Written by: Connie Huber PHR SHRM-CP

As job seekers we want to know, “when will I find a job”? Wouldn’t it be great to look at a crystal ball and find out we will find a job two weeks from today? Unfortunately, we cannot rely on a crystal ball, psychic or tarot cards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the data for August 2019 indicates the average duration of unemployment was 22.1 weeks; 20.6% of the unemployed were out of work for 27 weeks or longer. Randstad commissioned a survey of 2000 Americans in 2018 and found that it took respondents an average of five months to find a job. Glassdoor reports an average time frame, 23.8 days, from interview to job offer. As a reminder, there are many variables that impact the length of time it takes to find work. Estimates do not really apply when applied to any one individual and his/her situation.
Keynote: Dave Sherman, Trainer, Speaker and Best-Selling Author
All of us would love to know how to make the job search process move faster and resolve any uncertainty about future employment. Dave’s enthusiasm and passion offered us some ways to secure the perfect job faster.
TIP #1: EMBRACE YOUR DECISION
While your mind may be racing on things you should be doing in your job search, it is best to embrace your decision. You may be considering a job in IT but you really want to get into AI development. Dave encouraged us to focus on a single decision, not several. Doing so scatters your energies.
Be sure to tell as many folks as possible that you are looking for a job! Avoid … indecision, explanations, validation and negativity. Negative people will darken you and your efforts. Be sure to avoid them at all costs.
TIP #2: PERUSE THE JOB BOARD
There are many job boards available. Broaden your search by visiting those sites that have the position you are attempting to secure. Dave reminded us that you need to identify those positions you want and don’t want. Dave is a fan of LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter. Apply to those jobs that are interesting, challenging, rewarding and fun.
TIP #3: START MEETING MORE PEOPLE
As Dave noted previously, the more people who know you are looking for a job the closer you are in finding the next career opportunity.
Places to go to meet other professionals are chambers, associations, business groups, networking groups, and career transition groups. Avoid telling people you are looking for a job! Instead tell them you are in career transition.
Suggestions for attending networking events are showing up early, bringing business cards and asking for help.
TIP #4: WHEN ATTENDING EVENTS, LET GO OF THE OUTCOME!
Focus your efforts on finding connections. Do not expect to find a job.
When meeting new connections, you need to establish commonality and likeability.
In establishing likeability, strive to be interested not interesting. People will connect with someone who offers a smile; has a good personality and sense of humor. Studies have shown that 60% see a person’s smile when first meeting someone new. Common threads for commonality are hometown, hobbies, school and favorites.
TIP #5: FOUR MOST IMPORTANT WORDS
WHO DO YOU KNOW? Unfortunately, you are not capable to find a job relying on your own resources. A successful professional knows that the larger your network is the closer you are to finding your next opportunity.
As I gaze into my crystal ball, it clearly says……. “The perfect job is in your immediate future”!
HIRING COMPANIES
LIVEOPS
SHEREE BUTTERFIELD, CORPORATE RECRUITER
Liveops is a leader in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) of virtual contact center solutions that maximizes every sale, support, and social customer interaction to ultimately drive brand loyalty. Liveops has led the industry in flex agent service for more than 19 years. The company supports a wide range of industries including healthcare and human services, insurance, retail, telecom, finance, direct response, roadside assistance and travel & hospitality. LiveOps culture, benefits, and work rewards are positive and diverse.
A sampling of current positions are facilitators, instructional designers; client results directors & managers, agent results advocates; BI analysts, BA analysts, and QA analyst; workforce planning; finance; human resources; and sales & marketing. If interested, go to website.
VIXXO
HEATHER KITSKO, TALENT ACQUISITION MANAGER
Vixxo is a technology driven asset management and facilities maintenance. The company services over 1.1 million revenue generating assets in the restaurant, retail, convenience store and grocery industries with a network of 150,000 service provider partners. Vixxo serves brands such as Starbucks, Target and 7-Eleven.
Open positions include equipment technician, service coordinator, systems analyst, technical solution architect. For more details visit Vixxo website.
ACCOLADE
JAMIE CANFIELD, LEAD HEALTH ASSISTANT/LEARNING SPECIALIST
Accolade is a personalized health and benefits solutions that dramatically improves the experience, outcomes and cost of healthcare for employers, health plans and their members. At the heart of Accolade is a team of health assistants, registered nurses, and clinical experts with the right blend of educational, professional and life experience to provide unique and highly personalized services. Accolade’s cultural cornerstones are empathy, teamwork, innovation and commitment.
Accolade has offices around the globe and has 1,000+ employees. The company serves nearly 1.5 million members from employer and health plan customers to supporting companies with large employee populations. Featured positions are health assistant (clinical navigator) and clinical health assistant (registered nurse). Additional information can be found at www.accolade.com/careers.
RESOURCES
GREATER PHOENIX CHAMBER FOUNDATION
BRITTANY HOLMES, FINANCIAL SERVICES, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Phoenix has the 6th largest finance and insurance cluster in the US. Business and finance jobs are projected to grow 16.8% over the next 10 years. Roles within financial services are high growth, high-wage, and in high demand.
In response to the need, Maricopa Corporate College is offering financial industry training. Students prepare to take the (SIE) Exam. They also get resume and interview help. The next class is October 21, 2019 at Rio Salado Northern. Funding is available through Arizona at Work and Arizona Career Pathways. For additional details, contact Brittany Holmes.
CLOSING
Jessica Pierce, CEO/Founder, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking Highlands Church & the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Gilbert on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 & features Jessica Pierce, as speaker for the topic “The Networking Brief: Increase Your Influence.” For additional information on this event & future events, please visit the Event Schedule.