different and unique. Consider what makes you different, why clients choose you and what you can do that no one else can.
 CONSTRAINTS
Constraints are those weaknesses that limit your performance. Rather than focusing on developing your weaknesses, you are encouraged to limit time fixing weaknesses and maximize time developing strengths. A recent Gallup survey found that 34.1% of the American workforce like their job, 18% are actively disengaged and 65% don’t like their job.

FACE-TO-FACE
Michael noted how color has both a major influence over human emotion and the power to elicit metaphors. Most brands have intentionally chosen colors that have specific resonance with their audience. As an example, wearing ‘blue’ suggests trust, smart, calm, faith, natural, stable and power. On the other hand, ‘red’ projects the emotions of love, immediacy, energy, sale, passion, anger and hunger.
Body language shapes who you are such as when feeling confident we tend to stand tall and walk with confidence. Amy Cuddy, social psychologist shares her insights and findings on the impact of body language on TED. Cuddy further explains body language and impressions in her book, “Presence”.
In demonstrating your brand face-to-face Michael encouraged us to focus our efforts on living our brand.
• Physical presence-color, verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Adjust your communication to the other person’s communication style.
• 3-5 times per week, meet new individuals.
 Treat to coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner.
 Buy gift cards, books, greeting cards, other small gifts.
 Professional, alumni, philanthropic and faith-based organizations.
• Generate THICK value 3-to-1.
• Reflect on patterns of “yes” and “no”.

ONLINE
It is imperative in today’s job market to share your brand with your online
presence. Keys to success for an effective presentation include…
• Build your resume for LinkedIn.
• Enhance website, blog, e-newsletter.
• Develop a 90-day social media content plan.
• Deepen relationships with stakeholders.
• Connect organizations and people.
• Search your name monthly.

FINAL THOUGHTS
“BE THE PERSON YOU NEEDED WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER”
• Discover your “why”.
• Have autonomy, mastery, purpose.
• Believe that change is possible.
• Overcome your fears.
• Collaborate more effectively.
• Be engaged and productive professionally.
• Be involved in your community.
• Understand the opportunity costs of inaction.
• Communicate powerfully.
• Fill the strategy-execution gap.
• Feel accomplished.
• Efficiently manage your time.
• Generate THICK value.

SUGGESTED READING: “GRIT: The power of passion and perseverance” by Angela Duckworth

HIRING COMPANIES

HDR
Keri Dupey, HR Specialist

HDR specializes in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. The organization is located in 225 locations around the world with over 10,000 employees. HDR’s greatest investment is its employees. The company is committed to the professional development and success of its employees through a performance management model, various mentoring programs and HDR University.
HDR has a robust total rewards program. Some unique offerings include Wellness Incentive Program, Adoption Benefit, and Employee Stock Ownership. A sampling of current job opportunities includes Civil Engineers, Construction Inspectors, Project Architect, Resident Engineer and Health Director. To apply and to learn of further openings go to HDR’s website.

Arizona Department of Transportation
Brennan Atwood, HR Specialist

AZDOT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, cost effective transportation system. The culture is in a constant state of change, improving processes and efficiency each day. The state is looking for individuals experienced in lean and is interested in those candidates that have Six Sigma or other lean training. The agency conducts behavioral based interviews for all positions. The state provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package. Go to AZ state website to view latest job openings and to apply.

Freedom Financial Network
Linda Lumen, VP HR

Freedom was launched in 2002 by Stanford classmates, Bradford Stroh and Andrew Houser. Freedom’s mission is to provide financial solutions, services and education enabling consumers to resolve their debt and achieve financial freedom. The organization has 980 employees with locations in San Mateo, California and Phoenix, Arizona. San Mateo is host to the company headquarters. Freedom has received numerous accolades including Phoenix Business Journal’s #13 Best Places to Work.
Currently there are 100 openings at the Phoenix location, which is expanding very quickly to reach 1,200 employees. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K, Life, LT disability, vacation, paid holidays and volunteer activities, employee discounts, and recognition. Top career opportunities include Account Executive, Compliance Analyst, Product Managers and Sr. Software Engineer PMD. If interested, apply here.

Revana/Teletech
Mary Ann Lopez, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization and recognized leader in outsourced sales and marketing solutions for industry leading clients, generating over $5B in annual client revenue. Revana has over 1,500 employees in their Tempe and Phoenix locations. The organization provides revenue-generating solutions such as professional inside sales, account management, integrated marketing and electronic direct marketing. Revana has won numerous awards and has been recognized by other leading industry professionals for its outstanding sales performance. The organization provides a number of benefits after 30 days of employment such as paid training, competitive base salary with commissions, career advancement, flexible work schedules and medical and dental benefits. A sampling of current opportunities includes Inbound Sales Associate, Outbound Sales Associate, and Sales Manager. For immediate consideration visit16610nN Black Canyon Hwy, Ste 110, Phoenix, AZ 85284, Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. Apply here to complete an online application and assessment.

Resources

City of Phoenix
Waleed Alani, Employment Specialist

Waleed shared with the group the latest unemployment statistics and noted there is currently a healthy job market. At the moment, there are approximately 81,000 available jobs in the Phoenix area. September is projected to be robust in employment opportunities. Openings include retail, hotel management, project management and nurses. Some of the top skills being requested are bilingual, quality assurance, IT networking, quality control and IT networking project management. A sampling of hiring employers include Banner Health, Honor Health, CVS Health, Dignity Health, Pizza Hut, United Healthcare, Bank of America, Well Fargo and Oracle.
Waleed highlighted the different skill development packages offered by the City of Phoenix. Those include Seminars available to the public; Level 1 Package-Skills Match the Job Market; and Level 2 Package-Research Pathways to Higher Wages. Seminars include: Arizona Job Connection (AJC), How to Create a Winning Resume, Perfecting Your Interviewing Skills, Mock Interview Lab, Understanding LinkedIn, Leveraging LinkedIn, 21st Century Job Search Seminar, and Job Clubs. The 3-day sessions are focused on ways to jumpstart your job search. Topics discussed are Social Skills, Creating and Implementing a Job Search Plan, Interviewing, and Long Term Career Management. The 3-hour session emphasizes Employability. For more details on the Skills Development Packages, reach out to Waleed at 602-255-4628 or waleed.alani@phoenix.gov.
To see a schedule of upcoming workshops, visit Arizona@Work’s website.

New Horizons Learning Center
Zack Hiscock, VP 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 online.

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, August 11, 2016 and features Cristi B. McMurdie as speaker for the topic “Why Know Your Why”. For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the website.