SJN - Scottsdale Job Network

WELCOME Job Seekers, Employers and Volunteers.

Our Mission

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) provides job transition training, personal connections, access to resources and moral support for job seekers through a Valley-wide network of passionate volunteers.

Meetings

SJN meets on the first and third TUESDAY mornings, from 9:00-11:30 AM at space offered by our neighbor:

Temple Chai
4645 East Marilyn Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Click here for a location map on MapQuest

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UPCOMING EVENTS
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NEXT MEETING:  TUES, JULY 15, 2008

BUILDING THE BRAND CALLED YOU: HOLLY SCHOR

Holly Schor, Community Relations Manager for Jobing.com, will help job seekers understand that your personal brand is you and your packaging.

Holly will offer insights that enable you to build a strong brand that tells employers who you are and why they should hire you.
__________

See Events Calendar for future program schedule.
__________

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a non-profit community group of business leaders and volunteers. We provide education in the job search process and all attendees have the opportunity to meet and work with people who offer support and guidance during employment transition.

SJN is not a job placement forum. We do not match candidates to openings nor do we send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment either directly through this group or as a result of association with SJN.

There are no membership dues or meeting fees to participate, and SJN exists on donations.  Scottsdale Job Network, Inc. is a charitable corporation in the State of Arizona and has applied to the IRS for non-profit 501(c)(3) status. 

Bi-monthly meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings:

9-9:30 Registration, resume reviews and networking
9:30 Welcome, announcements
10:00 Short break
10:10 Speaker begins
11:25 Speaker ends, feedback collected
Networking continues until 11:45

We meet at and use space offered by Temple Chai, 4645 East Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839.  Click here for a location map on MapQuest

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NEXT MEETING:  Tues, July 15, 2008
9 AM - 11:30 AM

BUILDING THE BRAND CALLED YOU: HOLLY SCHOR

Holly Schor, Community Relations Manager-Jobing.com, will help job seekers understand that your personal brand is you and your packaging.

Holly will offer insights that enable you to build a strong brand that tells employers who you are and why they should hire you.

________

MEETINGS IN AUGUST

Tues, August 5, 2008
9 AM - 11:30 AM

DISCOVER THE RESOURCES OF WORKFORCE CONNECTION

Kathy Thiessen, Site Supervisor, Phoenix Workforce Connection, offers an overview of the Phoenix Workforce Connection One Stop Career Centers and provides information about federal grant funding through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to provide career development and employment search resources to job seekers and business.

Melanie Smith, Workforce Connection Career Advisor/Job Coach, will offer detail about the program services that she provides to those seeking to upgrade skills and/or connect with employment opportunities. http://www.phoenix.gov/PHXWC

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Tues, August 19, 2008
9 AM - 11:30 AM

STATE OF AZ WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

Peter Polk, Retired Healthcare Executive and Member, Governor’s Task Force on Aging, Mature Worker Initiative, will discuss the actions being taken by the State of Arizona to promote hiring and retaining the mature worker. Peter has served on the State Mature Workforce committee for the past 6 years, and continues his involvement.

Participants will hear about the changing landscape of work, more generations are working side-by-side, competition for talent is escalating, costs of replacing experienced workers, productivity and business results are linked to work environment, benefits of a multi-generational work place.

Tapping into his experience as an executive in healthcare, Peter believes people are more likely to hire you if they like you = keep a positive attitude. How to fit in applies to everyone, not just the mature worker.
________

MEETINGS IN SEPTEMBER

 SJN Curriculum on the Job Search Process

SJN JOB SEARCH PROCESS CURRICULUM

The SJN Curriculum on the Job Search Process has been designed to provide the training and practice that job-seekers need to be successful.

A series of mini-workshops will be offered as part of the SJN bi-monthly networking meetings starting on September 2, 2008 at Temple Chai in Phoenix, 9-11:30 AM. Each presentation runs about 70-90 minutes.

Job seekers can start at the beginning of the Curriculum and work their way through the entire process or come to programs of particular interest.

The programs will be facilitated by experts in the training and career transition fields. At SJN, we do not require membership dues or meeting fees. However, participants are asked to make a donation to the extent they are able to help cover our program’s operating costs.

2008 Fall Series

Tues, Sept 2, 2008
Understanding the Emotions of a Career Change

Have you been “down-sized,” “right sized,” “acquired,” “merged”? No matter what the cause, you find yourself out of work. In this time of transition, you will experience a roller coaster of emotions. Join us to understand the emotions that may surface during the job transition period. You will hear strategies for coping with those emotions. Moving forward, you’ll find it easier to focus energies on your job search and next employment opportunity.

Tues, Sept 16, 2008
Creating Your Vision and Personal Marketing Plan

Having a vision and creating a marketing plan is the only way to start a job search or career transition. Assessing your skills inventory, deciding who you want to “dance” with and considering whether you are willing to relocate are issues that will be addressed in this thought-provoking presentation. This program will offer insights and guide you to develop a personal marketing strategy and a tactical plan for getting visibility.

Tues, Oct 7, 2008
Developing Your Resume

Have you written four versions of your resume and are still dissatisfied? Do you keep changing it time after time and wonder if the document is effective? Have you been posting your resume on the Internet and not getting results? Do you worry because it looks weak and doesn’t contain powerful accomplishments?

This presentation will take you through the steps of writing a resume, including how to develop a well-written document that gets results! The following areas will be addressed: types of resumes, headings and what to include, how to write an effective summary, add accomplishments and post your resume on the Internet. Bring your resume and you will work to improve it.

Tues, Oct 21, 2008
Creating Leads, Networking

Most people know what networking is—and don’t do it—OR some think they are networking, but aren’t doing it correctly. Did you know that 75-80% of jobs are attained through networking? Believe it or not—it is true!

This presentation will take you through the steps of the networking process. It is not as difficult as you might think. The best part about networking is that it gives you more control of your job search. Learning to network correctly will change your attitude toward this very important area of the job search process.

Tues, Nov 4, 2008
Interviewing Skills, Part I

In Part I of Interviewing Skills, participants will hear a realistic view of interviews. The program will address common misunderstandings about interviews, de-mystifying the interview process and calming your concerns. Included is an explanation of the types of interviews you may face and help to prepare to answer questions the interviewer will ask.

Tues, Nov 18, 2008
Interviewing Skills, Part II

In Part II of Interviewing Skills, strategies designed to help you address liabilities, prepare your questions for the interviewer, and send your thank you communications are addressed. Other helpful hints will be shared that will arm you with a strong preparation and presentation.

Tues, Dec 2, 2008
Managing Job Offers

You’ve had the interview, done the follow up and received an offer. Good for you! Now, what is expected of you, and how do you react? Issues to be addressed in this presentation will include determining whether to accept or decline the offer, negotiating the best offer without coming across as greedy, dealing with relocation requirements and starting over if you decline the offer.

Vision

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is the premier career transition support group in the Valley.

Mission

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) provides job transition training, personal connections, access to resources and moral support for job seekers through a Valley-wide network of passionate volunteers.

The Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a non-profit community service group of job seekers and others volunteering their time to help them in their career transitions. SJN has applied to the IRS for 501(c)(3) non-profit status.

The group attracts speakers from industry, technology, government, finance, coaching and recruiting to discuss job search fundamentals and present the SJN Curriculum on the Job Search Process

Meetings
Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 A.M. We meet at and use space donated by Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839. Click here for MapQuest to location 

Job seekers are offered the opportunity to network, learn new job seeking skills, and work with people who genuinely care about you and your job search. See our EVENTS CALENDAR for meeting dates and other events scheduled.

Recruiters Are Welcome
We offer recruiting agents and company representatives the opportunity to meet with our professional membership. Join us at our meetings from 9 AM and feel welcome to spend the morning with us.  Joining the SJN Yahoo Group enables recruiters to post openings to our members.  Interested candidates will contact the recruiter directly.

Resume Reviews
At each meeting, a representative from the Resume Writers Council of Arizona are available to critique resumes and offer improvement suggestions from 9-9:30 AM.

Yahoo Group
This is our closed online resource allowing members to stay connected 24/7 which is used to request information, post job leads, share relevant articles, read the history of emails, view past presentations, and more.  Attend one daytime meeting or evening event to become a member.

Web site
Resources are provided online through this website, including resources for basic needs, links to key job boards, map quest to our meetings, a list of volunteer opportunities, a reading list and a place to purchase business cards and make a donation.

Volunteering
There are no paid employees of SJN.  We are all volunteers and get great satisfaction from helping others.  Whether you are a current job seeker or you are working and want to help people in job transition, there is a place for you to volunteer.  Member participation helps establish a stronger support program for those who follow.

We do not require membership dues or meeting fees to allow everyone who is in job transition to be able to participate. Since our program is unfunded, we suggest that participants make a voluntary donation of $5 per meeting. When we have an all-day workshop, we do need to pass the costs along to participants.

BOARD MEMBERS

Founder & Executive Director
Christine Vicari cv4support@cox.net

Chris has developed and led employment support programs in Scottsdale, Arizona for more than five years and touched the lives of thousands of individuals and families in transition. Retired and living in Scottsdale, Arizona with husband, John, Chris earned a B.A. in Communications and Human Relations from Western Connecticut State University and worked in New York City law firms, a Fortune 500 company and a consulting company specializing in quality systems management.

Chris was awarded the Frances Young Community Heroes Certificate of Merit for her volunteer work with the unemployed, and for making a difference in the quality of life in Scottsdale.

Vice President
Bill Austin  bill@azhttp.com

Bill Austin is the Chief Technology Officer of Arizona High Tech Talent Partnership (AZhttp, Inc.) Bill also serves on the Board of Directors of Community Information & Referral and the Maricopa County Fair Association. He is a Member and Ambassador at the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Progressive Arizona Network.

Bill supports SJN by providing and maintaining the website, marketing the program in the Scottsdale-Phoenix community, and offering networking support to job seekers.

Secretary
Steve Wild  swild1015@aol.com

Steve has extensive leadership experience in several worldwide corporations focused on the manufacturing, distribution, and information industries. He has guided and counseled numerous companies through various stages of product development and material application. Having held sales, operations, purchasing and management positions, he carries an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing industry today.

Steve works closely with SJN Executive Director, Chris Vicari, on SJN development and was instrumental in the group’s filing its 501c3 application with the IRS this year.

Curriculum Development
Maria Wojtczak  mariaw@drivingmba.com

Maria has over 20 years of organization development experience working with a wide range of organizations. In addition to the use of traditional organization development techniques, she is highly skilled in large systems change and organization learning, with formal training in both specialties. A graduate of the University of Michigan and a partner in Power of ONE Consulting, Maria is also the Owner of Accelerated Skill Builders, the home of the DrivingMBA program, a combination of state of the art technology and experiential learning.

For SJN, Maria provides workshops and presentations on the topic of Exploring Your Passion and Putting it to Work. Maria works with participants to look beyond their immediate job skills and explore their strengths, talents and what they love to do. Often times it can.

Director-Curriculum Development
James R. O’Hara  jim@kellenjames.com

Jim O’Hara is the founding partner and principal officer of Kellen James, a National Executive Search firm specializing in Sales, Marketing and Executive level positions. Jim is recognized as an authority on sales and marketing management. He earned his undergraduate degree from The Citadel and his MBA from Pepperdine University.

Jim developed the model and oversees development of the SJN Curriculum on the Job Search Process. He presents at SJN meetings on all aspects of career transition.

Director-Finance
Eric Walton  ewalton@tiempodevelopment.com

Eric is the Chief Operating Officer at Tiempo Development, a software development firm based in Tempe, AZ and has software engineers located in Hermosillo, Mexico. Eric is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience in the computer and high tech industry, ranging from the dot.com startup to the Fortune 500. Eric received a BS in Business Management from University at Albany and a MBA from the University of Arizona.

In addition to working to identify SJN financial needs and planning fund raising activities, Eric makes presentations at SJN meetings and Jobing.com career fairs on a variety of career transition topics. Eric often facilitates SJN meetings and offers networking support to members.

Director-Marketing
Doug Bruhnke  Doug@GrowthNation.com

Doug is president and CEO of GROWTH NATION, a firm that provides outsourced marketing services to tech-based emerging firms that may not yet be ready for a full-time strategic marketer. His clients – mostly in Arizona and Utah – wish to grow and most have a global view. He has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah and an Executive MBA from Michigan State University Broad Graduate School of Management. His other board memberships include Enterprise Network, Arizona Small Business Association and Invest Southwest.

Doug supports the group with one-on-one advice along with presentations on networking, job changing, career development, entrepreneurship and other business topics. He’s always looking for talented sales and marketing people to pull into his network at GROWTH NATION, and welcomes introductions from SJN members.

Patrick Hanley
Patrick is General Manager of Franchise Operations for DataPreserve Franchise, LLC, a Scottsdale-based firm in the computer and network security industry. DataPreserve provides personally-tailored, highly-secure online remote backup for small and medium sized businesses. By partnering with local IT service providers, DataPreserve offers a local “trusted advisor” to guide customers through the simple and secure backup process. Patrick facilitates SJN meetings and offers networking support to members.

CONTACT US:

Email:   info@scottsdalejobnet.com
V-mail: (480) 513-1491

Mail:
Scottsdale Job Network
P.O. Box 25674
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.  - Edward Everett Hale

GET INVOLVED!

SJN is an all-volunteer community service program that does not charge membership dues or meeting fees.  We rely on cash donations and the volunteer services of our Supporters–job seekers, employers, recruiters, working members and others from the community.

We have found that members who engage with us as volunteers have fun while job searching, gain valuable insight and individual support, and make many friendships and business contacts.

When hired, do members stay connected to SJN?
When SJN members are hired, they do stay connected to nurture and continue to build their business networks. Those networks are their best leverage if they are job seekers again and to also support their career development.

These Supporter members give back to SJN and function as resources for their industry, company and personal connections. They participate in our networking meetings and evening events, keeping SJN in mind when they hear of opportunities.

Some Supporters serve as guest speakers, and some take on leadership roles in the organization. Supporters share their transition experiences and offer connections to others in their job search and career transition. Yes, working members are a very important part of our network!

Curriculum:  Works to develop and improve content of SJN Curriculum of the Job Search Process and present to members at meetings and workshops.

Program:  Works with the Executive Director to develop, schedule and administer SJN meetings and workshops.

Operations:  Ensures efficient and effective bi-monthly meetings by lining up volunteers for hospitality and meeting facilitation, meets and greets participants, picks up the bagels.

Membership:  Attracts new members to SJN, serves as Yahoo Group moderators, and supports alumni initiatives.

Marketing:  Promotes SJN activities within the organization and in the community.  Defines and develops potential alliances that benefit SJN.  Helps us develop and nurture alliances with targeted community groups.

Finance:  Helps to raise funds to support SJN needs.

Contact:           Chris Vicari, Founder-Executive Director
E-mail:              info@scottsdalejobnet.com
Voice mail:       (480) 513-1491
 

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Personal Motivation and Traits

How do you feel about your present workload?
What motivates you to do your best work?
How can we best help you get your job done?
Tell me about a time you went “out on a limb” to get the job done.
What are the disadvantages of this line of work?
What do you find most frustrating at work?
Tell me about a project that got you really excited.
How do you define doing a good job?
What makes a job enjoyable for you?
Under what conditions do you work best?
What is your greatest strength/weakness or deficiency?
Tell me about a work task you enjoy.

Goals

What are your 5-year goals?
Tell me what “success” means to you.
What does “failure” mean to you?
Do you consider yourself successful?
Do you set goals for yourself and how do you do that?

Communication

Tell me about a work situation you had that required excellent communication skills.
Do you prefer to speak directly with someone or send a memo?
How would you grade your ability to communicate with upper level management, customers, and peers?
What was more important on your job, written or oral communication?

Flexibility

Tell me about the last change that occurred in your office. How did you handle it?
I’m interested in hearing about the last time you took a risk. What was it and in retrospect, was it the right decision?
How important is communication and interaction with others on your job? How many departments did you deal with? What problems occurred?
Tell me about a time when a work emergency caused you to reschedule your work/projects.
Give me an example of the last time you went above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done
In what areas do you typically have the least amount of patience at work?

Stress

Tell me about a deadline you had to meet. How much advance notice did you have?
You have worked in a fast paced environment. How did you like the environment?
What kinds of decisions are most difficult for you?
What is the most difficult work situation you have faced?
What types of jobs do you have the most difficulty with?
What do you do when you’re having trouble with your job?
What do you do when you have a great deal of work to accomplish in a short period of time?

Manageability

What do you do when you’re having trouble with a boss?
If your boss knew you were interviewing, what would he say?
What do you feel an employer owes an employee?
Your supervisor tells you do to something in a way you know is dead wrong. What do you do?
If your supervisor unfairly criticized you, what would you do?
Would you like to have your boss’s job? Why or why not?
Tell me about a time when your manager was in a rush and didn’t give you enough attention.
What are some of the things about which you and your boss disagree?
What are some of the things your boss did that you disliked?
In what areas could your boss have done a better job?
I would be interested to hear about an occasion when your work or an idea was criticized, what was criticized, who criticized you, and how did you handle it?
Describe the best manager you ever had. The worst. What qualities did each of them have?

Job Performance Questions

What were your most significant accomplishments at your last job?
What is the biggest failure you’ve had in your career? Why do you believe it was your biggest failure?
What were your three most important responsibilities in your last job?
What was the most important project you worked on in your last job and why did you choose this example?
Describe how you have progressed through the ranks and landed in your current position at ABC Company?
How have you added value to your job over time?
How have you had to reinvent or redefine your job to meet your companies changing needs?
What proactive steps did you have to take to increase the output of your position?

Cooperation with Co-workers

What types of people have trouble getting along with you?
Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
Tell me about the last time you had a conflict with a co-worker, what was the conflict and how did you resolve it?
How would your co-workers describe you?
The successful candidate for this position will be working with individuals who have been with the company for a long time. How will you mesh with them?
What kind of people did you have contact with on your previous jobs (titles/positions)?
What kind of person do you get along with the best?
Define cooperation.
Tell me about an occasion when, in difficult circumstances, you pulled a team together.
What do you find most challenging in working with co-workers?
Do you function more effectively as a team member or as an individual contributor?
Describe the most difficult customer you have dealt with. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
Describe a group project you were recently involved in. Describe your role, the purpose of the project, how you handled differences of opinion. What was your outcome?
What do you do when you know you are right and others disagree with you?
How do you build consensus?
Define teamwork.

ONLINE CONNECTIONS

The Yahoo Group for the Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is our closed online resource that allows members to stay connected 24/7.

The Yahoo Group offers participants access to the history of posted messages, files and links with relevant information, copies of past speaker presentations, a membership list with contact information on all job seekers, alumni members, recruiters and volunteer members, plus it contains a calendar with regular reminders to your email box of our upcoming events.

To participate in the Yahoo Group, attendance is required at one meeting to apply for membership in SJN and our Yahoo Group. 
 

Chris and All the volunteers of the SJN Group: I was a Compliance Officer in the mortgage industry with no hope of finding another position within the mortgage industry in the Phoenix Valley. I was networking to try and find another industry to utilize my skills. While doing this I had decided to start my own business to assist the mortgage brokers and bankers in the valley with compliance and quality controls needs. While networking with accounting firms that provide accounting services to the mortgage industry, I was told about a full-time opportunity at one of the mortgage bankers in Phoenix. It was not an advertised position. Essentially, I was offered the opportunity. I am now employed at Core Mortgage Group as a Quality Control / Compliance Liaison.

I can not say enough good things about what the SJN Group meant to me. I may not have gotten this position directly from a member or volunteer, but you gave me the tools, motivation, and showed me how valuable networking is to all who are not employed. It will be difficult to attend meetings, since I start work at 8am, but I hope to be able to assist from time to time with your efforts to guide the unemployed to finding a new opportunity. You are all amazing people. To the attendees, just keep getting yourself out there promoting your search. You will find someone who will guide you to your next opportunity!!!

With Sincere Appreciation,
Joanne Landry
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5/14/08 - Dear Christine,

Just a quick note of thanks for creating SJN! I have attended two meetings and will attend “Exploring Your Passions.” You have greeted me at both meetings, making me feel more comfortable and relaxed in such a stressful time. After 8 years away from the workforce and no networking experience, I look forward to each event and the friendships that will develop.

Please let me know what I can do to help SJN!
Maggie Hess
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5/7/08 - I went to my first networking meeting yesterday and I want to thank you all for this wonderful resource. I left there feeling so positive and so ready to take on my assignment of getting a job.The speakers were wonderful and I met some great people with whom I am going to start an informal “cafemeet-up” job support group with.

Thank you for this wonderful service.

Best regards, Kate Calvert
- - - - -
Hello Chris, I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know it was a pleasure to meet you and attend the SJN meeting this past Tuesday. I enjoyed the program immensely. I greatly appreciated the advice provided and the networking opportunities. You and your fellow colleagues are to be commended for coordinating the job search curriculum. I look forward to going through each step with you. As I am quickly finding out, it IS a job to find a job.

I look forward to seeing you again.
Sincerely,
Debra Gittin

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Thank you for the opportunity to support and present to the Scottsdale Job Network. You have done a great job growing SJN into an excellent organization that serves to educate, expand the horizons of and encourage those in career transition.

It is my pleasure to introduce franchise ownership as another option to be considered and encourage thorough due diligence in exploring that option should it be pursued. Thank you again and continue your terrific work with SJN.

Harriet Moser
Franchise Resource Company
(602) 307-5962
(602) 301-6576 cell
harriet@franchiseresource.com

- - - - - - - - - -
Chris: Just want to say THANK YOU to you and your team for what you’re all doing through SJN. I believe you’re giving many good and talented people a place to learn and connect during this (what can be a very anxious and lonely) time, with the knowledge that there’s a place where people care about them and want to help them. You guys keep up the fine work. You’re making a difference.
God Bless You,
Jim Barrera
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Chris,

I am extremely impressed with you and others volunteering their time and resources with SJN to assist others in finding a job. Not only has SJN been informative/productive for me, but your passion to help has been clearly conveyed.

Mark Blanford

- - - - - - - - -
Dear Chris,

Thank you for volunteering at The Scottsdale Job Network! I attended my first meeting at Temple Chai last week and then attended a work shop by Maria Wojtczak; ”Exploring Your Passion and Putting it to Work” Monday. Both programs offered good advice! The talk by Katie Pushor was top notch she was open, honest, and candid in sharing the “ups and downs” in her life. Her sincerity and desire to help us was unmistakable and her delivery was perfect. I learned a lot from the knowledge that she imparted, she had a big impact on me!

All three of you are examples of what makes Scottsdale a good place to live. Scottsdale seems to be a city where people give a lot back to the community. People moving to the Phoenix area benefit from being here and they also seem to give a lot back to the community. No wonder the area is growing so rapidly!

My wife and I only get to spend five months a year in Scottsdale but we love being part of this vibrant community. We are headed back east in April however I look forward to returning in the Fall and attending more meetings.

Thanks again for giving back to the community, it makes a difference! If there is anything that I can do while I’m in Charlottesville to support the Job Network please let me know.

Sincerely,
Ed Brownfield
Email: edbrownfield@mindspring.com

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MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS WHO HAVE “LANDED”

5/08 - Words truly cannot express my gratitude for this group. During some difficult moments of unemployment, discouragement and anxiety, the positive energy and helpfulness of the people in this group is what kept me motivated and on track. I can’t thank you enough for creating this amazing organization!

I would prefer to leave my status as I love all the information I receive from the emails.

I will most definitely stay in touch. Thanks again!

Warm Regards, Lori Brown

- - - -
3/21/07 - I wanted to share with you that I have finally found a job that I am hoping will be a great fit. I will be the Events Manager for the Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, Inc. They are located downtown on Coronado Road between McDowell and Thomas. They are a non-profit organization with approximately 80 ppl. locally. I will be responsible for implementation of all public presentations assigned to the Organizational Development Team. I will be a participating member of the Organizational Enhancement Team with an emphasis on public presentations at community events and fund development through special events. I’m thrilled that there will be absolutely no travel outside of Arizona and the benefits are excellent.

Thank you all for your support and friendship - it has really meant a lot to me to have this networking and support group available during this stressful time. If nothing else, this experience has shown me how important friends are and that making lots of money is not as important as I once thought it was. I am hoping to really love this job and have a well balanced work life and personal life. Keep up the networking and keep the faith - the perfect job for you is right around the corner.

Best of luck to all of you.
Leslie Friedman
leslienyc@cox.net
___________________

When people ask why my family moved to Arizona, my most common response is, “It was always the master plan.” On June 1 of this year, we arrived and started our lives in Phoenix. Shortly after that my wife and I began our job searches. Yep, we picked up and moved without securing jobs first.

I was lucky to have great friends in Illinois who used their networks (mostly LinkedIn) to introduce me to people in the Valley. Without fail, every contact I made here stressed the power of networking and specifically mentioned the Scottsdale Job Network. I started attending SJN meetings in July and was impressed by the quality of the presentations and the willingness of the members to help each other in their job searches. One of the many services provided by the SJN is the sharing and distribution of local job postings. Chris Vicari sent the ASU Non-Profit newsletter to the group where I found a posting with The ALS Association Arizona Chapter.

In September, I was blessed with the position of Executive Director at this wonderful organization. ALS, often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. In ALS patients, the motor neurons that control vital functions such as speech, swallowing and breathing, die leading to paralysis and eventually death. There is no known cause or cure for ALS.

In my new role, I am able to apply my skills and abilities to such a worthwhile cause. We work to provide much needed services to patients and their families living with ALS and provide funding and hope for a cure.

The Scottsdale Job Network played a big part in my finding and being prepared for this position. My advice? Get involved, stay networked and connected, and use the many value-added services the Scottsdale Job Network provides.

Best of luck finding the job of your dreams!

Ken Brissa
kbrissa11@hotmail.com
_______________

Subject: Career Passion and the Importance of the Network

Good Day everyone! As a brief means of introduction, my name is Ed Kusek, and along with Chris Vicari, we co-founded the St. Patrick’s Employment Ministry four years ago. I wanted to take a minute and share one of my recent “Real Life” experiences. Perhaps it may help you get through what was for me “The Most Difficult Time” I have ever experienced in my life: being unemployed.

I, like a number of you, had worked for one company for a long time. I moved from Philadelphia to Scottsdale in 1995 and had the misfortune of being laid off four times in the last eleven years. It was after the third lay-off that Chris and I got together and founded the ministry. During that time, we were blessed and surrounded by some of the greatest people I have ever met and now call them my friends.

One of the presentations that has always stayed with me was given by Maria Wojtczak, Training Consultant, Power of One Consulting, entitled “Finding Your Career Passion”. What does that mean? As I moderated a number of the meetings, I would tell people, you are now facing the “Worst of Times” and “The Best of Times”. The “Worst of Times” because you are now unemployed, “The Best of Times” because you now have the time and a chance to ask yourself, “If I could do what I always wanted to do, or have any job in the world, what would it be?”

For those of you who do not know me, I have been working in the Information Technology arena for over 40 years, but my personal branding, any time you would see me, looked liked I was ready to hit the links, that’s because of the Golf attire I always wore and because my passion has been the World of Golf. Listening to Maria prompted me to take a temporary position working in a Golf Call Center for Marriott golf in Scottsdale. At the time, it was the “lowest” paying position I ever held in my life, but by far, the “Most Fun” I ever had. Little did I know at the time, that the contacts I would make during my stint with Marriott golf would be my lifesaver in years to come.

I left Arizona and moved to Florida in 2003. Because of the move, I fell back into the IT industry because it paid the most and it was something I was most familiar with, never thinking that after being unemployed four times in eleven years that I would ever have to face unemployment again. Well I have, and I made the decision that I have had enough with the IT industry that has been such a part of my life for so many years.

With the help of the people, friends and contacts that I had made during my time working with Chris and the rest of our friends at the ministry, and the continued involvement and monitoring that I do daily from 2,000 miles away, I have been able to get back into the Golf industry, securing a position that will now become one of the best paying positions that I have ever held.

This is not about the money, it’s about the fact that because of people like Chris, Maria, Steve Wild, Jerry Kucner and others, I have been able to get my life “Back on Track” faster than the previous four times. I’m now in a field that I have been looking forward to all of my life. I owe them a great deal of “Thanks and Prayers” for giving me the tools to handle and overcome this situation.

Folks, all I can tell you from my personal experience is that the process works. You have access to the “Greatest Support System” that money can buy, and they all do this because they care about their fellow human beings. Believe in yourself, take advantage of what these great people have to offer, and tell them “Thanks” when you see them. I have “Never”, “Ever” met such a more wonderful group of individuals in my entire life like the ones you have access to. They truly can and have made a difference.

Sincerely,
Ed Kusek
ekusek1@msn.com
_______________

Hi all my name is Tom Bryson and I just landed a position with United Blood Services. I want to say it’s a great idea to always attend as many meetings with the Scottsdale Job Network as possible because you can always count on some great perspectives, excellent support, and the speakers that Chris has pulled in are very good. I know you need to be proactive in your search and never assume you have enough information. Resume, networking and interviewing are the key areas and it helps to support other folks in our same position.

Chris and also Steve are very upbeat and have so many great ideas, plus there are others but please forgive me for not knowing everyone’s names. I hope to attend the next Wednesday meeting if at all possible.

God bless everyone and keep the faith. I really mean it surround yourself with people that are supporters and have your best interests in mind not the negative folks. Find your passion and seek out informational interviews. The more prepared you are for the area you seek to be employed the better. You need to outwork your competition and be proactive, never forget to send thank you cards to people that have agreed to give their valuable time.

I hope some of my thoughts will help a little, and remember all in all you just need one job so the effort is worth it in the long run. Don’t take short-cuts, put in the effort and your efforts will be rewarded.

Warm regards,
Tom Bryson
Donor Recruitment Representative
United Blood Services

SJN - Scottsdale Job Network is a non-profit community service group of business leaders and volunteers. We are not a job placement forum, and we do not match candidates to openings nor do we send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment either directly through this group or as a result of association with SJN.

Phoenix Area recruiters who want to work with SJN are asked to attend one meeting and register to join our Yahoo Group. Once connected to our Yahoo Group, recruiters from the Greater Phoenix area are able to post job openings. Interested candidates will make direct contact with Phoenix recruiters. 

Meet some of our recruiter-members:

Betsy Carroll, MBA
URS Corporation
7720 N. 16th Street, Ste. 100
Phoenix, AZ 85020
(602) 648-2383
betsy_carroll@urscorp.com
www.urscorp.jobs 

Civil engineers in the areas of Environmental Planning, Water Resources, Environmental Engineering, Transportation and Geocivil engineers. And all of our positions are full-time direct hires.

Betty Davies RN/BSN
Senior Recruiting Specialist
Staff One Search
(602) 952-9060
betty@staffonesearch.com 

Medical, general office, management, IT

Shawn Rutledge
Robert Half Technology
2375 E. Camelback Road, Suite 290
Phoenix, AZ  85016
(602) 224-2486 x27315
Fax: (602) 224-4870
www.rht.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnrutledge

Entry level help desk to the most experienced System Administrators and Network Architects

Christopher Wallen
Edward Jones
16700 N Thompson Peak Parkway, Suite 150
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 614-3419
www.edwardjones.com

Recruiting for Financial Advisors

Alan Walsh
Sales & Recruiting
Gould Intelligent, LLC
(623) 328-8027
hr@gouldintelligent.com
www.gouldintelligent.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/alwalsh45

IT Staffing – Contract, Contract to Perm, and Perm Placement

Carl A. Grover, Jr.
CDI IT Solutions
2600 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ  85004
(602) 508-6420
Carl.grover@cdicorp.com
http://www.cdicorp.com/
http://www.cdicorp.com/Employment/SubmitResume.aspx
http://www.linkedin.com/in/carlgrover

Mary Hennenfent
Skillsoft
1400 N. Pima Road, Ste. 300
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 315-4025
Mary_hennenfent@skillsoft.com
www.skillsoft.com

Laurie Keffler
Sr. Technical Recruiting Manager
Ajilon Consulting
(480) 668-4866 Ext. 226
(800) 938-2342
laurie.keffler@ajilon.com

Emily Kleinbaum
Adecco Engineering and Technical
Tempe, AZ
(480) 820-0128 x14
Emily.Kleinbaum@adeccona.com

Krisanne McGuire
Southwest Recruiting Services
480 657-8638
km@southwestrecruiting.com
www.southwestrecruiting.com

Jim O’Hara
President
Kellen James
(480) 424-7958 Ext. 22
jim@kellenjames.com
www.kellenjames.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/0/995/37b

Sherri Kruse
Account Executive
MDI Group, IT Division
Skruse@mdigroup.com
(602) 393-2900 x109
C: (480) 720-4300

MDI’s focus is Information Technology Staffing for Clients throughout AZ.

Laurie Kramer
Staffing Consultants, Inc.
www.staffing-consultants.com
(480) 275-5058
Laurie@staffing-consultants.com  

All levels of Corporate positions: Receptionists, Data Entry, AP/AR, Acct Supv/Mgrs, Controllers, HR Benefit Coordinators. and/or Generalists, Customer Service Reps, inside/outside sales, Marketing Coordinators, and Managers/Directors, VP’s within each area.

SJN is the premier Scottsdale Networking Group for job seekers and strives to be the premier career transition support group in the Valley of the Sun.

A variety of other networking groups exist in Scottsdale which strive to become well known, efficient and productive Scottsdale networking groups. In order to help those other groups and to help our job seekers, we provide links to a number of these other groups below. Most of these groups are not geared toward job seekers and some are not in Scottsdale Arizona but this list provides a valuable starting point for job seekers to find locations and events to help them grow their networks and improve their networking skills.

Scottsdale Networking Groups

St Patrick’s Employment Support Ministry
Bi-weekly Scottsdale networking group meeting of job seekers, alumni and community supporters. The objective is for every member to walk away from each meeting with at least one new contact or idea useful to progressing their job search

Arizona Executives
Networking group for management-level jobs.

Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce

Phoenix Business Journal Events

LinkedIn Live Networking Events

Links to sites with useful information

Arizona Career Resource Network
AZ Dept of Education centralized resource center 

Arizona Healthcare and Hospital Jobs

Arizona Tech Council

Arizona has jobs.com 
Arizona Chamber of Commerce site

Careerbuilder.com - Arizona Republic Partner

East Valley Tribune Classifieds

Jobing TV
Info on Jobing.com’s TV show

Jobing.com Arizona Home 
AZ-based provider of online, local employment

Arizona Workforce Connection
Virtual Job search and support center

ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation

Work Ministry
Job search support

Resume Writers Council of Arizona

Links for job seekers over 50

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Scottsdale Job Network (SJN)?
Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a non-profit community service group of business leaders and volunteers. We provide education in the job search process and all attendees have the opportunity to meet and work with people who offer support and guidance during employment transition. SJN is not a job placement forum. We do not match candidates to openings nor do we send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment either directly through this group or as a result of association with SJN.

How does the Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) help job seekers?
Professional facilitators, trainers, career coaches and recruiters share their expertise to support the career transitions of our neighbors. In addition to offering timely market information and resume reviews, we share the knowledge learned through our own career transition experiences. This is an upbeat program where we listen and learn, find direction, and celebrate landings!

What motivates you to offer this program?
We are neighbors who care about our community and have compassion for unemployed workers and their families. Supporters of this program have all felt the sting and frustration of being without a steady income, a sense of direction and hope for the future. Our goal is to build a program that assures job seekers a secure place to learn while developing supportive relationships and working towards their goals.

Do you find jobs for people?
SJN is a non-profit community group of business leaders and volunteers. We are not a job placement forum, and we do not match candidates to openings nor do we send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment either directly through this group or as a result of association with SJN. We do, however, provide education in the job search process and all attendees have the opportunity to meet and work with people who offer support and guidance during employment transition.

How does SJN differ from an outplacement company?

• Our services are free. Professionals who have a desire to give back to the community provide their time and talent to assist others.
• We deal with people on a human level—people to walk the journey with you, addressing emotional issues of job transition and life redirection as well as the development of job search skills.
• More intensive because of structure—real world: you’re working with people who do this work everyday.
• You’ll learn what a job search entails and why each component is important.
• We offer tools and strategies and encourage you to use and implement them.
• Recruiter resources attend meetings.
• We are executives on both sides of issue (we’ve been unemployed).
• We take time to help you make networking connections in the community.
• If people are pro-active, the program helps them psychologically.
• Our meetings are a workshop environment – allowing time to work with people through the use of exercises.
• We plan ahead with facilitators, speakers and subjects that meet job seeker needs.

How does local business participate in SJN?
Local business owners and decision makers are a great asset to our network. They participate in several ways. They give back to the community by making talented employees available to share their knowledge and skills with the community. Employers create goodwill by supporting job growth in Arizona and making presentations on points of interest. Local businesses have the opportunity to address their staffing needs by tapping into the pool of talented workers who participate in SJN.

Do you help young and mature workers?
Yes, absolutely! For the mature workers, we have connections to resources that specialize in tapping the skill and experience of older workers. First-time job seekers, and all levels, benefit from resume reviews, guidance on networking, tips on interviewing and information on community resources to aid their searches.

Do you have an online job board?
Any jobs that come to us are posted in our Yahoo Group, an intranet vehicle that allows members, including recruiters, to stay connected 24/7. We do not match workers to jobs nor do we submit resumes to employers. Interested candidates will apply directly to employers.

There is a link on our website to Jobing.com’s online jobs for Phoenix. This is a place for job seekers to post their resume for free. Employers seeking to promote a position through this service will pay a fee, and SJN does not benefit from the payment.

Employers can sign up to be members of our Yahoo Group. This enables them to e-mail job opportunities directly to the Yahoo Group. Interested candidates will respond directly to the employer.

What other function does the Yahoo Group serve?
We use Yahoo Group to provide an email forum for job leads, contact requests, meeting and event announcements, helpful articles and more. The Files section includes the SJN Membership List, local networking groups information, SJN meeting presentations, practical job search information and links to many, many helpful resources. This 24/7 resource was developed by SJN volunteers.

How can I join the Yahoo Group for SJN?
To participate in the Yahoo Group, attend one meeting and fill out a form requesting membership in SJN and our Yahoo Group.

Where do you meet?
We meet at and use space provided by our generous and caring neighbor, Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839 Click here for a location map on MapQuest

What happens in a typical meeting?
Meetings are opportunities for networking, learning new job seeking skills, and working with people who genuinely care about you and your job search. Meeting participants (job seekers, employers, recruiters, volunteers) arrive between 9:00 and 9:30 A.M. and start networking with others, including other job seekers, supporters from the business community, hiring managers, recruiters and volunteers.

Professionals from the Resume Writers Council of AZ are available for resume critiques.

At 9:30, the meeting facilitator welcomes everyone and shares information on SJN and ways this group can help your search. The facilitator asks for announcements, and the group hears from former job seekers who have accepted job offers.

The facilitator a networking activity for each participant to share a 30 elevator speech.

Each meeting has a guest speaker who is always interesting and informative! (See EVENTS CALENDAR for future programs). The speaker shares experience and insight in an area related to the job search process. The speakers work hard to engage members in an interactive session on the meeting topic—they love your participation!

We wrap up with meeting feedback and announcement of the next meeting, with additional time for networking.

At our meetings you have the opportunity to meet others, share your needs and get helpful information from the guest speaker and other professionals attending the meeting. Often connections are made and individual support is given as requested or required by the job seeker. You’ll always be directed to different people who can help you.

What sets our meetings apart are (1) hands-on training in the job search process, (2) the special connections you’ll make and (3) the personal help you’ll receive that will assist you in your job search, and in your career.

How should I dress for SJN meetings?
Business casual is the preferred dress. Some participants wear jackets, occasionally ties. Not recommended: jeans or shorts.

Do I need to pre-register or sign up to attend a meeting?
No pre-registration is required for our meetings. Simply arrive at 9 AM for networking before the program starts, to register as a member of SJN and set up an invitation to join our Yahoo Group, if desired.

How should I prepare and what should I bring to your meetings?
You should bring copies of your resume which can be offered to any recruiter attending the meeting. Your resume can be reviewed by professionals from the Resume Writers Council of Arizona, a no-charge service. We recommend having a personal business card. It should be simple, and have your name, contact info (tel number and email address), plus your job title, if known. Bring a warm smile and a strong handshake. And, you should prepare a 30-second elevator speech.

What is an elevator speech and how do I create one?
http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/the-pros-talk/what-is-an-elevator-speech/

How many people usually attend the meetings?
Since meetings are open to the public, we never know exactly how many will be joining us. There has been a steady rise in attendance as the reputation of the group has spread throughout the Valley. Also, since roll out of the SJN Curriculum on the Job Search Process, meeting participation is ranging from 80 - 100 people. No matter the number, we always strive to deliver individual attention to participants.

What is the typical background of the people who attend SJN meetings?
Generally, our members are experienced professionals with college degrees from a variety of fields and industries. We also have young people who are looking for their first professional job, others returning to the workforce, and retirees searching for a new beginning. We see people currently employed in the Valley looking to share information and support others in their job and career decisions. Others who just moved to the Valley join us to start building their business connections and networks. And, recruiters from local companies and recruiting agencies are often in attendance.

What are the dues or fees?
We do not require membership dues or meeting fees to allow everyone who is in job transition to be able to participate at our meetings. To cover operating costs, we suggest that participants make a voluntary donation of $5 per meeting. When we have an all-day workshop, we do need to pass the costs along to participants.

When hired, do members stay connected to SJN?
When SJN members are hired, we encourage them to stay connected to nurture and build their business networks. Those networks are their best leverage if they are job seekers again and to also support their career development.

Yes, working members are a very important part of our network!  These Supporter members give back to SJN and function as resources for their industry, company and personal connections. They participate in our networking meetings and evening events, keeping SJN in mind when they hear of opportunities. Some return to be guest speakers, and some take on leadership roles in the organization. Supporters share their transition experiences and offer connections to others in their job search and career transition.

How do I contact Scottsdale Job Network to share a job opening, volunteer or with other questions?

Contact Us:

Email:     info@scottsdalejobnet.com
V-mail:  (480) 513-1491
Mail:       P.O. Box 25674, Scottsdale AZ 85255

SJN OPERATES ON DONATIONS

Dear Neighbors and Friends of Scottsdale Job Network - SJN:

SJN offers our service to the community free of membership dues and meeting fees. We are all volunteers and no one connected with the program is paid for their services.

In February 2008, SJN launched a Curriculum on the Job Search Process. A group of talented experts in the field have donated their time to develop this program which we share with job seekers at our bi-monthly meetings.

Earlier this year, we shared the group’s financial goals with our members. As a result, donations have amounted to enough money to enable us to do the following:

• Pay for legal expenses to apply to the IRS for 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
• Purchase a projector for use at meetings, workshops, events.
• Make a donation to Temple Chai in thanks for the use of meeting space.
• Pay for ongoing expenses of meeting foods, office supplies, printing.

We are very pleased to have fulfilled those special needs and to provide for ongoing expenses.

GOING FORWARD

Additional needs include: updated MS Office software, printing brochures, two special events for our members (usually in July and December).  And we need to purchase a new laptop to replace the very old one that was donated.

Will you help us by making a donation?
Scottsdale Job Network operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, and donations are tax deductible on Federal income tax returns.

Checks or money orders are payable to Scottsdale Job Network and can be mailed to:

Scottsdale Job Network (please don’t use “SJN” on the envelope)
PO Box 25674
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Another option is to use PAYPAL:
There’s a link on the top left of SJN’s website for making donations via PayPal.

BUSINESS CARDS:
You can also help us by purchasing your business cards from VistaPrint through our website

http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/business-cards/

Many thanks for your support that enables us to help job seekers in our community.

Christine Vicari
Founder-Executive Director
Email: cv4suport@cox.net

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 A.M. We meet at and use space donated by:

Temple Chai
4645 East Marilyn Road
Phoenix, Arizona  85032

Temple Chai is centrally located just east of the Piestawa Freeway (Route 51) and south of the loop 101.  Marilyn Road is just west of Tatum Blvd. between Thunderbird and Greenway Roads.
Click here for a location map on MapQuest

HOW OUR MEETINGS ARE RUN

Our meetings are opportunities for networking, learning new job seeking skills, and working with people who genuinely care about you and your job search. Arrive at 9:00 a.m. to start networking with others in the room, including job seekers, supporters from the business community, recruiters, hiring managers and volunteers.

At 9:30, the meeting facilitator welcomes everyone and shares information on the program.  We ask for announcements, and hear from “former” job seekers who accepted a job offer.
 
The highlight of our meetings is a guest speaker – always interesting and informative!  Speakers share their experience and insight engaging the job seekers in an interactive session involving different job seeking skills and techniques.  We wrap up with feedback and announcement of the next meeting.

Generally, the time is managed as follows:

9-9:30    Registration, resume reviews and networking
9:30       Welcome, announcements, Accelerated Networking
10:00     Short break
10:10     Speaker begins
11:25     Speaker ends, feedback collected
             Networking continues until 11:45

At our meetings you have the opportunity to meet others, share your needs and get individual attention from the guest speaker and other professionals attending the meeting.  Often connections are made and individual support is given as requested or required by the job seeker.  What sets our meetings apart are the special connections you’ll make and the personal help you’ll receive that will help you in your job search, and more.          

Business Cards: a tool for your job search

Do you have a business card to use while networking? People who meet you will want to know how to contact you. Presenting them with a professional business card will do the trick!

Don’t use business cards from a previous employer. Instead, job seekers should supply themselves with a professional business card that contains the following:

Name
E-mail Address
Telephone No.
Your website address
Your job function or title, or 2-3 core competencies

Business Cards can be purchased from a variety of places around Phoenix including printers, office supply stores, mailbox service stores and many more.

Recently, SJN became an affiliate of Vista Print where you can get 250 business cards free with the cost of shipping.

Scottsdale Job Network is paid a small fee by Vista Print for all printing or business cards ordered through their link on our website, whether they are the free business cards or upgraded premium business cards.

You can check out their selection by clicking below:

Thank you for considering this option when you shop for business cards!

PARTICIPANT INPUT DRIVES OUR PROGRAM

At the end of each meeting, participants are offered a feedback form and asked to share their reactions to the speaker and the subject of the day’s meeting.

In addition to “rave reviews,” we also receive suggestions on ways to improve our program, including adjustments to time management and requests for topics for future meetings.  We listen to our members’ suggestions, and it’s their input that drives the development of SJN.  Read feedback:

What did you like best about the meeting?   

• The informal, welcoming atmosphere that encouraged participation.  

• Being encouraged to follow my passion and getting so many ideas and support from the group.

• Gave me a step-by-step plan to follow in the job search process. 

• Meaty content of presentation and fact that you post overheads online.

• Great info in presentation. Also, really appreciate Eric’s testament of faith. It’s a hard time, his advice helps.

• Impressed—this is a very intimate support group with one-on-one attention.  

• Emphasis of the speaker, Eric Walton, to focus on the things we can control.  

• What great potential there is for hi-tech growth here. Was not aware of this prior to attending this meeting.

• What I like about your group is the genuine concern and caring of the facilitators, board members, etc and it’s clear that you all are coming from the right place in creating a “safe” atmosphere for those of us who are in transition in our lives. None of the other networking groups that I’ve attended in Scottsdale create this atmosphere to the extent that SJN does. Congratulations!

What value does SJN provide to your career transition? 

• A chance to listen to excellent speakers on matters of great relevance to job seekers.

• Provides great info and feels less alone knowing others share your experience.

• Extremely valuable networking.

• A safe place to ask questions.

• Emotional and educational support.

• Linking to recruiters, coaches and the Yahoo email on jobs that may not be publicly known.

• Tons of ideas; excellent group.

• Opportunity to meet new friends, build relationships.

• Ideas, resources, connections.

• Good homework with questions to answer and time [between meetings] to refine our best responses.

• “First timer” — I will be back!

• Too numerous to mention - SJN is fabulous.  I tell everyone I know about you.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS we love to share!

Member Barbara Jandro attended several meetings while doing research for her doctorate on the mature job seeker. She wrote:

“I believe that job clubs serve a valuable purpose especially for the long term unemployed in terms of providing those folks with a platform to remind them that they are useful. However, from my communication with job clubs across the U.S. last year, I can say that not all job clubs are as organized and friendly as SJN. Some focus on coaching services and charge fees. Others, out of necessity I assume, have a revolving door of directors. Hard to maintain a consistent ‘home’ that way. Anyway - I think SJN is one of the best for a varied group of people and I advertise it all the time.”

* * *

“Our customers who attended your networking events are very pleased with it. We recommend all job seekers to try and make your events. Thanks for all that you are doing to assist job seekers.“

Yomi Owoyemi
Account Representative
Phoenix Workforce Connection

* * *

“Chris has founded an organization that provides invaluable support and guidance to individuals seeking employment and the emotional support that is so critical during this time in their lives. This work is a non-profit, volunteer entity that currently serves hundreds of unemployed and is a reflection of Chris’ passion to help her fellow man with no expectation of compensation. The Scottsdale Job Network is highly regarded for its quality and breadth of support and is considered the premier networking/support organization in the valley.” Steve Geourgoulis, SJN Alumni Member

THANK YOU for your interest in our program!

—Do you have questions about SJN?

—Do you have a job lead to share?

—Are you interested in volunteering?

With these and other issues, contact us at:

Email:  info@scottsdalejobnet.com

V-mail: (480) 513-1491

Mail:
Scottsdale Job Network
P.O. Box 25674
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
 

THESE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE BOOKS

The Networking Guy’s 50 Top Tips: A Simple Guide to Networking Success
by Dave Sherman (November 2003) 

Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters : 400 Unconventional Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Landing Your Dream Job
by Jay Conrad Levinson, David Perry (September 29, 2005)

Monster Careers : How to Land the Job of Your Life
by Jeffrey Taylor, Douglas Hardy (April 27, 2004)

The IT Career Builder’s Toolkit
by Matthew Moran (December 31, 2004)

Rites of Passage at $100,000 to $1 Million+: Your Insider’s Lifetime Guide to Executive Job-Changing and Faster Career Progress in the 21st Century
by John Lucht (September 1, 2000)

Insights for the Journey
by John Lucht (September 2001)

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
by Michael E. Gerber (April 12, 1995)

The Big Moo : Stop Trying to Be Perfect and Start Being Remarkable
by The Group of 33, Seth Godin (October 20, 2005)

All Marketers Are Liars : The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low-Trust World
by Seth Godin (May 19, 2005)

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
by Seth Godin, Seth Godin (May 2003)

Best Answers to the 201 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions
by Matthew J. DeLuca (September 1, 1996)

201 Best Questions To Ask On Your Interview
by John Kador (February 12, 2002)

Zen and the Art of Making a Living: A Practical Guide to Creative Career Design (Arkana S.)
by Laurence G. Boldt (May 1999)

Job Search: Marketing Your Military Experience (Job Search)
by David G. Henderson (April 2004)

Finding a Job God’s Way
by David Rawles (November 15, 2004)

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t
by Jim Collins (October 2001)

Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money–That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter (April 1, 2000)

Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales, New & Updated Edition
by Bob Burg

How to Argue & Win Every Time : At Home, At Work, In Court, Everywhere, Everyday
by Gerry Spence (April 15, 1996)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
by Stephen R. Covey (November 9, 2004)

Riding The Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business
by Charles Hampden-Turner, Fons Trompenaars (December 1, 1997)

The Pursuit of Wow!
by Tom Peters (January 15, 1994)

What Should I Do with My Life? : The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question
by Po Bronson (November 29, 2005)

Blink : The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
by Malcolm G