– + Learn

Event Recap: “The Leadership Skills You Need to Succeed in Oregon’s Tough Job Market”

by

Share

On Sept. 11, we hosted our third quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with Willamette University’s Atkinson School of Management. Almost 100 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “The Leadership Skills You Need to Succeed in Oregon’s Tough Job Market.”

The evening began with a welcome from Leah Straley, dean of Graduate Admissions for Willamette University. Our founder and CEO, Mac Prichard, moderated the panel, which featured: 

Together, the panelists shared their experiences from higher education, tech recruiting, and executive coaching, offering practical advice for job seekers navigating Oregon’s challenging job market.

Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with representatives from eight tabling organizations, including educators, professional associations, and career coaches. Here are some takeaways from the panel:

Defining the Market: Wild, Tumultuous, and Uncharted

When asked to describe the job market in a single word, the panelists didn’t hold back. Tim said wild, Ashley described it as tumultuous, and Carol called it uncharted. Layoffs, downsizing, and economic uncertainty have made it harder for candidates to stand out. AI is reshaping how we work and how we’re hired, while an influx of applications is overwhelming recruiters and slowing the hiring process.

Networking Is Still the Most Powerful Tool

Despite these challenges, the panel agreed: building relationships is still the most effective way to land a role. Carol encouraged job seekers to think like entrepreneurs by clearly marketing themselves and showcasing their unique value to employers. 

Ashley recommended that every networking conversation should include a specific ask, which helps grow professional connections and opportunities. “When we ask for help, what we do is allow people to engage in the world, to be part of a society, and to do something that they really like doing,” she said.

Tim reminded attendees that referrals and LinkedIn remain the most direct paths to getting noticed by recruiters. “If you optimize your LinkedIn profile, that will do a world of good for you,” he said. “Because what you’re doing is you’re finding ways to make it so that your profile will rise to the top.”

Leadership Skills Employers Value Now

The panel also discussed how leadership shows up outside of titles. Employers want candidates who can communicate clearly, collaborate well, and demonstrate real outcomes from their work. Carol summed it up: “It’s not just what you do, but the outcome of what you do and the impact you create.”

The panelists agreed that leadership today is defined less by hierarchy and more by the ability to drive results, make decisions, and bring others along.

“When you think about talking about leadership, make sure you’re centering the fact that it’s based on the relationships you create with others and your ability to drive them to be successful, not just yourself,” Ashley said.

Facing Hiring Challenges Head-On

Tim highlighted the need for persistence in today’s hiring environment, especially as long hiring timelines can feel like ghosting, even if organizations and recruiters don’t intend to ghost. Ashley encouraged attendees to focus on what they can control, building their networks, honing how they share their career story and transferable skills, and asking for help.

Q&A Highlights

Maximizing Referrals
Deborah Zwerling asked about getting noticed after multiple referrals for the same role without hearing back. Tim stressed that candidate experience matters, even if processes aren’t perfect: “Companies aspire to ‘white glove’ service for referrals,” he said. “At a minimum, there should be an initial conversation, and if a candidate isn’t the right fit, that should be communicated.”

Carol recommended taking charge: “Make sure the person referring you has vetted the opportunity and comes back to you with a confirmation. Step two is an email introduction, so then you can pick it up from there and be in conversation.”

Resumes vs. Digital Presence
Jillian Currie asked if resumes are dead. Carol explained that resumes are a past record of what you’ve done, but in today’s digital age, your LinkedIn and online presence are living documents. They show what you’re doing now, your thought leadership, and who you are. “Think of it as a business card — have one, but don’t rely on it as the only tool,” Carol said.

Tim said resumes are still used in systems and by compensation teams, but LinkedIn shows your real-world activity. “We use those digital breadcrumbs to gain insight into who you are as a potential candidate,” he said. Ashley noted that employers such as universities may still focus heavily on resumes, but your LinkedIn profile should be polished and optimized.

Bridging Skills Gaps in Interviews
Liza Trammell, a software engineer, asked how to present herself authentically when she doesn’t meet every tech stack requirement. Tim advised networking with peers and attending user groups to learn key skills. “Reach out to engineers or analysts inside the company for informational interviews,” he said. “They can advocate for you and clarify what’s truly required versus nice-to-have.” He also suggested volunteering or doing pro bono work to gain real-world experience.

Taking Charge of the Process and Negotiating Offers
Maya Zavala asked about taking control of the process and negotiating, particularly when a job seeker is uncomfortable discussing finances. Carol recommended leveraging second and third-degree LinkedIn connections to reach decision-makers if initial outreach isn’t successful. She emphasized the importance of knowing your numbers, your walk-away point, and separating salary from benefits in negotiations.

Ashley stressed the importance of negotiating once an offer is made, when leverage is highest. “You are their first choice,” she said. “Have confidence.”

Looking Ahead

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, the Willamette University’s Atkinson School of Management, our gold sponsor Carol Parker Walsh Consulting Group, our silver sponsors: Pathfinder Writing and Career Services, Paige Webster Coaching, Spark a Career, Talent Career Coaching, and The Vellian Group, panelists, tabling organizations, and attendees for helping make this event happen. Click here for photos of the event by Andie Petkus. 

And check out the “Find Your Dream Job” podcast on Nov. 5. We will publish an audio recording that day of this panel discussion and the question and answer session. 

We look forward to hosting one more networking event this year with B Local PDX on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Thesis Agency. Stay tuned for details.