Jerry Kaster
SJN Marketing-Communications Committee

 Panelists Jim O’Hara (President-Kellen James), Jamie Mercado (Business Systems Analyst-American Express) and Carol Kratz (Senior Recruiter-Cox Communications) provided invaluable insights into every aspect of the interviewing process and bonus suggestions on resume structure and strategies to land the interview.

Topics included were the importance of researching the company, the five things every interviewer looks for, the importance of a “brand book”, changing industries, handling the salary question and more.  Audience members had the opportunity to submit written questions beforehand, during the meeting and ask questions during the last 15 minutes.

In case you missed the meeting, the 5 things every interviewer looks for are: 1) What value does the candidate bring?  2) What work ethic does the candidate have? 3) How quick can the candidate get up to speed?  4) Can the candidate meet or surpass job expectations?  5) Is he/she enthusiastic?

SJN has several valuable presentations coming up in September and October starting with Eric Walton, COO of Kryterion Corporation, presenting “The Power of Focus in Achieving Excellence” the evening of September 15^th and TV host of “Where the Jobs Are” Braham Resnik on the morning of September 21. Block out time on your calendar to network and hear from these experts.  More information is on the SJN website  events calendar.  

 In today’s economy, you need to use all available resources to be successful.  Join us to learn from the pros, practice your networking skills and meet people that may lead to your next opportunity.

I shared the message below with job seekers this week.  I welcome your reading it.  

You can get involved with SJN in many ways.  Here’s an example:  spread the word of our work with job seekers who could use our support.  Another is to remember SJN when you hear of job postings.  We send them to our members without charge to the employer or recruiter.

MANY THANKS, Chris Vicari

Dear Members:

I spoke with two job seekers this week—both over 50—and they are discouraged because they believe they are not attractive to employers—because of age.

One also said that there are no jobs in Phoenix. Did I not disprove that this week with job postings from PayPayl, Charles Schwab and Jabil? We also know there is a hidden job market where jobs are found through networking.

My father used to say that you have to run your race like a horse with blinders on . . . do you get the image?  While the horse is aware he is in a race, he doesn’t know what the competition is doing. He sees the goal and the prize at the finish line—and his competition is of no importance.

Attitude is important for job transitioners, and there is no value in believing or feeling you are less qualified or valuable to the employer because of age, gray hair or wrinkles.

Part of what you will learn from SJN and Phoenix Workforce Connection is how to recognize your value and sell your assets during interviews, in your marketing materials. If you believe and can demonstrate to employers that you are the answer to their prayers, employers will want to know more about you.

It is a lot about packaging and marketing. Perhaps younger workers understand this more than us older ones. However, there are strategies you can learn.

Surround yourself with thoughts, images and people who are positive–and keep moving. Making friends and helping others through networking are critical strategies. Don’t under-estimate the power of the spirit! Reconnect with your sources of power—whether it’s religion, relationships, activities and healthy practices.

I’ll look for all of you at the SJN meeting on 8/17. Then we have a panel of professional recruiters and company representatives (Kellen James, Cox Communications, AMEX) discussing interviewing tips and answering related questions. You won’t want to miss it.

My best! 
Chris Vicari, President
SOUTHWEST JOB NETWORK (SJN)

Bring your friends and family to California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) to help SJN. Dine in or carry out at one of two locations, any time, enjoy your choice of CPK’s wonderful pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches and more, and 20% of your bill will be donated to SJN. 

It’s easy and it’s fun, all you need to do is enjoy California Pizza Kitchen food and 20% of your order will be donated to Southwest Job Network!   Donation Form must be presented at time of order…copy and print…and bring with you for dine in, take-out or curb side orders. 

California Pizza Kitchen Locations:                             

10100 N. Scottsdale Road (SW corner Scottsdale & Gold Dust Roads)

3163 W. Chandler Blvd. (in the Village just south of Sears)

Times:                    

11:00 am – 10:00 pm  Both Locations

Thank you for your Partisipation!  SJN Board

SOCIAL NETWORKING

As you probably know, most jobs are found via new (vs. established) acquaintances. The proverbial questions are which acquaintance and at what venue.

Join us on Tuesday, July 13 at 5-7 PM for an evening of establishing contacts at Gateway Community College, located at 106 N. 40^th Street, Phoenix (bordered by Van Buren and Washington Streets).  This Southwest Job Network (SJN) social networking event is open to job seekers, SJN alumni members, business supporters, the college community and the general public. Light refreshments will be provided at no charge. However, donations are greatly appreciated since we are an unfunded nonprofit organization helping members of our community.

We look forward to seeing you and encourage you to bring contacts you want to introduce to SJN. Please forward to friends and colleagues!! We encourage you to meet three people that you may be able to help and three people that may be able to help you. Do this and you will leave with renewed enthusiasm.

Light refreshments provided, no fee, donations appreciated. Park in the 40^th St lot and look for signs to the room at the main entrance

Meeting Details

Registration:                         http://social-networking-07132010.eventbrite.com

Meeting location:                GateWayCommunity College, 108 N. 40 Street,Phoenix,AZ85034

Times:                                    5pm – 7pmProgram Presentation

Fees:                                        Voluntary donations are appreciated to assist in funding ongoing operating costs for the Southwest Job Network.  Customary meeting donation is $5.

Onboarding—Hit the Ground Running in Your New Job!

We are beginning to come out of the Great Recession and your job transition has just ended!  Congratulations, but now what?  In today’s extremely competitive market, you can’t just walk in and start working; you have to have a plan.  Come hear Eric Walton and learn how to “Onboard” and build your 90 day plans.

• Getting a head start (pre-boarding)
• 1^st 30 days
  • Establish your vision for your job
  • Gather your resources
  • Prioritize
• 2^nd 30 days
  • Communicate your goals and milestones
  • Kick into action
  • Rally the troops
• 3^rd 30 days
  • Celebrate early wins
  • Reinforce your end goals
  • Achieve results

 Registration: Click Here 

Fees
Voluntary donations are appreciated to assist in funding ongoing operating costs for the Southwest Job Network.  Customary meeting donation is $5.

Location
Temple Chai
4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839

Times
8-8:30 AM – New Member Orientation
8:30-9:30 AM - Fast Networking, Resume Reviews
9:30 -12:00 PM – Program Presentation

Guest Speaker:  Dave Sherman

Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a great new employment opportunity. Unfortunately, most people have never been properly training in the fine art of networking. They don’t have the tips, tools, or techniques necessary to make the most of business or social functions.

Dave Sherman, professional speaker, trainer, and best-selling author, will train you to become an amazing networking professional and how to make the most of every event you attend. They will learn:

Why networking is so important ·         The best places to network

·         How to be more comfortable while networking

·         What to do, what to say and what to do next

·         AND SO MUCH MORE!

For  Details Click Here

At yesterday’s SJN meeting, I shared a decision of the Board of Directors to adjust our program offerings. 

Starting in June, SJN will continue to offer bi-monthly meetings at Temple Chai on the first and third Tuesdays.  Those meetings will focus on curriculum-related subjects and other skill development presentations, guest speakers from business and industry.

At the college venues:  Glendale Community College, and Chandler-Gilbert or Mesa in the Southeast, GateWay–we will plan to host special events.  These will be programs like panel discussions, social networking, alumni gatherings, employer nights.   The schedule of those events is the main change.  Rather than bi-monthly meetings, we will plan to host events monthly or every other month, perhaps rotating among the college campuses.  The SJN website events calendar will contain the schedule.

SJN isn’t going away or losing interest in outreach to people around the Valley.  As an all-volunteer organization, we need to find the best way to allocate our resources.  People from around the Valley are, of course, welcome to join us at the regular events at Temple Chai in the North.

We THANK all the volunteers and supporters who make it possible to make SJN available to the community.

Regards,

Christine Vicari, Founder-President

At this morning’s SJN meeting, I had the pleasure to introduce two new board members.  Please join me in welcoming them:

Israel Class serving as SJN’s Corporate Secretary.

Nancy Basinger focusing on raising operating capital for SJN, including sponsorship, grant, fee-for-service, and general donations.

Other board members are:

Raoul Encinas focusing on delivering on SJN’s core programs for 2010.

Lynn Moran working to develop SJN’s executive team and making connections with resources in the community.

Christine Vicari continuing her leadership as President of SJN.

Our thanks to all SJN volunteers who have contributed to the success of our program, enabling SJN to help many individuals redirect their careers.

Christine Vicari, Founder-President

SOUTHWEST JOB NETWORK

The Arizona Governor’s Office issued two CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION – one to me personally and one to SOUTHWEST JOB NETWORK expressing sincere appreciation for services to the community and the State of Arizona.

“Your service has improved the quality of life for the people of Arizona.  .  . thank you and congratulations for your extraordinary leadership.”

 Very nice recognition of the work SJN volunteers do for the community.

 THANK YOU for being supporters, volunteers and friends!

See our Monthly calendar for upcoming events. 
Feel welcome to join us and to share information about our program with your contacts.

 Chris

Registration and details:  http://sjn-ne-coxidentityworksho.eventbrite.com