Phoenix Jobing Community Blogs

Picture this...

You are in a nice restaurant for lunch.  You're meeting someone for the first time and you want to make a very good first impression. After scanning the menu you find something that looks delicious and which you know won't make a mess when you are eating. 

After all, you do want to impress the person, don't you?

Your lunch parter orders his/her lunch and you both settle back and start talking.

The waitperson brings over a breadbasket and sets it on the table.  There's an incredible variety of breads and rolls, and they all look absolutely delicious.  Within seconds, the fragrance of fresh bread engulfs your table and you can feel your mouth start watering.

Mmmmm, you hardly wait for the first bite.

But, again, you want to make that important first impression a positive one, so you don't grab the basket and take the best for yourself.

What happens next shocks you and makes you really wish that you had done just that!

Your lunch partner picks up the basket, but instead of offering it to you, proceeds to pick through the different rolls and buns, picking up several, turning them over and even taking a quick sniff of a few. The rejects are placed back in the basket

I bet you think this couldn't possibly happen, don't you?

Well, guess what?  It happended to me last week. I immediately lost my appetite. Both for the bread and for working with the person.

Be sure that you don't make any similar mistakes when you are meeting with a prospective employer.  Because, like me, they may lose their appetite for working with you.

Sylva

Sylva Leduc, MEd, MPEC
Executive Coach & Leadership Strategist

Coauthor, Roadmap to Success
Get your free copy at
www.SageLeaders.com

 

 

The other night I went to hike Piestewa Peak- Wow I forgot how popular it is on a beautiful cool night in Phoenix. I drove through 4 parking lots and was about to give up- but I SCORED and found a spot.

As I was locking up my car I noticed two things…there were  7 cars waiting for a spot...and 2 men standing there talking, leaning against 2 cars…that’s 2 parking spots. I asked,

“‘Did you guys just get done hiking?"   The reply was "Yes”.  I replied “Did you notice there are 7 cars waiting for a spot?”

Now maybe the conversation was important or serious, but by the way one guy casually looked at me, glanced at the row of cars, shrugged and grinned as he replied “Well there are other parking lots”- I’m guessing it was chit chat.

Ok the point...As I was hiking up the mountain I had an AHA moment!  We are facing tough economic times and in these times people tend to have different attitudes. The guy in the parking lot appeared to have the attitude of “SO- I’m fine why I should care about others”

Or...We can have the view that "We are all in this together."  We as a society are interdependent on each other.

I work for a talent management company in the career transition side of the business.  Every day I work with people who have lost their jobs and are looking for their next position.

I am happy, proud, delighted (you get the idea) to say that I see the attitude of “We are all in this together “99.9 percent of the time.

What is so awesome about this is while you are giving you also get. Research has shown that if you are feeling down a sure fire way to uplift your mood is to help others.  I teach Networking classes and one of the first and most important tips is to go into networking with the goal of helping others.

This attitude of giving and collaboration has produced great results for the individuals I work with that are looking for the next position. They have taught each other about websites, shared their expertise, been a great resource for connections, found great networking groups, share Job leads, and are an excellent source of motivation.

 You know what they say in Networking- You never know who knows who.   

I also believe in Karma or in what you give comes back to you tenfold!  And remember doing good makes you feel good.  After all we are all in this together.

 

Wednesday, November 11, 2009... it's a holiday. It may a day that you'll go to class or work; it may be a day you'll do some shopping or go to the gym or play some golf...or you may catch up on some yard work.

But more importantly, it's a day that I hope you will take time out to commemorate Veterans Day 2009 ... by going to a local community parade; or by flying the American flag proudly; or by attending a commemorative service...or simply saying "Thank You for Your Service" to each veteran that you may know or meet. Joanna Fuchs wrote a poem that is on point:

Take A Moment To Thank A Veteran

When you see someone in a uniform

Someone who serves us all,

Doing Military duty,

Answering their country's call,

Take a moment to thank them

For protecting what you hold dear;

Tell them you are proud of them;

Make it very clear.

Just tap them on the shoulder,

Give them a smile, and say,

"Thanks for what you're doing;

To keep us safe in the USA!"

Jobing.com is proud to be partners with / supporters of various Veteran organizations. Over the past year I have had the privilege of meeting and working with so many active, retired, reservist and national guard members throughout the state. I would like to invite you to take a few minutes to view three of the videos that we have done over the past year that capture 2 eras of conflict as well as a new program established in 2009 by a U.S. Army veteran to connect veterans and the business community. I feel the videos will reinforce why November 11, 2009 is so very important to us this year.

Salute A Soldier (Supporting Veterans with Injuries as They Transition Back into the Arizona Workforce) - an emotional story as told through the eyes of a mother, Kathy Pearce from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense - an Advocate for severely injured soldiers - who is an East Valley resident and who is also the mother of a soldier, Staff Sergeant Brent Bretz, who was severely injured in Iraq. The link to this powerful video is:

http://phoenix.jobing.com/video_details.asp?segment=24063&i=45887

Vietnam Veterans of America - Chapter 1011 - This video was shot at the beautiful Vietnam Memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix a few months ago. The national VVA has over 50,000 individual members - there are several Chapters in Arizona - the video highlights Chapter 1011 based in Mesa. I encourage all Vietnam era veterans to consider joining the VVA...they are truly making a difference in every community in Arizona that they have a presence. The link to the video is:

http://phoenix.jobing.com/video_details.asp?segment=29400&i=124858

Honor Our Troops (H.O.T.) USA - Honor Our Troops USA was formed in 2009 as an initiative to connect businesses that want to honor veterans for their service. Since its inception, H.O.T. has received much interest from other states as well...and it is hoped to be a national program eventually. If you are business...get involved! If you are a veteran...contact H.O.T. for more info! The link to the video is:

http://phoenix.jobing.com/video_details.asp?segment=29404&i=124859

(All three videos can also be viewed on the Jobing.com website - just click on Videos and type in the key words in the Search block.)

Please enjoy this very special Wednesday - November 11th ... and be sure and thank each and every veteran for their service and sacrifice for this great country.

The Internet is a wonderful thing. You can learn of job opportunities on Twitter or build a job-hunting information dashboard, and of course you can follow your favorite Jobing.com blogger or search for jobs at Jobing.com or (if you’re a graduate of Arizona State University) the Sun Devil Career Network. However, when it comes to actually securing a job offer, you will have to leave your house. And meet people.

Face to face contact in the job search is more than just a good idea—it’s essential!

The ASU Alumni Association is hosting three career-oriented mixers within the next month that you’ll want to put on your networking calendar.

Nov. 18: Maroon and Gold Professional Network Mixer, 5:30-7 p.m., at aloft Tempe hotel, 951 E. Playa Del Norte Drive. Join Sun Devil professionals of all ages for a fun evening of conversation, complimentary appetizers, and a cash bar with happy hour pricing on drinks.

Cost: $10 for dues-paying members of the ASU Alumni Association, $20 for non-members. RSVP today

 

Nov. 19: Go Green/Live Green series conclusion, 8-9:30 a.m., at the ASU Art Museum, 51 E. 10^th Street, Tempe. Join the Alumni Association and experts from the university’s School of Sustainability as they discuss issues related to sustainability and community development. Meet other Sun Devils interested in sustainability and learn about trends impacting this area.

Cost: $20 for dues-paying members of the ASU Alumni Association, $25 for non-members. RSVP Today

 

Dec. 1: Women in Business “Wine and Networking” Mixer, 5:30-7 p.m., at La Bocca, Pizzeria & Wine Bar, 699 S. Mill, Tempe. Join other talented Sun Devil women as they connect and inspire each other.

Cost: FREE to dues-paying members of the ASU Alumni Association, $10 for non-members.
RSVP Today

 

All three events should be well attended and enjoyable. Bring your business cards and get ready to meet and greet!

Want to save on entry to mixers? Join the Alumni Association today!

 

There is a natural tendency to avoid asking questions when you are uncertain as to what the answers will be. As a result, managers often avoid asking questions. Instead, they just tell the employees the answers they really want to hear. It may seem like you are giving up control when you ask an open-ended question that engages the employee. But, it doesn't have to be a scary proposition. One way to encourage dialogue while still guiding the direction of the conversation is to use sideboards to frame the question.

Frame the question with sideboards.

Sideboards are the parameters that frame an issue. They are the "givens." Sideboards are the assumptions you have already made that are non-negotiable. In most situations, there is background information that must be considered before a conversation can progress. Those are the sideboards. Usually there are limitations (time, money, resources, etc.) that must be noted when you are exploring options. Those are the sideboards.

The challenge is to state the sideboards clearly before asking a question that involves the employee in finding the solution. Here are some examples of sideboards in action:

Given our current budget situation...which of our projects is the highest priority?

Assuming we will meet our end of the year objectives, what additional tasks should we pursue?

Knowing that our relationship with this client is tenuous, what options do we have for satisfying this order?

Given the restrictions placed upon us in the regulations, what alternatives should be considered?

As a manager, you can establish parameters that will help employees find workable, effective, and successful solutions to issues and challenges. Think about the sideboards.

 You can also reply to this blog with your comments, send me an email, or visit me online at www.managementeducationgroup.com. I'd love to hear from you!

On Monday, November 23, we will be sponsoring Mock Interview Day from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.   This program brings employers to our site once a semester to offer students experience with the interviewing process through mock interviews.  The goal of the program is to provide students with an opportunity to sharpen their interview skills and gain confidence in an interview situation allowing one-on-one interaction with employers. 

We hope to have five to ten employers that will agree to conduct 30 minute interviews with approximately 20 students.  Students will sign up for 2 mock interviews with the company of their choice; the interviews usually last 30 minutes.  The suggested format for the interviews is 15 minutes of questions and 15 minutes of review and feedback.  Company overviews will be presented at 9:00 a.m. and interviews will be conducted between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.   If you are unable to participate the entire session, please provide the times in which you or your participating representatives are available.

Life Development Institute thanks those past employers who have worked with us to provide this educational program to our students.  Just a few past employer participants include GE Capital, Wells Fargo, Arizona State University, TOSCO, and American Express. 

If your company is interested in participating in this program or have questions, please contact (623) 773-2774, Ext. 214.  I hope you will consider participating in Mock Interview Day.  We appreciate your role in enhancing our students’ career skills. 

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative presents the following Blog
by our "Guest Blogger"

Mr.George Thorne, Director of Government Partnerships with Jobing.com, and a member of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging

Employers and Mature Workers - Tapping an Untapped Resource
by Mr. George Thorne

Often one of the more difficult things to do is to write objectively about something that you’ve been heavily involved in over the past couple of years without it sounding self-serving…but I’ll try.

Jobing.com has been honored to be part of the Mature Workforce Committee of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging– and in particular, the statewide Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative and the design and implementation of the www.azmatureworkers.com website.

Arizona is a melting pot of mature workers each of who have extensive work experience – ranging from blue collar to professional / executive level occupations. Many have retired in Arizona but desire to continue to work or contribute to the workforce in some manner; some have recently been laid off or downsized and want to return to the workforce as soon as possible – in the same or in a transitional field. This is truly an untapped resource / workforce opportunity that the business community needs to tap into! And conversely, it is an asset that the mature worker job seeker has to stress in their search for employment.

This generation of mature workers have left, or are about to leave the workforce, and they have / will be taking with them years and years of expertise and unique work ethic and leadership that will be hard to replace / duplicate. It is imperative that businesses recognize this and reach out to those that want to continue working / contributing. Many are not concerned with the level of pay or benefits- they simply want to continue working. Many of these mature workers owned and/or managed companies in the same or similar industry as yours – and can bring a high level of leadership / vision for your company future.

The Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative provides a venue for both the job seeker and Arizona businesses to connect. Mature worker Job seekers can post their Resume (at no cost) on the Arizona Mature Worker Website and Employers can post their respective open positions on the site as well – at no cost. Additionally, those employers that are certified as a Mature Worker Friendly Certified Employer have the opportunity to share that information, in their job posting, with visitors to the website. I invite every mature worker who desires to return to the workforce – and every employer who wants to get involved and who has openings to visit the www.azmatureworkers.com website.

Finally, a few personal recommendations:

• Eliminate self-imposed barriers (I’m too old; they’ll think I’m over qualified; they’ll think they can’t afford me; etc, etc) – replace these excuses with I have a lot to bring to the table; this company can use my expertise / talents; I have the strengths and leadership to make a difference; etc, etc!!
• Network! Attend several networking meetings –find one that compliments your occupational interests - a few to consider include: Southwest Job Network, AZNETPA, Networking for Professionals. Attend Chamber of Commerce breakfasts / luncheons or social / mixers…it’s where the owners / decision makers go.

We invite you to visit the Arizona Mature Worker Website, hosted by Jobing.com, at www.azmatureworkers.com Check it out today!

Welcome back!  As my previous blog entry stated, coaching is all about helping people successfully move upwards through change in order to reach their goals.  We’re never going to escape “change” in our lives, so figuring out how to use it to your advantage is extremely valuable.   

All of us have tried self-change at some point, and probably most of us have failed once or twice.  Remember those New Year’s resolutions?  Remember your last infamous attempt to lose weight?  Well, you know already that lasting change is rarely accomplished through your first attempt.  People need to persevere over time with deliberate intent - ideally with the support of a professional coach.   

The six-stage program for “…overcoming bad habits and moving your life positively forward,” developed through extensive research by James O. Prochaska, et al, is a model of intentional change. It can be applied toward pinpointing and working to achieve a variety of positive behavioral changes in areas such as:  procrastination, poor interpersonal communication, projected negativity, lack of personal accountability, and other behavioral blocks preventing people from achieving more success and satisfaction in their lives.     

My previous blog post covered the first two "Stages of Change" identified by Prochaska in his book “Changing for Good:” Pre-contemplation, where you may not even be thinking about climbing the first rung of the change ladder at all, perhaps resisting and/or opting not to change; Contemplation, where you are facing the idea of a desirable change in your life, and seriously considering how to tackle it.

Now, Stages 3 and 4 are where YOU REALLY GET TO WORK at making your desired changes happen:

TTM Stage 3:  PREPARATION – Putting your ducks in order, so to speak.  Depending on your style, you may go about this quickly, without much thought (risking a premature end to your change process), or you may gather tons of information and research to bolster your efforts (risking becoming stuck in “getting ready to get ready”).  Either extreme poses dangers of falling off the change ladder. 

Here are some tactics that will help you prepare for the challenges ahead:

• Where are you stuck now?  Consider where you go, what you do, and who your supporters are when you are engaged in the habit you want to change.  How does each component contribute to KEEPING you from changing to how you want to behave in the future?  What do you need to do and WILL YOU alter these components (places, people, circumstances, timing, etc.) that contribute to reinforcing an undesirable habit?  For example, the weekly dinner with good friends that usually knocks your weight loss efforts off-track.  How do you benefit through this?  How can you alter its power over your actions and still keep the valuable parts?  
• Who will you be when you’ve CHANGED?  Look at yourself in the future, as the person who practices the habits you really want to have.  How does that person (you) live a more personally satisfying life?  What does that person (you) feel about themselves?  Write it down, and keep those words where you can read them frequently, add to them, and build on them for your successful preparation to take sustainable action.  For example, my husband used to say to himself frequently throughout the day, during his 9 th attempt to stop smoking:  “I AM NOT A SMOKER!”  He would look in the rearview mirror of his car as he drove around in his sales job and announce this to himself: “I AM NOT A SMOKER!”  I’m proud to say that today (many years later), he’s NOT a smoker.

TTM Stage 4:  ACTION – As you well know, change doesn’t happen unless ACTION precedes it.  However, in Prochaska’s research we find a major key to the success of YOU taking action for change:  you must value the PROS of change over the CONS before the action you take will be worth it.  In other words, you have to see what’s in it for YOU, and that has to count for MUCH more than what you’re leaving behind.  This may be exactly where the open manhole unexpectedly appears, and many would-be self-changers, rushing forward, fall into it.   

Make a list of what your BENEFITS will be in making a change, and what a separate list of what you’re going to LOSE.  Which list outweighs the other? Evaluate whether you’re ready to take action now, and if you’re not, just take one step back. 

If the BENEFITS win, proceed with ACTION and use these tips for support: 

Continually refocus your energies, diverting your attention from what you want to STOP doing, and countering with what will LEAD YOU AWAY.  Many people find that a focused exercise program helps redirect them and generates positive energy for self-change.  For example, I know someone who wanted to stop the perpetually negative arguments with her teen daughter after school.  My friend started an exercise class at that time, and substituted productive, healthy action for destructive arguments – going back home with a healthier viewpoint.  

Continually assert your right to CHANGE to yourself and others!  Recognize external and internal pressures that materialize daily to derail your change efforts, and practice your POWER to counter them.  You have the RIGHT to change – the right to choose.  Enlist support from every front, including a life coach (this is important, and you knew it was coming!) who will support you in reaching your goals.  

Successful change takes continual focus and practice, but habits can be replaced with other habits – the ones you WANT to own. 

Please look for my next post which will explore the two last components of Prochaska’s change process, namely Stages 5 and 6:  Maintenance and Recycling.  Until then, focus on the above stages in earnest to make progress in your desired life changes.        

_________________________________________________________________________

 

- Certified Creative Life and Talent Management Coach (International Coach Federation) and a member of the Phoenix Chapter of the ICF in Arizona. Find her at People Powered Solutions LLC (www.pplpowered.com), and www.LinkedIn.com. 

Copyright (c) 2009 People Powered Solutions LLC

 

Are you at the threshold of changing your self-direction?  Then it is an ideal time to have a conversation with a professionally certified coach to help you clarify your focus on the change you want to make.  Find us in the International Coach Federation listings at http://www.icfphoenix.com and call to get started up the change ladder.

Author Gayla Doucet

The Arizona, Las Vegas and Hawaii Industrial Liaison Group's are privileged to host the 28th Annual ILG National Conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV August 3-6, 2010 at the beautiful new Red Rock Resort.

Theme for the 2020 national conference is "United in Equality...Believe it. Achieve it."

Register now@ http://www.ilgnvegas2010.com

Jobing.com is proud to be a member of the Arizona Affirmative Action Association (Quad A) Board of Directors, serve as Co-Chair of the Marketing & Communications Committee on the National ILG Conference Planning Board...and a contributing sponsor as well.

Other sponsors to date include: IBM, Direct Employers, US Foodservice, American Express, Apollo Group, Bank of Nevada, Great Impact!, JAG Specialties LLC, U.S. Department of Labor, OFCCP, Shamrock Foods, and U.S. EEO Commission. Want to be a sponsor? ... go to www.ilgnvegas2010.com

If you are a Federal Contractor, in human resources, investigate / process/ evaluate affirmative action plans, compliance issues, discrimination complaints, etc...this is a MUST conference for you!

For additional information and/or to register for the conference and/or accommodations at the host hotel (Red Rock Resort), I invite you to visit the respective websites:

Arizona Quad A - http://www.azquada.org

National ILG - http://www.nationalilg.org

National ILG 2010 Conference website - http://ilgnvegas2010.com

Red Rock Resort - www.redrocklasvegas.com

...or just contact me at george.thorne@jobing.com !

Don't procrastinate! Register Now! Take advantage of the Early Bird Discount!

See you all there!!

 

 

 

If you are planning on attending the upcoming Healthcare Job Fair, coming prepared with realistic expectations of the event and a well thought out strategy will be your key to success. 

Start by doing research on the companies you are interested in.  This is a healthcare specific event and these companies are primarily hiring for nurses and technicians, so it’s important to take into consideration the types of jobs that will be represented at the event.  Several companies are hiring for non-healthcare jobs at this event, see the list below.

If you are looking for something outside of the healthcare industry, such as an IT position, understand that the recruiter who handles that position may not be at the event.  In doing your research, note any additional questions you have for the recruiters that couldn’t be answered by websites or job postings and use that information in your conversations at the job fair.

 

Here is a current list of positions that will be at the event:

Alarys Home Health - Home Health Nursing, Home Health Therapists, Home Health Aides
Apollo College - Various positions
Banner Health - Physical Therapists, Registered Nurse, Clinical Documentation Specialist RN
Cancer Treatment Centers of America - RNs, Therapists, Technologists, Administration, Other Medical
Concentric Healthcare - ICU Nurses, Pharmacists, Therapist
Devereux Arizona - Parent Educator (bilingual), Direct Care, Foster Care, Therapeutic Home
Express Scripts - Pharmacist, Pharmacist Technicians, Pharmacy Management
John C. Lincoln - Experienced RN's, Senior-level managers in Healthcare, Other Healthcare jobs
Kaplan College - Allied Health Instructors: Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician and Respiratory Therapy
Lamson College - Admissions Rep, Instructor, Call Center Rep
Magellan Health Services - Behavioral Health, LPN/RN Initial Clinical Review (Radiology Authorization), Customer Service Rep
Mayo Clinic - Housekeepers, Medical Equipment Tech, Registered Nurses
MDS Pharma Services - Administrative, Nursing, Quality Control, Study Participants
OfficeTeam Healthcare Group - Medical Billing, Patient Registration/Admissions/Enrollment, Front Desk/Medical Receptionist
Scottsdale Healthcare - Adult and Pediatric ICU RN’s, Occupational Therapy, RN Case Management
Select Specialty Hospital - Registered Nurses, Physical Therapy Assistant, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Sonora Quest - Phlebotomist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Bilingual Customer Service Rep
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center - Therapy, Finance, Nursing, Respiratory
Touchstone Behavioral Health - Behavioral Therapists, Case Managers, Direct Services
TriWest Healthcare Alliance - Multimedia Developer, Provider Education Developer, Web Developer Sr.
University of Phoenix - Counselors, Office & Healthcare Professional

 

One of the undying truths of the job search process is that, when they have the choice, employers want to hire people they know, like and trust. The simple reason for this is that they are taking less of a risk on a new hire if they can feel certain of the candidate’s credentials, work ethic and expertise.

 

Arizona State University graduates can connect with employers who appreciate the “trust” factor that an ASU degree provides through the Sun Devil Career Network, an ASU-centric job portal powered by Jobing.com. Many positions are posted exclusively to the portal.

 

Here are the week’s top jobs:

 

Math Interventionist (Education)

Communications Integration Manager

Psychiatric RN

HR Manager – City Department

Visitors to the portal can post their resume to the site, and employers can post jobs online at the site, as well, tapping into ASU’s talent pool for very reasonable prices.

 

You never know what you’ll find until you visit http://asu.jobing.com!

 

 

(This post is based on some of the principles included in my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough which I wrote with San Diego-based executive coach, Duncan Mathison. For a free sample chapter, visit the book's official site: www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com )

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ll know that I’ve been writing about networking a lot lately. Or at least it seems like it. Networking, networking, networking. Maybe it’s me but don’t you think that when you say it out loud enough, it begins to sound like earwax? Okay…it’s probably just me.

Networking doesn’t have much appeal, does it? It doesn’t sound nearly as much fun as going to your local Applebee’s with some friends for a beer and some wings. Now there’s a problem with even that Applebee’s scenario. Based on the emails I’ve been getting, a lot of you are feeling that you don’t have too many friends either. And the ones you do have are getting, like, really tired of hearing you talk about your struggles to land a job. And you’re getting really tired of talking about it too. In fact, you’d just wish they’d change the subject.

I don’t think my readers are social losers. (At least I hope not, but, then again, what are you doing reading this blog post when it’s such a pretty day outside?) When you’ve been out of work for any amount o time, it’s easy to feel that you have run aground in the contacts department – especially in recent years when we’ve all been so busy taking care of our jobs and our families. We’ve let outside friendships perhaps atrophy. Maybe all your friends were work-related. And now that you’re out of work, you’re also fresh out of buddies. Or you’ve moved to a new town where you really, really don’t know anyone.

Whatever the reason for your feelings of isolation, you know you have to mix it up a little bit, well, a lot. Get some fresh meat, I mean talent, into your tight circles of relationships. Get out of the house. So I thought I’d offer some tips in that direction.

Remember that one thing leads to another. The thing about circulating is that your first dip into big world probably won’t net you a job. It’s a cumulative kind of thing. So leave that desperate, graspy, over-eager feeling at home when you head out the door. Just be open to meeting who you meet. Maybe tonight you’re destined to actually help someone else. And you’ll come home feeling just a little better about yourself.

Look for opportunities where you can become a regular. And no, I don’t mean the Applebee’s bar. When your face starts becoming familiar, you will emerge from invisibility to someone who people will be glad to see. Maybe they’ll even shout out your name, like, “Norm!” (But don’t count on it.) If you try a business mixer or worship service or volunteer opportunity, and people completely ignore you, keep going. Week after week. Introduce yourself as often as you can. And just let the cumulative effects of time work their wonders.

Stay away from solitary pursuits, even if they’re out of the house. Going to a matinee movie doesn’t count as “getting out there.” Go to local economic development or chamber of commerce meetings, receptions, mixers. Your local bookstore probably offers booksignings, author lectures or special classes. A friend of mine who is a professional coach is part of a team who gives courses at Whole Foods! Go! The home improvement stores offer free courses. Go! The American Red Cross offers courses in first aid, cpr, etc. Go!

Make job-related networking events only a small percentage of your out-of-the-house activities. First of all, you’re so much more than unemployed. And you need to nurture those other parts of who you are. At the very least, this way you’ll lead with an opener that’s so much more interesting than, “Hi, gotta job?” But most importantly is that your self-definition has a chance to stay strong and defined beyond this immediate need of landing a gig. You will also stand a better chance of meeting people other than fellow job-seekers. You know…people who already have jobs? And who would be thrilled to help you get inside their companies or organizations.

Learn something. Go to local college courses – especially the ones at night, when employed people go to school. You don’t have to matriculate and take on the expense of a formal semester. Continuing ed courses can be inexpensive. The teachers are often professionals in the community (hint: employed people!). It’s probably best if you took a course that would help you be more qualified for the kind of job you’re looking for. But even taking a non-job related course will at least remind you that there’s more to life than your daily bread (although, it’s kind of hard to make that argument right now, I know).

Teach something. Surely you know something that will benefit others. How to read, for adult literacy programs, for instance. If you have a profession or skill that’s useful in the for-profit world, surely you can introduce at least the basics to young people. Convene a panel of other experts and put on a program! (You’ll be able to find a venue. A friend of mine hosted the annual meeting of his professional association – on the premises of the company that had just laid him off. Awkward.)

Volunteer. Those same skills you can teach you can donate. It will make you feel good about being who you are and what you can do. That boost in self-esteem will give you the added confidence that will send out the signal that you’re a valuable contributor to the world.

Call old friends – even if they haven’t heard from you in a long time. This is where Facebook comes in handy. The other day I heard from a dear friend for the first time in about 8 years. We’d been looking for each other off and on over recent years but, thanks to Facebook, she found me first! And we talked on the phone for a full three hours. A lot of it was catching up. But, she was also very candid about the fact that she needed some professional advice from me. Did I see this as a cheesy ulterior motive? Heck no! First off all, I owed her a gigantic favor from 10 years ago (I mean, huge). Secondly, I love her and I know she loves me. So whatever I have is hers. (Advice, I mean.)

Ask for introductions. Unless you’re a bitter whiner who needs to blow your nose and brush your teeth (and, uhm, a little roll-on?), the friends you have should be happy to give you introductions you need to move your job search forward. If they’re reluctant to help you, find out why. Wouldn’t you want to know the truth, especially if it was something you could fix? And, if they’re possessive with or protective of their contacts to the point where they’re keeping you from helping yourself, or making you feel judged, it’s best that you should know that now. You might have just discovered a brand new opening in your group of friends to fill.

They say that once you achieve a certain age, it gets harder and harder to make new friends. Everyone is set in their habits, patterns, commuting routine, relationships. Well, one of the upshots of these economic times is that everyone is thrown higgledy-piggledy into a big pile of confusion and some flavor of disconnectedness. Now is a fantastic time to build new circles of friends and business contacts.

And vow to take better care of them in the future. Like, don’t wait 8 years before picking up the phone.

Are you thinking about attending the Jobing.com Healthcare Job Fair on Wednesday?  Here is a list of the companies that will be there and what positions they are hiring for.

Register for the event by Sunday and we will email you a copy of the show program Monday afternoon.  Show your printed registration form to the parking garage at Jefferson and 3rd Street and receive a discount!!!

 

Alarys Home Health - Home Health Nursing, Home Health Therapists, Home Health Aides
Apollo College - Various positions
Banner Health - Physical Therapists, Registered Nurse, Clinical Documentation Specialist RN
Cancer Treatment Centers of America - RNs, Therapists, Technologists, Administration, Other Medical
Concentric Healthcare - ICU Nurses, Pharmacists, Therapist
Devereux Arizona - Parent Educator (bilingual), Direct Care, Foster Care, Therapeutic Home
Express Scripts - Pharmacist, Pharmacist Technicians, Pharmacy Management
John C. Lincoln - Experienced RN's, Senior-level managers in Healthcare, Other Healthcare jobs
Kaplan College - Allied Health Instructors: Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician and Respiratory Therapy
Lamson College - Admissions Rep, Instructor, Call Center Rep
Magellan Health Services - Behavioral Health, LPN/RN Initial Clinical Review (Radiology Authorization), Customer Service Rep
Mayo Clinic - Housekeepers, Medical Equipment Tech, Registered Nurses
MDS Pharma Services - Administrative, Nursing, Quality Control, Study Participants
OfficeTeam Healthcare Group - Medical Billing, Patient Registration/Admissions/Enrollment, Front Desk/Medical Receptionist
Scottsdale Healthcare - Adult and Pediatric ICU RN’s, Occupational Therapy, RN Case Management
Select Specialty Hospital - Registered Nurses, Physical Therapy Assistant, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Sonora Quest - Phlebotomist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Bilingual Customer Service Rep
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center - Therapy, Finance, Nursing, Respiratory
Touchstone Behavioral Health - Behavioral Therapists, Case Managers, Direct Services
TriWest Healthcare Alliance - Multimedia Developer, Provider Education Developer, Web Developer Sr.
University of Phoenix - Counselors, Office & Healthcare Professional

To-do lists can nag you or make you crazy. There are many ways to handle them, and the one I learned in the corporate world is my least favorite: I was taught to create three columns, one for most important, one for medium important and one for things that are good to get done sometime this week. Didn't work for me, although it must have good uses for some people.

First, I have to admit that I use a paper to-do list. Yes, I have post-its on my Mac. Yes, I have a calendar that lets me generate a to-do list. But for the same reason I keep a paper calendar, I use a paper to-do list. It's easier for me.

Here are two ways to use a to-do list. Both involve 3 x 5 index cards, or 4 x 6 cards if you write big.  (I turn the cards and work on them portrait-orientation.) I work on several projects at a time, so I use one card per project. Each project's name is written on the top of the card, and the to-do list underneath. That way, I can put all the project to-do lists next to each other and see how much work I have and which project needs to take priority. When I have a lot of projects going at the same time, it's wonderful.

When I get really into projects, I assign one color to each project, and color code the cards to match the project. (You can also use different color cards.) Color coding gives me overviews and helps me draw conclusions faster. ("A lot of blue cards, do I need to farm some of this out?" "The yellow project is due in a week. Why so few yellow cards? Am I done early, or is there something missing?")

Then there is the worry list to-do list. When I wake up at night, unable to sleep and busy worrying, I make a list of things I'm worrying about. Having written down the worries, I go back to sleep. The next morning, I tackle the things that need to be done.

The last to-do list is called the tag-cloud to-do list. Because I use the same method as tag clouds--the more important a task, the bigger I write it. Because I have small handwriting, I draw a box around each item on the list. The bigger the box, the more important (or worrisome, or pressing) the item. That gives me two facts at once: the item and the importance, all in one glance.

You can use a mix of these methods. Color-coding works with tag-clouding very well.  Tag-clouding works with worry-list well, too. And no matter what method I choose, writing down all the things that need to get done helps me free up more memory cells.

--Quinn McDonald is a certified creativity coach and a trainer specializing in communicating. That includes Writing for the Web and Giving Powerful Presentations. See all the topics at QuinnCreative.com  © 2007-9 All rights reserved.

The Board of Ad2 Phoenix selected Keogh Health Foundation, a local nonprofit
that helps low-income Arizonans secure affordable healthcare, as the 2009-2010
Public Service client.

As the Public Service client, members of Ad2 Phoenix will assist Keogh Health
Foundation with their advertising and marketing needs. Goals for the foundation are to
secure more volunteers and donors so that they can continue to help Arizonans in need.
Ad 2 Phoenix hopes that in creating brand awareness, increasing publicity and
networking the non-profit group with companies throughout the Valley; Keogh will secure
the additional volunteers and monetary donors that it needs to further its success.

This decision comes at a most needed time; as recent, local news reports stated that Gov.
Jan Brewer asked state agencies to submit proposals for reducing their budgets by an
additional 15%. If the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System reduces its budget
by 15%, 47,000 children would lose health care coverage.

About Keogh Health Foundation: The Keogh Health Foundation assists Arizona’s
vulnerable population secure affordable healthcare during times of personal crisis. Our
focus is women and their children who are participating in programs to achieve selfsufficiency.
Keogh Health Foundation believes in the power of partnership and collaboration. We
fulfill our mission by working with nonprofit groups that have contact with low-income
families and therefore avoid duplication of efforts. We have assisted 97,000 plus
Arizonans across all our programs. For more information about the Keogh Health
Foundation or how to make a donation, visit www.keoghhealthfoundation.org or contact
their Executive Director, Allen Gjersvig at allen@keoghhealthfoundation.org.

*** Ad 2 Phoenix is currently recruiting writers, designers, marketers, photographers and all marketing communication professionals to volunteer their time and talents to help this great cause and in addition to portfolio buildup. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Rayme Dehay at rlofgren@dbacks.com, Greg Swiszcz at greg.swiszcz@allovermedia.com, or Aga Westfal at agawestfal@hotmail.com

Thank you for your support!