Friday, April 11, 2008

New Projector--it's a beauty!

New Projector Purchased

Thanks to the help of SJN member Elizabeth Stoltz, who researched the options and made recommendations to me, SJN has purchased a new projector. We have been relying on the use of the Temple's projector up until now. Our projector should arrive in about a week, and be available for the Passions Workshop (AM) and SJN Mixer-Open House (PM)--both events on 4/29. This purchase was made possible primarily by the donations of our members, unemployed and under-employed workers.

Networking for SJN
This week, I attended two outside net events for SJN, hosted by CDI IT Solutions and LinkedIn Live (at the County Fair). I shared the group's accomplishments--the projector purchase and our work in general. People are amazed at what we do! As they pick up on the pride I take in this organization, they become interested in supporting us.

Oh, if you've never networked with Bill Austin, SJN's Vice President, be sure to make an event he is attending. He is a magnet and so well connected--one of the top people on the LinkedIn network for Phoenix. Bill is outspoken and passionate in promoting SJN and works to help both job seekers and businesses succeed.

Mission being fulfilled
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.

Volunteerism
Remember, we operate not only on donations (cash) but also on donated labor. While you have time on your hands, we recommend volunteering -- it helps us and also helps you strengthen connections.

Many thanks to all who make SJN possible and a very valuable resource to the community! Have a good weekend and I'll see you at Temple Chai on Tuesday morning, April 15.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Register for 4/29 Passions Workshop, 9A-4P

Exploring Your Passion – Putting It To Work
(a special workshop for job seekers)
Tues, April 29, 2008
9 AM - 4 PM at Temple Chai

Description
"Do you love what you do?" If you're one of those "lucky ones" who can answer a resounding "Yes!" to this question, then this seminar is not for you. But, if you're not, then you've probably asked yourself if there's a job or career out there that's a better match than what you've experienced - one that can be more satisfying and have more meaning in your life - and how you might go about finding it. This workshop is designed to help people who have asked themselves those questions.

Job seekers often limit themselves to what they “have always done” because it was the career that defined them for many years. They tend to lose sight of their many gifts, interests, strengths, and wealth of skills developed through life experience. This workshop utilizes proven tools to help individuals identify their strengths, talents and preferences - what they're basically good at and really enjoy doing, and can prove to be useful in opening up job search options.

Presenter
Maria Wojtczak has 20+ years of organization development (OD) experience and worked with a wide range of organizations. She has worked with Chris Vicari, Director of the Scottsdale Job Network, offering the Passions workshop and Job Transition workshops for the last five years. She currently serves on the SJN Board and is a member of the Curriculum Development committee. Maria is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She is also the owner of DrivingMBA, a driver tutoring facility here in the valley http://www.drivingmba.com

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

Register via Internet by April 21
Seating is limited to 30 participants. Because SJN provides assessment booklets, binder and printed materials, there is a fee of $25 for this event. To register and make payment: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/106918797

Lunch/Snack
Bring a sack lunch and beverages for the day. If possible bring something to share with the group as a breakfast treat in the morning or a snack in the afternoon.

General Inquiries
Contact: David Bell, chicagoman419@yahoo.com

SJN Evening Social Mixer, 4/29

SJN Mixer

Tues, April 29, 2008
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032

Join us for an evening of social networking when active job seekers, business supporters, recruiters and alumni members gather after-hours at Temple Chai.

In addition to an open forum that encourages connecting, there will be an exercise to facilitate networking effectiveness and success stories from a couple of alumni members.

Light refreshments offered (no alcohol) and some nibbles.

No Fee—donations appreciated.

We look forward to meeting you then.
Members and non-members welcome.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Sharpen Your Interview Skills in April


In April 2008, SJN will present two sessions from the SJN Curriculum on the Job Search Process covering strategies for successful interviewing. Both Interviewing Skills programs will be facilitated by Jim O’Hara, SJN Board Member and Director of Curriculum Development at regular SJN meetings. See our EVENTS CALENDAR for dates, programs, location and driving directions.


TUES, APR 1, 2008

INTERVIEWING, Part I

In Part I of Interviewing Skills, facilitator, Jim O’Hara, will offer participants a realistic view of interviews. He will address common misunderstandings about interviews de-mystifying the interview process and calming your concerns. Jim will explain the types of interviews you may face and help you prepare to answer questions the interviewer will ask.

* * * * * * * * * *

TUES, APR 15, 2008

INTERVIEWING, Part II

In Part II of Interviewing Skills, Jim O’Hara will present strategies designed to help you address liabilities, prepare your questions for the interviewer, and send your thank you communications. Other helpful hints will be shared that will arm you with a strong preparation and presentation.
After both Interviewing presentations, Jim will be available for Q&A.
Jim O'Hara is one of the founding partners and principal officers of Kellen James http://www.kellenjames.com/ and is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm and the management of significant consulting assignments. Recognized as an authority on sales and marketing management, Jim has held executive level assignments for both national and international firms encompassing a twenty-five year corporate career.

Jim earned his undergraduate degree from the The Citadel and his MBA from Pepperdine University. He has been involved in reengineering, restructuring and merging several national sales organizations and has been recognized for his leadership and professionalism.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Special Announcement: 501(c)(3) Status for SJN

On behalf of the Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) Board of Directors, I'm very pleased to inform you that SJN is now functioning as a non-profit, tax-exempt entity and that donations to SJN are tax deductible. In addition, SJN can now apply for grants, scholarships, awards and other benefits not previously available to us. This is GREAT news for us!

SJN has been a charitable organization from day one, and relies on volunteer support, donated meeting space, community support and small monetary donations to offer services. My vision has always been to operate as a 501(c(3)non-profit corporation to obtain tax advantages for donors and the funding needed to sustain and grow this group. The SJN Board, members and supporters have worked with me to establish the group as a valuable community resource for our neighbors in career transition. We are committed to offering support without requiring membership dues or meeting fees that could place an additional burden on members during a period when they cannot afford that burden.

At the Feb 5, 2008 SJN meeting, we asked members to help us over the last hurdle to apply for 501(c)(3)tax exempt status with the IRS. We also shared our 2008 financial needs and asked meeting participants to help us by increasing their meeting donations to $5. We explained there would be NO GATEKEEPER at the meetings, that is, no one will stop participants at the door requesting money. Voluntary donations are put in a donation basket located at the coffee station. Since that request, donations have increased, and if sustained, we should be able to meet operational needs.

We have postponed some needs since our inception, choosing instead to focus on building services. Last week, thanks to board, member and community donations, Form 1023 applying to the IRS for tax-exempt 501(c)(3)status was completed and mailed, enabling SJN to begin functioning as a tax-exempt, non-profit entity.

We will continue to need volunteer and community support to operate this group, and we anticipate many exciting developments in the years ahead as a result of the 501(c)(3) designation. THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to making this possible and for your support of the Scottsdale Job Network.

Sincerely,

Christine Vicari, President
Scottsdale Job Network, Inc.
Email: cv4support@cox.net
V-mail: (480) 513-1491P.S.

If you have any questions, please contact me after March 27.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, checks are payable to Scottsdale Job Network, and can be mailed to: Scottsdale Job Network, P.O. Box 25674, Scottsdale AZ 85255-2755. If a receipt is desired, please request one.

PAYPAL:There's a link on the top left of SJN's website for making donations via PayPal. http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Creating Leads and Networking 3/18 at SJN

TUES, MAR 18, 2008, 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

NETWORKING: WHAT DOES “AIR” HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

“I called a friend of mine, John, and asked him if there was an opening at his company. He said he wasn’t sure, but didn’t think so. I also called three other friends and told them I was looking for work. I asked them that if they heard of anyone who was hiring, would they please let me know.” I spent the whole morning on the phone networking.” Sound familiar? 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!

Join us when Martha Rockwell, member of the SJN Curriculum Development Committee, delivers a presentation that 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. Martha will give you a way to put some “AIR” into your search--- come and find out how!

Martha graduated from ASU with a degree in Education. Certified by the PARWCC (Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches) and licensed by the State of Arizona as a career coach, she is owner of A+ Resumes & Career Coaching.

The Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a group of job seekers and others volunteering their time to help them in their career transitions. The group attracts speakers from industry, technology, government, finance, coaching and recruiting to discuss job search fundamentals including how to develop a marketing plan, write a resume, network, interview and negotiate offers.

Charitable Group
In October, 2007, SJN became a charitable corporation in the State of Arizona. In March, 2008, we mailed our application to the IRS for tax exempt 501c3 status.

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 a location map on MapQuest. 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 programs scheduled.

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a non-profit community group of business leaders and volunteers. SJN provides 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. 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.

CONTACT US:
Email: info@scottsdalejobnet.com
Web: http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/
Voice mail: (480) 513-1491

Friday, March 7, 2008

Business cards for the Job Seeker

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 or 3 core competencies

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

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

SJN is paid a small fee by Vista Print for all business cards ordered through our website, whether they are the free business cards or upgraded premium business cards.

You can check out their selection by clicking the link:

Check it out on our website: http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/business-cards/


The Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a group of job seekers and others volunteering their time to help them in their career transitions. The group attracts speakers from industry, technology, government, finance, coaching and recruiting to discuss job search fundamentals including how to develop a marketing plan, write a resume, network and interview.

We are a charitable corporation in the State of Arizona, and we are finalizing our documentation to soon apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS.

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