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04/22/21 – How to Use LinkedIn in 15 Minutes Per Day

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Written By Susan Lamphiear

Brenda Cunningham LinkedIn in 15 minutes per day

LinkedIn remains the go-to source for job recruiters who are searching to fill a variety of positions. However, it’s not enough to simply post your profile on LinkedIn. That’s just the start. Career Connectors’ keynote speaker recently offered specific tips for making better use of LinkedIn as a must-have resource.

Keynote

Author of Crush the Pink Slip: Get Back to Work in 60 Days, Brenda Cunningham today is a career and job search expert. After working nine and a half years in corporate America as an engineer, she successfully transitioned into her current role helping individuals communicate their value to potential employers.

Brenda knows the importance of LinkedIn for today’s job seeker, including anyone who is transitioning into another field. You MUST have a presence on LinkedIn today. Period.

“All of us can have access to the people and possibilities that LinkedIn brings,” Brenda said when she spoke to the online audience of Career Connectors. She reminded everyone who’s still not convinced– “LinkedIn is NOT just for CEOs and VPs and super-duper decision makers” though she assumes at the outset everyone has already accepted on some level LinkedIn’s importance.

THE CASE FOR LINKEDIN

  • Building your professional network/connections!
  • Job board availability
  • Getting found by recruiters
  • Professional development
  • Salary research
  • Expectations by corporate America
  • Powerful search tool
  • Employer research/interviewer research
  • Showcasing your expertise
  • Staying connected with your professional colleagues!

Brenda emphasizes the case for LinkedIn STARTS with connection and ENDS with STAYING connected.

Once you’re on LinkedIn, what next?

Brenda was in corporate America long enough to see whole departments eliminated! That alone is a compelling reason to build and maintain your network on LinkedIn. Recruiters use LinkedIn as their number one source of specific job needs, so, hey, stop hiding out! Make your presence known on LinkedIn. Don’t be the world’s best kept secret!

Tips for making best use of your 15 minutes per day on LinkedIn

  • Spend five minutes scanning your news feed. “Like” things pertinent to your brand. What do you want people to know about you? Demonstrate this by “liking” articles others post. Or post an article yourself you’ve carefully selected because it shows who you are and what you value. If you’re in IT, for example, post or like or give a response to someone else’s post that targets your field of interest. Brand yourself by what you post. Like, share, post and comment on what supports YOUR image. Be in support of that THING you want to be known for. Brenda transitioned into her new career path primarily by establishing herself as a career manager on LinkedIn.
  • Spend four minutes searching and inviting. Search for companies you’re interested in. You can invite key people into your network after researching and customizing your request. Think of this as a long game strategy. And remember you have to EARN the right to ask directly for help. Instead, reach out and become known by sharing information. Build relationships before you even think of asking anything of your contacts. ALWAYS personalize your invitations to connect. For example, remind them how you met or when you heard them speak.
  • Spend two minutes saying “Hello.” If you see an opportunity for someone or if you see an article you think they’d enjoy or appreciate, reach out. Keep in touch by sending personalized messages. Ask for favors ONLY after you’ve established a relationship with them.
  • Spend four minutes on groups. Research and post information and respond to information you find there. Use groups as an interactive way to communicate. Ask questions and respond to questions. Share information and post articles pertinent to the group. Start by joining Career Connectors Group on LinkedIn!

Set Yourself Up for Success!

  • Photo–Make sure you have a professional, quality photo on your LinkedIn profile.
  • Include a meaningful headline.
  • Be sure yours is a content-rich profile. Remember to use key words.
  • BEWARE. Use Ready to Work Badge feature with care. It can result in discrimination.
  • Use Spellcheck AND proofread. They are NOT the same thing.
  • Ask for strong (and specific) recommendations. If someone is writing you a recommendation, request a particular area or areas you’d like emphasized. Ask them to be specific.

Remember what Brenda advises. LinkedIn is all about establishing, then nurturing professional relationships. Building relationships happens over time, not overnight. “LinkedIn is NOT MAGIC. Put in the work to reap what you sow.”

Hiring Companies

Terros Health

Heather Cepek, Recruiter

Terros Health, offering integrated health care, was founded in 1969 in one small building in Phoenix to help individuals with addiction issues. A nonprofit, Terros has continued to grow and expand over the past 50 years.

Besides locations throughout Maricopa County, Terros offers recovery for individuals through a mobile crisis unit. A recent grant as of February, 2021, allows for expansion of Terros’s services throughout Arizona.

Inspiring changes for life, Terros focuses on the whole person. Terros has helped over 65,000 individuals.

Terros offers a number of benefits to employees including great work/life balance, continued growth opportunities, no 90-day waiting period for benefits, continued training, and an Honor Scholarship Program for individuals working on a master’s degree. Health benefits include medical, dental and vision via Blue Cross/Blue Shield with choices from 10 different plans. A generous PTO program, employees receive four weeks PTO in their first year.

A number of positions are available including clinicians, assessment clinicians, recovery coaches, and care coordinators. Clinicians throughout Arizona require an MA in Behavioral Health. For more information, or to apply, visit their website.

Willscot Mobile Mini

Jordanne Ringwald, Director, Talent Acquisition

Willscot Mobile Mini in 2020 completed a merger, joining forces to bring together the leaders in modular space and portable storage and tank solutions. With one call, one order, one delivery and one bill, customers get everything they want for their site: buildings, storage, fixtures, furnishings, services, everything.

The merged company has recommitted to the following values:

  • Dedicated to Health & Safety
  • Committed to Inclusion and Diversity
  • Driven to Excellence
  • Being Trustworthy & Reliable
  • Devoted to their Customers
  • Being Community Focused

Their company culture rewards excellence, integrity, and innovation. More than 4,000 employees strong, they are always looking for new talent to add to their team.

“Willscot/Mobil Mini’s Core Values continue to guide us towards not only achieving our true potential, but also creating a work environment which is inclusive and allows every person to thrive.” Brad Schultz, CEO

Headquartered in Phoenix, the following open roles are available: Customer Success Specialist, Sales Representative, Sales Trainee, Sr. Accountant, Transportation Coordinator, Collections Specialist, SAP Analyst, Corporate Recruiter, Service Desk Analyst, Transportation Coordinator, Sr. Product Manager, Inside Sales Supervisor, and Payroll Coordinator. Open roles at one of their 275 offices include the following: Inside Sales, Branch Managers, Production Supervisors, Territory Sales Managers, Drivers, and Yard Workers. This is just a snapshot of the roles available. With the merger, the company is creating lots of new positions.

Willscot Mobile Mini offers all full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package.

Follow the company on LinkedIn. Even if you don’t see a job fit, feel free to connect with Jordanne Ringwald and let her know if you apply. The company is growing so fast, a job for you may be “in the works” even as you reach out.

Go to their website for more information or to apply.

Liberty Mutual Insurance

John Walters, Senior Marketing Director

Liberty Mutual Insurance since 1912 has grown into the sixth largest global property and casualty insurer. They employ 50,000 people in 30 countries and on five continents. A Fortune 100 company, Liberty has seen steady growth.

The company has been recognized with numerous awards including Top Fifty Employers for 2021 by Equal Opportunity Magazine.

John dispels the myth the insurance industry is limited to call center and sales positions. If you’re launching a career, he urges you to consider this industry. “Tell me a background that doesn’t fit into the insurance industry,” he says. So many opportunities exist. “We need all kinds of backgrounds.” The opportunity to start and grow and advance in the industry is tremendous. The insurance industry also gives the chance to help people in times of trouble.

You need to apply to Liberty Insurance IF the following describe you:

  • Drive and enthusiasm
  • Experience in business development or network marketing
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to effectively multi-task
  • Confidence, flexibility and reliability
  • Goal oriented

The company offers all employees the opportunity to give back by providing a volunteer day each year. One of John’s favorite charities is Feed My Starving Children where he’s helped prepare food packages. Also the company will match fifty cents to every dollar an employee donates to a charity.

Liberty has created several groups within the company for employees to find a home within a home including a recently added group for employees who are also caregivers.

The company believes if they take care of employees, they, in turn, will take care of clients. Very goal oriented, Liberty wants employees to grow both professionally and personally. Toward that goal the company offers tuition reimbursement and community service.

While John is a hiring manager for sales, connect with him and he will get you to the right people regardless of your position of interest.

Visit their website for more information about the company– or positions available– or to apply.

WealthWave

Jason Wiseman, Senior Marketing Director

WealthWave, through its network of financial leaders, strives to shake up the financial industry. Their goal? To create a financially literate world. Made up of independent business owners, WealthWave professionals seek to educate the masses and make investing and financial success easier for regular families all over the world.

Concerned because he wanted to know more about financial planning and retirement, Jason Wiseman talked with his wife about their need to educate themselves for their own financial health. At one point he turned to his CPA and said, “What does it take to do what you do?”

After several years in corporate America, when Jason transitioned into his current role at WealthWave, it helped him ease into the field by working part-time–which is basically unheard of in the industry. Keep in mind, plenty of opportunities exist in this industry because many people are retiring, outpacing the numbers of career individuals needed.

Before he made the career transition, Jason and his family were doing fine income-wise, but he thought, like a lot of people, they needed more guidance regarding financial health–including retirement plans. A shocking 62% of people over the age of 55 are more afraid of outliving their money than of dying! WealthWave wants to educate people and help them navigate the world of finance so they might have more peace of mind, including when it comes to retirement.

WealthWave is different by design, seeking to assist the vast numbers of people who do not have millions to invest. The company has been featured recently on local news and 139 TV shows.

Opportunities in this industry abound, plus layoffs just don’t happen. Also, when the pandemic hit, WealthWave had already gone digital. They were ready.

Why Choose WealthWave?

  • Turnkey Solution
  • Licensed Profession
  • Ownership
  • Digital Marketing/Media
  • Start Part-time
  • No Lay Offs or Furloughs
  • Hands on Training and Mentorship
  • A long history of helping families

For more information or to apply, contact Jason Wiseman.

Resources & Closing

Director of Operations for Career Connectors, Sheila Coulam opened the meeting and later prepared the online audience for the breakout sessions. Executive Director of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce closed the first part of the meeting, thanked volunteers, and requested anyone interested in becoming a volunteer blogger to contact Sheila Coulam.

Click here to access a list of free resources available through the Career Connectors’ website, including the free online DISC assessment.

For more details about upcoming events, see the events section on the Career Connectors’ website. Check out Diversity Talks May 13, 2021, an online event to connect with award-winning companies known for their culture of inclusion, and Tempe Virtual Job Fair on May 18, 2021.

As a Career Connectors’ attendee, receive a free headshot to use on your LinkedIn profile during these online-only Career Connectors’ events. Go to this link for details and to sign up for locations throughout the Phoenix area. Gordon Murray Flash Photo makes this available. It’s certainly not required, but he accepts donations.

Parting Thought from Seth Godin: “Seizing new ground, making connections between people or ideas, working without a map–these are works of art, and if you do them, you are an artist, regardless if you wear a smock, use a computer, or work with others all day long.” Click on Seth’s name to see a thought-provoking video message for 2021.

9/24/19 – Expert Tips on How to Navigate the ATS

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Written by Julia Churan

It sounds so easy to apply for positions online. No hassle driving to a prospective employer’s office and trying to find someone that will accept your resume, or sealing a copy in an envelope and running it to the post office only to wait for a call that may or may not come.

The reality is there are so many websites that promote the same jobs and each one wants you to upload your resume with the hope of landing your dream job. Then there is the anxiety of whether your dream company actually receive it and are they considering you. Did some bit of technology between your internet provider and the company’s recruiters go haywire? You wonder if you will get a call and you may never even know if the role was actually filled or if your resume was seen by the hiring manager. The whole process can often feel overwhelming, impersonal and extremely frustrating.

Making Sense of the Online Application Process

Keynote Speaker: Jackie Schierenberg, Dignity Health

Jackie took the stage with over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition. She was there to share her insights from the other side of the job search: the recruiter’s perspective. Her focus has been on finding top talent, understanding HR technology and maximizing social media in the hiring process.

How does a Recruiter find talent?

  1. Candidate submissions
  2. Past applicants whose data is still in the applicant database
  3. Current employees
  4. Referrals – both internal and external
  5. Social Media – Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Facebook
  6. CRM – databases of acquired names through Talent Pools and other sources
  7. Boolean Search
  8. Conferences and Association Lists
  9. Job Boards

Most companies give current employees first consideration. Roles that are more difficult may require more extensive methods of search.

The ATS

The database system that recruiters use to manage the entire hiring process is known as an ATS or Applicant Tracking System. The software will do everything from post new job requisitions on websites, store and help categorize candidate resumes, manage the interview process and track activity on any particular job opening.

Companies rely heavily on these systems to process the hundreds of applications that may come in for a posting in a faster, more efficient manner.

Some ATS systems allow new postings to populate the company’s portal and the most popular job boards in a fully-automated way. Many of the newer systems are using artificial intelligence to aid in the overall process and remove human bias.  Companies are able to maintain compliance and pull reports to analyze metrics about a specific posting, role, candidate and more.

Most job searches today start on Google.com. Candidates can search to see who is hiring, research desired companies, learn minimum requirements and keywords to include in their resume, gather salary information and tips for interview preparation.

Tips to Be Aware of When You Upload a Resume to an ATS

  • Keep things simple! – Many ATS systems will strip formatting or even omit information if they find unknown tags within the document. Font type, bullet points, and some file types can “confuse” older systems. Consider a basic formatted version specifically for uploading online.
  • Be aware of the requested file type – Jackie recommends using a PDF format unless noted specifically.
  • Keywords – Be sure your resume has terms the are specific to the role and used in the company’s description. You can use generic keywords for a specific job, but if you are looking for a nursing role and the description specifies RN, be sure to use RN rather than Registered Nurse.  Some recruiters may include both when they search for candidates, but you have a greater chance of rising to the top of the search by using the exact terms from the company’s posting.

Do Your Homework

There are so many resources today, applicants have no excuse for not preparing when applying and interviewing for roles.

  1. Start with a Google Search – Understand the business, the products and get perspective on the corporate style and culture.
  2. Leverage Your Network – Reach out to friends and social media groups to find people to share insight about the company or role. Try to find people who are connected to individuals within the hiring team.
  3. Company Career Groups – Many large companies will have their own Career Groups where you can interact with the HR team and even inquire on status or resumes.
  4. Glassdoor.com – Research the interview tips, salaries, and benefits.
  5. Indeed.com – Recruiters monitor this chatter and reviews.

Other Tips to Staying Aware in the Search

Apply Directly to the Company’s Website. The job boards may not be as up-to-date with positions and a resume can get lost between the different systems.  Your best bet is to go directly to the source.

Sign Up for Email Alerts – This feature is often in the search function or after you have uploaded your resume on the company website. It can save you time from checking that company’s website every couple of days for new postings that meet your criteria. You may also be one of the first candidates to apply if you are on these lists.

Join Talent Pools – These are often available on the employer career portals. Sourcers are tracking engagement and this is a great way to show interest in the organization. This will allow you to become part of recruiting news or email campaigns.

Recruiters Often Tag Candidate Profiles – Try to make personal connections with the talent team by social media, career fairs, and even cold calls. Recruiters can apply tags to a candidate profile to make candidates easier to find later.

Email and Text Campaigns – Recruiters will send prospective emails to potential candidates from past applicants and talent pools. Keep your resume current in the ATS.

White Text Trick – Put added keywords at the bottom of your resume in white text. They won’t be detected when printing, but when a recruiter runs a search, they may help you get picked up.

Meet the Minimum Qualifications – If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you will not make it to the hiring manager through the talent team.

Be Discoverable – Companies can see the different resumes you have submitted and your history, but the hiring company is likely looking at your most recent one. Make sure your profile is as complete as possible to be found.

Cover letters – Recruiters generally do not read cover letters. Make the resume and cover letter all one document before you upload them to the system.

Get Personal With Recruiters – Leverage LinkedIn to find recruiters and hiring managers.  Search for them on Google and make a call or reach out directly to the talent or hiring team.

Track Your Application on the Career Portal – Many companies today do not notify applicants when the position has been filled, so watch your profile on the company’s portal.

Hiring Companies

Dignity Health

Marcos Day, Recruiter

Dignity Health is one of the Valley’s largest healthcare providers and growing with a recent merger. They will soon be known as CommonSpirit Health and serve 22 states. They often carry up to 8600 open positions at any time.

CommonSpirit offers a strong benefits package including a Zero Premium Option for employees plus a pension plan & 403(b) company match program of up to 6%. They also invest in their staff with a variety of educational and financial services.

Current Career Openings:

  • Patient Facing Roles – Nurses, Rehab Therapists, Radiology, Lab Techs, Patient Transportation
  • Non-Patient Facing – Food Service, Facilities, IT, CyberSecurity, Accounting, Finance, Marketing

Applicants are encouraged to apply on the Careers Website.

Copper Springs

Cooper Springs is a part of Springstone. They have mental health and addiction services in 17 states and are opening their newest facility in East Valley, Copper Springs – East.

There will be many clinical and non-clinical opportunities available for this new location. Check out their Career Website or contact Melissa Barry regarding the new Gilbert location.

Terros Health

Tracy Outlaw, Recruiter

Terros is a non-profit, integrated care provider in the valley. Since 1969, their mission has been to serve the needs of the public with integrity, passion, and empowerment. Today they provide services through 19 locations around the state of AZ in Primary Care, Counseling, Health & Wellness, and Addiction services.

Current Openings:

  • Front Office Staff
  • Behavioral Health Techs
  • Clinicians
  • Recovery Support Specialists
  • Case Managers

Apply online at https://www.terroshealth.org/

AZ DES – Department of Economic Security

Nancy Stanford, Recruiting Manager

DES is the second largest agency of the State of Arizona with more than 7,700 team members.  They assist over 2.9 million Arizonans each year through the following agencies:

  • Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
  • Division of Benefits & Medical Eligibility (DBME)
  • Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)
  • Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
  • Division of Employment & Rehab Services (DERS)

Along with a comprehensive benefits package and time off, DES is one of the few employers to offer Arizona Retirement Systems with vesting after 5 years and a 12% match.

Current Openings:

  • Adult Protective Services Investigators
  • Program Service Evaluators
  • Direct Care Worker
  • Customer Service Reps
  • Case Managers
  • Finance roles
  • HR Roles

Application Process

  • Visit https://azstatejobs.azdoa.gov/ for current postings.
  • Be sure to watch for position closing dates, salary and job grades. Interviewing will not begin until the position close date.
  • Use keywords at the very beginning of your resume.
  • When applying and uploading a new resume, delete the old one first.
  • Recruiter’s information is always posted.
  • No ATS system is used, all resumes are reviewed individually by a recruiter.
  • Follow up with the contact in the job description and always refer to the Job ID#.
  • Keep applying!
  • Remember – Salaries are posted and always negotiable.

Upcoming Events

Diversity Talks – October 3, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This is the 5th Annual Diversity & Inclusion Event in conjunction with BestCompaniesAZ to help Arizona’s top employers meet talented individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, experiences, beliefs and abilities.

The panel will include USAA, State Farm, Freedom Financial Network, GoDaddy, AMEX, USAA, Farmers Insurance and Charles Schwab. There will also be a career fair with top companies.

To register or learn about the participating companies, visit the Event Page.


Finding and Landing a New Career FAST! – October 10 in Scottsdale


The Networking Brief – October 22 in Gilbert

See the Events Page for complete details of these and other upcoming events. Register today.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Founder/CEO of Career Connectors, took the stage to thank everyone for taking the next step in finding a new career.

She recognized the many hiring companies, sponsors and partners including Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona and Brighton College.

Anyone interested in IT, funding is now available up to $4000 for tuition assistance of online certifications through Career Connectors Academy and AZ@Work. To learn more about these opportunities, connect with a staff member and visit the website.

Every seeker was encouraged to network with other seekers, build more LinkedIn connections, take a free DISC assessment and have a professional portrait taken by a photography volunteer at the event. Professional resume writers, LinkedIn experts and Career Coaches are also available at the event to perfect your search tools.

Thank you to Central Christian Church for hosting the event and the 90 volunteers that serve Career Connectors around the Valley.