1/30/12

Career Spotlight: Sodexo is the Largest Private Employer of Registered Dietitians

By Susan Laramee, Recruiting Manager

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

As the largest private employer of dietitians in North America, we know something about being an industry leader. As a result, we have created professionally rewarding and unique job opportunities for Registered Dietitians who are looking to get more out of their career.

With opportunities in hospital, senior living, school, campus and corporate accounts across the country, you can choose to apply your talent and ambition as a leading-edge professional. Careers in clinical nutrition and food service management are available thorough out the company for both new graduates and experienced RDs.

About Sodexo Dietitians
Through an unmatched and global network of resources, Sodexo’s dietitians deliver innovative nutrition expertise and leadership. From Registered Dietitians to Clinical Nutrition Managers and Food Service Managers, your career with Sodexo offers varied work environments and opportunity for growth.

The science of nutrition is at the core of our food and nutrition service management business, so dietitians create more than merely a job but a rewarding career by leading teams to exceed client expectations. Working with leaders in dietetics, the Registered Dietitians throughout the organization are using innovation and technology to address the challenges in nutrition service delivery, wellness and food service delivery.

Building Your Experience
Sodexo’s innovative training programs clear the path for achievement, recognition, success and advancement for our dietitians. Whether you’re seeking professional development opportunities or you’re new to the profession we have a path designed just for you. For those seeking to enter the profession, Sodexo offers six accredited Dietetic Internships, including distance, and full or part-time options.

If you are soon to graduate from a Dietetic Internship, be sure to sign up for a free webinar “Creating Your Job with Sodexo” or “Tips on Resumes and Interviews” to be offered in March 2012. Sign-up begins Feb. 15, 2012. 

Connect with Sodexo
Want to learn more about a dietetics career at Sodexo? Visit our Clinical site, contact one of our recruiters or network with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and more!

Apply for a dietetic job today! You will take pride in joining a team of dietitians that are passionate about their profession where patients and residents are the heart of everything we do.

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1/27/12

5 Ways to Bring Value to Your Mentoring Relationships

by Anthony Scarpino, Senior Director Talent Acquisition
I’ve just returned from a trip to Orlando where I ended one very close year-long relationship with a fellow Sodexo employee and began another within a two day span.  Truth be told, my new relationship started on Wednesday and my old one ended the day after.  It will be a challenge to juggle the needs of this new relationship considering my ongoing one with a colleague from Sodexo Canada! 

Are some of you thinking that you accidentally landed on this month’s Dear Abby column (Gen Y’s – feel free to replace “Dear Abby” with “Dr. Drew”) rather than the Sodexo Careers Blog?  Of course, I am referring to several very meaningful mentoring relationships that I have the privilege of being part of in my role at Sodexo.  This week, during national mentoring month, mentoring pairs from across the country met in Orlando to “close the books” on our 2011 program and meet our 2012 partners for the first time.

I’m enjoying being a mentor in the IMPACT program now but also remember being the mentee early in my career with Sodexo.  I was nervous about sharing my goals with my mentor, a Vice President in the Hospitals client segment.  I realize now that being the mentor is equally scary!  I’ve learned, however, to accept that I will not and should not have all the answers for my mentees and that my role is more to empower them to find solutions and help themselves.  I can’t say that’s less pressure but I am doing my best to bring value to our relationship in the following ways:
  • Listen – The most important responsibility of a mentor may be to actively listen and truly understand the needs of our mentees.
  • Share – A mentor does not teach or lecture.  We share our experiences and perspective for our mentee to consider. 
  • Empower – Thankfully, a mentor is not expected to have all the answers or fix every problem. In fact, the opposite is true.  We encourage and empower our mentees to problem solve by asking questions.  Try asking “why” 5 times to identify the root of an issue.
  • Be Accessible – When people talk about their mentors, they say things like “(s)he was always there for me when I needed him/her”.  Whether it is scheduling a routine call, answering questions (and asking!) by email or live meetings, we make every effort to “be there” for our mentees.
  • Connect – One of the most valuable gifts you can give your mentee is an introduction to others in your personal and professional network.  Growing their professional network will help them solve future problems and advance swiftly in their career. 
Mentoring can take many forms and mentoring relationships can be programmatic or they may simply evolve over time.  Experience does not preclude you from being a mentee and in fact having a mentor may be even more valuable as you reach the higher levels of your organization.  I am lucky to have mentors in my life and career that have been there for me and I’m excited to fill that role for others. 
Have you been a mentor or mentee?  Leave a comment and tell us about it.
Have you heard?:  Sodexo was recently recognized as a recipient of the 2012 Catalyst Award.  Sodexo’s initiative, “Making Every Day Count: Driving Business Success Through the Employee Experience”, is a systemic strategy to provide the tools, resources, and support necessary to ensure success of all employees and includes a host of professional development programs and robust mentoring.

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1/25/12

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

By Guest Blogger Gina Smethurst, Senior Recruiter

“If I were looking for a new job I would…” the 6th 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 new job I would... prepare for the hiring process.

Do you ever consider job hunting as an Indy car race where all you do is go round and round with an occasional pit stop but ideally what you’re looking for is that checkered flag?

Keep Your Info Current

Before you can enter the race, you have to prepare yourself. Like many of my colleagues have expressed before, be sure your resume is up to date. Is your contact information including phone and email correct? Did you recently get laid off or are you no longer working for your current employer? Many times I’ve tried to contact a prospective candidate to find their contact information and employment history was incorrect. Be sure to update your resume with correct dates.

Prepare For Your Interview

You’ve applied, the light is green and you’re off! When a recruiter contacts you to discuss employment, be sure to thoroughly answer the questions being asked. Be clear and concise in your response; provide as much detail as possible. Before the interview, rehearse your introduction to answer the question “Tell me a little about what you’re currently doing.” Just like an in-person interview, we are assessing your qualification skills and how effectively you communicate.  

Understand the Job and How Your Skills Match

As you talk with your recruiter, be sure to ask questions about the hierarchy of the position you applied to and how it fits within the organization. Lots of applicants get hung up on titles, and not all are the same from organization to organization. If the position is higher than the current or previous role you held, explain how your skills and experience have prepared you for this next stage. If it’s lower, explain how you can make an immediate impact to the organization. 

Are your skills transferable to other industries? Expressing interest in other industries can open doors. As a recruiter for the Environmental Services Healthcare team, I introduce other areas of the organization that a candidate may be interested in such as Senior Services, Facilities, and Education.  

Keep the Pace

Like with many races there are mandatory pit stops. Be patient with your recruiter and the recruiting process, but keep up the pace. Ask the recruiter if you can follow up with a call or email asking for a status update.

The key for handling the job hunting race is being prepared for the hiring process. Looking for a new job can feel like you are driving an Indy car, but with a little resume maintenance and interview preparation, you can keep yourself in the race!

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1/23/12

Good Luck in the New Year!

By: Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition
Last night in China and for the millions of Chinese living in the U.S, a New Year was celebrated - the Year of the Dragon. As tradition goes, it is customary to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone on this important holiday. 

According to ancient mythology, the dragon brings good fortune and intense power and represents change and mobility. This can be particularly good news for those of you looking to make a career move, especially since dragon years tend to boost the world economy. 

But when it comes to your job search, it is not all about luck.  And I was reminded of this over the weekend, when I stopped by Pei Wei Asian Diner for lunch.  My fortune read “Good Luck is the Result of Good Planning.”  I couldn’t agree more.

Here at Sodexo, we want to help prepare you to find a job, polish your resume and master the interview process.  We also developed a series of blog posts (with a new one launching this Wednesday!) that will give you an opportunity to gain insight into the world of job seeking from a recruiter’s perspective.

As you enjoy the celebrations and continue to plan for your future, I wish everyone a very prosperous Year of the Dragon.  And marked by excitement, exhilaration and intensity, this year may be one to start with a new career at Sodexo.

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1/19/12

Are you a “Five-Tool Manager?”

By Darla Mayse, Sourcing and Recruiting Marketing Specialist
Basketball season is in full swing and being a Mavericks fan; I couldn’t help but think how great basketball players are a lot like great Managers at Sodexo.  In the world of Basketball, a “Five-Tool Player” would be able to create their own shot, defend their position, shoot, pass and rebound. At Sodexo, a "Five-Tool Manager" would be innovative, manage multiple priorities, have effective decision making skills, work productively and effectively delegate tasks. 
Using Sodexo’s Core Competency tool for talent development, I selected competencies that lead to great managers as they relate to the abilities used to describe a five-tool player. HINT: As a candidate, you may find this information beneficial when applying and interviewing for jobs at Sodexo. 
The ability to create a shot
In basketball, this is the hardest yet most valuable tool to master.  Sodexo seeks candidates who are innovative and creative to ensure we are always on the cutting edge in our industry. Successful managers have the ability to generate new ideas to improve work efficiencies, productivity, and customer service.
The ability to defend a position
Like a great defense, great managers are able to manage multiple priorities.  Setting priorities, planning and coordination of daily work activities not only maximizes productivity, it also prevents being sidetracked by less important tasks and activities. 
The ability to shoot jumpers
If a player plays farther than 10 feet from the basket, he had better be able to hit an open jump shot! The available shot is not always under the basket, or in a manger’s case, the answer to a tough decision is not always so obvious.  This is when having effective decision making skills comes into play. Knowing when a decision needs to be made and having the readiness to make timely, sound decisions is key.
The ability to rebound the ball
In great manager speak, this translates to being able to work productively and effectively in a fast-paced, stressful and demanding work environment all the while having the flexibility of Jason Kidd. 
The ability to pass the ball
Lastly, successful managers effectively delegate tasks. Giving clear direction ensures quality and timely completion of assignments.
While Sodexo is always in search of that Five-Tool Manager, our recruiters understand that finding a candidate who possesses all these core competencies, although not impossible, is rare.  As a candidate, be able to demonstrate the ability to develop them and show us you can be a great Manager for Sodexo.

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1/16/12

What Are You Doing For Others? A Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

By: Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

 

Originally established to commemorate his birth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is now widely celebrated as a day of community service, a time to give back.  Federal legislation challenges all of us to transform the holiday into a day of citizen action volunteer service in honor of Dr. King.

As a new member of the Sodexo team, I am learning a great deal about my new employer and how the 391,000 global employees embody this “Service Spirit” in line with Dr. King’s legacy.  Their (and now my!) mission is to work together everyday to improve the Quality of Daily Life for our customers.  I am looking forward to learning more about how Sodexo delivers on their promise of contributing to the economic, social and environmental development of the cities, regions and countries in which we operate. 

During my job search, I was intrigued to learn how Sodexo partners with their clients, vendors and communities to fight hunger and malnutrition and promote sustainability and wellness.  This was important to me as I too volunteer in my local community with the House of Good Shepherd, a shelter for abused women and their children on the North side of Chicago. 

Is the idea of serving your community important to you?  How do you heed Dr. King’s call?

If showing your service spirit is how you imagine your future, I encourage you to search our careers today.

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1/12/12

Ready & Reporting for Duty, Sir!

Intro by Anthony Scarpino, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition:

As many of our readers know, our Talent Acquisition team has been searching for the new voice of the Sodexo Careers Blog and Talent Communities.  We were lucky to have so many talented and creative people express interest in the position!  As a result of that search, I am very happy to introduce to you the new voice of Sodexo Careers, Chloe Rada!

Chloe is joining us after more than 10 years of developing and implementing recruitment marketing strategies for human resources, staffing and marketing departments in her family’s firm, Rada Advertising.  She is the outgoing President and incoming Vice President of Marketing for the Staffing Management Association of Greater Chicago, a special interest affiliate of SHRM.  Though Sodexo Careers maintains its allegiance to the Boston Red Sox, Chloe is a Chicago native and admits to being a Cubs fan (and we hired her anyway!).

As part of the interview process, Chloe was asked to introduce herself to our readers in the form of a blog post.  So we’ll let Chloe say “hi” in her own words in the first of what we hope to be many posts for the Sodexo Careers Blog!


Ready & Reporting for Duty, Sir!
By: Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager and Voice of Sodexo Careers

I made it!

Several months ago, I enlisted in what became the most challenging experience of my life.  Little did I realize how much this “boot camp” would test my discipline, focus and resilience.  I was not preparing to complete the Chicago Marathon, nor enrolling in a rigorous MBA program.  Instead, I was undertaking a job search! 

Like many of you that read this blog, I dedicated hours each day to navigate the obstacle course of job postings and recruiting departments.  I knew that I had the drive and passion for recruitment advertising I developed while working for my family owned agency.  But experience and determination alone would not be enough to succeed.  My networking muscles would have to be in the best shape of their life and I would need to practice interviewing again and again until I got it right.

While I felt well prepared in the beginning, my job search took a long time and often tested my determination and patience.  Through self-discovery and with a lot of help from my friends and colleagues, I learned many valuable lessons about this challenge.

1. Never give up
Always maintain a positive attitude, regardless of the short term outcomes.  

2. Allow time for reflection
Take a step back and think.  What do I really want?  What are my true strengths?  Where can I improve?

3. Push yourself
You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve if you give it your all.

4. Follow The Golden Rule
Show appreciation for those that have helped you in your mission.  Pay it forward. 

This past month, I successfully completed my basic training and I’m ready to report for duty in my new role as Senior Marketing Manager for Sodexo.  My experience with employment branding, social media and leadership within the Staffing Management Association of Greater Chicago helped demonstrate my qualifications to become the voice of Sodexo Careers.  Passing the test of discipline, focus and resilience during my job search has prepared me for the road ahead.  I must salute my comrades for the strength they instilled in me along the way and I welcome any new recruits as we share more lessons about job search, interview skills, networking and the culture of Sodexo here on the Sodexo Careers Blog.

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