Pin It

2/29/12

Sodexo has taken on the Challenge!

By Darla Mayse, Sourcing and Recruiting Marketing Specialist
In my last post, I challenged everyone, in honor of Black History Month, to pause and think about those women who have made an impact on our nation as well as in our own lives.  
I asked that you honor them by reaching back and lending a hand to help someone else become history in the making.  Sodexo has been taking on this challenge for some time in the form of its Spirit of Mentoring Programs.
One of the many Sodexo benefits are the mentoring programs offered employees. These programs offer opportunity to proactively support one another through collaboration, goal achievement and problem solving in these three settings:
Impact
IMPACT is a program developed where mentors serve as a resource for their mentees as they work to achieve their goals. More than 200 mentoring partnerships are formed each year at the annual event and live on well after.
Peer-to-Peer
Serving as one of the company's informal mentoring initiatives, the Peer-to-Peer program is managed directly by Sodexo's Network Groups.

Bridge
Bridge Programs are informal divisional pairings in which newly hired and frontline managers come together to expand professional development opportunities and increase the depth and diversity of Sodexo's management.

I have had the opportunity to participate in the Impact and the Peer-to-Peer program. The impact those relationships made on me personally and professionally are ongoing.  In fact we still keep in touch.  I reach out from time to time to catch up as well as gain valuable insight on current projects and life’s challenges. The mentor/mentee relationship is so much more than a “resource.”  Taking what I have learned from those relationships, I share my knowledge with co-workers and within the community I serve. 

Learn more about our mentoring programs and what it offers by watching this video.   

Sodexo has taken on the challenge, have you?



Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: ,
0 comments
Pin It

2/28/12

Adios! Off to . . .

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition
This week our Talent Acquisition team is headed off to our department’s annual meeting. The theme of our meeting is The Power of Sodexo: Our People.  More than 80 of us will gather to focus on and improve our ability to leverage the Power of our People – our team, our employees, and the people we recruit. 
With an agenda full of training, structured team events and our Awards dinner, these 3 days will be packed full of insight, reflection, opportunity and fun. Because we all work in a virtual environment, it will be the first chance for many of us to meet in person!
Our team has already begun developing their skills to become strategic talent advisors to our business partners in the field.  Through guest speakers, operations business leader panelists, Bob Bucciarelli and Randy Settimio, and group sessions led by our recruiters, that knowledge will spread throughout the team.   I hope my colleagues are bringing a healthy appetite for learning! 
I was excited to learn that Raquel C. Garzon, from Corporate Athlete®, will be joining us once again.  She teaches that the body is business relevant from muscle to mind. Last year she challenged our team to “touch the white fence” and achieve the goals we set for ourselves. I look forward to hearing from my colleagues on their progress and setting some performance goals of my own.   
You can tune into our conversations over the next few days by following @SodexoCareers or #SodexoTAC and subscribing to our Sodexo Recruiters Twitter list.
In the meantime, check out our group photo from last year!




Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: ,
0 comments
Pin It

2/24/12

Stand Out Among the Job Seeker Crowd

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition
While dining at my favorite ethnic restaurant this past weekend, I came across a patron wearing this button.  Talk about branding!
Not only was this a clever idea, but a great example of how to stand out among the crowd.  By wearing this button, “Rene” made a bold statement about herself and her intent of landing a new job. 
Naturally, I struck up a conversation with Rene about jobs at Sodexo. (So if you are reading this post, Rene, I applaud you and thank you for your follow up email.)  Ideas like this can result in great conversations and job leads anytime, so go ahead and market yourself as a job seeker any chance you get!
As you prepare to make such a bold move, I offer 3 tips to help you make an impact. 
1.  Define your personal brand.
A good place to start is with your resume. It’s probably the most important tool in your job seeker’s toolkit in order to get that “face-to-face” time.  In order to help you look good on paper, we compiled a resume check list.  
Next, take a look to see if you have a complete LinkedIn profile.  I learned during my own job search that everyone has room for improvement, when it comes to LinkedIn profiles. Did you know that adding a picture makes your profile 7x more likely to be found in searches?*  Simple updates like adding a picture or skill can make all the difference when your goal is to stand out!
2.  Carry Business Cards
One piece of business advice my father taught me is to always carry business cards.  So I made a habit of never leaving home without them!    This was especially helpful during networking events and informal interviews. 
Vistaprint offers 250 free basic business cards, however I preferred www.zazzle.com because its inexpensive options allowed for personal style.
I added a QR code (“quick response”) on the back of my business card, which alone was a great conversation starter. When the recipient scanned the code from a smartphone, my vCard (or electronic business card information) was displayed and easily stored in their contacts.  You may consider setting up your QR code to pull up your online resume stored on a free, mobile-ready site like www.emurse.com.

Just remember that creating a business card that is memorable or unique is not as important as having basic ones on you at all times.
3.  Practice Your Elevator Speech
You have 15 seconds to sell yourself so choose your words wisely and focus on the impact you can make. Speak in a slow, steady manner yet be crisp and to-the-point.
If the idea of public speaking terrifies you, then consider joining a local Toastmasters group.  Their learn-by-doing workshops and meetings allow participants to hone their speaking in a no-pressure atmosphere. By participating in my local club, I learned that by practicing enough, your confidence and personality will shine through in all your public speaking.
You don’t need to be as bold as Rene to stand out among the job seeker crowd, but by defining your personal brand, carrying business cards and practicing your elevator speech you’ll be on your way to making an impact with future employers. 
*Taken from the LinkedIn blog: Simple Steps to Complete a LinkedIn profile  

Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: , ,
0 comments
Pin It

2/23/12

Get in the Know… The Sodexo Jobs App Launch

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition
Psst…. Did you hear that we launched our new mobile jobs app?

The Sodexo Jobs App is your window to the world of Sodexo! As the first application of its kind that allows you to apply for jobs directly from your smartphone or tablet, the process is easy. Connect. Search. Apply!

Get in the know about our mobile jobs app and watch our short movie.



To get the most out of the app for Sodexo USA Careers, visit http://bit.ly/SodexoJobsProfile from your computer to create a profile and upload your resume. Once created, you can access that profile to apply for jobs from your mobile device or tablet.

We’ll be showcasing all the features within the app starting next month, but you can download the Sodexo Jobs App today!


Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: , ,
0 comments
Pin It

2/20/12

My Journey as a Diversity Leader

By Guest Blogger Lorna Fuller, Sr. Recruiter –Clinical at Sodexo
Having just completed my commitment as an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Diversity Leader (formerly the American Dietetic Association or ADA), I’d like to reflect upon my year-long journey.   
In the fall of 2010, I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to make an impact within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Unsure of what a “Diversity Leader” was and with some trepidation, I applied for the program and was happily accepted. 
My first stop as a Diversity Leader was the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Boston, MA. During my orientation, I met with other Diversity Leaders to learn about the Academy’s Strategic Plan and initiatives led by then Vice-President, Sylvia Escott Stump (Sylvia in the middle and me to her right.)
The second stop was to attend the Public Policy Workshop in Washington, DC.  I watched public policy in action.  I heard testimonials from Registered Dietitians, Political leaders and various interest groups.  Participants were privy to both federal and state legislative updates and messages. 
The third stop was the Diversity Committee meeting, held at the AND headquarters in Chicago, IL.  During this 2 day event, I learned that as the largest provider of dietetic scholarships, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation awards more than $200,000 in funding every year to deserving students at all levels of study.

As a committee, we were also was charged with creating a cultural program for the 2011 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE). It was an excellent opportunity for us to participate in the Academy’s first mentoring project video. Imagine my surprise to see myself as part of the FNCE Opening Session video!
I cannot stress enough the importance of paying it forward and raising your hand to become a mentor. Anyone can do it! Now that I have finished my Diversity Leadership role, I have signed up to become a Diversity Mentor.  Be sure to send me your ideas on what you could do as a Diversity Mentor.
Some of you may be wondering what my next stop will be.  I’ll give you a sneak preview, I have volunteered to Chair a Diversity Committee in Ohio.  If you want to learn more about my diversity journey, connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook or even Twitter.  Until we connect; stay tuned… my diversity journey continues.

Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: , , ,
1 comments
Pin It

2/17/12

Rejection – It’s Not Personal

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

As job seekers we all have one thing in common – at one point or another, we will all be rejected. When I was right out of college, I really wanted to work for this local company that was world renowned for its jewelry. I imagined myself getting an employee discount and being able to present all my loved ones with those famous blue boxes containing carefully selected gifts. Imagine my excitement when I was called to interview for a position in their marketing department.

I practiced my answers for a week straight, making sure my facial expressions matched my enthusiasm, and my dress attire reflected my seriousness and professionalism. The interview went smoothly but I got a call two weeks later and was informed I didn't get the job.

But, in the midst of rejecting me, the hiring manager said something very important, which would stay with me throughout my career. She said that while I didn't have the years of experience they were looking for, that would come in time. And, if I was able to gain some experience and then pair that up with my personality, I would be unstoppable in whatever I ended up doing.

Coping with Rejection

Today’s job market is very competitive. This means that even some of the very best candidates are likely to see a few rejections. If you do get rejected, it’s not personal. But, how you react to the situation will be key to your future success. While you may feel frustrated or let down by the rejection, there are ways to stay positive and prepare for the next opportunity.

  • Evaluate Your Resume and Interview:    Look over your resume and ensure that you are using keywords that position you as someone with the skills and experience necessary for the jobs you’re applying to.

    Immediately after every interview while information is fresh in your mind, take 10 minutes to review what you and the employer discussed. Write down the questions you were asked and how you answered those questions. Consider whether you could have added anything to your answers to enhance them. Many interviewers will ask you behavior based questions to get insight to how you approach your work. What examples did you give for these questions? Can you think of any better examples you could have given? Make a list of the questions you asked the employer and the questions you now wish you had asked.
     
  • Be Thankful:    Even if you had your heart set on a particular job, it might not have been the best fit for you. However, you still may want to work for that company. Send the hiring manager and recruiter a thank you note for considering you and indicate that you would be interested in other positions if they become available. Stay positive and keep your options open!
     
  • Improve/Expand Your Job Search:    Are you applying for the right jobs? Are the opportunities in your target city matched to your skill level? Consider expanding your job search to include additional search terms or locations. Maybe casting your net a bit wider will yield jobs that are a better match for you.
     
  • Prepare for Future Interviews:    Enhance your interview skills by seeking assistance from your college’s Career Center to help you with interview training. Also, you can practice interviewing with a friend or family member through mock interviews. Find someone who will give you honest feedback. The more you practice talking through interviews, the more successful you’ll be.
     
  • Mind Over Matter:    One of the hardest things about rejection is that you feel disappointed. Don’t let these feelings overrun you. Make adjustments to your resume as necessary, practice your interview skills and keep actively posting to jobs. Staying motivated and positive will keep you on track for success.
In life and my career, I have seen my share of rejection. But without these experiences, I wouldn’t have found myself in some pretty cool jobs. Keeping in the forefront of my mind that brighter days would be ahead propelled me forward through the disappointments. Find your inspiration to stay positive, and remember that rejection isn’t personal.


Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: , , , , ,
0 comments
Pin It

2/15/12

My Grandmother. My “Sheroe!”

By Darla Mayse, Sourcing and Recruitment Marketing Specialist
February is turning out to be a month full of “to do’s” both professionally and personally. Now that there’s a toddler in my life, I have to add making Valentine’s Day cards to the list, in addition to researching a prominent African American woman to portray at my church’s black history celebration.  (By the way, I welcome your suggestions.) 
As I was exploring options for celebrating Black History Month, I came across the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) – the founders of black history month.  Each year ASALH selects a theme for the year’s celebration.  This year’s theme, Black Women in American Culture and History, recognizes the numerous, unique contributions that African-American women have made to the advancement of the Nation.  I like the idea of a theme because it allows me to focus on learning about one aspect of our culture at time. 
I also came across a video message from the First Lady, Michelle Obama, in honor of Black History Month. In the video, the First Lady said, “You don’t have to be in a history book to make a contribution to our country.”  So true!
I thought about all of the women, both black and white, who have made a significant impact in my life.  At Sodexo, we call these folks heroes of everyday life.  Each year, the Sodexo Foundation recognizes employees who have invested time, talent, and spirit in helping those who go hungry every day. Award recipients are honored at the Sodexo Foundation Dinner and receive $5,000 for their hunger-related charity of choice.  Employees like Julia Pipkins, Senior Instructional Designer, provides food for those who are hungry and gives hope and inspiration to those around her.  In many ways her work in the community reminds me of my grandmother (pictured on the left) – always finding ways to lend a helping hand to a neighbor and encouraging others to do the best they can.  She’s not with us anymore, but she was definitely our everyday “sheroe”. 

As we celebrate Black History month and continue ticking off things on our “to do lists”, let’s pause and think about those women who have made an impact on our nation as well as in our lives personally.  Honor them by reaching back and lending a hand up to help someone else become history in the making. 
Let us know who has made a significant impact in your life!

Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: , ,
0 comments
Pin It

2/13/12

Making History

By Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition

As one of the first Employee Network Groups in Sodexo, the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) celebrated its 10th anniversary at their Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL.  The keynote speaker for the meeting was Dr.Julianne Malveaux, President of Bennett College, America’s oldest historically black college for women.  Dr. Malveaux is one of many present day African Americans who continue to build on the rich history and contributions that we celebrate during Black History month.  I hope our AALF members who were there in Tampa will share their thoughts and pictures of the meeting here or on another Sodexo Careers social space!  In the meantime, our readers can watch this AALF Video to learn more about the group and how they are making a little history of their own.



Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: ,
0 comments
Pin It

2/10/12

Pack Your Boxes – You’re Moving!

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

With graduation approaching in May for many seniors, you’re probably starting to think about what lies ahead for the summer. Some of you may move home temporarily, others might be planning to stay more permanently. If your home town is experiencing slow job growth or has a very competitive entry level market, you may want to consider looking at other cities or different parts of the country.

The internet is chock full of lists to help job seekers, especially those considering a move:
  • Cities Experiencing the Fastest Growing Wages – A list like this may even allow you to determine which industries are growing, and in what cities.
  • Cities with Opportunities for College Grads – Lists abound, including these from Forbes Magazine, Monster.com and Yahoo Real Estate.
  • State-by-State employment data – Once you select a city, you might want to check out the employment trends in that state.
You can also search for top cities for jobs based on your career or specialty. For example, when you do a Google search for “top cities for tech jobs,” results include lists compiled by Forbes Magazine and US News and World Report. A quick search for accounting jobs returned a site called LedgerLink which provides a list of the top 25 cities for accounting positions.

And, don’t forget about how you’ll be spending your time after work. Consider the Great Cities for Young Adults list that can help you find a location that appeals to your interests, perhaps with great museums or art galleries, a great nightlife or outdoor activities.

Financial Preparations

A move is a major undertaking and should not be taken lightly. After all, depending on the job, you may be forced to pay for some of the move out of your own pocket – so research is critical. Beyond finding the perfect match in a location, you also need to factor in several other factors, like salaries and true cost of living comparisons.
  • Salary.com – This site offers a number of tools, including their salary calculators that provide insight into average salaries for virtually any career.
  • PayCheckCity.com Calculators – That salary you’ve been offered sounds great, but do you know how much you’ll lose in taxes? Find out your true take-home salary.
  • Cost of Living Calculator – If you make $15/hour in St. Louis, MO, how much do you need to earn in Chicago to maintain your lifestyle? What can you expect for the cost of housing, utilities and food?
  • Housing Costs – Many students will be looking for their first apartment after graduation. Check out ApartmentFinder.com or Apartments.com to see average rental rates in your destination city and gain other valuable information about moving and setting up your first place.
  • America’s Least Expensive Cities – When you consider an area with a lower cost of living, your starting salary may be able to stretch a lot further.

Use Your Networks

Beyond the resources above, ask people you know if they have ever visited the area or, better yet, try to visit the area yourself. Former classmates, school alumni, fraternity/sorority contacts, family friends and relatives are all great resources to help in your research. Who knows, maybe someone can offer a temporary place to live, or suggestions on where to live or help in finding a job in your career field.

And, don’t forget to connect with other professionals in your career – contact members of professional associations in your destination town/city and share your future plans, ask for advice and try to schedule a time to meet on one of your visits. Building a new network is key to your success. And once you have narrowed it down to a few cities you may be interested in, do your job search. Some companies, like Sodexo, even offer geographic searches on their Careers sites to help in your hunt.

Relocating to a new city can be exciting. Don’t be afraid if you find a great city that is nothing like the one you grew up in. A change of pace and different surroundings can be a wonderful life experience!


Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: , ,
2 comments
Pin It

2/8/12

A Brief Look at the History of African Americans

By Guest Blogger, Semone Barnes, Student Brand Ambassdor, Howard University
The month of February brings many days of observation. There is Valentine’s Day for hopeful romantics; President’s day to pay homage to the great leaders of our country; and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday to honor a man who fought for the restoration of peace.  Black History Month is an important observance for me as well as I celebrate the rich heritage and history of the African American community in the United States.  
Observing Black History Month helps me understand the meaning of freedom through experiences of the people who fought for our civil rights. The valiancy of individuals such as Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Harriett Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, George Washington Carver, and W.E.B. Du Bois have helped lay the foundation for latter generations like mine to be afforded the opportunities that they were previously refused.       
This month long observance originated from the efforts of Carter G. Woodson in 1926.  I will take this opportunity to pay homage to Mr. Woodson along with the countless African American men and women who have paved the way for students like me.  I will not take this month or the contributions of those it honors in vain. For those who are currently making history and for those that will expound on this growing legacy in the future, I thank you.
Take a brief look at the History of African Americans and Black History Month in this video.


Semone is a Senior at Howard University and a current Sodexo Ambassador.  She has been interning for Sodexo at Rollins College in Florida for the past two summers and is looking forward to graduating in May!

Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: ,
0 comments
Pin It

2/7/12

Sodexo celebrates Black History Month

By: Chloé Rada, Senior Marketing Manager - Talent Acquisition


Every year during the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month. 

As a country, this celebration offers an opportunity to study, reflect on, and redefine our ongoing legacy in American history while as an employer, it offers an opportunity to ensure that Sodexo’s diversity programs are constantly evolving to nurture a diverse workplace. 

Some of the reasons that I was attracted to Sodexo was for the team-oriented culture, the inclusive nature of the company and the plentiful advancement opportunities. I learned during my interview process that I can shape my own future and have the flexibility to make it work for me!

The fact that Sodexo has made DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity list for the 6th consecutive year, including ranking No. 7 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Blacks, and most recently, was the recipient of the 2011 Catalyst Award underscores that Sodexo is continually making good on their promise. 

Throughout the month of February, I’ll be sharing personal stories and our commitments, like the African American Leadership Forum (AALF), to show you how Sodexo values bringing differences to the workplace while providing career growth opportunities.

Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels:
1 comments
Pin It

2/1/12

Making the Most of Your Time with Potential Employers

By Darla Mayse, Sourcing and Recruitment Marketing Specialist
Each February, Talent Acquisition professionals and hiring managers from Sodexo gear up for the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) National conference. As the premier professional organization for minority hospitality students, this organization has grown tremendously from its four visionary leaders at Cornell University in 1989 to over 1,200 student members across the nation. Once again, Sodexo is a proud sponsor of the NSMH National Conference and will be exhibiting at the career fair. 

I was always impressed by the level of professionalism demonstrated by the students.  It was obvious they came to accept an offer.  In fact, last year we extended on-the-spot offers and hired more than 26 NSMH members!

Based on my interaction with students at past conferences, like NSMH, I compiled a list of tips that can help you get the most out of your time with potential employers both in-person and on-line. 

Clarify your goals

What is it that you hope to get out of the experience? Is it to learn more about the company or industry, a specific job that you saw online or simply to network?  Once you clarify your goal of visiting with employers at the career fair, you will likely have a more successful outcome.

Ask the right questions

When meeting the recruiters or hiring managers, instead of asking what jobs are available, ask about specific jobs that you researched on the company website or social media profiles; then share how your experience may be relevant.  This is also a good time to ask about the hiring process.  Most people never ask about the hiring process but doing so can help you prepare for upcoming interviews as well as understand the hiring timeframe. Get familiar with all of the facets that interest you about the company: goals, mission, what it’s truly like to work there.

Engage

Be yourself but engage the company representative with conversation relevant to the day’s activities and events or fun things going on within the company or industry. While using social media to inquire about positions you’ve applied to is a good way to connect with recruiters and keep your name top of mind, it should not be your only form of engagement on the page or group. Going a step further and offering industry knowledge, articles and advice to others in the group shows will make you stand out from the crowd.

Make a connection

After receiving a business card, follow up in a timely manner and connect via social media like LinkedIn or Facebook.  Most company representatives have an online presence and many employers offer ways to stay connected to their community, like Sodexo does.

In-person or on-line, you have a captured audience in the form of a potential employer.  Why not make the most of it by being prepared?  What tips do you have to share?

Visit our Facebook Event Page for more information on NSMH and to connect with our team. You can also network with Sodexo recruiters through the Sodexo NSMH Twitter List before the event.

Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

Labels: , ,
0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)