JOBNET SUCCESS STORIES DID JOBNET HELP YOU FIND A JOB? LOOKING FOR ENCOURAGEMENT? 01/01/11 - Thank you for all of your support.  The Networking meetings have given me back my zeal.  I have been working a part time position, so I haven’t been able to attend any meetings lately.  The good news is that after 23 months I have been offered a full-time position as the Business Manager with the Downtown YMCA.  I will start my new position on Monday, January 3, 2011.  It is funny how God works.  I accepted this new position and since Monday I have had five companies call or email me about other opportunities.  Quite a few were for positions I applied for in October.  Needless to say, employers are starting to hire.  I wish you all the best in your job search.  Sabrina Williams, PHR Business Manager YMCA, Downtown Fort Worth 06/30/09 - Quick update, when it rains…… you know the rest.  A former coworker called and I’m doing a pilot Management communications class at her company, two days to start and then if it goes well, more to come.  Then, a week or so ago a former manager gave my name to a company called Matrix Resources, they have a client who is upgrading to MS Office 2007 and wants a week of training, then someone at an IT sourcing company found me on LinkedIn and wants to offer free classes to his clients as a way to build business and provide value!  It’s amazing and I can credit the contacts I made at JobNet and the confidence you and others helped me to build.  KyleAnne Poland, EnterTRAINer 03/25/09 - Hello HR JobNet friends, I am the new Benefits Specialist at DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)!  I start on 3/30. Thank you for the encouragement and networking contacts. Please reach out to me if I can help you in any way.  Best wishes in your job search! Mike Johnson, Benefits Specialist DART 01/22/09 - I have landed!!! I got a job with Dallas County Community Colleges as a Software Trainer. I am currently shadowing and will be training faculty and all staff on Microsoft office and also internal sofware systems. Thanks for letting me attend jobnet networking meetings.  I landed through applying directly to DCCD website, for which I was very suprised.  I did not expect in this job market to land an interview just by applying directly to the website without knowing anyone there.  Everyone keep up the search you, too, will land!! Pam Srinivasan Software Training and Support LeCroy Center Dallas County Community Colleges 09/24/08 - I'm excited to announce that I have landed at Raytheon! I'll be providing Organizational Change Management support for major IT Projects starting on Oct. 6th. Thank you all for your support during my "pre-employment" transition. Please let me know how I can be of assistance to you in the future. Nancy Driver, Organizational Change Manager Raytheon 08/09/08 - I am very excited to share with you that I have accepted an offer with Regency Hospital of Fort Worth as the HR Manager. The path that has led me to this destination has been full of ups and downs and very, very long. I appreciate all of you and your support during this journey. I especially enjoyed the many tips many of your shared along the way. One tip that helped me was from a friend who researched behavioral interview questions and took the time to formulate answers for quite a few. I spent some time typing out my responses which helped me remember the key points I wanted to make and gave me the ability to be spontaneous during the actual interview. It takes some energy to put this document together, (mine is over 10 pages) but worth the effort and then makes a great reference tool when prepping for the next interview. Sincere thanks to all of you! Hang in there! Your job could be around the next corner. Sue Spurgin, HR Manager Regency Hospital of Fort Worth 07/09/08 - I have landed!  JobNet is invaluable!  The group helped me stay motivated and focused.   Please let me know if I can help the group in any way.  Thank you so much for all of your help! Yvette Zimmerman Corporate Recruiter, Baylor Health Care Systems in Dallas 06/16/08 - Hello HRJobNet Group, I just wanted to share with you how great my experience was in Texas last month, because you all had something to do with it.  I was amazed at how informational and friendly the group was. Thanks for adding to my knowledge bank and keeping me motivated in my quest to relocate [to Texas]! Your Michigan friend, Aremanda A. Mason 06/16/08 - I joined JobNet in April of 2007.  Most of my networking circle was in PA, NJ, and NY, which meant when we moved back to Texas, I was starting flat footed in networking.   There is a lot to JobNet.  In fact, you will probably end up giving more than you get as a member.  Just remember: • JobNet is a terrific place to share your network with someone needing a connection. • JobNet is a safe place to share failure in the job search and seek resolution. • JobNet is a safe place to blow off some steam and share frustration.  Everyone is in the same boat. • JobNet is a great place to try new ideas, new resume styles, new interview techniques, and new sources. • A new thought may generate a "Oh, I tried that once and it didn't work."  Try it again and again and again. • Keep a sense of humor about you.  Being unemployed ain't exactly a laugh riot, but you must bolster your sense of humor to keep a smile on your face for that next interview.   Perhaps at the very next meeting, someone new is going to show up.  Timid.  Quiet.  Unsure.  Deer-in-the-headlights look.  He or she has just been kicked in the stomach and lost a job.  That person needs you.  You need to tell them that everything is going to be OK.  That everything can actually be better.  And they have come to the right place to network, meet new friends, and find their next terrific job opportunity.  This is what you have meant to me.    I start Monday morning at Career Centers of Texas, but I hope to always be a member of JobNet.  What can I do for you?   Bill Gunn, Trainer/Career Coach Career Centers of Texas 05/31/08 - After working at one company for 18 years, and I was laid off, I took a couple of  “contract” jobs for the first time in my career – and was surprised at how much I liked it.  It’s a great short term solution (to unemployment J).  Plus, quite often, companies hire the contract person after seeing their work.  I highly recommend it to any of your job seekers.   (I’ve now been in my new job at Zale Corporation for about a year and a half.)  Bonnie Dangel, Corporate Recruiter Zale Corporation 01/30/08 - I have accepted the position of Plant HR Manager at Trinity Rail, a division of Trinity Industries, in Denton.  In speaking with Trinity's Corporate HR Manager, Rex Saoit, I was crediting the Job Net group for helping me through the job search process. Rex says he knows Pam from the days Job Net was hosted by Right Management.   Networking has played a huge part in this job search.  Through Job Net I met Buffy Upchurch.  Buffy told me about Career Solutions and Career Connections.  Through Career Connections I learned of the Career Transition Workshop.  I attended the October, 2007 workshop and introduced myself to Rex, one of the presenters.  Rex suggested I send him my resume.  In November Shawna Tucker, HR Mgr. with Trinity Rail in Saginaw, contacted me about a position in Denton, and I interviewed in December.  Thank you FWHRMA and DBM for Job Net!   Mary Lu Herrington, Plant HR Manager Trinity Rail 10/15/07 - It's been a crazy couple of weeks in my world, and I miss seeing all of you at JobNet.  I had 5 interviews in one week.  I have family in from out of town, which is why you didn't see me today with donuts in hand (I will bring them. I promise :>)  I was offered and accepted a position as Sr. HR Generalist for MedicalEdge Healthcare Group, Inc. in Dallas.  I start on Monday.  The position is exactly what I have been looking for.  Believe it or not, I found it on Craig's List! I can't thank everyone enough for all your support and friendship. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts as I hear of other opportunities and hope that you all find exactly what you are looking for. Kayla Wilson, Sr. HR Generalist MedicalEdge Healthcare Group, Inc. Dallas 10/01/07 - Not long ago, a friend from church approached me and said that he was considering re-joining a colleague who had just been hired at Southwest Bank in Fort Worth. He mentioned that his colleague was the SVP of HR and was looking for a Generalist.  He encouraged me to call Carol, which I did. To make a long story short, I accepted an offer to become the HR Generalist for Southwest Bank. This position was recently part of JobNet. Once again, the power of networking and being open to the opportunities that present themselves. Thanks for JobNet and the constant encouragement to those in the HR business! Dan Dalton, HR Generalist Southwest Bank 07/18/07 - I just wanted to let you and all the members of the JobNet group know that I have accepted a position with Express Personnel Services.  I am sorry that I am not able to send doughnuts for everyone, as is the tradition when you find a job, but they want me to begin immediately, so I will begin working tomorrow. I really enjoyed the time, insight, and assistance that each of you gave me during my search.  JobNet was a great way to network, but I also was very much encouraged and energized each time that I left a meeting.  I wish all of you luck in your searches, and I will maintain my linkedin account so that we can stay in touch in the future. Tim Payne Management Trainee, Express Personnel Services 06/24/07 - Thank you, JobNet, for being such a valuable resource – Last year, I was able to attend only one FWHRMA event due to the time constrictions/limited opportunities in my prior position.  It was at that event where I met a corporate Director of HR. This professional and personal gentleman has many contacts in the field and enjoys assisting people who are in the midst of career transitions. To make a long story short, I received a call out of the blue a few weeks ago from someone looking to fill the position of HR Generalist.  He had received my name from my FWHRMA contact, and wanted to meet with me about this opportunity. After a whirlwind interview process, I was offered the job. Although I have only just begun with Acme Brick Company, it is evident that this is a company with a dedicated team of HR professionals, a supportive/encouraging management structure, and a lot to offer to its employees. This opportunity only came about because I introduced myself to a FWHRMA member at the SINGLE event I attended last year, and made it a point to market myself and my abilities. You simply cannot put a price on the value of networking, and JobNet definitely provides that opportunity - you just take advantage of it! Thanks again, JobNet!  Cat Schlueter HR Generalist, Acme Brick Company 04/19/07 - I wanted to let you know what a Godsend you and the JobNet group are. You and the group have really pulled me through the last few months. I am honored to be associated with so many fine professionals. I have landed, at least for a while, having taken a 3-6 month contract as an HR Specialist, through Kelly Services (Carol Workman) with Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County.  I am really excited about this adventure. I plan to stay "Linked In" and will still be checking with the JobNet Group.  I hope to continue hearing from and about everyone in the JobNet group and to see some at the FWHRMA meetings. Thanks again!!! Melissa Losonczy, Contract HR Specialist Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County 03/08/07 -  Just wanted to let you know that my contract assignment at Time Warner Cable - Southwest Division turned into a full time job.  I accepted the Director, Employee Relations position and started officially last Monday. Thank you for all of your assistance during my job search; it truly was invaluable.  If there is anything that I can do for you or JobNet, please do not hesitate to let me know.  Again, thanks.  I cannot say enough about JobNet!! Lisa M. Rodriguez, Director, Employee Relations Time Warner Cable - Southwest Division 02/19/07 - I thought I would send you an email and let you know that I’m no longer at my previous job.  Utilizing the Fort Worth HR JobNet I landed here at Apex Capital as their new HR Director.  After making the commute to Dallas over the last 10 years I’m very excited to be in Fort Worth!  This is the second job I’ve landed through this networking group.  I’m an advocate. Carrie Nobles, PHR HR Director Apex Capital LP 02/14/07 -  Just wanted to send you all a note to let you know that I started my new job this week working for Deloitte Consulting as a Sr. Consultant in Human Capital Group, HR Transformation. I will be working out of the Irving office but will be traveling quite a bit. I also wanted to say "Thanks" to each of you that helped over the last few months by providing leads, ideas, support, contacts, etc. Please let me know if I can do anything in the future to return the favor. Carol Popp Sr. Consultant in Human Capital Group, HR Transformation Deloitte Consulting 12/21/06 - There are so many aspects, as you know, that get someone a job. You are on the interview the second you walk in the door. You need to be fully prepared. There have been times at JobNet we have passed out suggested questions to prepare answers.  You never know what interviewers are going to ask, and preparing mentally to be “quick on your feet” shows you can answer the question and think logically. This is possibly a good opportunity to show knowledge on subject matter as well. People generally make up their mind about a candidate within minutes (if that). You need to be prepared. Also, in this day and time dressing appropriately should be a no brainer, but having appropriate professional dress mixed with interviewing well can go a long way compared to someone who is overly casual. Also, if given the opportunity to ask questions you need to have at least 4-5 good questions. I have always done this and I think it shows interest in the job. Too often people get the chance to ask questions and they have nothing prepared. Having great questions can be another way to stick out in a positive way. All this goes without saying, coming across as an extremely polished candidate gives you a better opportunity. I wish everyone well and hope they all find great jobs soon! Jeff Jackson, Human Resources Manager First Command Financial Planning, Inc. 09/21/06 - I have LANDED! I started at BNSF 6 months ago as a training consultant and contract trainer, and now I have accepted the position of Director, Leadership Training at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. I am excited about the new opportunity. Thank you for all your support, help, counsel, and encouragement. The current director is retiring in December and so I get a few months with her. Say hello to the current "job netters" for me and I wish them luck. Keep up your great work. Couldn't have done it without you. Mary Moore Director, Leadership Training, BNSF 07/20/06 - I just wanted to thank you and your organization (HR JobNet).  We just made a really good hire from your group!  He said he heard of a position through one of your contacts.  We still have two more trainer positions open.  If you know of anyone, feel free to let me know or direct them towards our website.  We’re looking for another superstar!  Thank you. Kenny Braxton Recruiter, EMC Mortgage Corporation 05/22/06 - I wanted to share some good news with you and express my gratitude.  I attended the FW HR Jobnet meeting a few weeks ago and you shared a job lead for an HR Generalist position with Iscar Metals.  I contacted Chuck at Iscar that day and had a phone interview followed by 2 interviews.  I am excited to say I accepted the offer last week and will be starting next week which coincides with my end date at my current firm. I am very excited about this new opportunity and am most appreciative to you and the HR Jobnet.  Thanks again. Katherine Moody HR Generalist, Iscar Metals 04/06/06 - I have recently accepted the position of Hiring Coordinator for The T. I learned about the opening at the February FWHRMA lunch when Melanie Kroeker (The T's Director of HR) announced the position. I introduced myself to her after the lunch was over, and was contacted for an interview within a couple of weeks.  JobNet was a fabulous way for me to network with other job seekers, receive support, and learn more about the field of HR in the DFW area. Without JobNet and the support it provided, I would not have the fabulous position that I have!   My thanks go out to everyone in JobNet, especially Pam!   Tara Tibbetts Hiring Coordinator, The T 03/01/06 - I'm excited to let you know that I've accepted the HR Manager position at Pella Windows & Doors in Grapevine!  I'm so looking forward to a 5 mile commute every day.  I might add that this position further highlights the advantages of networking and thinking outside the box.    This position at Pella was never posted.  I just happened to notice that they were relocating from Grand Prairie to Grapevine and inquired with them to see if they needed any HR help.  Good fortune would have it that they have just reached a size where they had resolved and budgeted to hire a HR professional.  So I stayed in contact every few weeks and let them get to know me and then asked my references to call in the final decision week.  Alas, it worked.   Thanks so much for your support, and please extend my thanks and encouragement to everyone in the JobNet group.  Now that I get to stay in Tarrant County, I intend to renew my FWHRA membership and get more active in the chapter.  If I can be of assistance to anyone in any way, please let me know. Steve Rushton, SPHR HR Manager, Pella Windows & Doors 02/02/06 - Finally, the information has come through!  I have been offered a job with Staples, Inc as a Human Resources Manager and should start working on February 27th. I would like to thank the JobNet for EVERYTHING!!!  Everyone has been wonderful with their experience, knowledge, and patience.  I could not have gotten through this without you guys.  If anyone needs anything, please do not hesitate to give me a call or send me an e-mail. Good Luck to Everyone! Amy Hansen, HR Manager Staples, Inc. 01/20/06 - What a way to start the year!!!  SPHR Certification!  New job!!  And today I shot a 55 in 9 holes of golf!!!  Okay, so that last one wasn't of particular interest to the professional/career progression, but it is still an accomplishment for me! I have accepted a contract-to-hire position at Bell Helicopter as a Recruiter, and I just completed my paperwork this afternoon!!!  Yeah!!!  I've met some of the folks I'll be working for and I am very excited to start . . . in two weeks. Thanks for everything.  Maintaining a balanced life and a sense of humor is a challenge, especially when one area is out of whack.  The support of JobNet really helped me keep my sanity through, what for me is, the arduous process of the job search! Ginger Edwards Recruiter, Bell Helicopter 12/09/05 - I wanted to let you and the JobNet members know that I started my new job last Monday as Director of Human Resources for BK Global, Inc. located in Dallas. I wanted to give encouragement to all of the JobNet members, and I know that there is the right job out there for you. If I can assist you in any way, please contact me. JobNet was such a valuable tool for me in my job search. I have met so many wonderful people and have developed personal relationships I will cherish forever. I want to thank you, Pam for all of the work you put into JobNet. Your support, knowledge and job leads were essential. I also want to thank DBM for offering their offices to JobNet members. I will continue to send job leads to Pam as I hear of them. I wish the very best to everyone! Cyndy Walters Director of Human Resources, BK Global, Inc. 10/31/05 - Thanks to you and the Fort Worth Jobnet I have been working with the Training and Performance Improvement group at CitiFinancial Auto, in Bedford.  We now have another open positions that I will share with the group.   Paul Shannon Senior Performance Consultant, CitiFinancial Auto 10/24/05 - I just wanted to let you know that I have accepted a position with Mercer HR Services as a Client Services Analyst working with Benefits, Pension Plans and Healthcare & Group Benefits. I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. JobNet was very helpful to me, since this was my first time experiencing a layoff, and I wasn't quite sure how to get back into the job search mode. I learned how networking is very important to your job search. JobNet was a huge encouragement, as well, especially when you heard the new landings every month and having the encouragement of other people who are in the same situation as you. I have met a lot of people, and I will stay in touch with each and every one of you. Take care and God Bless! Armetrice Johnson Client Services Analyst, Mercer HR Services 09/29/05 - I initially interviewed for an HR Manager's position and evidently did such a good selling job with a PowerPoint presentation that I initiated, they decided I could do two jobs - Sales and Marketing Coordinator (and HR).  It's a very small company and the HR responsibilities are minimal.  Everyone wears more than one hat. Words of Wisdom...I don't know how wise I am.  I spent many sleepless nights frustrated and depressed, dabbling in Real Estate, not sure if I wanted to go back into corporate America.  But, when I made the decision that HR was what I really wanted to do, I got up each morning and searched for a job. That was my full-time job.  A recruiter that contacted me for a position was very encouraging.  He said..."for every $10,000 in income that you want, it takes one month of search."  When he said that I thought, OK...I'll be employed by September.  And I am. I truly believe my cover letter was the most important factor that opened doors for me. Once I began to customize my resume to the job ad, I got responses. After the interview the follow-up was equally important.  I took the initiative to create and send a thank you e-mail with a PowerPoint presentation related to training attached.  I used their website as my information source. I guess it got their attention. Thank you for what you do.  I wish I could have attended more meetings.  When I did, it was always uplifting and encouraging. Two things sorely needed during a period of unemployment. Debbie Smith, Sales and Marketing Coordinator Resource Print Management 09/19/05 - Would you kindly share with all of the JobNet members that I landed a job as head of Human Resources at HistoryMaker Homes!  I want to thank all of you for your encouragement and helpful job leads during my period of job searching.  I couldn't have made it without your support!  I just got back from a trip and was offered the job over the phone while I was touring in Rome!  What a wonderful way to start a vacation!  I would also add that networking was one of the most valuable tools in my job search.  I have made many new friendships since my association with JobNet and was able to increase the breadth of my job searching due to the opportunities that JobNet offers!  Many of the JobNet members who attended the meetings were able to give me contact information and feedback on prospective companies.  Secondly, JobNet puts you in touch with many HR professionals that you may not have access to.  The HR community as a whole is very supportive in helping JobNet members find the right work opportunities.  Also, Pam, your assistance and words of wisdom were invaluable!  I start my new job on Sept. 20th.  I will have to send all of you a virtual donut and a hug for being there for me!  Marci Partridge, Director of Human Resources HistoryMaker Homes 08/07/05 - After six busy months, my search has ended. I just recently started working at Methodist Health System in the Organizational Effectiveness department.  Not having changed companies in over 31 years, this job search process seemed overwhelming. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to bring donuts to a Thursday meeting before starting work. Please share with everyone my heartfelt thanks to their warm welcome and all the encouragement that was found within the group. Good luck to everyone in finding the right fit. I most definitely will pass along a positive word about this wonderful network. Cindy Williams, CEBS, SPHR, CFP, CAM Organizational Effectiveness Strategist Methodist Health System 07/18/05 - Just wanted to let you know I landed at Countrywide, and I had 3 offers to consider. (It's either feast or famine!) I appreciate the relationships I developed in JobNet, because I spoke to another JobNetter as I considered each offer. This is really a wonderful service provided by JobNet. JobNet is more than just a place to network, there is great career development advice as well!  Thank you again, Julie Garro HR Customer Care and LOA Coordinator, Countrywide 07/08/05 - My position in Irving is going quite well. My fellow employees are great to work with and I keep busy. I also have moved into my apartment in Lewisville and finally have everything set up. I just wanted to thank you so much for all the help you provided me during my job search in the Metroplex. The JobNet group was great not just for job leads but to visit with and realize that I was not the only person out there having a hard time finding a job. I will do my best to pass any leads to you for the group. I cannot thank you enough for all your help. JobNet was a great resource that I could not have done without. Garret Frith, HR Assistant Mosaic 06/20/05 - I landed with ACS on June 20 as the Director of Benefits. I hit the ground running with ACS and have been hard pressed to take care of this important business . . . letting everyone know! As always, the opportunity was a direct result of successful networking.  I owe the JobNet group a box of doughnuts! Thank you again for all of your support and putting together a great group.  I appreciate the opportunity to connect with so many people in my situation and in my industry.  If I can assist any of the seekers, please let me know. Jim Brown, Director of Benefits ACS 06/06/05 - I just wanted to let everyone know that I have landed.  I haven't been to a meeting in awhile due to some contract work I've been doing, so not sure if there are many left in the group that were there last time I came.   Anyway, starting June 20th, I will be the HR Manager for a new distribution center in Alliance for US Oncology.  I'm really excited, because the leadership team I will be a part of really values HR and training, and I'll be able to build it all from scratch - my dream job.    I do want to encourage everyone to keep networking - I did find the posting on Monster, but I also knew someone at my church that worked for them and gave me some pointers.  The contract work I've been doing, which has helped our finances, was gotten strictly through networking.  So, keep the faith - it does work!   Thanks, Leisha and Pam for all you do for the networking groups - it really means a lot.    Thanks again, Karen Stevens, HR Manager US Oncology 05/10/05 - I was a UNT graduate from December and, thanks to your postings, I landed a great job working for a wonderful company as a Human Resource Assistant.  Thanks for your assistance, and I will definitely keep you in mind if I hear of opening positions.    Wade Potts, Human Resource Assistant Tech Data Corporation 04/22/05 - I have accepted a position as a Human Resources Specialist at Texas Wesleyan University. I will start on Monday and I am looking forward to the new opportunity. Even though I have only attended a couple of Job Net meetings, I wanted you to know that I appreciate all of the job leads, job search tips, resources, and support the group has offered. I wish everyone the best in their job search. Please feel free to add me to the new job landings sheet. I would be more than happy to assist any fellow Job Net members in the future. Angela Hazlewood, HR Specialist Texas Wesleyan University 04/03/05 - Just want to share the great news that I've landed!!  The job is just what I was hoping to find and is located only 2 miles from my home -- can you believe that!?  I first heard about the job from a forwarded ad by the JobNet group and answered the ad.  I also contacted the internal recruiter directly, which I advise unless the ad says not to, so your resume doesn't end up in the "black hole." Pam, thank you for your hard work and for the great job that you do for JobNet.  I also want to thank everyone for providing wonderful job leads, and wish everyone the very best in your searches! Leigh Ann Dillard, SPHR, HR Manager General Dynamics 04/01/05 - I have been meaning to thank you for the referrals you sent out on our behalf for a recruiter in January. Thanks to you we found someone who has been on board with us for a month now! I am greatly appreciative of your help! Please let me know how I can help or assist you in the future. Sincerely, Kathy Hassenpflug, SPHR Director, Human Resources Walco International, Inc.