Category Archives: Resume Tips
← Older postsYou Have What’s Missing
Last week, as I scrolled through a number of sad, disturbing, or otherwise disgruntling pieces of news posted on Facebook, instead of mindlessly responding out of habit, I did something different. Which had lovely results. My habitual responses might include: eating something with high-sugar content, complaining about the constant stream of negatively skewed news in the world, or tumbling into the Pit of Despair, which, as you might know, is not far from the Fire … Read more »
Get Noticed on LinkedIn: 7 Ideas That Really Work
One of the most common requests I receive when talking to “Mac’s List” readers: How can I build a LinkedIn profile to catch the attention of a recruiter or employer? It’s a question you should ask yourself even if you’re not looking for work and thinking about what an employer will see when your own LinkedIn page pops up on Google. Your LinkedIn account is more than an online resume or a place to check … Read more »
Don’t Do These 4 Things When Looking for Work in Portland
I graduated from the University of Oregon with a packed resume in 2011, including five internships, and figured all my career dreams would fall into place with ease. But after sending out resumes and cover letters for six months, I landed only two phone interviews. My positive spirit was slowly crushed and as the weeks and months passed, I realized my dream job simply wasn’t coming to fruition. For most of 2012, I was a … Read more »
5 Tips for How to Hire a Resume Writer
Have you had multiple interviews and no job offers? How about over 10 years of work experience you’re trying to cram into a one-page resume? Maybe it’s time to consult a professional. Hiring a career service provider is a personal decision and while I’m not advocating that it’s for everyone, it can help when you feel stuck. Resume writers, career coaches, career management coaches, and life coaches all charge a fee for their services but … Read more »
How to Deal with a Bad Reference
Marty was losing sleep. She’d done well in her job interview for a catalog proofreader position, but she was anxious about her references. She couldn’t stop imagining her ex-boss answering the reference call; “Marty? As a copyeditor? She’s thorough, but slow. Really s-l-o-w.” If you’re nervous about a recent employer’s reference, relax. You’re among good company. Sometimes, our past positions aren’t a good fit for us. Right now, you need a strategy for damage control. … Read more »
7 Things Really Amazing Job Seekers Do
In my career, I’ve done hundreds of informational interviews as a job seeker myself and with people looking for work, and I’ve helped hire dozens of people. Over the years I’ve noticed that no matter what the background – nonprofit, government, or the private sector – the people who enjoy the most success in a job search use many of the same strategies. Here are seven things I’ve seen really amazing job seekers do. Conduct … Read more »
How to Get a Great Reference Employers Will Love
When I asked Kevin, a recent client of mine, whether he’d alerted his references to his job-search, he said this: “I did indeed prepare my references. Here’s why – I work hard to make the resume, cover letter and interview the best they could be. It would be a shame if my references went poorly because they were caught unaware of my job search.” I couldn’t put it better myself. At the end of his interview, Kevin contacted each reference … Read more »
6 Steps to a Squeaky Clean Online ID
It seems that diamonds and mug shots are both forever. But the latter is definitely not a job seeker’s best friend. This Oregonian article gives the lowdown on the latest threat to hire ability: sites like Bustedmugshots.com that download and post mug shots from county jail websites and charge fees to remove them. Unless you’re ready to fork over $99 to $899, your job hunt could be the price paid when employers discover this stain … Read more »
4 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 »
4 Ways to Succeed as a Nonprofit Leader (and Job Candidate)
One of the secrets of the success of any nonprofit group is found in the alchemy between the executive director, the board of directors, and a clear strategy. Taken together, these three ingredients are what distinguish those nonprofits that are doing good work from those who are making a deeper impact. Weakness in any of the three areas prevents an organization from achieving its full potential. How can candidates targeting nonprofits use this lesson in a … Read more »
