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Sonora Quest

03/24/20 – The MINDset Game™

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Keynote

The MINDset Game™
Vered Kogan
Written by: Debbie Adkins

Vered Kogan

There is a simple technique called Quick Coherence® “Quick Coherence Technique” from Heart Math Institute that you can practice to help you build your resilience and effectively manage stress during this difficult and uncertain time. Vered started our webinar by leading us through this technique.


Vered introduced participants to The MINDset Game™, a revolutionary concept that can change the way you see the world and how you respond to situations in your life. It can help you to rewire negative or limiting thought patterns so that you can feel more positive and release the resistance to change.


She explained the typical change process that people go through when experiencing a transition and shared the science behind how our thoughts and emotions impact our results.

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She then discussed that life is like a maze- full of twists and turns that prevent you from seeing more than a few feet ahead. By playing The MINDset Game™ deliberately, you can leverage the incredible power of your subconscious mind to access the ideas, intuition, and motivation that will guide you to taking the next right step in the “maze” so that you can avoid potential pitfalls and dead ends and experience more joy.


At any moment, you are either focusing on positive thoughts- positive mindsets- that move you closer or “warmer” to what you want. Or, you are focusing on negative thoughts- negative mindsets that are moving you further away- or “colder”- from what you want. And, most of us are not actually aware of our habitual thoughts or beliefs because we are creating our life out of a series of automatic subconscious programs.

When you deliberately focus on positive empowering thoughts, your subconscious mind will help you access the ideas and resources to create what you want. On the other hand, if you habituality focus on negative mindsets like, “I can’t do this”, “this is taking too long”, “I’m not good enough”, or “I’m not worthy”, you are essentially choosing to move away from what you want. This is because your powerful subconscious mind- that part of you that controls your body and almost all of your mental power- will take those thoughts as a command and limit you from achieving what you want.
“You can create your desired future by consciously moving toward what you want”. Do this by:

  • Decide what you are searching for and why. Your subconscious mind likes specificity.
  • Tune in to your emotions to identify whether you are moving toward or away from what you want.
  • Any time you notice that you are moving away from what you want, shift your focus. See handout for a few questions and a tool that you can practice to shift your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
  • Stay persistent and resilient until you achieve your goals.

At the end of the webinar, Vered offered participants the opportunity to access an online course containing videos and exercises to help them master their mindset (valued at $97). Here is the link if you’d like to sign up for her monthly e-Newsletter and receive this free course: https://veredkogan.com/careerconnectors/
Here is the handout that contains the basic “rules” of The MINDset Game™:

Vered Kogan 3-24-20 Career Connectors Handout v2Download

Vered invited us to join her new Facebook Group, “The MINDset Game™” to access daily tips, techniques and inspiration to help you master your mindset and resilience. Here’s the URL: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMINDsetGame/

In closing, The MINDset Game™ is a great way to think and act in this now crazy world. Just try it daily and you will see!

Hiring Companies

University of Phoenix

Heather Bradshaw, Employer Brand Specialist

The University started in 1976 as an online teaching college. Its individual courses and opportunities have reached 87,000 people. Its core is Brave, Honest and Focus. The mantra is Take Care of the Employees and Provide the Right Resources and Benefits. They believe in having open communication, leadership and listening to their employees.Their benefits include tuition waivers (starting on DAY ONE!), Medical to Vision plans, Vacation/Sick times, and 401K match.

Plus they have a lot of perks such as Starbucks Café, onsite gym, walking trails and an Activities Club. Their resources include access to over 6,000 LinkedIn courses – plus yearly activities like farmers market, festivals and community service.

Their job openings are in the following areas:

  • Openings
  • Academic Affairs
  • Accounting/Finance
  • Information Tech
  • Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • Faculty

Contact University of Phoenix:

Email: Mycareer@phoenix.edu
Career Site: https://jobs.phoenix.edu/
Talent Community: https://uop.avature.net/talentcommunity

Sonora Quest Laboratories
Raquel Phelps, Recruiter

To future employees: ”Let’s build your future together”

Sonora Quest partners are Banner Health and Quest Diagnostics.

Sonora Quest serves 23,000 patients per day and performs 57 million tests per year. They have been given awards for our quality and have trust from the communities and organizations. They believe in career development and roles that turn into long lasting careers.

The job openings including clinical lab assistant, customer service rep, network engineering and Medical Lab Scientists. There are positions at any level of experience and even have “virtual” positions.

Contact Sonora Quest at www.sonoraquest.com

Closing

The next virtual Career Connectors event will be Wednesday, April 1, 9-11am. Register to get the webinar information here.
Career Connectors strives to be a source of hope and resources in Arizona. We are teaming up with BestComapaniesAZ, Arizona@Work, Arizona Commerce Authority and PipelineAZ to provide resources for both job seekers and employers. Please visit this BestCompaniesAZ page for detailed resources including companies now hiring.

Arizona Strong

04/05/18 – Networking for Introverts, Extroverts and In-Between Verts

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Networking for EveryoneWritten by Connie Huber, PHR SHRM-CP

Jacqueline Smith

GCU, Executive Director Career IMPACT Center

Thanks to Jackie for opening the event by Welcoming us to Grand Canyon University with our new day of THURSDAYS!

Networking is not only reserved for your job search but should also be part of your professional day and career-related efforts. Your network will help you get hired and help you grow your career.

LinkedIn recently shared the following statistics demonstrating the value of networking:

  • 70% of job seekers in 2016 were hired at a company where they had a connection
  • 80% of professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success
  • 35% of surveyed professionals say that a casual conversation on LinkedIn Messaging has led to a new opportunity
  • 61% of professionals agree that regular online interaction with their professional network can lead to possible job opportunities

Keynote

“Networking for Introverts, Extroverts and In-Between Verts”
Abby Kohut

For most of us the word “NETWORKING” makes us shudder in fear and sends us into a panic. Fortunately, you are not alone in this perspective. Why do we react so negatively to this activity? A lot has to do with our personality and not knowing HOW to network. Abby Kohut’s alias, “Absolutely Abby”, shared her expertise with us on how to be a networking success whether we are an introvert, extrovert or in-between vert.

STEPS TO SUCCESS:
Steps leading to success include learning how to chat whenever & wherever to whomever; getting confident with structured networking and FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP.

NEVER ENDING NETWORKING
Networking is not only necessary to your job search but also to your professional development. Networking should be a continuous activity whether you are employed or unemployed.

STRUCTURED NETWORKING
Thank goodness there are a number of structured networking venues available to professionals! These include associations, seminars/events, conferences and meet-ups.

PRE-EVENT STRATEGY
Planning your strategy prior to the event will make you more comfortable and prepared. It is helpful to pre-register, research attendees, brush up on current events and plan your attire.

  • YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
    In planning your attire, it is advised to dress one level above what is commonly expected. Dressing professionally will send the message you are someone important and make you stand out in the crowd. Heavy perfume/cologne needs to be avoided, as you never know when someone is allergic to the scent.
  • BRINGERS
    Abby suggested that you bring a pen; a friend, if nervous to attend the event alone; one of your listening ears and a SMILE.
  • NETWORKING CARDS
    You should take networking cards to share with those you meet at the event or during your day. Key features to share on your card include your LinkedIn address, white space, light coating, may include a list of skills you can offer and perhaps even have your picture on the card.
  • ELEVATOR PITCH
    Your “Elevator pitch” is a concise, carefully planned, well-practiced description about you that your mother should be able to understand & remember in the time it would take to ride an elevator. Components of the pitch include: stating your name, describing your profession or company, offer a success story, adding in a “zing” or interesting fact, requesting action and repeating your name. Your goal is to evoke emotion from the listener.

Abby’s 2006 Elevator Pitch:
My name is Abby Kohut and I am a Director of Recruiting and an avid ping pong player. In the past, I have caffeinated teams that hired 900 teachers in 4 months & 400 pharmaceutical sales reps in 3 months. If you are a CEO whose company is growing through the roof, I look forward to partnering with you to hire exceptional talent. On election day, vote for me Abby Kohut, the Queen of Staffing.

  • YOUR VERY OWN ZZZZZING!
    Purpose of adding your personal “zing” is to make you stand out and easily remembered. One way to do so is to have your name rhyme with a phrase that will make you standout. Examples would be “Joan can help you with a loan.” “Steve has good ideas up his sleeve.” “Ginger can spice up your project.” “Michael can help you recycle.” Other ways to add zing are to do so by using the 1st letter of your name such as “Frank Quiterio-Q is for Quality”; or your entire name such as “Tim-Technology is Me, Bob-Big Ostrich Breeder”; or by sharing your hobbies/interests such as shot glass collector/bank robber.

EVENT STRATEGY

  • JOIN CONVERSATIONS: Look for body language that invites you to join the group. If a person(s) feet are open, this is a signal they are open for conversation.
  • SCAN FOR THE UNUSUAL: Is there a ruby ducky tie, cookie monster earrings or unique phone cover being worn/used by one of professionals attending the event. The unusual is a great springboard for a conversation. It is important to remember that people hire or work with individuals they like. In addition, if someone likes you they are going to be willing to help you.
  • SPEAK LESS & ASK MORE: Ask questions! Examples include “Have you been to this event before?” “Do you live around here?” “What do you think about …?” “What has been your greatest success?” “How can I help you with …?”
  • NETWORK SURVIVAL TIPS: Avoid a fishy or weak handshake. Arrive early/stay late. Talk to the leader. Become a “Norm” like the Norm on Cheers. Volunteer. Seek out those individuals who have a deer in the headlight look. Give yourself a goal to meet 3 people; better yet make it 7! Spend 5 minutes getting to know someone.

POST EVENT STRATEGY

  • FOLLOW UP: Be the first to follow up!
  • PAY IT FORWARD: Help fellow professionals when you can.
  • MEET FOR LUNCH: Get to know your new connection.
  • VIRTUAL COFFEE: If there is a geographic challenge, do a virtual coffee.

FINAL NOTE: Networking should not be a feared or dreaded activity. After all, “you have been networking since kindergarten!”- Abby Kohut

HIRING COMPANIES

Sonora Quest
Raquel Phelps, Recruiter

Sonora Quest is a joint venture between Banner Health and Quest Diagnostics. The organization is part of the nation’s largest integrated laboratory system. There are 3,100 employees serving more than 23,000 patients every day throughout Arizona and performing more than 60 million diagnostic tests per year. Positions are open in Medical Scientists, Finance, Logistics, IT, Risk Management, Phlebotomists, and Sales and Marketing. Sonora Quest’s total rewards include dental, vision, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, medical pharmacy, employee assistance program, paid time off, retirement plans, legal plan, and pet insurance. Apply online and join the Sonora Quest team.

Hacienda Healthcare
Kent Norris, HR Recruiter

Hacienda Healthcare was started by Ilene Butler in a mobile home in Phoenix because she wanted to adopt a little girl known as Cindy in 1967. By 1970, Ilene had 19 children and 10 employees. Hacienda Healthcare has served the community for over 50 years. It serves over 2,550 infants, children, teens and adults and has over 40 programs. Services include Intermediate Care Facility, Skilled Nursing Facility, Hacienda Children’s Hospital, South Mountain Health Supply, Children’s Angel Foundation, and Group Homes for developmentally disabled. Benefits are robust with medical, dental vision, company paid life insurance, education assistance, employee assistance program, supplemental life & other voluntary benefits, subsidized bus passes, sick days, vacation, 403B company match available, and 6 paid holidays. Current openings include RN’s, LPN’s, CNA’s, Housekeeper, Dietary Aide, and Caregivers. Please visit the Hacienda Healthcare website and complete an application.

Allstate
Tom Wheeler, Field Sales Leader

Allstate was established in Chicago in 1931 and has been in business for 80 years. Allstate is #81 on the Fortune 100 list and has an employee population of 70,000 employees in the US and Canada. The SW region is composed of AZ, OK, NV, NM and UT. Allstate is one of the most recognizable brands in America and has 47 products to help serve its customers’ needs.
Available positions at the Tempe Regional Office include IT, Finance & Economics, Human Resources, Product, Claims, and Sales Management. Other opportunities are Financial Specialist, Agency Owner, and Licensed Sales Producers. The company is military friendly and offers free education to veterans and a bonus award of $500. In addition, Allstate has a $10,000 referral award. To learn more about careers, visit Allstate’s website.

RESOURCES

GOODWILL of Central & Northern AZ
Bobby Ghisolfo, Director Business &Community Development

Goodwill’s mission is to work as a positive catalyst for eliminating unemployment. Goodwill transforms gently used, donated goods into services that help thousands of Arizonans. The organization works with 600 employers and provides on-site career development where you can work with professional career counselors. Services include free resume and cover letter assistance and review, hiring events for hundreds of local hiring companies, and interview skills and tips. Go to Goodwill for employment events, talent sourcing and job boards.

WOZU
Scott Caruso, Software Development Advisor

Inspired by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, Woz U provides a personalized approach to coding and tech education designed to get you through the curriculum faster, so you can get into the workforce quicker. Classes taught include Java, JavaScript, .NET, Ruby on Rails, Data Science, & Cyber Security. There are currently over 3400 job openings in the valley for professionals with a background in these class subjects. For more information go to Woz U’s website.

CLOSING

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking Grand Canyon University and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, April 12, 2018 and features Lauren Kutsko, as speaker for the topic “Energize Your Career Transition with DISC.” For additional information on this event and future events, please go to the Event Schedule.

2/28/17 – Get Linkedin or Get Left Out!

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Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out Feb 2017Written by Michelle Soracco

Keynote Speaker

Ted Robison, Mr. Link-Me-In

Ted started his work life in nuclear engineering and jokingly says that he coaches now to atone for his nuclear-related sins.  His journey to becoming a LinkedIn coach is a fascinating one; if you have a chance to talk with him, be sure to ask him about it.  He’s a passionate and humorous individual, dedicated to coaching others about LinkedIn.

Get Linkedin or Get Left Out!

Do you want to get found by recruiters?  Network with people in your industry?  Find out information about the companies and people you’ll be interviewing with before the interview?  LinkedIn can help you do all of this and more.  Many recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn exclusively; if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, you’re missing opportunities.

Use a professional headshot as your photo for 14x more profile views.  Your headline should have your current job title; consultant or volunteer is a viable title (here’s where I put in a plug for volunteering for Career Connectors!).  Because LinkedIn uses keyword density, be sure to fill out your profile with as many keywords that pertain to your job search as you can.  Your summary should contain skills (hard and soft), experience, expertise and major accomplishments, and style. Style includes: your brand/wow factor, what value you bring to the company and how you differentiate yourself (e.g. problem solver, customer advocate, walk-around manager, etc.).

You should belong to 30-50 groups on LinkedIn.  Join groups and associations that are part of your target market, personal interests, professional associations, school alumni associations, or prior companies.  Go to group meetings, which might require some perseverance.

The hidden job market comprises approximately 80% of all jobs.  To tap into the hidden job market, create a list of target companies, build relationships at these companies and follow the companies on LinkedIn.  One way to create a target company list is to use the Book of Lists from the Phoenix Business Journal.

To prepare for interviews, research the interviewers on LinkedIn.  Knowing their hobbies, jobs and groups can help you connect with them during the interview.  Research the company – product, services, competitors.  Do informational interviews to determine if the culture is a good fit; do my values match with the company’s values?  Know your value prior to the interview.Ted Robison

According to a LinkedIn survey, the three most important items to look for in a candidate during the hiring process are:
1. Motivation/hungriness (being part of a team)
2. Execution ability (adding value)
3. Culture fit

Call to Action:
* Build and  strengthen your profile: keywords
* Create and search your target companies
* Join associations and groups
* Research in preparation for interviews
* Talk to the hiring manager if possible
* Many jobs aren’t posted
***If you do nothing else, network, network, network!***

Hiring Companies

Intel

Gil “GW” Williams, Lead Talent Manager, @JobsatIntel

Intel’s vision:  if it is smart and connected, it is best with Intel.  In the last 6-8 months, Intel has changed its entire strategy to a virtuous cycle of growth revolving around memory, the cloud and data center, FPGA and things and devices.  Intel invested $7B to finish Fab 42, which will create 3000 – 10,000 local jobs, including subcontractors and support services. The majority of the roles are technically inclined, but not all of them.  Do your research and fit everything in the job description before you apply.  No spaghetti recruiting here.

Sonora Quest

Raquel Phelps, Recruiter, @SonoraQuestLabs

Sonora Quest is a joint venture between Banner Health and Quest Diagnostics with 3100 employees in Arizona.  Using the 6 Sigma method, Sonora Quest’s goal is to provide the best patient care by partnering with physicians and focusing on preventative care.  Their benefits are the same as Banner Health. Openings include CRM Systems Analyst, Desktop Engineer, Emergency Management Coordinator, Customer Systems Analyst Sr, Information Security Analyst Sr, Laboratory Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, Strategic Sourcing Director, Medical Lab Scientists and Phlebotomy Leadership.

Ajilon:  Kristina Johnson, Staffing Manager, @ajilon

Accounting Principals:  Michelle Inskeep, Staffing Manager @acctprincipals

Ajilon and Accounting Principals are not your typical temp agencies. Located in the east valley, these two branches are the second best branches in the US! Accounting and finance job seekers should talk to Accounting Principals; administrative, logistics and supply chain job seekers should talk to Ajilon.  Parker and Lynch is the executive branch encompassing both.  Accounting Principals is looking for a candidate with commercial collections experience ($42K-$45K/year), as well as vendor administrative support ($38K/year).  Ajilon is looking for a professional inventory associate ($18-$20/hour), an account manager ($20-$22/hour), and a closing call center supervisor ($18-$20/hour).

Freedom Financial Network

John Hasna, Director of Talent Acquisition, @FreedomFamily

Freedom Financial Network is a debt consulting company that provides financial solutions and services to enable consumers to achieve financial freedom.  Their 3 AZ locations have 1300 employees, and have hired 200 of the 1000 individuals they want to hire this year. They are in the process of building a new campus in Tempe and were recently named as a Phoenix Business Journal “Best Places to Work” Winner. Open positions in Tempe include Java Developers, Product Managers, Corporate Trainer, Compliance Manager, Business Intelligence Analyst, Negotiations Debt Settlement Specialist, Inside Sales Reps and Software Developer.

New Horizons Learning Center, @nhphoenix

Joe Rostowsky, Director of Site Operations

Career Connectors has partnered with New Horizons as their only WIOA-funded school.  New Horizons is an international training organization that serves the needs of top companies to help individuals enhance their current skills and go to the next level in their career.  They offer courses in IT, Office Mgmt, Healthcare Records and Management, Project/Production Mgmt Certifications. Classes are conducted live in a classroom, live online and self-paced online courses, depending on the student’s needs.

Closing

Jessica graciously thanked all of the day’s speakers, volunteers and job seekers for participating. She encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the many Career Connector services like having your resume reviewed, a free professional portrait and visit all of the other services and hiring companies.  She also encouraged everyone to view the career blog, which is up and running and has a lot of good career advice.

Next event in Phoenix: “Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes Per Day” on Wednesday, Mar 08, 2017 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, due to February being a short month. Register here.