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Hiring Leaders Share How Communicators Can Stand Out in Today’s Competitive Job Market

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More than 100 job seekers and communicators gathered at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication in Portland on Thursday, Feb. 12, for a candid conversation about how to thrive in an uncertain job market.

Presented by the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication and hosted by Mac’s List, Skills Communicators Need in 2026 to Thrive in an Uncertain Job Market featured a panel of hiring and communications leaders:

Interim Dean Regina Lawrence opened the evening by welcoming attendees to UO’s new Portland campus and sharing how SOJC programs are helping shape the next generation of strategic communicators and storytellers.

The communication skills employers notice first

The panelists kept circling back to one skill that matters across industries and roles: storytelling.

Mark said it’s at the heart of almost every job and is especially powerful when it’s authentic rather than extractive. When he’s reviewing hundreds of applications, it’s the stories that tend to stick with him.

Felicia echoed that and added a key step: do your research, then weave that research into your answers. The strongest candidates connect their experience to what the organization needs.

Her simple reframe for interviews is to focus on what you can bring to the table, not just what the job can do for you. She estimated only “two or three” out of ten candidates do that well, which means it’s a clear way to stand out.

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Skill-based hiring, curiosity, and staying adaptable

Nicole explained why more employers are moving toward skill-based hiring and away from relying on credentials alone.

The skills companies need are evolving fast. And the people who stand out are the ones who show they’re curious, keep learning, and regularly add new tools to their toolkit.

She advised against overloading your resume with every skill you’ve ever touched. Instead, highlight the skills that show your adaptability and help you stand out today.

And if you don’t know something? Say so.

Both Nicole and Felicia shared that they like hearing a candidate say, “I don’t know,” especially when it’s followed by a bridge: “I don’t know how to do that, but here’s what I do know and how I’d learn.”

Mark added that it’s also a signal for you as the job seeker: watch how the employer responds. Are they a growth mindset organization that accepts people where they’re at with support, or do they shut people down?

As Nicole put it, interviews are “like dating, but more.” If something feels off, pay attention.

Networking that’s human, not transactional

One theme that came up repeatedly was relationships.

Nicole shared that every job she’s held since her first role has come through a connection in her network, and encouraged attendees to use LinkedIn strategically. Follow people, engage thoughtfully, and reach out in a genuine way.

Felicia echoed that thought, saying networking works best when it’s genuine. Not “I’m talking to you because I want something,” but “I want to get to know you and find ways we can support each other.”

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The panel closed with a classic reminder: send thank-you notes.

Panelists agreed it’s one of the clearest signals of interest, initiative, and care, and it can still tip the scales when a hiring decision is close.

Professional groups and “watering your ecosystem”

Professional associations and community groups emerged as a practical way to build skills, community, and visibility.

Mark shared that involvement in cohorts and professional groups signals something hiring managers want: people who are connected, staying current, and building community beyond themselves.

In a shifting market, he said, maintaining your network is part of the work: “You’ve got to water it all the time.”

The panel’s top tips for thriving right now

To close the formal panel, Mac asked each speaker for their top tip for job seekers in today’s market:

  • Felicia: Do your research. Know the organization, know what you offer, and pursue work that feels meaningful to you.
  • Mark: Your mindset matters. Cut yourself some slack, stay grounded in your strengths, and keep moving forward.
  • Nicole: Turn your search into a conversation. Be curious, find common ground, and focus on getting to know people.

Audience Q&A

During Q&A, attendees asked about senior job seekers navigating level changes and age bias, how interview notes are perceived, and why hiring can take months — sometimes with no follow-up.

The panel encouraged experienced candidates to keep their materials focused and relevant. That might mean trimming older roles from your resume and using your cover letter to explain clearly why you’re interested in this level of position.

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They also shared a reassuring perspective on interview notes: bringing a few with you can demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and come prepared.

One suggestion was to bring a notebook, using one side for your prepared talking points and the other for notes you take during the conversation.

When it comes to long hiring timelines or being ghosted, they encouraged candidates to follow up politely and request clarification. They said the way an employer handles the process can tell you a lot about what it’s like to work there.

Stay Connected With Mac’s List

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication; our silver sponsor, Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Christopher R. Cervetto; and our community partners AMA PDX, ComNetPDX, NextNW, and PRSA Oregon.

Mac’s List will host three more events in 2026, including one on Thursday, May 7, focused on mentorship and the job search. Look for details soon.

Here is an album of event photos by photographer Celina Flores.

In the meantime, you can: