Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Job Network (SJN)?
Formerly known as the Scottsdale Job Network, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of business leaders and volunteers, the renamed Southwest Job Network provides a safe environment for those in career transition to hone their networking and career management skills.
Does SJN find jobs for people?
SJN is not a job placement forum. We do not match candidates to openings and we do not send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment through this group or as a result of association with SJN.
How does SJN help job seekers?
Professional facilitators, trainers, career coaches and recruiters volunteer to offer a research-based curriculum developed for the adult learner. Following SJN’s guidance, the empowered job seeker takes ownership of their transition and develops skills that support long-term career management.
What motivates you to offer this program?
We are neighbors who care about our community and have compassion for unemployed workers and their families. SJN supporters 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 career and transition goals.
How does SJN differ from an outplacement company?
- We are supported by professionals who believe in donating their time and talent to assist others.
- We focus on the human aspect—our volunteers provide support by addressing the emotional issues of job transition and life redirection, as well as the development of job search skills.
- We provide an intensive, structured curriculum that focuses on real-world solutions; you’re working with people who do this every day.
- We offer tools and strategies and then encourage you to implement them.
- We teach what a job search entails and why each component is important.
- We are executives with experience on both sides of the issue (we’ve been unemployed).
- We teach you how to make networking connections in the community.
- Our meetings occur in a workshop environment and include practice exercises.
- We offer homework between sessions to reinforce your learning.
- Our facilitators and speakers plan ahead to ensure that we address subjects that meet the needs of our job seekers.
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. Employers create goodwill by supporting job growth in Arizona and contributing to curriculum development. Local businesses have the opportunity to address their staffing needs by tapping into the pool of talented workers who participate in SJN.
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. We do not match workers to jobs nor do we submit resumes to employers. Interested candidates will apply directly to employers.
Our website includes a link to Jobing.com’s online jobs for Phoenix. Job seekers may post their resume for free. Employers who want to promote a position through this service pay a fee. SJN does not benefit from the payment.
Employers may sign up to be members of our Yahoo Group. This enables them to e-mail job opportunities directly to the Yahoo Group. Interested candidates may respond directly to the employer.
What other function does the Yahoo Group serve?
We use the Yahoo Group to provide an email forum for job leads, send meeting and event announcements, share 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 valuable 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 are SJN events held?
We offer meetings and special forums in three locations in the Valley:
- North – SJN meetings in North Phoenix are held at Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839.
- Southeast - Southeast Valley meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday evening of each month. See our events calendar for programs and locations which will vary for each event.
- West – West Valley meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday evening of each month at Glendale Community College, 6000 W. Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ.
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. Meetings start with resume reviews and open networking.
The meeting facilitator then welcomes everyone, acknowledges first timers and meeting sponsors and makes announcements.
Each meeting focuses on job search strategies and skill development for long-term career management. Our speakers work hard to engage members in an interactive session on the meeting topic.
We wrap up with additional time for networking.
Our meetings are distinguished by (1) hands-on training in the job search process, (2) the special connections you’ll make and (3) the personal help you’ll receive to assist you in your job search and in your career.
How should I dress for SJN meetings?
While many jobs in Arizona offer casual dress codes, when you are in job search mode, business casual is the minimum and customary dress standard. Job seekers need to consider networking events as pre-interviews. Often at SJN meetings, employers, recruiters and people with clients in need of an employee, will be scouting. You want to make a positive first impression.
Do I need to pre-register or sign up to attend a meeting?
YES! All SJN events require pre-registration. There are links to pre-register with each event description. Alternatively, participants can go to eventbrite.com and search for SJN. Upcoming events will be listed there.
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 or to a professional who can critique it.
We recommend having a personal business card. (SJN is an affiliate of VistaPrint and receives a small payment when purchases are made through the link on our website.) There is an offer for 250 cards free with the cost of S&H. Upgrades are also available. Cards should be simple, and have your name, contact info (telephone 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/what-is-an-elevator-speech/
What is the typical background of the people who attend SJN meetings?
Generally, our members are experienced mid-career professionals. They represent 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.
What are the dues or fees?
There are no membership dues to join SJN. Customary donation of $5 per meeting is tax deductible. Nominal fees are charged for workshops.
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 also support their career development. Some who were unable to make financial contributions during their transition make a gift when their finances settle. And, these members are happy to be in a position to help others. They make our best volunteers!
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 Southwest Job Network to share a job opening, volunteer or with other questions?
