Category Archives: Cover Letter Tips
← Older posts4 Ways to Cure the Portland Job Search Blues
Readers always tell me that “Mac’s List” gives them hope about finding work in Portland. But with so many people competing, I know it isn’t easy to land a job here. This week I’ve had at least 10 conversations with people looking for work in Portland and I hear you – you’re frustrated and exhausted. I know. I’ve been there. And I feel for you. Blame it on the economy, the influx of talented people, … Read more »
How Tapping Your Passion Can Get You the Job
With employers hiring for personality fit as much as for your skill set job seekers today need to show they not only can get the work done, but also fit the culture of an organization. What’s the best way to do this? Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook may have the answer. At a Portland luncheon this week sponsored by the Oregon chapter of the International Association of Business Communicator (IABC) and Social Media Club PDX, Ekaterina … Read more »
I Didn’t Come Here to Mess Around: Your I Mean Business Checklist for Portland Job Searching
Spring 2006. New Orleans, LA. Out in the sunshine, savoring a last bite of crawfish strudel and sipping a frozen café au lait from Café du Monde. In between bands at Jazz Fest with two of my favorite people, Bill and AC. And not just because they led me to the strudel. I compliment Bill’s ensemble—he’s decked out in a straw hat and Hawaiian shirt and looking like he’s ready for some serious festing. “Well,” … Read more »
Resume This, Cover Letter That! Even in the Interview, Remember It’s Not About You!
Functional or chronological? Bullets or sentences? White space or not? Everyone has a different opinion about the right tactics for resumes, cover letters and job interviews. How do you sort out the conflicting advice? The best approach depends on your work experience, your field, and the job description. In the end, however, what matters most is this: you need to understand and address the needs of the job and the employer. I know this is … Read more »
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with 14 Job-Hunting Blogs We Love
Bloggers are passionate by nature. You need amazing energy and focus to keep posting week after week, so Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to share 14 job-hunting blogs that my colleague Jessica Williams and I love and honor the people who write them. Many of the blogs below originate in Oregon and some of the writers mentioned contribute to Mac’s List. But all these sites (listed alphabetically) offer information useful in any job search. … Read more »
Are You Making These 8 Job Search Mistakes?
Job-hunting is like any other skill: it takes time and practice to master and we’re all going to make a few mistakes along the way. Here are eight local job search mistakes I’ve seen applicants make that we all can avoid. 1. Apply everywhere. You need clear job search goals, especially in a competitive market like Oregon. Yes, it’s easier than ever to blast out hundreds of job applications via email and online job boards, … Read more »
Your Most Important Job Search Decision? “Ask a Manager’s” Alison Green Says Know What You Want
You need a clear career goal, especially in Oregon’s competitive employment market, and having one was vital to my own success in landing a job when I first came to Portland in 1991. Applying for every vacant position everywhere wastes your time and energy and could lead to a situation that makes you miserable. We all have bills to pay and I’ve taken my share of paycheck jobs over the years, including a stint at … Read more »
A Recruiter’s Top 10 Tips for Getting a Job in Oregon (Part Two: The Cover Letter)
Welcome back! Last month, I gave you my top 10 resume tips for getting a job in Oregon. Make sure your resume gets reviewed by creating a great cover letter. As a recruiter, I’ve read thousands of bad cover letters accompanying resumes, and it’s no wonder most get tossed. Why? Applicants often make the same mistakes, turning cover letters into an exercise in futility for the hiring teams, rather than serving as a great example … Read more »
Want to Make a Good Impression with an Employer? Respect the Receptionist
What matters most to employers when they review resumes or interview job candidates? I recently asked several local personnel managers to share job-hunting advice with Oregon applicants. Our first respondent, Lynette Hansen, is human resource director at Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, an organization with an annual budget of $5.9 million, a full-time staff of 79, and 19,479 girl members and 11,515 adult volunteers. This is a busy time for Girl Scouts everywhere. Members … Read more »
How Freelancing Can Improve Your Portland Job Search
For some of us, freelancing is a long-term lifestyle choice. For others, freelancing just helps to make ends meet until they nail down a job offer. Either way, we think of our professional expertise as the foundation of our freelancing ability. But… What can freelancing teach us about the Portland job-search game? To find out, I called Steve Potestio, one of Portland’s professional match-makers. As co-founder of the creative talent agency Mathys+Potestio, Steve has built … Read more »
