TIPSTER The most important thing that you can do for your job search is get control of your anxiety and quit wasting time doing hundreds of applications for jobs you don’t really want or that are too far away or that you don’t have the skills to do. This job approach theory does not work regardless of what you have been told in countless urban legends or at various Workforce Workshops …we know because we were ones of who use to teach such things…when we were younger; we didn’t care or worse didn’t know the truth…

This approach is the most destructive thing you can do…100 resumes or application sent out to employers for jobs you don’t want or can’t take are wasting your time and the employer’s time. This mass mailing approach can come back to bite you and ruin what could have been otherwise a good job search. This comes back to bite you if there is a much better…dream job…one that you really want – as they will keep that first resume or application on file for up to six months or more and they will be able to compare and

see the differences between the two making it impossible to reinvent yourself for the dream job. Also, many companies limit how many times you can submit and this may lock you at of applying for the perfect job. Worse yet, they call you for a job you didn’t really want and you blew them off, they will well remember you. Sending out 100s of resumes/applications for jobs you do not want will also prevents you from having the time to do (correctly) the two applications for the jobs you could have got if you had taken your time to build a specific application based upon what they employer wanted instead of mindlessly sending you one-size fit-all resume or cookie cutter application. This week alone, I saw seven people lose a job to someone less qualified than they were. WHY? Because the more qualified person didn’t take the time to customize their information to match what the employer needed. They assumed that the employer would comb through their resume and connect the dots for them…they assumed that the employer would know that an auto mechanic is very skilled in customer skills (if successful they are)…or they said that it was too much work to customize an application because they are doing 100.

See the problem? If you have the ability to make yourself the perfect candidate, why wouldn't you? If this doesn't make sense, then, I hope old lady luck shines on you or start to like losing jobs to people that don’t have your skills or abilities…for the 100 resume- per-day applicants…that’s the price you are paying and it is one of the biggest reasons they are still unemployed…Sorry!

SAFEWAY IS NOW HIRING! And they tell you what you need to get hired LOCALIZE YOUR JOB SEARCH AND YOU CAN ENHANCE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING HIRED… You need to stay within 5 miles of your neighborhood as this is your search local zone…Within 5 miles you are local and local means that you are more likely to show up to work on time, be dependable enough to show up every day and flexible enough that you can stay late without worrying how you will get home.

STEP ONE: APPLY ONLINE… http://www.careersatsafeway.com/ DID YOU KNOW? 80% of all applications get thrown away because you NEVER showed the employer that you had the skills that THEY were looking for. You got too caught up with explaining what you did instead of showing how that related to what this employer wanted. HINT: If I was an auto mechanic applying for a courtesy

clerk position at Food City…the last thing I would talk about would be repairing a car…I would talk about dealing with my customers, resolving their problems… MAKE SENSE? TRY IT! IT DOES WORK MIRACLES! YOU MUST HAVE OPEN AVAILABLE TO WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY UNLESS YOU ARE APPLYING FOR PT WORK.

STEP TWO: GO INTRODUCE YOURSELF… If you really want the job, demonstrate that by going over to the store and introducing yourself…If you can’t or won’t…this tells the employer everything they need to know about how seriously you REALLY want their job…NOT! Most importantly, this says that you do not care enough…that you might do this job…OR NOT? NO ONE wants to hire the person who demonstrates that they would take this job as a last resort…everyone wants to hire the person who is excited…who likes/love the work and who appreciates the opportunity to get THIS job.

STEP THREE: OPPORTUNITY RECOGINZED Explain that you understand that you are being offered an opportunity and that you appreciate it…because the employer believes that they are offering you an

opportunity and most applicants (mostly those not hired) never demonstrate that they get it…little-a-lone that they appreciate it. At the end of the interview, tell the employer that you still want the job…these things make a big difference and many times…means the difference between getting hired or not. APPLY NOW FROM OUR ONLINE CAREER CENTER AT http://www.careersatsafeway.com/

NOTE: ALL APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AND A CRIMINAL RECORD WILL NOT DISQUALIFY YOU FROM EMPLOYMENT! The nature of the offence and how it related to the position that you are applying for plus the age of the offence and the circumstances of the offence will be the determining factor(s) to if they hire you or not. TIPSTER: HUMANIZE THIS! There is a big difference in I stole to feed my babies versus I stole that big screen TV from WALMART…GET IT???? Home Shopping Personal Shopper (12373) - dot com (SWY) Self-motivated and driven to increase knowledge of Safeway products and share that knowledge with Safeway customers. Ability to provide regular and predictable attendance (Safeway.com employees may be scheduled to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays and schedules may vary on a weekly basis.)

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PERSONAL/HOME SHOPPER As a Personal/Home Shopper, this position allows you the opportunity to be the best and select “the best of the best” for our online shoppers. To be successful in the position, you must take pride in your work, care about what is selected for our customers, and be quick on your feet to determine substitute products, if need be. Interested? We invite you to visit our career page and apply today! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIPSTER: If you have not already been to ONET to properly pad your killer resume with key words, phrases and to insure that you are showing ALL of the skills and abilities you have…then REALLY do it and reform your resume to include all this…Unless, you got Old Lady Luck riding with you today… If she is…buy some lotto tickets coming back. http://www.onetonline.org/ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

APPLY NOW FROM OUR ONLINE CAREER CENTER AT http://www.careersatsafeway.com/

USED JOB SHACK INSIDER…SAFEWAY

** I was told my application was pulled from others because my availability was pretty decent. (I marked down every day as available.) **

Cashier Interview I applied online. The process took 2 days Interview Details: The hiring process is straightforward. A recruiter will call to set up an interview. The interview consists of some simple questions/role playing, like "a customer is buying a birthday cake. Suggest 3 other items that go along with this transaction." There is a drug test and some paperwork. That's it. Interview Questions:

• Describe a time when you had a disagreement with a superior at school or at work.

• How did you resolve the conflict? • Describe a time when you experienced good customer service. • What constitutes good customer service?

--------------------------------------------

Cashier Interview I applied online Interview Details: My application took around 2 weeks to process. I got a phone interview with a recruiter who asked me some basic questions regarding about applications. Then I got an one on one interview in person with a hiring manager a week after. Interview Questions:

• What was your most challenging experience in customer service?

Cashier Interview Applied online. The process took a week Interview Details: Really easy and laid back. I had no work experience going in and they just wanted to know how I plan to benefit the store. They wanted to make sure that I could work as a team with other workers and provide valuable customer service. They ask you to tell them about yourself and if you will work hard. Interview Questions:

• Where do you see yourself in ten years? • Reasons for Declining: I received a more valuable job opportunity elsewhere

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cashier Interview I applied online. The process took 4+ weeks Interview Details: I applied online and after no response I called the store a couple weeks later and scheduled an appointment. Pretty straight forward questions... Why do you want to work here? How would a previous employer describe you? Then I they administered the drug and background test...passed...then was hired on the spot. Interview Questions: None of the questions were difficult. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cashier Interview I applied online. The process took a week Interview Details: The UJS seriously helped me prepare myself for the interview. Everything mentioned here was asked. I had applied online and received a call from them within 2 weeks. The interview process was fairly slow. With me there were 3 other people in waiting. The interviewer had 2 sets of 3 pages and he asked me questions like, why i was interested in working for Safeway and a situation where I had to go above and beyond. No questions were asked regarding wage. They asked how I have handled difficult customers in the past. They are basically looking for peppy individuals. Have a smile on your face. Be confident. Dress professionally (don’t overdo it) and prep your answers in advance.

It went pretty well and I was hired. It’s been 2 weeks since the interview, background check and final paper work and I still I haven’t received a schedule. that’s the most annoying part Interview Questions: No difficult question as such. There were questions like...

• What 3 things would you suggest to a customer who buys cake from Safeway?

• Pick one of the products sold at our stores and suggest it to a customer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cashier Interview I applied online. The process took 4+ weeks Interview Details: I had one interview. The hiring manager wanted me to work there because I had previous experience. ONLY HAD A FEW SIMPLE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY AVAILABILITY. No work related questions about customer service and such. Very easy interview. Even did cotton swab drug test on the spot. Interview Questions: There was not a single hard question. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Courtesy Clerk Interview I applied online. The process took a week Interview Details: Applied online; got called almost a week later. When I called the store back the manager gave a preliminary questionnaire i.e. (compliant with drug test, ever been arrested, etc.,) then we set up a time to come in store and interview. The manager was very nice and polite, understood any concern/ question I had. I was scheduled to come in two days after the initial call. I came in store and it was during an average peak time for them, so the manager I was assigned was justified in being a bit stressed. I was told to wait in the lounge area until the customer level died down, which ended up being about 45 minutes after I arrived. I won't complain because I understood it came along with the trade of running a store. This gave me time to get my nerves to an ease, and actually talked with an employee a little; another employee told me "good luck." So when I was summoned to interview, it was pretty simple: we went through the application, drug test, etc. There were a few misunderstandings with the manager I talked to on the phone in how the process was supposed to go, so the manager I interviewed with basically waived most questions since I'd been there for so long and wanted to hire me. The interview questions were pretty basic i.e. ("Why do

you want to work here?" , "What does customer service mean to you?" , "Describe a time you worked in a team.") Also they will most likely ask you a "sales related" question and mine happened to be a scenario in which I had to sell additional items for a parent buying a party cake. Be prepared to answer this and list several items. But don't stress it, even if you aren't an ideal seller, they shouldn't care that much. That's what I was told. I was hired on the spot, which followed paper work and other information I needed. This gave time to converse and explain availability/ other questions. ** I was told my application was pulled from others because my availability was pretty decent. (I marked down every day as available.) ** -- 16 years old in high school -- Interview Questions: This wasn't my first interview at a company so I expected the traditional, "Why do you want to work here" , "Describe this, that," and so on. But if this is your first time, don't stress it, just make sure you do your research on job interview questions and make sure you have an idea of what to say. Just let the rest take care of itself (: ===============================================================

ANGRY CAMPER:

“YOU LIED ABOUT SAFEWAY!” DATELINE: THE USED JOB SHACK Many times in dealing with our previously incarcerated job seekers, we have found that they tend to blame the “F” word for all their difficulties in finding re-entry employment. IT IS AN EASY ASSOCIATE BUT, NOT ALWAYS TRUE. While blaming that foul, evil letter “F” that you tattoo on your forehead every new day of your job searching seems the correct thing to do but, you give it too much credit. Why did you NOT get hired at (say) Safeway had less to do with your background unless your past is directly linked or associated with the

job you are applying for or you are totally exhibiting no remorse: • “YEA! I would steal that 55 inch TV again…Hell, I didn’t really steal it but it was Super bowl Sunday…I would have brought it back on Monday…REALLY! Would I do it again…well…not till Super Bowl Sunday…” • “Yea, I shot him but, he deserved it! He had not right to talk to me in that tone!” Understand that we used extreme examples but, they are true examples that applicants told their potential, new bosses at the interview. Hopefully you get the serious point of that their offensive is not the real issue but their attitude and that creates fear that the applicant has not learned anything in the process and would be more inclined to repeat the behavior as they see nothing wrong with what they originally did. If you were the hiring employer, would you want that on your watch? Would you be willing to take a risk? You know that answer! More importantly, if you did not get hired at Safeway, might have more to do with your availability. Please remember that the job description (you did read it, didn’t ya?) told you that candidates with open availability will always be on the “A” list when they select interviewees because most stores run extended hours and as the new guy, they are hiring you to work the shifts that their older, more seasoned employees don’t want to work. That’s reality! That you couldn’t work evenings, weekends or holidays has more to do with you not getting hired that the old “F” word. That you are living in Central Phoenix and the location you applied for is in Anthem might be a good reason you didn’t get selected unless they knew you were looking to move out to Anthem (and that you communicated that to that local manager before or right after you completed the application…they do not have ESP or ESPN if they don’t have cable). The application and how you filled it out would be the primary reason why you were not selected. No slight on you because 8 out of 10 applications get tossed because they were done incorrectly. If you didn’t use our Rule # 4 formula then, you did the application incorrectly. Not bragging because it is

true. If you didn’t know to get the full job description, didn’t know how to break it down to the skills and abilities that the employer was looking (screening) for…if you didn’t know how to take that and create a narrative that incorporates successfully all of the key words and phrase then you missed it by a mile – unless old lady luck was shining on you or riding shotgun with you that day. If she wasn’t and you didn’t get called…then, I would say that is why they didn’t call you because you never showed the employer that you have the specific skills and abilities that they spelled out in the job description. Please remember that just because it requires no experience does not mean that the job did not require certain skills or abilities – and sometimes a lot of them. Because you were not schooled on Rule # 4, I will cut you some slack. But, that is a method of correctly filling out an application and you should become schooled in it if you want to be successful in this new age of job searching. So...not knowing the step-by-step process you took…I would still content that there were other factors rather than (our old whipping boy) the “F” word, as to why Safeway didn’t call ya…SORRY!

=============================================================== APPLY NOW FROM OUR ONLINE CAREER CENTER AT

http://www.careersatsafeway.com/

THE BS FACTOR IN YOUR

APPLICATION “The best advice that I can give your applicants is to stay within 5 miles of their neighborhood (85008) in central the Phoenix/airport area….as this is your search golden local zone…I love to hear an applicant say that they lived right down the street…and my ears perk up…”

Talked to a retail manager of a big box store today and she educated me on the interview process. She told me that the FATAL “You shot yourself in the foot” mistake(s) that an applicant makes are… FACTOR ONE: The BS Factor comes from applying for stores that are a long way from your home location. The BS is that the employer knows that it is BS that you will or that you can travel to their location on a daily basis without missing days or running late (especially if you are on a bus). Within 5 miles, the bus is reliable transportation after that it is an excuse to being late or being absent. This manager tells me that this is so common with all of her stores; “your application is not reviewed unless they are totally desperate. “

Her suggestion is that if you keep in the 5-10 mile range. The Manager told me, that she really likes to hear that “I just live down the street” as this tells her that you are more likely to be on time and that you will have the flexibility to stay late or come in on your day with short notice. She said that might not be fair but, that is the reality of the retail market. FACTOR TWO: (I never thought about this but, now it makes sense) the second biggest reason that she does not call people is because they applied for multiple openings at her store. According to her (and echoed by other managers) this is a real negative and usually means that she will not waste time with you. The impression that the applicant makes is that they are willing to do anything usually means that they are

desperate for employment and that they are just applying for things whether or not they really qualifies for them. She says that this wastes her time trying to figure out what you want to do when you grow up and as she is busy running the store to take that much time on any one candidate. Most importantly, she says that it shows her that you really do not have a specific interest or worse yet (if the applicant is a mess – incomplete, rushed, and hard-to-read and/or lacks details or doesn’t relate to the skills that she is looking for) you don’t care. To her the application represents you at your best and she judges it as such. Her suggestion is to read the job descriptions and determine which job is a perfect fit for your skills (you need to do this as she doesn’t have the time or interest to do) and, then, apply for that job. She said that you must complete the application with an emphasis on the skills, abilities or experience that is requested in the ad. She said that this should be your base to build a case that she needs to call you in for an interview. The application must be neat and easy for her to read (sloppy applications are tossed as they take too much time to figure out). Remember, to her, this is your very

best and sloppiness is a sign that you really didn’t want this job. She told me that it is critical that you show her that you have the skills that she needs and that you need to show how your experience (outside of the specific job you applied for) related to the specific job you applied for. She said you need to show the connection. She said that is your job not her’s as she has a job and she ended the thought by saying that she isn’t Colombo! Put this all together and you have an application that will impress her enough to call you. If not, try again in six months – as that is how long they keep them on file. She also warned about putting in multiple applications with slightly different names as her company’s computer will catch and flag them as bogus. If you application is flagged, then the system will delete it any further applications from you – which means you wasted your time. On a final note, she told me that applications that look like the applicant took the time, made the effort to do correctly and that are to the point are the ones that she sits aside and takes a second, longer look at before she calls. Better have a good number where she can reach you at. She told me that this is her biggest complaint about

applicants because a bad number or your failure to promptly return her call will cost you a job. Further to this point, she said that she assumes you really wanted the job or you wouldn’t have applied and she cannot understand people whose voice mail is full or not turned on. She told us to warn you that you have an hour of opportunity to call her back before she calls the next good applicant on her list. She says that she cannot more strongly remind applicants that all of these things are their duty and part of the process of getting the job.

She finished by saying that if an applicant needs to be serious about the process and if they are not, then, they need to stop applying and stay home! {From the manager’s own mouth…I would read it through several times to make sure that I get it…this is the process…your future is in your own hands and how hard you are willing to work to help yourself!

https://www.hrapply.com/bashas/AppIndex.jsp Courtesy Clerk 146196 Phoenix Food City 35th Ave and Van Buren Tortilleria Clerk 146195 Phoenix Food City 35th Ave and Van Buren Produce Clerk 146194 Phoenix Food City 35th Ave and Van Buren Meat Sales Clerk 146193 Phoenix Food City 35th Ave and Van Buren Bakery Clerk 146192 Phoenix Food City 35th Ave and Van Buren Night Crew Clerk 146198 Phoenix Food City 35th Ave and Van Buren Cashier/Clerk 146197 Phoenix Food City 35th Ave and Van Buren TIPSTER: ONLY APPLY FOR ONE POSITION @ THE STORE CLOSEST TO YOU – OTHERWISE, YOU WILL NOT BE SELLECTED

TIPSTER: TAKE YOUR TIME TO NEATLY AND COMPLETELY FILL OUT THE APPLICATION CORRECTLY – HOW YOU FILL OUT THE APPLICATION REFLECTS DIRECTLY ON THE UALITY OF YOUR WORK. NO BLANK SPACES!

https://www.hrapply.com/bashas/AppIndex.jsp

Courtesy Clerk 146183 Phoenix Food City 32nd St and Greenway Rd Cashier/Clerk 146083 Phoenix Food City 32nd St and Greenway Rd

TIPSTER: READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION. USE ONET TO GET YOUR KEY WORDS AND PHRASES. IN EACH DESCRIPTION, EXPLAIN ONLY WHAT SKILLS RELATE TO WHAT THE EMPLOYER IS SEEKING.

https://www.hrapply.com/bashas/AppIndex.jsp Cashier/Clerk 146227 Phoenix Food City 7th Ave and Southern Ave Baker 146141 Phoenix Food City 7th Ave and Southern Ave ================================================== TIPSTER: GO TO YOUR LOCAL STORE (10AM – NOON OR 2 – 4 PM) AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF. USE THE PHRASE “I JUST LIVE DOWN THE STREET, I APPLIED FOR ________ AND I WAS WONDERING IF THE MANAGER COULD PLEASE PULL MY APPLICATION…” DO NOT CALL IF YOU WANT THE JOB – THE EMPLOYER WILL SEE YOU AS TOO LAZY, UNINTERESTED OR SHY TO COME IN PERSON…

NOTE: Food City accepts all applications without discrimination(s) and will consider you regardless of previous criminal charges based upon the circumstances of the event(s) and how it relates to the position applied for, the age of the offence and what you have done to rehabilitate yourself (in how you are different than the person who did what you did and what you have achieved since then). It is on you to humanize this and make you case.

Meat Sales Clerk 146237 Phoenix Food City 48th St and Southern Ave

Courtesy Clerk 146238 Phoenix Food City 48th St and Southern Ave

…” DO NOT CALL IF YOU WANT THE JOB – THE EMPLOYER WILL SEE YOU AS TOO LAZY, UNINTERESTED OR SHY TO COME IN PERSON…

WARNING! THIS IS A RULE # 4 ALERT YOU WILL NEED OUR OLD FRIEND ONET TO FILL OUT THESE APPLICATIONS. FAILURE TO USE ONET WILL RESULT IN FAILURE TO GET CALLED FOR INTERVIEW, LEAD TO DISAPPOINTMENT,

CONTINUED UNEMPLOYMENT AND A LESSOR PAYING DEAD-END JOB.

http://www.onetonline.org/

https://www.hrapply.com/bashas/AppIndex.jsp

Baker 145235 Tempe Bashas’ Warner Rd and McClintock Dr Asst Customer Service Manager 145585 Tempe Bashas’ Warner Rd and McClintock Dr Deli Clerk 145357 Tempe Bashas’ Warner Rd and McClintock Dr

https://www.hrapply.com/bashas/AppIndex.jsp

Night Crew Clerk 146133 Morenci Bashas’ Morenci Shopping Center Meat Sales Clerk 145977 Mesa Bashas’ Mesa Dr and Brown Rd Courtesy Clerk 146056 Mesa Bashas’ Mesa Dr and Brown Rd Deli Clerk 145621 Mesa Bashas’ Mesa Dr and Brown Rd

TIPSTER: ONLY APPLY FOR ONE POSITION @ THE STORE CLOSEST TO YOU – OTHERWISE, YOU WILL NOT BE SELLECTED

Trader Joe's Phoenix – Town & Country (90) 4821 N 20th St, Phoenix 85016 602-912-9022 Trader Joe's Paradise Valley (282) 4726 East Shea, Phoenix 85028 602-485-7788 Do you possess a sense of adventure? Do you like to make people smile? Do you love great food? Would you rather wear a Hawaiian shirt to work than a suit? If the answer is,

"yes!" then we have management opportunities that will challenge and excite you. Who are we? Trader Joe's, your favorite neighborhood grocery store that originated in Southern California and now operates more than 350 stores from coast to coast. And we are still growing, so we need fun, passionate leaders like you to guarantee our continued success. http://www.traderjoes.com/pdf/employment_application.pdf (Note: A conviction does not necessarily prohibit employment.) =================================================================

4701 N. 20th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016 http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story

This is a very complicated place to get a job at because there is so much to

know about whom they are and their commitment to the local community. A good place to start would be in reading/watching the employee testimonials and personal stories: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/careers/tasty-jobs

Like our “Whole Foods Market Careers” page on Facebook to learn more about our culture, our Team Members, and get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work at Whole Foods Market. https://www.facebook.com/wholefoodsmarketcareers TIPSTER: Put in the homework so you can be excited by the chance to work here and be able to say “I want to work here because ______________...” Whole Foods Market attracts people who are passionate—about great

food, about the communities they live in, about how we treat our planet and our fellow humans—and who want to bring their passion into the workplace and make a difference. =================================================================

NOW HIRING – 158 OPENINGS VALLEY WIDE

TOP TEN EMPLOYER IN AZ We're constantly adding new stores and expanding our business so you never know when we may "sprout" in your neighborhood. But one thing is for sure: working at Sprouts is a lot of fun! Sounds right up your alley? All you need is a passion for people and flair for food. We can show you the rest. https://www.sprouts.com/web/guest/careers

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO WORK AT SPROUTS? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHjC3Ear_a4 This is a must watch video because otherwise you will not understand their company’s mantra (their culture) and you will miss by a mile, the correct answer to “why do you want to work for us?”

================================================================= 2824 East Indian School Road Suite 126, Phoenix, AZ 85016 Back-Up Receiver Requisition #229928 Store 008 - Indian School Back-Up Scan Coordinator Requisition #580305 Store 008 - Ind School Bakery Clerk Requisition #643644 Store 008 - Indian School Bulk Clerk Requisition #794794 Store 008 - Indian School Cashier Requisition #245190 Store 008 - Indian School Deli Clerk Requisition #396340 Store 008 - Indian School Grocery Clerk Requisition #197113 Store 008 - Indian School Head Cashier Requisition #284924 Store 008 - Indian School Meat Clerk Requisition #698640 Store 008 - Indian School Produce Clerk Requisition #499413 Store 008 - Indian School Senior Deli Clerk Requisition #897867 Store 008 - Indian School Utility Clerk Requisition #889524 Store 008 - Indian School Vitamin Clerk Requisition #801713 Store 008 - Indian School https://www.sprouts.com/web/guest/careers

http://www.onetonline.org/ If you want to get pass the gate keeper that this company uses to block your

application, you had better make friends at ONET Online to gather up all of the key words that you need to bypass the evil, foul Gatekeeper of Sprouts. =================================================================

REALLY WANT TO GET HIRED? If you really want any of these 150+ jobs then it is on you to give yourself an advantage over the 100,000 other people here in Phoenix that “need” a job. You need to start this with:

A. Use ONET ONLINE to construct your application. You need the key words and phrases that you need to populate into your application/resume. You need ONET to help you discover the skills and the abilities that you didn’t know that you had.

B. Transfer the application information back into your resume to give a killer resume for this (or this range of jobs).

C. APPLY FOR ONLY ONE JOB AND ONLY APPLY TO THE STORE CLOSEST TO YOU. Every store manager is telling us that if you want to get your application tossed, apply for multiple positions at the same store or at a location that is over 5-10 miles away from your home.

D. Do your homework! You need to be able to have an intelligent conversation about the company and/or the industry. You need to understand what makes them tick and why they do what they do – without this, how would you know how you fit or if you would?

E. Spruce yourself up, combed hair, brushed teeth and a recent bath will go a long way to getting you a longer interview. Dress for success is how you would you would go to work. If you are going to work at IBM, then please wear a suit. Dress for Success for most entry and/or re-entry jobs is a polo shirt and khakis (for building trades and warehouse you are already over-dressed). Do not go to Home Depot in a suit unless you want to be a business sales rep or a senior manager if want to get hired.

F. Put on you walking shoes and go to the store you applied for between 10 AM – Noon or 2 – 4 PM (depending upon the business) to introduce yourself as someone who lives in the neighborhood, who applied online and ask if the manager could “please” pull your application. We had a manager say the other day that the sweetest sound is an applicant saying “I just live down the street…”

G. Have a direct contact number where you pick up the phone or (if

a message phone) where you can return an employer’s call within 30 minutes (if not sooner). You need to have your voice mail on and accepting calls (not full of messages). You need to remove all cute or profound messages or music and replace that with your name.

Important to remember, you have one hour to return a call before the employer calls the next on their list. If you don’t return their call in a prompt manner, they believe that you are no longer interested or you are already working.

H. DO NOT CALL THEM UNLESS THEY CALLED YOU. Do not do these if you want the job as the employer will see you as too lazy, uninterested or shy to come in person.

I. Have your documentation, prior employer addresses/phone numbers and previous home addresses to fill out the employment paperwork. Always have a current photo ID and your social security card.

HERE ARE THEIR LOCAL STORES: 12415 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85032 - 602-971-4177 9301 E. Shea Blvd. #132, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-551-9665 1625 E. Glendale Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85020 602-385-2150 245 E. Bell Rd. #15, Phoenix, AZ 85022 602-218-4949 2824 E. Indian School Rd. #126, Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-553-3131 8040 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 602-864-6130 4402 N. Miller Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-941-6001 5130 W. Peoria Ave. Glendale, AZ 85302 623-487-0330 5665 W. Bell Rd. Glendale, AZ 85308 602-896-0300 6760 W. Deer Valley Rd. Glendale, AZ 85310 623-385-4430 1706 E. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282 480-820-4900 8375 W. Thunderbird Rd. Peoria, AZ 85381 623-334-1111 1933 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85213 480-668- 5225 E. Southern Ave. Mesa, AZ 85206 480-218-6491 2582 S. Val Vista Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85296 480-821-1511 ===================================================================

USED JOB SHACK INSIDER…SPROUTS

Produce Clerk Interview Interview Details: Fairly easy. Main questions that were asked is why i want to work at sprouts and will I be able do the task. Also the classic question “tell me about yourself" Interview Questions: there wasn't any difficult or unexpected question during the interview process. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Produce Clerk Interview I applied online. The process took 4 weeks Interview Details: The interview was not long. Specifically they want to see someone that can support their customer's needs, is knowledgeable, or can easily become knowledgeable, and is not afraid of some heavy lifting. It will be a good deal of work to manage a job in produce. Boxes come in 25-50lbs, and you will be lifting them all day. The store manager was considerate of my background, and asked me to relate it to the work I expected to manage in produce. It shouldn't be difficult for someone experienced in customer service, and unafraid to have sweat on their brow. Interview Questions: There were no unexpected questions. Difficult question for some: Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cashier Interview I applied through an employee referral. The process took a day Interview Details: Wasn’t a formal interview, more or less was just them calling you in for drug testing, and filling out paperwork (W4 tax info etc.) but there was

really no questions asked, just here fill out the paperwork, and she said can you start today? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Head Cashier Interview I applied online. The process took a day Interview Details: Interview was pretty casual and not too hard. The position was open until the end of the interview, and then suddenly it had been filled. They realized I had over 2 years’ experience and a BS in Business and I don't even know if they went to college or had any prior experience. Interview Questions:

• List 3 words used to describe me by associates. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Courtesy Clerk Interview I applied online. The process took 2 days Interview Details: I submitted an application online. Got a call from the HR the next day asking when I could come in for an interview? She asked me questions like "why do you want to work for Sprouts" and about my availability. It was a laid back interview. I was hired on the spot after a drug test. Interview Questions: I was not asked any difficult questions. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deli Clerk Interview I applied online. The process took 3 weeks Interview Details: I went to a hiring event for a new store opening in Scottsdale, AZ. Everybody was very friendly and personable. I met with a number of people, first the regional hiring mgr. and the grocery mgr. They took me to meet the new store mgr., who during our conversation, found that m household does a lot of juicing. Because of that he took me to meet the deli mgr., and was immediately offered a job at the Juice bar. Over all, it was an easy and pleasant process. Interview Questions: All questions were very common, not really any surprises. ------------------------------------------

Grocery Clerk Interview I applied online – interviewed at Sprouts Farmers Market.

Interview Details: The interview was pretty standard. Behavioral questions. Took about 20 mins. I had actually applied for a higher position but decided to do the interview anyway. Sprouts seems like a good growing company. Interview Questions: There weren't any hard questions. If you have any retail/customer service experience you will do fine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Head Cashier Interview I applied through other source. The process took 2 weeks Interview Details: I went to a Job Fair they held for a new store opening up in my area. Went to the Job Fair around the afternoon and not too many people interviewing. I had already applied online, went into a waiting room for about 15mins and then was called into the next room where there were a lot of other interviews going on. I sat down with the Assistant Store Manager, and he asked me the ice break question “Tell me about yourself and what position(s) you applied for and why?". The other questions were the normal interview questions, and some customer service questions. After a few minutes of talking the manager stated he liked me and offered me the Head Cashier position and then I went over to another table to do the drug test. Later on in the day they sent me an email of forms and things to do online to start the background check. A week later they called to see if I was still interested in the job and sent me another email to start my new hire paperwork. A few days later I was called to come to the other store to finish up my paperwork. Interview Questions: No hard or unexpected questions. Most were common basic interview questions along with customer service questions and scenarios

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Hourly Store Application FAQs How long are applications kept on file? Your application will be active for 60 days and remain on file for 1 year.

What happens to my application after I submit it? Your application will be active in your preferred store for up to 15 days, then for an additional 45 days in the applicant pool shared by neighboring Fred Meyer stores, allowing them to review your application for open positions.

Will I be contacted? You will be contacted if your qualifications match our requirements for available positions. How can I check the status of my application? Please call the Human Resources Associate at the store where you applied. Can I apply at more than one store? It’s not necessary to apply at multiple locations; neighboring stores will have access to your application.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Note - The existence of a criminal history will not automatically disqualify you from the job you are applying for.

LOCAL STORES… FRY`S 135 - 4505 E. THOMAS RD. PHOENIX, AZ 85018 FRY`S 002 - 3036 EAST THOMAS, PHOENIX, AZ 85016 FRY`S 081 - 2250 EAST BASELINE ROAD, PHX, AZ 85040 FRY`S 039 - 1625 WEST CAMELBACK, PHOENIX, AZ 85015 FRY`S 128 - 744 W. CAMELBACK ROAD, PHOENIX, AZ

USED JOB SHACK INSIDER… IMPORTANT…THE COMPANY WEBSITE WILL NOT SHOW YOU ACTUAL STORE OPENINGS UP FRONT! You must do a 50 minute application to get to actual jobs! Feedback is that it is better to go into the closest store between 2-4PM to talk to someone about actual openings…unless you want to spend 50 minutes to find out there are no openings…Don’t figure that a phone is the lazy way out…as they MAY take the easy way out too and just answer “NO.”

USED JOB SHACK INSIDER…Frys

COURTESY CLERK AT KROGER - ACCEPTED OFFER Interview Details – Applied in store and was called to interview the next day. Was very quick. Just asked very basic background questions. I don’t think there were any personality questions at all. Overall very easy process which is expected for a very low skilled job Interview Question –No difficult questions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASHIER - ACCEPTED OFFER Interview Details – The interview was pretty formal and easy. The Associate Manager was the one that did the interviewing and she just asked the basic retail questions. It seems that if you get an interview you'll more than likely get the job as long as you don't say anything that would jeopardize that. The manager actually spent more time talking about the company than actually asking questions. She also liked the fact that I was in college since many of the employees there were attending a college or university. They also do an oral drug test with you right away in the office after the interview. Interview Question –There wasn't any difficult or unexpected questions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASHIER - ACCEPTED OFFER Interview Details – I applied online. I was contacted 2 weeks later for an interview. I arrived early, and had to wait. The interviewer finally came to interview me. Was immediately asked to see my identification and SS card. She copied it, and then proceeded to give me papers describing the duties of cashier and courtesy clerk. I was asked questions regarding education, past experience, scheduling availability, customer service, and why did I want to work for Kroger. She went over the pay scale, training, scheduling, dress code, lunch/breaks, and insurance. Afterwards, I was given an oral drug test and back ground check. Exactly one week later, I was contacted to come in and do paperwork. Training was then scheduled. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASHIER - ACCEPTED OFFER Interview Details –Initially received a phone call to schedule an interview several days after my online application. I arrived a bit early so I had to wait for about ten

minutes upstairs; I guess they weren't expecting me to be prompt. When my interviewer arrived, it was fairly straightforward and quick from then on. We went into the office and I was asked simple questions about myself, my work experience, and why I wanted to work for Kroger. At that point, the conversation shifted to the job description, work environment, expectations of me, and the drug test I'd have to take. I then was given time to ask questions, and was taken to the HR person to take my drug test. I was called a few days later when the results were in to schedule training and orientation. Easy process and the front end manager were very nice throughout it all. Interview Question –There weren't really any difficult or unexpected questions. They were fairly simple and straightforward. The only one that wasn't about me or my history was why did I want to work for Kroger, and that was simple to wing my way through. Easiest interview I've ever had. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASHIER - ACCEPTED OFFER Interview Details –Applied online. Standard online application included basic info and a Q&A assessment test. You must mark "Strongly Agree" or "Strongly Disagree" with anything and you should pass it just fine. HR called and asked me to come in for an interview with the manager. Wear something nice - Men: Collared button-down shirt (tucked in), slacks/khakis (no shorts) and belt (preferably one that matches shoe color), loafers or not-worn-out sneakers. No flip-flops or sandals. Women: Nice shirt with slacks or skirt. A dress is ok too, but make sure it is covered (if sleeveless) and an appropriate length (right above knee or longer). Shoes can be dress sandal to high heels. No flip-flops. THE MANAGER MADE IT A POINT TO TELL ME I LOOK POLISHED AND PRESENTABLE. HE HIRED ME AFTER A 5 MINUTE INTERVIEW. Interview Question –Standard interview questions, including:

• Why do you want to work here? • Why are you a good fit for this company? • What are your goals in the next few years?

We're looking for employees that are hardworking and have a passion for food. To apply, print out the application below and bring it in to the store. http://www.elranchomarketiga.com/downloads/IGA_job_application.pdf El Rancho Market IGA 8901 North 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021 Phone: 602-870-3600 Hours: 6 am - 11 pm, daily NOTE: Have you been convicted of a felony in the last 7 years? Yes/No If yes, please explain fully… (Note: A conviction does not necessarily prohibit employment.)

ALSO AT CHANDLER LOCATION: 1076 No. Arizona Ave. Chandler, AZ 85225 ======================================================

PRO'S RANCH MARKETS http://www.losaltosranchmarket.com/

1602 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006 Director: Ryan Hatch Assistant Director: Leo Chavez

6:00 AM to 11:00 PM ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More stores mean more opportunities and Pro's Ranch Markets is looking for you to join our team. Our HR Department can be reached at: (602) 254-7201. We are a fast-paced, fast track, multiple award-winning Supermarket Retailer. One of our Accomplishments includes being named Arizona Retailer of the Year - Arizona Food Marketing Alliance for 2012. And the only thing growing quicker than our acclaims is our expansion. Pro's Ranch Markets is on track to grow even more stores in the coming years. CALL OUR HR DEPARTMENT AT (602) 254-7201 FOR ACTUAL OPENINGS OR GO TO THE STORE TO APPLY DIRECTLY. =================================================

*Note: The existence of a criminal history will not automatically disqualify you from the job you are applying for. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MY COMPANY? http://prosranch.com/about.aspx

WARNING! THIS IS A

RULE NUMBER 4 ALERT! You will need our old friend ONET to fill out these applications. Failure to use this system will result in failure to get called for interview, lead to disappointment, continued unemployment and a lesser

paying dead-end job. http://www.onetonline.org/ ============================================================== TIPSTER: "I AIN'T GOT A RESUME AND THEY WANT ONE! "Do you think they will hold this job until you come up with a resume? You think that a last minute (cook cutter) resume going to impress them? So are you going to get into a bad funk and pass up another good job or do something to help yourself?

WANT BETTER WAY? Try this. They want you to fax them something that impresses them to want to interview you. (In theory) a resume is a way to organize your skills into an easy to understand and read format. Try this: NAME: DIRECT CONTACT NUMBER: * I saw your ad and I took some time to check your company out and I was impressed by your YELP Review. When I read how you went the extra mile to help your customer, I said that's me. Given that, we seem to share so much in terms of work experience and work ethics and that I do have the skills and abilities you are looking for to include _____years working in the Industry and I have a clean MVR. I HAVE WORKED FOR THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES IN THE PAST ___YEARS: COMPANY: ________________ ADDRESS - LOCATION:

REFERENCE CONTACT: _________________________________ PHONE: ___________ E-MAIL: ______ WHERE I (work related to what this employer is seeking ONLY) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (REPEAT THIS FORMAT FOR YOUR OTHER JOBS THAT RELATE TO THIS JOB - Working at Walmart will not be important unless you put up barricades - MAYBE?) * DIRECT PHONE NUMBER: This means where they can reach you immediately or you can return their call within an hour (you have an hour grace period before they call someone else - if you don't return their call quickly, they assume you didn't really want to work after all and might say something about your dependability and work ethic). SEND THIS INSTEAD OF THE RESUME YOU DIDN’T HAVE… NO WAIT! THIS JUST BECAME YOUR RESUME. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? GO FIGURE. USE THE KISS FORMULA “Keep it Simple!” ===============================================================

GROCERY – RETAIL STORES: The only grocery store that WILL NOT HIRE you because of your past is WINCO. Every other grocery store does a background check but, if your crime(s) do not related to the job you are applying for…it is not a concern. The stores will look at the nature of the crime, the age of the crime and now they are starting to ask about the circumstances about the crime.

NOTE: CONFESSION OF A WINCO APPLICANT SLAMMER… Back when WINCO came to town, they were new and fresh

to this market. They were open and willing to create opportunities for people who had been denied just that by their background. They said “Sure, we will not reject people because merely because of their past history (i.e. Criminal history)…”

Based upon the kindness of their heart (recruiter, now, long since gone from the company), we slammed them at their early recruitments with what must have seemed to be every newly released person from AZ DOC (some…a lot of them…really were heavy duty guys/gals) and the recruiters freaked…the vast majority of applicants (way over 50%) were rejected by the corporation. By the time of the second round of interviews, their ads now carried, bold, block lettering that said “NO FELONIES!” After that they went to this system where you must apply online and you are screened (rejected) by computer selection for answering “YES” to have you ever been convicted? Nice and neat solution, tidy and without applicant recourse…”we selected another candidate…thank you!” This is what happens and why many employers are not willing to openly say that they are open to considering people with backgrounds – in fact, legally, it is easier to exclude everyone in this class rather than be accused of favoritism. Were the local job placement agencies to blame? Yea, as they are driven not by what is good for the employer, the community and many times not even their clients; they are driven by numbers (the need to generate numbers). This company was slammed by the sheer numbers that were herded towards them and in the end; they reacted not too well and this eliminated all opportunities for all previously incarcerated job seekers. Is this unusual? No, this is the norm just ask Danny of Danny’s Car Washes among other local businesses. What is the solution, I don’t know? Maybe not until you tear down the way the system works, rebuilding it to consider the REAL needs of everyone in the whole community instead of the greed of agencies driven to create and required to achieve totally unrealistic placement numbers (85 hires out 100 enrolled) of hard to place job seekers because the grant structure is conducted as an E-Bay Auction to the highest bidder and goes to agency willing to bid the highest numbers. Eliminate the actual numbers to be placed and replace it with will “we will serve ___ number of _____ and work with them towards securing employment” would have helped the local business community and the applicants (the agencies) to be served. - Just a random thought or two from a former slammer and herder?

Hours of Operation by Appointment Only – 2406 South 24th Street, Suite E-116, Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602)914-9000

Frantz Beasley

President/Co-Founder AZ Common Ground

Frantz is a motivational speaker, and is asked to speak at several events around the valley each year. Frantz currently sits on the Board of Directors for the CCTP-Arizona/Arizona Re-entry Careers Project and is on the Outreach Committee for the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee. Frantz is the father of four beautiful young people, and he takes most pride in having been elected leader of his communities’ Pueblo Block Watch organization. Frantz's ultimate passion is to advocate for the rights of those victimized by crime everyday throughout the Valley, and discover creative avenues to allow those victimized to have a voice as well. Frantz is a south Phoenix native who has dedicated his life to changing the face of Arizona prisoner re-entry. Having spent 14 1/2 years of his adult life within incarceration, Frantz returned to his community with a new commitment to his faith and to his community. As president of AZ Common Ground, Frantz works to educate and empower individuals returning to the community from jail or prison, as well as engaging residents in activities to help restore the community. http://azcommonground.org/about-us.html

FINDING A NEW PATH AFTER PRISON One of the jobs of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is to convict lawbreakers and where appropriate, seek prison sentences. When those prison

sentences are completed, lots of individuals find themselves trying to re-enter society, often confused and asking “how am I going to fit in?” For those individuals willing to do the work, the answer might be found in a few community organizations like Chicanos Por La Causa, FreshStart and AZ Common Ground. These groups are designed to help ex-offenders successfully re-enter a community and avoid recidivism. Frantz Beasley heads up AZ Common Ground. He began thinking about what prisoners would need to re-enter life on the outside while he was still in prison himself. “While it’s important to help clients find work by putting together a resume and learning interview techniques, it is equally important for each individual to understand what got them into trouble in the first place,” said Beasley. “The recidivism rate has been high because while we can help find jobs for these individuals they weren’t getting to the root cause of the problems that led these people to incarceration.” AZ Common Ground will help clients find work and also help with life skills. “They learn about budgeting from handling a personal checking account to how to shop with coupons. Additionally they learn skills to help handle stressful situations like dealing with authority. Learning what to do is almost as important as learning what not to do. When they get a job it’s important to understand responsibility. You can’t just walk away from stress. That doesn’t honor your commitment to your family, children or your efforts to return to society in general.” A shorter approach can be found at FreshStart. “Some of these folks just want to get back to work as quickly as possible. We help them put a resume together that matches their skill set,” said Bruce Relf at FreshStart. “But if our clients are willing, we help them identify and use critical thinking skills that help resolve problems within the family and the community they live in. We also have useful classes they can come back and attend anytime.” Along with providing computers for individuals to use as they search for jobs, Chicanos Por La Causa provides free basic computer literacy classes where instructors teach in English and Spanish. CPLC also has a micro-enterprise class for small business owners to work on the skills needed to be successful. For more information feel free to contact: AZ Common Ground Frantz Beasley, (602) 914-9000 - www.azcommonground1.com