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TechFinders

5/2/2019 – Technology Panel

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Written by Rachel Gersten

Jessica Pierce welcomed and explained the agenda, which was a bit different than typical Career Connectors meetings. Instead of one keynote speaker we were fortunate enough to have two panel discussions, which included seven technology market experts. Today’s event was sponsored by USAA.

Panel One: Talent Recruitment in Technology

Brad Harris, Software Developer at USAA
USAA is a mission driven company built by members of the military for the military. They are actively seeking talented individuals to fill over 1,000 jobs in AZ in the next 2 years. Openings include Data Analytics Audit Manager, Business Intelligence/ETL Engineer, Senior Risk Analyst, Java Software Engineer, Attorney, .NET Developer, and Customer Service Representative.

Melissa McCoy, Vice President for TechFinders
TechFinders is a well-established recruiting firm that has adapted well to the changes in technology, over their 20+ year history. This is a company that knows how to stay current.

Gil “GW” Williams, Lead Sales and Marketing Manager for Intel
Intel has evolved into a more data-centric company. They still work with PC’s and chips but they are much more than that. They are known to say any technology will run better with Intel. They are hiring process engineers, manufacturing techs/engineers, as well as a number of other positions.

Panel One: Q & A

Q: When you say “technology field” what does that mean?

A: The “technology field” is everywhere. Our world has gotten to the point where we need tech for just about everything. Tech is becoming a bigger part of our lives. If you have a website you are a tech company.

Q: What do you consider a job in the field?

A: There is a full range of job opportunities in the tech field, some of which include: developers, data engineers, project management, support, management, marketing, sales, HR analyst, and quality assurance, to name of few.

Q: How do you break into the tech field?

A: Be in the middle of everything. Spend as much time as you can networking. Consider having a direct link to your resume on your business cards. Use social media like LinkedIn to research people at the companies you’re interested in working. Learn about their culture. Go to events. Remember it takes time, be persistent. Ask many people eventually someone will say yes. Only 8% people that apply online will get hired according to the panel.

Q: What do you see as the future of tech in AZ?

A: Artificial intelligence (AI) will be huge in the next five to seven years. Cyber security will be very important because of foreign threats and hacking. The old saying, “information is power” rings true.

Panel Two:  Career Pathways

Chukwudi Anya, Security Controls and Compliance Analyst at Freedom Financial Network.
Freedom Financial Network is the largest debt relief service provider in US. Open positions include Data Analyst, DevOps Engineer, Full Stack Engineer, Accounting Specialist, QA Coach, Software Engineer, Senior Scrum Master/Agile Coach and more.

Chad Johnson, Technology Manager for State Farm
State Farm provides financial services with over 83 million policies in the country. Openings include Software Developer, Java Developer, Data Scientist, Salesforce & Digital Analytics Analyst, Customer Service, and Business Analysts.

James Mitchell, Recruiting Manager for Deloitte
Deloitte is the largest consulting firm in the country. Deloitte has over 400 jobs to fill in Arizona including AWS Cloud Architect, Cyber Oracle Cloud EBS Security & Controls Consultant, Sr Linux Administrator, Cyber Risk Secure Software Enablement Consultant, UX Designer and many more.

Rob Loy, Head of Technology Education with GCU
GCU is an education provider with support for IT education, boot camps and degree programs.

Panel Two: Q & A

Q: What does tech mean for your business?

A: Technology means everything to business. It encompasses so many areas some of which include: support, operations, data support, compliance, risk security, planning and analyst.

Q: How would you get your foot in the door?

A: Remember to set yourself apart. Employers are interested in finding the right employee for the right position. Tap into your soft skills especially your willingness to learn.
There are many ways to get your foot in the door. One of which is to gain additional education by going back to school for degrees, certifications, and/or boot camps.
There are three things to keep in mind when wanting noticed: networking, networking, networking. LinkedIn is a great networking tool. Use it to connect with company leaders.

Closing

Jessica Pierce concluded the meeting by thanking USAA for sponsoring the Panel, our wonderful host GCU for their support, as well as all our amazing corporate sponsors and volunteers. The next meeting will be held on May 9th, 9 am at the Scottsdale location.

On May 11th, USAA has an on-site Career Expo from 7:30 to 10:30 am. This will be held at USAA’s newly built campus at 25700 Norterra Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85085. Please remember to sign up online for these upcoming events.

Please check out the blog post from Heather Marcom at Freedom Financial Network on Re-careering.

9/6/17 – Staffing Firms Impact on Phoenix

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Staffing FirmsWritten by Michelle Soracco

Staffing Firms Panels

Panel 1: Myths About Working with Staffing Firms

Deanne Desautels, President of Staff Logic/AFP
Kristy Bach, VP of Operations for TechFinders
Christian Kaijser, President of Career Evolutions

There are three different staffing firm models: direct hire, contract to hire and contract (temp). Many temp positions become full-time hires. You can still look for work while on assignment. Building a relationship with a staffing firm recruiter is of the utmost importance, as it is all about communication. Recruiters can give you inside information, help evaluate an offer, and even negotiate a better offer for you. Let them know what is most important to you (salary, commute time, vacation time, benefits, etc.). Know what motivates you.

Recruiters get paid from professional fees, not head count. They try to get you more money, since they will get paid more if you do as well; however, they know the limits of their clients, who always pay the fees, not the candidates. They find candidates on Linkedin, Career Connectors, networking events, advertising, etc. It’s best to register with more than one firm, preferably three or more, in your specialty or niche. There are many recruiting firms out there with just as many specializations, so use the firms that will work best for you.

A lot of what recruiters do depends on their clients. They will submit three to five candidates for one position, sometimes more. They don’t always respond to candidates because of the sheer volume of calls and emails, but they are trying to do better!

Panel 2: Advantages of Working with Staffing Firms

Michelle Grinberg, Regional Sales Consultant for Modis
Kelli Perkins, Area Manager for NESCO Resource
Kristy Bach, VP of Operations for TechFinders

Companies use staffing firms for contract to hire positions – “try before you buy” on both sides. Recruiting firms have insider information, including constructive information during interviews and helping candidates negotiate the job offer.

Miscellaneous tips:
-Use as many job search options as possible.
-Interview your staffing firms to find the right fit.
-How candidates can prepare: resume copies, online job search on website, use Linkedin to research recruiter, research company, ask questions.
-At the end of the interview, always let the interviewer know that you want the job–ask about next steps in the process, do they have any hesitations about hiring you, and if so, you can address these issues then and there.
-Recruiters do what they do because they are career matchmakers; they want to connect individuals to great jobs.  In the end, they like helping people, and no two days are ever the same. Their world changes on a day-to-day basis.

Resources

Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ

@GoodwillAZ

Carter Ellis, ‎District Manager, East Valley Career Services

Goodwill works with all job seekers, not just those looking for retail work. Their services are free for both job seekers and companies. Their goal is to end unemployment. They have on- and off-site employment events. They provide additional resources for job seekers, such as career advice, resume preparation and mock interviews. Goodwill’s job board has many internal leads from companies in the Valley. For open positions, click here.

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.  Joe’s best job seeking advice is to keep up with your skills, and don’t blow off an interview!

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 staffing firms. She also encouraged everyone to view the career blog, which is up and running and has a lot of good career advice.  As always, network, network, network!

The next event is in North Scottsdale on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 9am. Click here to register.