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vCandidates

8/15/19 – Connecting with Top Staffing Firms to Find Your Next Career

August 23, 2019 by Diane Forner

Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

According to ASA (American Staffing Association), every day, staffing businesses send more than three million employees to work in America’s offices, factories, hospitals, warehouses, and other work sites-virtually every place that people work, staffing employees are on the job.

The staffing industry, comprises of more than 20,000 staffing firms and nearly 1.7 million staffing employees , contributes over $160 billion to the US economy through temporary and contract staffing recruiting and permanent placement, outsourcing and outplacement, and human resource consulting.

STAFFING PANELS

PANEL 1: Myths about Working with Staffing Firms

  • LT Ladino-Bryson, vCandidates, CEO
  • Trevor Gamble, Blue Signal Search, Executive Recruiter
  • Graham Greytak, HireRising, CEO
  • Brendan Naper, NESCO Resource, Area Manager

Q: Provide a 2 Minute overview of your staffing firm/agency and your position.

vCandidates: The firm is a subscription based career eco system for candidates and recruiting professionals. vCandidates uses a cloud-based platform, mobile app, and CRM to give candidates the ability to create the best presentation of themselves. It is more than just a resume. LT has been in the entertainment business, but enjoys recruiting even more! In October, the website will launch the opportunity for candidates to access recruiters.

Blue Signal Search: Specializes in executive placement for industry leaders. Specialties include: wireless & telecom, manufacturing, cloud & managed services; engineering & construction; finance & accounting, emerging technology, human resources & logistics & supply chain. Trevor loves connecting talented, driven people to opportunities that enhance their careers.

HireRising: Concentrates on filling IT positions. This year HireRising will help 80 IT professionals land jobs at 50 local companies around the Valley. Graham founded HireRising without having any previous staffing experience.

NESCO Resource: One of the leading national staffing and employment agencies offering services in temporary staffing, direct hire, and a host of other staffing and recruiting solutions. Opportunities include Engineering & IT, Clerical & Light Industrial, and Accounting & Finance specialties. Brendan ran his own business and decided to go back into sales with NESCO. He is now a Branch Manager.

Q. Can you explain the different types of Staffing models?

vCandidates: Concentrates on full time positions. LT & team focus on finding the right fit for both the employer and candidate. Their goal is a permanent fit for longevity.

Blue Signal Search: Firm working with employers and making a commitment to employees. Goal is to find a forever career. Company is more dynamic than before.

NESCO Resource: NESCO is doing more contract work. 99% contracts with option to hire. People who perform well usually get hired.

HireRising: Provides direct hire, contract work, and short and long term projects.

Q. Staffing Agencies often get a bad rap. Why do you think this happens?

vCandidates: A lot of the bad rap comes from expectations of the candidate contributing to the myth. LT will go the extra mile if the candidate is into the job and employer.

Blue Signal Search: Employers, candidates and firms need to cooperate together. Transparency needs to be put in place and active.

HireRising: The bad rap is focused on the lack of follow up from recruiters.

NESCO Resource: There are a lot of recruiters currently trying to fill all the positions. Many are using Sourcers. Their goal is to comb databases for candidates. Many lack the professionalism of a Recruiter.

Q. How should candidates best build a relationship with you?

HireRising: Try to make contact with candidates on a weekly basis. If candidate does not hear from HireRising, they should reach out to the agency every 2-4 weeks.

vCandidates: LT encourages the candidate to make themselves memorable. Candidates need to remember to build a positive relationship with the recruiter & remember the challenges the recruiter faces. Your mantra should be Pause-Think-Act! Age differences should encourage professional and personal development.

NESCO Resource: Reminded us there is also reverse ageism. Everyone should respect one another regardless of age.

Blue Signal Search: Focus on experience is shifting to the value the candidate can bring.

Q. What is the most effective way to stay in contact with your Staffing Firm? Phone, email, text?

vCandidates: LinkedIn.

Blue Signal Search: When networking, go to meet people where they work.

HireRising: Recruiter is focusing on relationship with client.

NESCO Resource: Phone.

Q. TELL US A SUCCESS STORY.

vCandidates: LT had an employer that had a mindset of the perfect candidate. LT found the right candidate but with a different skill set than what the hiring manager had wanted. LT continued to gently present her candidate.

Blue Signal Search: Trevor had a candidate from another country and was unable to find an employer to hire on a full time basis. The man did contract work. Trevor stayed in touch with the man & eventually was able to help him find a full time job.

HireRising: Graham had a candidate that was qualified but did not have a current job for him. Graham stayed touch with him and after 18 months the perfect job presented itself. The story is a great reminder that it may take a while to find the right position.

NESCO Resource: Brendan came across a candidate who was down on his luck. He was a veteran, living in low income housing and did not have a car. Brendan drove the man to his interview and got him a job.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:

Q: Do you continue the relationship with Staffing Firms when you have a job?
Absolutely!

Q: How do Staffing Firms help a candidate with a niche skillset?
The candidate needs to help educate the recruiter.

CURRENT OPENINGS
vCandidates: In house recruiters and salespeople.
Blue Signal Search: Product management, engineer and manufacturing.
HireRising: Everything IT; and all levels.
NESCO Resource: 105 openings. Please see website.

PANEL 2: Advantages to Working with Staffing Firm

Nick Mazur, APN USA, Recruiting Manager

Ryan Nouls, Trupath, CEO

Christian Kaijser, Career Evolutions, Manager Director

Jerilyn Arthur, Atrilogy Solutions Group, Senior Account Director

Q. Give us an overview of your Staffing Firm/Agency and your position.

APN USA: Works on staffing for nurses and car dealerships.

TruPath: Very diverse in types of positions that they fill. Do not want to become niche.

Career Evolutions: Will do anything they can to help.

Atrilogy Solutions Group: Recruitment done nationwide. Do both direct placement and contract work.

Q. Why should someone looking for a new position work with a Staffing Firm?

TruPath: Agencies work with multiple staffing firms. They build relationships with all types of employers. Candidates should check in every month.

APN USA: Include staffing firms in your search. It broadens your possibilities and network.

Career Evolutions: Finding a job is a numbers game. Knowing someone or working your way into an organization through informational meetings.

Atrilogy Solutions Group: Recruiters are your cheerleaders. Will go above and beyond to work with candidates.

Q. How do we best prepare to work with Staffing Agencies? What is negotiable?

Career Evolutions: Think about what you do well. Do not take a rejection personally.

TruPath: Remember that the recruiter is working on your behalf. You can negotiate salary.

APN USA: The more recruiters you have working for you, the better.

Atrilogy Solutions Group : Be honest with self and recruiters.

Q. What do you like about your job?

Atrilogy Solutions Group: Never a dull moment. Really enjoy the people aspect.

Career Evolutions: Put people to work. Feel good about helping someone. It is great to hear thank you and that the candidate is happy with their job.

APN USA: Being open and honest. Work with profit and non-profit companies.

TruPath: They are following up with employers and enjoy seeing how candidates have contributed.

Q. How can a candidate best prepare for an interview with you? What about an interview with a client?

TruPath: Prepare just as you would for an employer. Learn as much as you can about the job and employer. Be enthusiastic.

APN USA: Know what is expected. What is the process you will go through? Determine if there will be testing.

Atrilogy Solutions Group: Allow the employer to get to know you.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:

Q: How do you find Staffing Firms that are a good fit? How to work for the best companies?
Atrilogy Solutions Group: The best company is the one you like and is a great fit.

HOT JOBS:

Atrilogy Solutions Group: IT. Over 60 positions are available in Arizona.
Career Evolutions: Software developer, sales, product manager are a few examples.
TruPath: Manufacturing; all types of positions.
APN USA: Nurses, nurses, nurses!

CAREER CONNECTORS ACADEMY
Brighton College, Ryan Golden, Enrollment Advisor

Ryan shared the exciting news and details about Career Connectors new partnership with Brighton College! The partnership forms Career Connectors Academy. The Academy offers a wide variety of accredited online college programs along with many professional development classes. The focus is on quality and affordability.

A few of the best accredited online certificate programs that are being offered to Career Connectors at a reduced price are: Information Technology Certification Programs, Business Management Associate Degree Online, Paralegal Certificate, Medical Assistant School, Legal Nurse Consultant Certification and Online Professional Development Classes. Career Connectors members will receive a 30% discount on the programs and certifications. For more information go to the Career Connectors Academy website.

Closing

Jessica Pierce, Founder & CEO, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking Highlands Church & the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Gilbert on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 and features Kevin Dumcum, as speaker for the topic “Kick Start Your Job Search. For additional information on this event & future events, please visit the Event Schedule.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: HireRising, blue signal search, APN USA, Atrilogy Solutions Group, Brighton College, Career Connectors Academy, vCandidates, Trupath, Career Evolutions, NESCO Resource

11/13/2018 – Overcoming the Stress of Change

November 14, 2018 by Mary Peralta

Johnny LaurentWritten by Mary Peralta

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Overcoming the Stress of Change

Johnny Laurent – High tech Leader, Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Consultant

Johnny Laurent spent 30 years working for Corporate America, and loves to learn.  He believes we learn most from things around us rather than from books.

Stress-Creating Change is change which raises stress levels…

  • Job loss or change
  • Promotion
  • Relationship issues
  • Physical issues
  • Money

Stress is caused not by what happens to us, but by how we respond to what happens to us.

The Ripple Method is a four step process to methodically handle change in our life.  It is a four step process to get from where you are to where you want to be.

Ripple One – Discover Yourself

  • Assess yourself
  • Involve others
  • Just the facts
    • Why are others not successful?
    • What do you think this office needs?
    • Be willing to take the chance.
    • Consider me.

Ripple Two – Building Foundations

  • Determine the gaps
  • Skill development
  • Tactical plan of execution

Ripple Three – Learning Together

  • Peer group
  • Safe learning environments
  • Open and candid

Ripple Four – Create Accountability

  • Person of trust
  • Openness to feedback
  • Not a “yes” person

Stress is how you react to situations you are in.  Put a plan in place, so you can react to the plan.  No matter what you are trying to change, these sets can help you.  Don’t rely on yourself.  Get help; don’t do it alone.  Find out who you are to get to where you want to be.  If you don’t have friends to help, invest in a Coach.  Tell someone what you want to do.  Make a commitment to yourself, and put a plan in place.

HIRING COMPANIES

FIREFLY EDUCATE

Diane Greenlee – Talent Acquisition Consultant & Paul Quinn – IT Recruitment Specialist

Firefly Educate is a global IT training company headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.  They utilize expert instructors to provide technical training on next-gen networking, computing and storage technologies.

Open Positions

  • Account Manager (must be coachable and have a sales background)
  • Business Development Specialist

ALLSTATE

Steve Morin – Senior Sourcing Consultant

Allstate is in over 16 million homes, is #84 on the Fortune 500 List, and continues to grow.

Open Positions

  • Information Technology (4)
  • Human Resources (2)
  • Product (1)
  • Claims (6)
  • Sales Management (2)
  • Executive Financial Specialist
  • Agency Owner
  • Licensed Sales Producers

RESOURCES

VCANDIDATES

LT Ladino Bryson – CEO/CMO Founder

  • They are the Next Generation Recruiting Tools!
  • They are a three-pronged recruiting tool supports small to medium staffing firms.
  • They expedite the search, screening, hiring, and presentation processes making recruiters more efficient.

WOZ U

Jason Jones – Strategic Partnership Specialist

  • Coding bootcamp for software development, cyber security and data science
  • Provides a quality technical education to each student that attends their program
  • Supports each student in finding a career in the technology field
  • Offers lifetime support to each student

CLOSING

The December Career Connectors events are scheduled for Thursday, December 6th in Phoenix – Master Your Mindset to Land Your Next Job, and Thursday, December 13th in Scottsdale – Becoming Unstoppable – register today.

Jessica thanked Central Christian Church in Gilbert, our host facility, and gave a big shout out all our volunteers.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Firefly Educate, Johnny Laurent, WozU, vCandidates, Allstate, stress

10/04/18 – Myths and Advantages to Working with Staffing Agencies

October 9, 2018 by Diane Forner

Written by Rachel Gersten

Staffing Panel Discussion

Jessica Pierce welcomed the group and explained the agenda, which was a bit different from a traditional meeting. Instead of one keynote speaker Career Connectors was fortunate to welcomed six staffing agency experts. There were two panel discussions:  the first panel discussed myths associated with staffing firms, and the second panel discussion reviewed the advantages of working with staffing firms.

1st Panel Discussion: Myths About Working with Staffing Firms

The group of experts included:

Joe Skrzymowski, Branch Manager for NESCO Resources
Donna Dietrich, Managing Partner for Tech Finders
Rich North, Account Manager for Aerotek

Question: What are the different types of staffing firms?

Answer: There are a number of staffing firms to choose from based on the type of industry and work the candidates are seeking.  Agencies have all types of employment options available for job seekers: direct hire, contract to hire, temp to hire.

Question: What is the conversion rate? How many clients do you help land jobs?

Answer: We don’t have stats on our conversion rates, however many times employees are hired for full time work. By partnering with a recruiter, you land the job.

Question: Why do you think people don’t trust staffing firms?

Answer: It’s like many other industries, such as used car dealerships. Generally speaking a used car salesperson doesn’t have the best reputation. These generalizations are based on bad experiences. Sometimes when you work with one staffing firm, you are never called back and the assumption is that all agencies work that way. Next time you speak with a staffing firm, interview the agency. Ask questions such as: How long have you been in the industry? What does the process look like? When will I be called back?

Question: If I use a staffing agency, will I make less money?

Answer: The pay rates are competitive with the market.

Question: Does the staffing agency only work for the company seeking employees?

Answer: If we don’t have the candidates, we don’t make any money. We need to work for both the employer and candidate.

Question: If a candidate wants to work for a specific company like Google, how do they find out the staffing firm that works with them?

Answer: Call and ask the staffing firms.

2nd Panel Discussion: Advantages to Working with Staffing Firms

The group of experts included:

LT Ladino-Bryson, Founder of vCandidates
Ashley Jenkins, Business Development Manager for Paladin Staffing
Nicholas Mazur, Executive Recruiter for APN Staffing

Question: Why work with a staffing firm?

Answer: A staffing firm provides you with insider information on everything they can including income information, process time involved and anything else they may know about the company. Additionally, recruiters are well connected and will be your biggest advocate.

Question: How to best prepare to work with staffing firms?

Answer:  Know what you want. Spend time thinking and researching what direction you want to pursue, but also have an open mind.

Question: Who pays you?

Answer: The company seeking employees pays the staffing agency. It is a free service for job seekers.

Question: What do you like about staffing?

Answer: It is a fast-paced environment, where we as recruiters get to help people on a daily basis to improve their lives.

Question: How are people most successful working with you?

Answer: Candidates that stay in touch regularly do very well.

Question: How do you help the job seeker prepare for a job placement?

Answer: We help by coaching on interviewing skills.

RESOURCES

Grand Canyon University
Rob Loy, Head of Education of Non-Degree Technology Programs

Grand Canyon University offers an in-depth boot camp for Java Programming. There are many perks that this curriculum offers to individuals such as; additional skills in the dynamic IT field, and a more competitive advantage in the job market. Entry level positions average $65,000 a year.

CLOSING

Jessica Pierce concluded the meeting by thanking our wonderful host Grand Canyon University for their support, our event sponsor LT Ladino-Bryson from vCandidates, as well as all our amazing panel, corporate sponsors and volunteers. Jessica went on to remind our guests to visit the Career Connectors website for additional information and support such as the complimentary DISC assessment and other helpful tools. The next meeting will be held on October 11th, 9 am at the Scottsdale location of Highlands Church – 9050 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ. Please remember to sign up online for our next meeting.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Paladin Staffing, vCandidates, Aerotek, Grand Canyon University, NESCO Resource

09/25/18 – Your Why Defines Your Try

September 26, 2018 by Sheila

Norris ThomasWritten by Jim McBride

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Your Why Defines Your Try

Norris Thomas – Speaker/TV Personality

If anyone could (and did) get an audience of motivated job seekers and networkers up on their feet and following his lead with rhythmic clapping while hopping up and down, it’s Norris Thomas. Norris is an ex-professional football player and current host on FOX Sports Arizona. In addition to his duties as a sports TV personality, he’s a motivational speaker, author and “Master of Human Experience.”

Norris fell in love with football at the young age of seven. But, while he worked extremely hard at chasing his NFL dream, his story is not about football. His story is about the one BIG decision that would fuel ALL of his life decisions going forward. His seven-year-old self said he was going to make it to the NFL one day. And, by reaching that dream of playing NFL football, he believed it would ultimately lead to meeting his father for the very first time.

The goal of finally getting to meet his father defined the “why” for Norris.Norris Thomas speaking

Norris explained how your “why” has to be HUGE. If your why isn’t big enough, then your “try” has to be even bigger. Your “try” is effort and hustle. It’s when we’re at our best and what people remember the most about us. For job seekers, it’s about branching out and thinking about deployment instead of employment.

A strong commitment to the “why” in Norris’ life led him on a journey from a homeless shelter as a teenager to professional athlete, educator, high school coach and right up to the day of the eventual first-time meeting with his father.

Norris shared the Five Characteristics of a Successful Decision:

1. Sharpened Focus
o You’re in competition with yourself
o Am I more focused today than yesterday? (You showed up here today!)
2. Clarity of Mission
o Make your plan, clear the clutter
o Be real with yourself, get your team to help you
3. Discipline
o Do it the same way, the right way, every day
o Don’t look back on the past, follow through
4. Increased Production
o With focus and discipline comes increased production
o Become consistent, you’ll see results
5. Mastery (Master the human experience)
o You have a unique story to tell. So, tell it to everyone.
o How big is your why, are you equipped? Lock it in.
o Become passionate in your new career. Do the extra work. Own it!

Are you inspired to make a big decision in your career search? Get into your seven-year-old self and define YOUR why!

HIRING COMPANIES

vCANDIDATES

L.T. Ladino Bryson – CEO/CMO, Founder
“The Employment Therapist”

Technology advancements in job posting boards and Applicant Tracking Systems have hurt the hiring process and alienated qualified people. If you have worked with recruiting/staffing firms but haven’t been thrilled with the results, vCandidates is launching a subscription-based platform in December connecting recruiters with candidates.

Becoming a visual, vetted and verified candidate you will experience a streamlined career search process. vCandidates provides a platform to showcase skills and personality while managing interest, interviews and offers within one dashboard.

The company will foster open communication, candidate engagement and organization, with platform key features beyond the popular job boards. The candidate can present themselves in their own voice. This new recruiting tool will combine technology with the human touch, including vetted recruiters.

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY

Brenda Perry, Vice President Human Resources

Amkor Technology, in business for 50 years, is an innovative global semi-conductor processing company with headquarters in Tempe, AZ. Amkor is 30,000 employees strong across the globe and looking for innovative career seekers.

  • Recognized as a great place to work, with competitive compensation, very attractive benefits and a diverse work environment. The 401k match starts on day one.
  • Thrive on work-life balance for all employees. Amkor has very little employee turnover.
  • Award-winning Amkor Heath Happenings (AHH). Employees are encouraged to improve lifestyle choices by utilizing a fitness tracking device, which can offset medical premium costs.
  • Many, many open positions at all levels. Some positions are created for the right person with unique skills.
  • Current openings include: Wafer Services Director, Design Manager, Flip Chip Product Manager, Billing & Collections Specialist, Sr. Tax Accountant, Sr. Director FCBGA BU, Sr. Director Test Technology, Sr. Financial Analyst, Sr. Manager Internal Audit, Sr. Manager MEMS, Sr. Staff Engineers, Test Technician (internship) and Web Applications Intern.

Amkor Careers

NATIONAL GENERAL LENDER SERVICES

Erin Huffman – Senior Corporate Recruiter

National General Lender Services is a leading provider of mortgage and auto lender-placed protection solutions, insurance products and risk management services. National General serves mortgage lender, mortgage servicers and financial institutions of all sizes, all across the country.

  • Empowering professional environment where all team members are valued for their unique talents and contributions. Extensive internal growth opportunities.
  • Paid training and comprehensive benefits package including generous time off policy (including Black Friday)
  • Over 100 positions to fill from entry level to management, IT, account executive and claims.

National General Lender Careers

NESCO RESOURCE

Brendan Naper – Branch Manager

“We work for you.” Nesco began in 1956 as an engineering and design firm and has grown steadily over the decades into a national presence in staffing and employment. Serving a wide range of industries through a branch network and national recruiting centers.

  • Over 90 branch offices with national coverage
  • Ranked as one of the fastest growing US staffing firms.
  • Hot openings:
    o Claims Supervisor
    o Skilled Trades Recruiter
    o Customer Service Supervisor
    o Accounting Clerk – Tempe
    o Virtual Recruiter
    o CNC Operators – Gilbert
    o Maintenance Technicians
    o Tool & Die repair

NESCO Careers

CLOSING

Our next event is Thursday, October 4th at Grand Canyon University when Career Connectors Founder and CEO Jessica Pierce will lead a panel discussion: Boost Your Career Reach by Connecting with Staffing Firms. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for the panel when registering for the event.
Check the Career Connectors website for the topic and location of each week’s meeting and other resources for job seekers.
Thank you to our premier and corporate partners for their continuing support. A special thank you as well to our host facility, Central Christian Church and all of the Career Connectors volunteers.

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. -Henry Ford

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Amkor, National General, Your Why, vCandidates, NESCO Resource

08/09/18 – From Transition to Triumph!: Mentally Regrouping in the Midst of Career Change

August 15, 2018 by Diane Forner

Written by: Connie Huber, PHR SHRM-CP

Keynote

From Transition to Triumph! Mentally Regrouping in the Midst of Career Change
Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins

As we conduct our search to find our next opportunity, we will experience a roller-coaster of emotions. One day we will be coasting and have a “can do”/positive attitude and find our positive mindset results in good things coming our way. The following day we may be spiraling downward and filled with guilt and depression. No longer are we rewarded with the riches of success, but have few if any.

We may have an awesome resume, an “All Star” rating on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, but our mental attitude needs to be a positive one to be a success. As we shift to a positive mindset, our confidence level rises. Being confident is knowing what you’re good at, the value you provide, and acting in a way that conveys that to others. Bridgett enthusiastically shared her road to success in reframing your mental outlook.

  1. Make a statement of your worth, __AND__, BUT THEREFORE. An example is the following:
    STATEMENT OF WORTH
    “It’s hot outside and it is important to stay hydrated in this kind of weather.”
    __AND__
    “But conveniently getting a quality beverage made from the freshest of ingredients can be a challenge.”
    BUT
    “Therefore, I operate a lemonade stand that offers a refreshing homemade beverage with great service and a smile!”
    THEREFORE
  2. Get comfortable with displaying awesomeness! It is difficult for many of us to openly share how great we are to those who need to know. Don’t be shy in communicating your achievements and what a great professional you are. If you fail to do so, many will not know just how awesome you are.
  3. Do something that excites or scares you. Get out of your rut and tackle new endeavors! Ideas are returning to school, starting a blog, collaborating with someone on a project, selling a service or starting a business.
  4. Get MORE uncomfortable. Keep pushing yourself to try new things.
  5. Be ready with a response. You will be asked time and time again why you left your former employer. Think about what you are going to say to someone who asks this question. “The company closed its office/made some changes/did some reorganizing. I am actively looking and networking but am not ready to talk about my search at length. I appreciate your concern and will be sure to keep you updated.”
  6. Mark the past. Find a way to let go of your past. Look at the pros of what you encountered with your previous employer. If necessary, have a ritual of letting go of the past. Cortez burned his own ship! Letting go prevents you from being stuck.
  7. Respect the past (position, company, etc.). Friends, family or potential employers do not want to hear about your terrible experience with your former employer. The more you engage in the negative the longer you hold on to your past and ill feelings.
  8. Avoid burning bridges. You may want to march into your former boss’s office and give him/her a piece of your mind, but don’t do it. You never know who your former boss knows or those organizations that may share contacts that might open doors for you.
  9. Burn some bridges. Get rid of the negative mojo in your life. Take a moment and make 2 lists. 1. Who are the people, things, ideas you need to keep. 2. Those you need to toss.
  10. Use power words, not wimpy words. Remember power words are way more impactful than wimpy ones. A powerful vocabulary makes your awesomeness sparkle. Examples include establishing the stronger statement such as “I can do that” versus “I might be able to do that”; or “Let’s review this challenge;” instead of “Let’s review this problem.”
  11. Give great eye contact. Pretend there is an inverted triangle between the eyes of the person you are talking with. Focus your attention on their eyes first the left then the right. Avoid looking away from the individual.
  12. Avoid giving reasons for actions or decisions.
  13. Respond to criticism only when/if necessary.
  14. Don’t just talk about it; be about it. Demonstrate the commitment of your thoughts by showing action. Things do not have to be perfect before taking action.
  15. Make others feeling incredibly important. They should feel as though they are a VIP.

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” – Napoleon Hill

HIRING COMPANIES

vCandidates
LT Ladino, CEO/CMO, Founder
vCandidates is a three-pronged solution for the staffing marketplace. The company’s focus is to buildup small to medium recruiting and staffing firms while giving candidates the ability to create the best presentation of themselves. The recruitment tools used expedite the search, screening and presentation process eliminating the use of costly job search boards. vCandidates is not another database but a marketplace of pre-screened candidates by the organization’s recruiting and HR team members. The company is a true subscription-based career ecosystem for candidates and active recruiting professionals. The cost for the service is $50 to sign up and $25 per month. For more information go to here.

Amazon
Elia Gal, TSC Solutions Team Lead

Amazon’s work environment has employees handling many sizes of packages, requires comfortable shoes, emphasizes safety, and earns the trust of customers by making promises and keeping them. Jobs allow employees to move around and feel comfortable while working in relaxed clothing. Employees must be able to lift up to 45 pounds, stand/walk for 4-10 hours a day and may be asked to drive powered industrial trucks. Benefits begin day one for full time employees and include medical, time off options, extra time opportunities and multiple shift options. It is important to know most of the available jobs are part time and focus in fulfilling the customer promise by moving small to medium packages, lifting, bending and standing for long period of times. Shifts are varied and can be 4-day work weeks, full or part time, and day or night; 5-day work weeks, full or part time, day or night; or flexible work week, days and night, part time. Current job postings can be found here, or you can begin the hiring process by texting PHXNOW.

Equality Health
Blanca Sandoval, Director of People and Culture

Equality Health is an Arizona based integrated, holistic healthcare delivery system focused on improving care delivery for under-served populations with culturally-sensitive programs that improve access, quality and patient trust. Through an integrated technology and services platform, a culturally competent network and a unique cultural care model, Equality Health helps managed care plans and health systems improve care for diverse populations while simultaneously making the transition to risk-based accountability. The company’s mission is to see health disparities disappear and working relentlessly to do its part.
Benefits include a variety of health plans and supporting programs as well as paid time off. Offerings include multiple PPO and high deductible medical plans, dental, vision, wellness incentives, employee assistance program, 15 paid days off in year one and paid leave benefits. Current opportunities include senior software developer, senior MySQL developer, credentialing specialist, production development specialist, behavioral health counselor, development operations analyst, physician, pain specialist, quality assurance analyst, call center representative, director, clinical quality improvement, behavioral health, medical assistant, network data coordinator, and business analyst. If interested, please visit Equality Health.

Allstate
Steve Morin, Senior Sourcing Consultant

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 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 in Tempe Regional Office include IT, 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

Grand Canyon University
Kyle Richardson, University Counselor
In today’s job market, 58% of all new jobs are in STEM. Computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the United States. To help you get the necessary skills to compete in this job market, GCU is now pleased to be offering Immersive Java Boot Camp. The camp includes more than 600 hours of project-based collaborative instruction, accelerated path to employment, competitive pricing for an on-site experience, and transferrable college credits.

CLOSING

Kristy Bach, Board of Directors, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking Grand Canyon University and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, August 16, 2018 and features Sean O’Neil, as speaker for the topic “Be Unforgettable.” For additional information on this event and future events, please visit the Event Schedule.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Equality Health, Amazon, vCandidates, Grand Canyon University, Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins, Allstate

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Navigating the world of career transition can be an overwhelming experience.  In addition to the mechanics of transition (updated resume, career search strategies), there is the deeper need to connect to people who are in the same situation as you are.   For me, all of this was answered by Career Connectors!  Had it not been for this organization, I might still be sitting in my house, wondering what to do next!  At just one Career Connectors meeting you can be inspired by great speakers, … Read more
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I took advantage of Career Connectors when I found myself unexpectedly out of work and back in AZ.  The ease in using their website to locate meetings and identify subject matter at their weekly meetings kept me informed and engaged.  Their meetings are interesting and provide relevant and useful information toward getting into the right job.  They say that a network event is what you make of it … with Career Connectors they create the events and provide the resources you need to land your next … Read more
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I own a Leadership Company, and have enjoyed attending the Career Connector events. With gratitude I listen to the speakers you line up… they offer phenominal and practical information. What has struck me each time has been the audience. My heart hurts for them. They are in a desperate place in their lives. I have had the opportunity speak with a few of the people in attendance, and they have shared their stories… I walk away thankful to God for the opportunity to meet these people and they … Read more
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