Sodexo USA Careers

Good luck and fortune spread at the PANG Annual Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:57:00 +0000

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

Ranking #6 on the DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Asian Americans, Sodexo consistently shows progress in recruitment, retention and promotion of Asian American employees. A great example of our commitment is the employee network group, PANG, who just held their annual meeting last week in Washington, D.C.

Keynote speaker Dr. Franklin Odo, former Director of Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, uncovered the U.S. demographic trends regarding Asian Pacific Americans and focused on education and employment. Through a panel discussion including Senior Recruiter, Bina Vachhani, attendees learned how to position themself for success. A workshop led by LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics) on the power of networking also provided personal growth ideas for PANG’s members

In addition to the professional development and learning opportunities, the entertainment, a Chinese Lion Dance, offered a unique way to celebrate the Pan Asian culture. The lion made its way to the stage, while dancing to the beat of the music, to eat lettuce and spread good luck to those offering the greens.

As a gesture for good fortune, attendees could feed the lion “Hong Bao” (red envelopes) as it made its way into the audience. The purpose of giving the envelope to the lion is to eliminate negative energy.

A reception immediately followed the conference program where guests networked with their colleagues and reflected upon the day’s events and cultural lessons.

Although this conference concluded the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration, you can continue to learn about the cultures, our employee network group, PANG, and career opportunities at Sodexo

Graduating? Three Tips to Jump-Start Your Career

noreply@blogger.com (Sodexo Careers) — Wed, 30 May 2012 10:37:00 +0000

By Derren Thompson, Manager, Diversity Recruitment at Sodexo

Originally posted in May's C@reer Connections. You may sign up to receive this monthly e-newsletter.

They say that we enter the "real world" when we graduate from college. As many students will enter this new phase of their lives in just a few short weeks, they may start to ask the question, "What is next?"

I know that if you are like me, college was the absolute best four years of my life. And, now that you're graduating, you need to figure out what to do with all of the business cards that you have received. What direction will I take my life in and how will I do that?

Well, I would like to offer you a few tips on the "What's next?" question:

If you haven't already done so, make use of the resources that you have stored up over the past few years. For example, capitalize on contacts you've made and research the various companies you might be interested in working for. Send e-mails reminding the contacts of who you are and how you were acquainted – in other words, start networking. Then discuss with them that you would like to schedule a 10-minute conversation to simply see if they have any openings, paid internships or other opportunities at their company.
Open your mind and push yourself to apply for positions that will lead you to your dream job. Remember, building your experience is a key step towards landing your dream job. I spoke with a student recently who shared with me that he wanted to be a Food Services Director. I responded, "When?" He said now, that is what he had been applying for. He could not understand why he was not getting calls for interviews, so I explained to him that he may want to apply for a Manager 1 position instead. As a new graduate, he should use this time to get into the company and learn as much as possible. I shared with him that making it into a Food Services Director position was within reach and that would be a great goal for him – once he gained some more experience.
You will only have one chance to make a great first impression. When you are awarded a position, be sure to bring your whole self to work. Bring all of the book knowledge to the table and allow yourself to receive new learning from your managers, trainers and even other employees. When I accepted my first management position, I learned so much from my coworkers that had been working in the unit for 30 years. They knew far more than I could have ever learned from the training team.

If you remember these few tips, you will grow with your new organization and your college days will be a distant memory. Congratulations on completing your college studies; now onward into the new season.

Are you wearing Red today?

noreply@blogger.com (Sodexo Careers) — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:47:00 +0000

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

As I approach the upcoming holiday weekend, I am touched by how deeply committed Sodexo is to supporting our country's veterans, active duty, National Guard and military reserve.

Having personally signed a Statement of Support for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for The Staffing Management Association of Greater Chicago in January of 2011, I too am committed to helping those find a job as they return from their military duty.

Throughout the month of May, Sodexo has raised awareness of the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices made by those who wear the uniform and their loved ones by acknowledging Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Week, Armed Force Day and Memorial Day. On every Friday, our employee community committed to wearing an article of red clothing to signify a simple yet powerful statement of appreciation.

Additionally, we participated in the Milicruit virtual job fair for Veterans this past Wed and as an ESGR Pro-Patria Award Winner, continually provide transition assistance and support, guidance and resources through the employee network group, HONOR.

You can find out more about Sodexo's commitment to the military and why we are one of the Top 100 Military-Friendly Employers.

I’ll be wearing red today, will you?

Oh The Places We Went

noreply@blogger.com (Trish Freshwater) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Michele Posehn, Senior Recruiter for Sodexo. Originally posted on the Student Branding Blog.

I think of Dr. Seuss around this time of year and his book, Oh the Places You’ll Go. Many receive it as a graduation gift, a sort of inspirational read to remind you of the infinite possibilities that await you as you’re handed your degree. What Dr. Seuss fails to reflect on is how the places you have been directly influence where you’re headed.

In the time that you have been reading my contributions to the blog, I hope you have taken away some very valuable information, information that you will be able to build upon as you head out onto life’s next journey. We have examined the value of networking, the art of interviewing over the phone, and building your own personal brand. You have seen how technology can allow you to apply to a job while on the go and how to prepare for a relocation. And whether you have been a long time reader or just started, what you may not have realized is that you have actually been participating in these blog lessons for the entire duration of your college experience. We bloggers are merely here to show you how to pull all of that together and focus it towards your job search.

While I am not an old sage by any stretch of the imagination, I have been removed from my college days for 15 years now. I know my transition from college to the workforce at times felt awkward and left me with some self doubt and uncertainty. It took me a while to realize that these were the same feelings I faced when entering college. Any choice you make or path you choose to take will inevitably give you a moment of “Am I doing the right thing?” What’s important to remember is that you already have established a well stocked toolbox of knowledge which will enable you to be prepared as you face the unknown.

You will have a universe of choices ahead of you. Some will be very clear and others will need a little more consideration. Utilize your network of mentors and valued confidantes as soundboards and tap into their expertise and wisdom. Whatever decisions you make and whatever outcomes they produce, every choice will be a life lesson and my philosophy is that positivity can come out of both good AND bad choices (so really, are they really bad in the first place?)

As you make the transition from student to job seeker, remember that this is one of only many transitions you will face so pay attention and learn from this experience. The old expression “Change is good” actually should be “Change is a good teacher.”

Speaking of change and transition, this will be my last blog contribution, as I hand the baton off to Trish Freshwater. You are going to get some great insight from Trish as she helps you navigate the job market and your career decisions. Whether you are just graduating or starting your college career, Trish’s knowledge will be yet another way to bulk up your personal toolbox.

As for me, it has been a pleasure to write for the blog and hopefully, help some of you out there. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and, as Dr. Seuss said, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!”

Honoring our Chefs’ Special Achievements

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Karen Graham, Senior Recruiter

Sodexo’s Annual Recipes for a Better Tomorrow Contest has been a-buzz with experienced chefs preparing recipes with sustainable, local foods. From following the buzz on this blog, Sodexo chefs are creative, passionate and have amazing culinary expertise.

Last year, Sodexo Chef Jason Murchison of Napa Valley Unified Schools was named winner of the 1^st Recipes for a Better Tomorrow Culinary Competition at the James Beard House.

Murchison’s “Chocolate Espresso Braised Pork over Jasmine Rice with Grilled Sweet Corn & Avocado Salad” took top honors for taste, presentation and support of Sodexo’s sustainability goals of utilizing ingredients that represent health and balance in salt, sugar and fat adding increased diversity in tasty menu choices.

Murchison has been working as Executive Chef with Sodexo for almost five years and talks about a corporate environment that allows him to pursue his culinary dreams while doing what he loves with support and resources that add to the quality of his life and feed into the goals for his career.

“I started cooking when I was 5 – breakfast in bed for my parents,” reports Murchison, whose Dad’s military career moved the family to Europe for several years. “I discovered a passion for food and making people happy,” he said with a smile in his voice. “The name Jason means ‘heal’ and I’d like to heal the world through food.”

Learn more about this year’s winner in our latest edition of C@reer Connections and watch him prepare his winning recipe!

Have a favorite recipe? Network with us and see how we celebrate our chefs’ special achievements here.

If I were looking for a new job I would...

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:08:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger, Marguerite Granat, Senior Recruiter with Sodexo

“If I were looking for a new job I would…” the 8th in a series of blog posts that will give you an opportunity to gain insight into the world of job seeking from a recruiter’s perspective.

If I were looking for a job I would…ask good questions at the end of the interview.

Do you have any questions?

I’ve been asking this question to every candidate I interview at Sodexo. You’re probably wondering why do the questions you ask have anything to do with your ability to do the job?

Because a good question from you is worth one hundred great answers.

It shows me that:

You’ve taken the time to come up with intelligent questions
You’ve done your homework on our company
You can think on your feet
You’re up for the challenge
You’re interested in the job
You have a logical thought process

Here are some types of questions you might consider developing:

Performance expectations

These are questions about what will be expected of you in order to succeed in the role. Examples might be:

How will my performance be measured?
A year from now, if I met or exceeded your expectations, what would that look like?

Hiring Manager’s objections

Why would you ask for objections? Because this is probably your only chance to address them in a positive way. An example might be:

Now that we have talked about my qualifications, do you have any concerns I might be able to address about my ability to perform in this role?

Asking for the job

These are reserved only after you’ve established rapport and believe that the interviewer has expressed positive interest in your background. The interview is a sales transaction. A good sales person knows how to close the deal. These questions are designed to get you closer to an offer.

Based on what I’ve heard today, the ideal candidate has accomplished X, has Y type of qualifications and has Z type of experience. Did I hear this correctly?
You summarize your background emphasizing and matching it to the expectations of the role. At the end of your summary you ask, ”Is this the type of experience you’re looking for?”

By preparing a set of effective questions at the end of an interview, you can demonstrate your ability to do the job. So the next time you are looking for a new job, consider developing questions around performance expectations, Hiring Manager objections and asking for the job.

Are you now ready for, “Do you have any questions?

Two days at the NFMT Conference in Baltimore in an intern’s shoe

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:49:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Clara Clamens, Sodexo Intern

I’m Clara. I’m French and am interning with Sodexo for 6 months (from January to July). With a major in International People Management, I am working in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as well as supporting some initiatives in Talent Acquisition. This internship opportunity allowed me to discover new sectors like Facility and Energy Management, a major part of Sodexo’s on-site solutions offerings.

I was invited to attend the National Facilities Management & Technology (NFMT) Conference in Baltimore, the largest gathering of facility managers with 5,000 participants, where I worked alongside the recruitment team. (That’s me in the middle!)

Before arriving at the conference, the session I was looking forward to attending was the Women in Facility Management Panel. When I entered the room for this session, I was surprised by how few men were in attendance. Are women the only ones interested in women in Facility Management?

I listened to each panelist describe their career journey and the work experience that lead them to their current position. Three of them never thought of working as Facility Managers before they began their careers! After having talked about their backgrounds, the discussion honed in on importance of networking and communication. I learned that in order to develop your career, you must be organized, a good communicator and master the art of networking. Regardless of your industry, this was sound advice!

Today, the challenge for companies in Facility and Energy Management is to change the perception of this male-dominated industry to empower women, with the right skills and competencies, to thrive and evolve. Afterall, it was apparent that women in Facilities Management can be an added-value for their business.

Sodexo strongly encourages women to pursue careers in Facilities, Energy Management and other STEM disciplines. As part of this commitment, Sodexo is sponsoring the Council on Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) occurring in Seattle as a part of the West Coast EMC Conference (May 24^th).

After two days of walking a conference in an intern’s shoes, my experience supporting the Talent Acquisition team was exhilarating and rewarding. I have a good understanding of the industry and a better appreciation for women in the field. I wanted to thank all of you for helping make these two days rock!

You have an upcoming networking event…so what’s your plan?

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

Last weekend I had the opportunity to join our recruitment team and local Chicagoland operators at a networking reception for the National Restaurant Show. Sodexo and 2 other employers hosted a private event inviting University professors and their hospitality students in town for the convention. Taking place at the Metropolitan Club atop the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) provided fantastic views of city, impressing those first time visitors!

What impressed me most was not the exclusiveness of the club, nor the city’s skyline, but the young aspiring minds brimming with energy and anticipation. I was looking forward to shadowing our recruiters to see how we engaged in conversations and was impressed to see many students taking the lead! They had a plan and it was a good one. It went something like this…

Be Confident

Nothing is more important that having confidence in yourself when talking about your career aspirations. This type of environment is perfect to try out your polished elevator speech. Remember to keep good posture and your prominent hand free for introductions.

Ask Questions

At hosted receptions, and even job fairs, you can find out what employers will be there. Spend some time visiting their career site, joining their social media groups and Googling them for recent newsworthy tidbits. Show interest in the company by asking questions about what you learned.

Get Moving

Typically networking events are only a couple hours long, so don’t spend your time stuck in one spot. Move around the room and introduce yourself to different groups of people.

Act Natural

Part of making a good impression is to act in a natural way. Do not try to force conversation and listen with a smile on your face!

Have Fun

This is your opportunity to meet, mingle and learn so take advantage of any invite and enjoy yourself.

It was clear that the students meant business and it showed through their professional behavior at our networking reception. Next time you have the opportunity to network, remember these behaviors and you’ll be ready to take charge of the conversation – and your future!

Advance Your Career with Community Contacts

noreply@blogger.com (Trish Freshwater) — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:05:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Michele Posehn, Senior Recruiter for Sodexo. Originally posted on the Student Branding Blog.

You tweet. You’re on LinkedIn. You’ve got the online networking thing down. But what about offline? Are there some local networking opportunities to consider?

Consider your everyday life. You shop, you vacation, and you dine out; in all of those situations, you are encountering people. Life is the original social platform–minus the 140 characters. I have found myself in many situations that have led to great contacts–dinner parties, sporting events, even striking up a conversation with a stranger while waiting in the grocery checkout line. In your everyday world, the casual encounters of your daily routine can open up a network of connections with limitless possibilities. Consider some of these common–and not so common–places where people are networking offline:

Community Events
Do you participate in local charity events or other community events that businesses might sponsor or participate in? Not only can you meet potential employers or talk to employees of companies you are interested in, you will likely meet many people with years of experience in your industry who can turn into good mentors or someone who can help you get a foot in the door. Tradeshows also offer a wealth of business contacts, especially since companies pay handsomely in sponsorships and usually have a strong onsite presence. Also, check out career fairs at local colleges–your campus Career Services office should have a listing of upcoming events.

Chamber Memberships
In your local community, you may want to consider joining the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber exists solely to promote local business interests, so meetings are usually well attended by business leaders. Chambers meet regularly–often including monthly breakfasts with speakers and business after-hours networking–and are a great way to make an impression on those in your area.

Golf, Sports and More
It’s no secret that many business leaders enjoy a little networking on the golf course. So, if you golf, there is a great chance you could bump into a new contact on the course. But what about local sporting events where companies buy box seats or sponsor a night for their employees to attend? Sometimes being in the right place at the right time can make a casual conversation into something more about a specific company.

Now, consider this. There is a gym in New York City that recently began offering an exercise class for “sweat workers.” The idea is that some business leaders would like to opt out of lunch meetings at restaurants that pack a punch in calories, and get down to business while working out. While this option may not be for everyone, it’s an interesting trend to watch.

While being on social media is important, don’t discount everyday opportunities that present themselves. It’s a great feeling when you look at a crowd of people and realize that any one of them could add value to your job search and build your network.

3 things I learned about Sodexo Chefs as a result of the Recipes for a Better Tomorrow competition

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:43:00 +0000

By Darla Mayse, Sourcing and Recruiting Marketing Specialist

The Recipes for a Better Tomorrow Competition debuted a year ago in an effort to educate customers that sustainable food choices are not only good for our environment and our bodies, but tasty, too. By following the competition I learned a lot about our chefs!

Sodexo Chefs are Creative - The Recipes for a Better Tomorrow competition sought entries from any and all Sodexo chefs up for the challenge. More than 175 chefs submitted recipes. With a focus on seafood sustainability, chefs were also required to use responsibly traded ingredients and locally grown produce. As for the nutritional criteria, all recipes were required to be low in sugar, salt and fat, prepared vegan or vegetarian diets and highlighting fruits and vegetables. After I reviewed the criteria and viewed the videos of the semi-finalists, the creativity of our chefs became apparent!

Sodexo Chefs are Passionate – As I watched each of the semi-finalists’ videos in which they prepared his/her dish, it was difficult for me to vote for a favorite. All of the dishes looked incredibly delicious! To create something healthy, delicious and appetizing, I would image, is no easy feat but I plan to put the recipes to the test. The one thing each video had in common was the chefs’ passion for preparing healthy, delicious sustainable food!

Sodexo Chefs have Amazing Culinary Expertise – Every day, our 3,000 chefs and culinary professionals, who are some of the most skilled and respected professionals in the industry, dish up millions of meals for customers in businesses, colleges and universities, hospitals and schools across North America. Throughout this competition, chefs can showcase their knowledge of fair and responsibly traded products and sustainable sourced seafood, produce and animal products but more importantly their culinary expertise.

The final stage of competition is to be held on May 15 at the James Beard Foundation, where 5 chefs will take the stage. I look forward to learning more about the chosen chef and their winning recipe!

Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:32:00 +0000

By: Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

A national celebration established in 1977, May is Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month. This month, we honor the 18.4 million U.S. residents who can trace their roots back to Asia and the many islands in the Pacific Ocean.

At Sodexo, the Pan-Asian Network Group (PANG) helps employees celebrate their heritage year round and increase the awareness of Pan Asian culture. Later this month, PANG will hold its seventh Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. providing Sodexo employees with professional development, networking opportunities and cultural entertainment.

Personally, I hold an interest in Pan Asian culture and look forward to learning more from my colleagues. I enjoy the cooking techniques, collecting watercolor prints and practicing Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese method of creating a harmonious environment. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, I’d like to share some interesting facts and cultural tidbits.

· There are 52 cultures under the umbrella-term "Asian American and Pacific Islander.”

· The Pacific Islands are grouped by three divisions, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, comprising 20,000 to 30,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean.

· Asian Americans are the fastest growing minority group.

· 2.6 million people under the age of 5 speak Chinese at home.

· After Spanish, Chinese is the most widely spoken non-English language in the country.

· Feng Shui is more than 5,000 years old and means “wind and water.”

· Tea was first brewed as a medicine around 2700 B.C. in the western mountains of China.

· More tea is consumed around the world than any other beverage except water.

Join me this month by learning more about the fascinating cultures and sharing in the celebration nationwide!

By: Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

Using Social Media In your Job Search

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:24:00 +0000

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

As I approach 4 months since beginning my role as the voice of Sodexo Careers, I feel very lucky to have found a position that is so closely aligned with my passion for recruitment marketing and love of social media. I am often asked how I found such a good fit. The answer lies in using social media.

I began using social media in 2005 developing personal and company profiles on LinkedIn and MySpace. I adopted new channels like YouTube and Facebook just a few years later as interest in social media by the Human Resources and Staffing Industry grew. In the beginning of 2009, I created a Twitter profile and began to follow companies and industry professionals using Twellow. By typing in keywords that were relevant to my industry, like ”careers”, ”staffing” and “talent acquisition”, I was connected to @SodexoCareers, @SodexoAnthony, @Arie_Ball and @JerryPaulison, who each had joined the year prior!

I began listening to their conversations and immediately noticed how active the Sodexo Talent Acquisition team was on this platform. They shared their personal and professional successes which included work in the community to stop hunger. The tweets eventually lead me to the Sodexo Careers blog, where I learned more about the company culture, environments and career opportunities. I wasn’t seeking a job at that time but was very intrigued by this innovative leader of social media for recruitment!

Then in September of 2011, I saw a tweet promoting a blog post from the then voice of Sodexo Careers. My dream job was becoming available and the timing was perfect! My vision was to be in a marketing role for Talent Acquisition and with the lessons I learned during my job search, I was ready to apply and tackle the interviewing process. A short time later, I gladly accepted the role!

I share my story of how I came to be the voice of Sodexo Careers to show how using social media in your job search can be successful. A recent article from HR Magazine entitled Your Social is Showing inspired me to share a few tips to help you get started on social media:

· Follow employers on LinkedIn. Companies can now send status updates (just like your connections) so engage with them with a like, comment or share.

· Participate in relevant discussions on Linkedin and Twitter chats like #NRAshow, #dietitian & #worldfmday

· Read and respond to employer blogs like this one.

· “Like” and post comments on employer Facebook Fan Pages.

· Tweet about and tag companies you are interested in working for.

· Retweet relevant Twitter conversations, articles and blogs shared from your target companies.

How have you used social media to assist your job search? We’d love for you to share your tips!

UPDATED: Are you a Sodexo Tweep?

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:33:00 +0000

By: Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

It may seem like the twittersphere is shrinking but thanks to the ease of this communication vehicle, our tweeple seem to be everywhere!

Our Talent Acquisition Team is actively talking with candidates across the country about career opportunities and career growth at Sodexo on Twitter as well as our other talent communities. We even live tweeted from events like #WFFConf12, and held our first Hire Friday twitter chat earlier this year!

Most importantly, the Sodexo team is tweeting up a storm, so why not take advantage of this access to our recruiters!

Get to know these Sodexo Tweeple:

@Arie_Ball - Arie Ball, Vice President, Sourcing and Talent Acquisition

@SodexoCareers – Chloe Rada, Senior Marketing Manager (Speaking!)

Facilities Management, Engineering and I.T. Recruiters

Learn more about Facilities Management or IT careers

@SodexoAnthony - Anthony Scarpino, Talent Acquisition Senior Director

@AmberAlmeida - Amber Almeida (IT)

@curry_lisa – Lisa Curry

@SodexoAmy - Amy DavinCho

@Sarahoh - Sarah Huff

@DoreenSettles - Doreen Settles

@ScottNSherman - Scott Sherman, Recruitment Manager

@rachel_sodexo – Rachel Stamm

@SodexoAndrew - Andrew Wagle

Registered Dietitian Recruiters

Learn more about Registered Dietitians careers

@diannemharrison - Dianne Harrison, Talent Acquisition Senior Director

@FullerLorna - Lorna Fuller

@MindiG - Mindi Gale

@SLaramee - Susan Laramee, Recruitment Manager

@LSchmeck - Lisa Schmeck

@SodexoBina - Bina Vachhani

Environmental Services/Housekeeping Management Recruiters

Learn more about Environmental Services/Housekeeping Management careers

@LisaaGarden - Lisa Garden, Talent Acquisition Senior Director

@SodexoAmyB - Amy Brooks, Recruitment Manager

@Efeury - Emily Feury

@SodexoTrisha - Trisha Gary

@SodexoGina – Gina Smethurst

Culinary & Food Service Recruiters

Learn more about Culinary careers

@JerryPaulison - Jerry Paulison, Talent Acquisition Senior Director

@RegStewart06 - Reggie Stewart, Talent Acquisition Senior Director

@SuzThompson - Suzanne Thompson, Recruitment Manager

@SodexoKAllen - Kathy Allen

@YvonneAnderson - Yvonne Anderson

@TamiCarter - Tami Carter

@DfDeluca - Daniela Deluca

@SForeacre -Susan Foreacre

@KarenGraham - Karen Graham

@SodexoMG - Marguerite Granat

@SodexoJHall - Judy Hall

@Rhagos - Rahel Hagos

@HCFoodRecruit - Nanette Harty

@SodexoSandy - Sandy Joiner

@SodexoColleen - Colleen McKie

@ShariMcneeley - Sharron McNealey

@Myra_Mendoza - Myra Mendoza

@SodexoVivan - Vivan Nguyen

@vmorgangipson - Vickie Morgan-Gipson

@Jstoberl - Janet Stoberl

@JStrassburger - Jeanne Strassburger

@ShaneTirpak – ShaneTirpak

@HelenAtSodexo - Helen Winter

@greg_york - Greg York

Corporate Headquarters Recruiters

@AyershiaDastgir – Ayershia Dastgir

@nmk_1022 - Neil Kilgallon

Diversity & College Recruiting Team

@SMichelleThomas - Michelle Robinson, Director

@DerrenThompson - Derren Thompson, Senior Manager

@DebbiO - Debbi Oryzak, Senior Recruiter

Executive Recruiting Team:

@SValderrama - Sherie Valderrama, Talent Acquisition Senior Director

@BudMason – Bud Mason

@Stewartmd – Mark Stewart

@JuneThompson1 – June Thompson

@Jtschilar – Jennifer Tschilar

Other Sodexo Tweeps:

@SodexoTrish –Trish Freshwater, Senior Communications Manager

@BenHuhn - Benjamin Huhn

@SodexoSetoria – Setoria Key

@DMayse – Darla Mayse, Sourcing & Branding Specialist

@AnneMScott – Anne Scott

@SodexoClaudia – Claudia Sosa

@SodexoUSA – Sodexo Corporate Communications

@SodexoJobs – general job postings from Sodexo in the USA

Sodexo Related Twitter Lists

Sodexo Recruiters

Sodexo Facilities Recruiters

Sodexo Dietitian Recruiters

Sodexo (including Sodexo's Corporate Sustainability Team, Sodexo's Corporate Facilities Team @SDX_Solutions, @SodexoDiversity, client locations and a few of our global colleagues like @SodexoUKJobs)

Follow Friday

Happy tweeting!

Mobile Apps Help Job Seekers on the Go

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:08:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Michele Posehn, Senior Recruiter for Sodexo. Originally posted on the Student Branding Blog.

You may be enjoying a cup of coffee as you read this post on your iPad. Or, you may be walking to class and reading it on a smartphone. Either way, it’s evidence that our society is becoming more and more mobile. In fact, it’s estimated that 77% of job seekers are using mobile devices to conduct job searches and 24% of those people are college grads or entry level candidates.

What’s more, a recent survey showed that 4 out of 5 smartphone users are using an iPhone, Android, Blackberry, or Windows phone to conduct a job search. And considering that over 100 million people own one of those devices, that is a lot of searching!

With the rapid expansion of apps, job seekers now have more resources at their fingertips than ever. Sites like CareerBuilder and Monster have downloadable apps to alert you on up to the minute open positions in your area. LinkedIn also has an app that allows you to accept invitations to connect or read and comment on LinkedIn Group posts. Whether you’re eating lunch in the campus cafeteria or waiting for a movie to start in the theater, you can now build your network and search for jobs virtually any time, anywhere.

Corporate Mobile Apps

If you have your sights set on a specific company where you’d like to work, companies are starting to optimize their career web sites for mobile access to make the search process easy. A few companies have even developed a mobile app. Often these apps provide you with the ability to search for jobs but then you must return to your computer to actually apply for a job.

The good news is that this technology is quickly advancing. As a testament to that, Sodexo recently became one of the first companies to launch an app that allows candidates to apply to jobs directly from their smart device. Not only can candidates search and apply for jobs, but they can join our Talent Community and connect with the touch of a finger to our recruiting team through social media channels. The app is an incredible portal that provides a glimpse into the company’s culture, while allowing full access to our world, 24/7.

Even more, corporate apps like the Sodexo Jobs App provide company employees quick access to explore, build and grow their careers within their company. Corporate apps help make it as easy as possible for all candidates – both external candidates and internal employees – to help manage their careers and job search strategy.

As the mobile world continues to evolve, so will mobile recruiting. Today’s savvy job seekers have tremendous opportunities to be in the know about career opportunities much faster than just a short year or two ago. It goes without saying that mobile job seeking is convenient and quick.

Have you used a mobile app to search for jobs? Share your experiences! And, if you’ve tried the Sodexo Jobs App, we’d love your feedback.

Finally, a job search tool you can take and use anywhere.

Earth Day is Every Day at Sodexo!

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

This Sunday marks an important day to increase awareness and appreciation for the environment. With over 1 billion people participating annually in Earth Day celebrations, it is the largest civic observance in the world.

At Sodexo, we work to make everyday Earth Day through our Quality of Daily Life Solutions. Our Better Tomorrow Plan outlines our commitment to the environment, health and local communities.

A few of our commitments includes:

Sourcing 100% sustainable seafood for our customers by 2015
Purchasing products from over 700 local farms to feed students and guests in the same state or region
Offering actionable opportunities for clients to reduce energy consumption and reduce carbon emission
Developing health and wellness solutions for our employees, clients and customers
Implementing a company-wide rural recycling program to reduce carbon footprint and help farmers
Instituting a Meatless Monday Initiative with more than 2,000 corporate and government accounts and more than 900 health care facilities across the country

It surprised me to learn that Americans eat more meat than any other developed nation, which can take a toll on health and the environment. But luckily with Recipes for a Better Tomorrow, a video competition for Sodexo chefs, I can learn new recipes that are not only meat-free but sustainable.*

In honor of Earth Day, join me in eating plant-based meals on April 22. Not only are they good for you, but good for the planet!

*You can find more recipes inspired by our chefs on our Culinary Community site.

Applying for a job with Sodexo is so easy! Part 2- The Hiring Process

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

By Darla Mayse, Sourcing and Recruiting Marketing Specialist

We receive questions about our hiring process all the time. Our first video in the Applying for a Job with Sodexo series provided a visual “how to” of searching and applying for jobs with Sodexo. Because it was such a hit with our applicants, we asked “Nadia” to come back for an encore performance and share her experience as a candidate moving through Sodexo’s hiring process. As the short video demonstrates, you may speak with a few folks along the way but you need not worry. Sodexo has it all under control behind the scenes.

The power of Sodexo is our people and our process is designed to ensure that the best qualified candidate is selected for the job as well as provide the best fit for the candidate’s skills and qualifications. Create a profile and begin searching for your Sodexo career today! http://www.Sodexo.jobs

It’s more than just National Volunteer Week at Sodexo!

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, schools, faith-based institutions and shelters. And National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. Nearly 63 million Americans give of themselves every year through service!

At Sodexo, the service spirit is part of our culture and our employees proudly demonstrate care for our communities. For example, our STOP Hunger Initiative makes a difference in the lives of many who are at-risk of hunger across the country.

We also dedicate the whole month of April to volunteerism where employees join forces to raise money, donate food, and serve meals in their local communities. This year the Sodexo Servathon theme is “I will”, which asks our employees to finish the statement about a service commitment. Robert A. Stern, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Sodexo, Inc. and President of the Sodexo Foundation will raise money for his local food bank this month.

On April 28^th, I will be partnering with a local Chicago organization, Instituto del Progreso Latino, to help host an on-site Community Health & Fun fair. All students, families and community members will be invited to taste, explore and learn more about healthy nutrition from Sodexo employees. As an “entrance fee”, we’ll be asking for non-perishable food items and donating them to a local food pantry.

The Servathon is designed to empower our employees to give back and their contributions WILL make a difference in the health and well-being of the people living in our communities.

What will you be doing to serve your community this week and month?

Guiding Steps to Your Career: Research, Prepare and Participate in Career Fairs!

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Karen Graham, Senior Recruiter

Originally posted in March's Career Connections. You may sign up to receive this monthly e-newsletter.

Spring time is the kickoff for Career and Internship Fairs, where students and alumni can meet representatives from major companies and industries. At these events, recruiters and employers screen attendees, collect resumes, offer learning opportunities, and seek out candidates for current and future hiring needs. This is a great networking opportunity!

Most Career Fairs are hosted by a professional organization or college campus department. You can search online for a list of Career Fairs in your area or check out the Sodexo Calendar of Events. But, what should you know about career fairs?

Research, Prepare and Participate:

Research your industry of interest and make a list of participating companies.
Accept Career Fair Advice from professional sources.
Wear business attire to ensure you have a professional appearance.
First impressions matter – look your best and you will feel more confident.
Network with professionals in your field.
Have conversations that count – ask questions that generate the most information.
Sign up for and attend career-related events such as interviews and presentations.
Follow up for best outcomes – you want to be remembered – and make a good second impression.

Stay focused on your ultimate goal. Identify your best career fit by accessing your available resources. One such resource is the Career Services office at your college, where you can find:

Self-assessment tools for career selection
Career choice options and counselors
Resume writing and credential management
Interview preparation tips and help following up with hiring managers

Want to meet a Sodexo recruiter? Visit our booth at a Career Fair and inquire about our seasonal paid internships and entry-level positions.

Tips to Help You Enter the Workforce

noreply@blogger.com (Sodexo Careers) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:01:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Jorge William Chavez Ayala, Student Brand Ambassador, Radford University

With only a few weeks from receiving my master’s degree, I feel the anxiety to enter the workforce. But I also feel that by having completed two internships with Sodexo, I have gained the professional experience, skills and knowledge to face the job market and find a job.

Finishing school means accomplishing a huge milestone in your personal life. But it also means that you are entering the job market, which everyday gets tougher and tougher.

Here are a couple of tips that could benefit you as you approach graduation:

· Always tailor your résumé

Be sure that your résumé contains relevant information for the specific job you are applying to.

· Research the company

Find out if the company you are applying to fits with your beliefs. Researching the company can also help you in that initial interview to show that you’ve done your homework.

· Know your weaknesses and strengths

Ask your friends, professors, and family members to tell you what weaknesses and strengths you possess. There are also many online quizzes that can help with identification.

· Make sure that your social network accounts DO NOT contain inappropriate content

Nowadays, we are so comfortable to disclose information on the internet that we forget that anybody can see what we post. Do not post something that you will need to explain to your future employer.

· Be polite

Always say, thank you, you are welcome. Also, being prompt to meetings and responding to e-mails in a timely fashion will enhance your credibility.

· Reconnect with former companies you interned for

Send them an e-mail and remind them that you completed an internship with them and that you are looking for a full-time position. Attach your résumé as well.

· Have patience

Do NOT rush into any job offers. Be sure that the job you are saying “YES” to is the actual job that you want.

As you are getting ready to finish up school and enter the workforce, keep these tips in mind to ease any anxiety and to help you make a good impression with future employers.

Jorge is graduating in May with a Master’s Degree in Corporate and Professional Communication from Radford University. Summer internships are still available on college campus sites, headquarters or hospitals nationwide. Fill out this application to be considered!

Sodexo Launches First Mobile App Allowing Candidates to Apply for Jobs Directly from Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:50:00 +0000

By Darla Mayse, Sourcing & Recruitment Marketing Specialist

In the January issue of the C@reer Connections Newsletter we asked our subscribers to keep a look out for our new Sodexo Careers Job App. Well, the time has come! The app is live and the job application process is literally at your fingertips! To date there have been more than 1,500 downloads and 5 candidates already found their next job using the app!

Applying for jobs should be easy, right? With the Sodexo Careers and Job Search app you can apply for hourly and management jobs right from your smartphone with just a couple taps.

Search for a great job, read the description, click apply and you’re practically done! After you apply, use the Sodexo Jobs app to check the status of your application, change your status on a job posting or create job search agents for similar jobs.

With the App, candidates can:

Search and Apply for Sodexo jobs in the USA by keyword, discipline or location
Join the Sodexo USA Talent Community
Subscribe to Job Alerts
Network With Us on Twitter and Facebook
Learn more about Sodexo from YouTube and the Sodexo USA Careers Blog
Access the Mobile Career Site m.Sodexo.jobs

The innovative Sodexo Jobs App empowers candidates to connect with recruiters, search and apply for jobs -- all on the go, whenever and wherever they desire. See for yourself how to navigate the app with our video demo and then download the app here.

Get in the know and explore your future. So Sodexo!

If I were looking for a new job I would...

noreply@blogger.com (Chloe Rada) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger, Rachel Stamm, Senior Recruiter—Health Care Facilities Solutions.

“If I were looking for a new job I would…” the 7th in a series of blog posts that will give you an opportunity to gain insight into the world of job seeking from a recruiter’s perspective.

If I were looking for a job I would … network, network, network.

Don’t underestimate the power of networking! In today’s day and age networking is how people land their next job. It can give you the opportunity to meet potential employers in an informal setting. For example, industry events such as the National Facilities Management and Technology conference & trade show (NFMT) makes a great place to meet other facilities professionals while impressing upon leading employers like Sodexo.

Now before you obtain your license to network, let’s discuss the rules of the road.

Study

The first step to successful networking is to do your homework and research the company. Know who the top employers in your field are and where to find them. Learn more about what they do and how you could fit into the organization. More companies are using social media like LinkedIn and Twitter to market their presence at conferences, so search the events or follow them on Twitter. Some descriptions will even provide a link to speaker bios offering a great way to study up!

Prepare

Be prepared to sell yourself! Determine what you’d like to highlight and practice a few times beforehand. Your overall goal is to make a good first impression so the employer is eager to learn more about you. Most networking events are not the format to bring a resume, so be prepared with business cards and dress to impress.

Perform

Once you have reached your destination, remember to be yourself, take a deep breath and enjoy the process of meeting new people. Keep your conversations moving at a comfortable pace and avoid seeming too eager or pushy. Monopolizing someone’s time may seem insignificant, but costs you infractions on your networking license and risks your authenticity!

Follow up

Set a plan for follow up. It is best to follow up as soon as possible, within a day or two. Sending a thank-you note is good form and don’t be afraid to ask for a more formal meeting to discuss your qualifications. You will want your good first impression to linger, so don’t delay in your follow up.

Now you know the rules of the road and have your license. You are ready to network!

Bring Your Best Energy!

noreply@blogger.com (Sodexo Careers) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:58:00 +0000

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

Back at the end of February our Talent Acquisition Team held its’ 7th annual national meeting. The theme of our meeting was The Power of Sodexo: Our People. More than 80 of us gathered to celebrate, share and strengthen our personal and professional contributions to the Human Resource and Business Strategy at Sodexo.

Over the three days, we connected with one another in a learning environment, sharpened our collective talent advisor skills and harnessed our own internal power. But the lesson learned that continues to impact my daily life, was how to manage my energy from our guest speaker Raquel C. Garzon, from Corporate Athlete® the very first day.

The concept involves cutting back on multitasking so we can focus on the present activity, one at a time, and be fully engaged. It also allows for recovery periods so that we have better energy and increased effectiveness. The third component is proper nutrition as it can positively or negatively affect performance, health and engagement. And finally, move now, so that we’ll have the energy later!

Our team was challenged to bring the best energy to everything we do, at work and at home, and to make the investment in our own health and personal well-being.

I think our team took heed to Raquel’s presentation and brought the energy on day two! Check out this video from one of our Talent Advisor Group presentations.

Since the meeting, I have joined CorePower Yoga and committed to daily lunchtime walks with the dog. I have also made some adjustments to those back-to-back conference call schedules in order to incorporate those periods of recovery. So far, the investment in ME has quieted my stressful mind, resulting in a better night’s sleep and more productive next day.

I challenge you to bring your best energy to your life, especially to your job search, to help you stay focused on attaining your goals. Invest in the time to take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Try managing your energy, along with these job search lessons, so that you can engage fully, right here and right now!

Are you learning everything you need to know?

noreply@blogger.com (Trish Freshwater) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:39:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Michele Posehn, Senior Recruiter for Sodexo. Originally posted on the Student Branding Blog.

Most students begin college thinking they’ll learn everything they need to know for their future career in the classrooms on campus. And, while you’ll gain considerable knowledge learning facts and figures, theories and policies, you’ll also develop critical thinking skills, learn to work in teams, build leadership skills and begin to see the bigger picture as it relates to your career field and a specific job within that career.

But are you really learning everything you need to know?

Some skills come from experience and others require you to practice … and practice, like public speaking. As you prepare for your future, here are some specific skills that could benefit you in the working world.

Public Speaking: At some point in your career, you will need to speak in front of a group of people, whether it be a presentation you’re giving or defending your point of view. Even if you took a public speaking class, continue learning and practicing how to articulate and organize your thoughts by joining clubs such as Toastmasters that teach you the basics of public speaking. It’s a great way to practice with an audience that will give you constructive criticism and encouragement.
Dealing with Tense Situations: You will work with many people who don’t see eye to eye with you. You’ll encounter times when projects aren’t going in the direction you had hoped for or you and a coworker will need to have a tough conversation about processes, ideas or responsibilities. Learning to take a step back and approach the situation with an effective and constructive communication approach while understanding the emotions of each person involved is key to resolving difficult or tense situations professionally.
Working as a Team: In college, your team projects often give you the chance to develop your planning skills, teach you how to delegate and build in accountability to your team. And, sometimes, you find that you need to be prepared to step in when others don't deliver. In the working world, you’ll use all of these skills – and more. As you develop your teamwork skills, remember that sometimes it’s good to listen, setting team goals and building trust in the group is important, and personalities can have a big impact on the team’s leadership.
Get connected: Keep up on the latest news from your industry and potential companies – and their competitors – where you might want to work. Learn how your targeted companies are affected by current events. Consider subscribing to business publications, blogs, or newsletters by industry associations. Build your professional network by connecting with potential mentors or leaders in your industry by asking your professors to introduce you to their contacts.

You can also search for professional contacts on LinkedIn and Twitter – but regardless of how you find people, you want to truly connect with them and build relationships. Get to know your contacts personally, don’t connect just to add another contact in your LinkedIn address book. Attend professional organization meetings and introduce yourself; be seen, be known, grow your possibilities for contacts after graduation and beyond.
Time Management: While managing assignments for multiple classes and campus clubs is beginning to teach you how to manage your time, learning to set priorities and meet deadlines is a critical skill. Do you use a calendar or other online tool to track your assignments? Do you make lists to track your responsibilities? Do you procrastinate or set aside too much time for social activities? Take the time now to build good time management skills to ensure your success later on the job.

The classroom is producing an excellent student. It is up to you to go one step further and produce an excellent employee.

Celebrating Women in our Workplace

noreply@blogger.com (Sodexo Careers) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:38:00 +0000

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

Throughout this month, in honor of Women's History Month, we have been sharing personal stories of advancement of women in our workplace. Through the stories of employees like Darla Mayse and Joanne Martino, we recognized why Sodexo has become a leading company for diversity and inclusion.

Encouraging the advancement of women in the workforce is something that another employee, Lorna Donatone, COO and Education Market President, Sodexo North America and Women Foodservice Forum Chair Elect, says requires personal responsibility*.

In this video, Lorna explains how mentors, advocates and sponsors were the keys to fast track her career.

As I begin my career with Sodexo, it’s important that I have the support and opportunity to grow both as an individual and an employee. While I begin to live our values each and every day, I hope to share my personal journey of growth with you!

*Read more about Lorna and her passion for gender equality in the recent C@reer Connections newsletter. You can connect with her on Linkedin.

Growing Your Sodexo Career with the Sodexo Jobs App

noreply@blogger.com (Sodexo Careers) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

By Arie Ball, VP, Sourcing and Talent Acquisition

Many of our employees tell us that they joined Sodexo because we offer so many opportunities for professional development and career growth. Whether it’s our mentoring programs, employee network groups or formal training through Sodexo University, we aim to meet this expectation by providing personal and professional development opportunities to enhance our employees’ skills. As they grow and enhance their skill set, they become more competitive for advancement in the company – and then it becomes our job to make sure that it’s convenient and easy to apply for jobs.

This is why I am so excited about the new Sodexo Jobs app. This new tool will not only help external candidates learn more about Sodexo and apply for our jobs, but our employees now have a tool to help them explore, build and grow their careers within Sodexo. Through the app, users can learn about job opportunities, interact with our recruiters, and search and apply for jobs … all from their smartphone, anywhere, anytime.

What makes this cool – is that while some companies offer a smartphone app that lets you search for jobs, the Sodexo Jobs app lets you apply to those jobs you find – all using your mobile device. Sodexo is the first company to offer an app with this functionality and we’re thrilled to offer the capability to our candidates. Not only do we think external candidates will enjoy the speed and convenience of this new application, but we believe it will help promote employee engagement internally and further the careers of our employees.

Why is this good for employees?

Through the Sodexo Jobs app, our employees have virtually one-touch access to 30 percent more new job postings than the public and they can apply from any location, even on the go. They can even sign up for job alerts and be automatically notified of new openings that match their interest. Additionally, users gain direct access to recruiters and myriad job search tips and information like interviewing skills, resume tips and more.

Advancing Careers with Technology

Launching this app is a natural progression as our lives become increasingly mobile – even in the recruitment process. Through the development and launch of the Sodexo Jobs app, we want to make it as easy as possible for all of our candidates – both external candidates and internal employees – to help manage their careers and job search strategy.

We’re really excited about the Sodexo Jobs app and think it’s a cool advancement in recruiting – in fact, I’ll be presenting on the app at #EREexpo this week in San Diego.

What do you think of the app? We would love to hear from you. Post your comments below – especially if you’ve downloaded the app and gave it a spin. Your feedback will help improve the candidate experience at Sodexo. Click here to learn more or download the app.

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Building on more than 25 years of operational management experience with Sodexo, in 2004, Arie Ball assumed a leadership role within human resources as VP, Sourcing and Talent Acquisition. In this role, she leads the company’s first-ever centrally managed, cross divisional recruitment organization that focuses on sourcing, attracting and recruiting top talent to Sodexo, and on identifying internal employees for promotional opportunities. The Talent Acquisition Group, a high performing team, has become an award-winning organization, recognized for innovative approaches for attracting and recruiting the best talent the industry has to offer.

Connect with Arie on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter. Read all of Arie's guest blog posts here.