Mac Prichard's Blog, page 10

Back To Basics: 5 Simple Strategies To Fine-tune Your Job Search

In the midst of a global pandemic and a tidal wave of layoffs, job searching has become more competitive than ever. Whether you’re recently unemployed, passively looking for a new job, or contemplating what’s next for your career, now is the time to invest in perfecting your job search strategies so you’re ready for whatever the job market has in store.

What are the best ways to invest in your career and find a way forward in a challenging, uncertain job market? These five simple strategies will help you get back to the basics and fine-tune your job search approach. By working through each of these job search tips, you’ll be in a great position to grow your career and stand out in a crowded applicant pool.

1. Refresh Your Personal Brand

Do you want to distinguish yourself as a credible, trustworthy, and skilled candidate? One of the best ways to impress a potential employer is by projecting a compelling and impressive online presence. You may have already taken steps to establish your professional brand in the past, but it’s a good idea to revisit these exercises and freshen up the narrative you tell for the next chapter of your career.

Start by conducting a personal audit to know what pops up when an employer Googles your name. Then, ask your colleagues and friends for objective feedback to understand how you are perceived. You can ask in a casual conversation or create an anonymous survey on LinkedIn or SurveyMonkey. You can also self-reflect on questions that will help clarify your professional brand. 

With this information in hand, you can create a document that highlights your top skills and career goals.  Reference this document on an ongoing basis to ground yourself in the professional direction you want to move in and the career narrative you want to share online. Outside of your social media presence, you can consider creating a website or blog to elevate your professional brand.

2. Brush up on Your LinkedIn Skills

Once you’ve refreshed your professional brand, it’s time to build a robust LinkedIn presence. Dedicate time to updating your headline and experience, along with requesting endorsements and recommendations from trusted coworkers and community members. In addition to sharing content pertinent to your field, you can consider writing original articles to bring value to your network. 

With in-person networking events canceled for the foreseeable future, this is an ideal time to get comfortable networking online. Look for professional groups to join on LinkedIn, then find ways to join  the conversation and make genuine connections. By posting relevant articles, sharing thoughtful comments, and offering your expertise, you’ll become a valuable member of these groups.

LinkedIn is also a great place to gain insights into companies that interest you. You can learn a lot about a company’s culture and leadership by how they communicate during a crisis  and support their teams through difficult times. 

3. Get Clear on Your Career Goals

Yes, the job market may be slowing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t accelerate your professional development. Take some time to reflect on your career direction and gain clarity about your professional goals.  Keep an ongoing list of your dream companies, roles, and job titles to help ground you in your goals and organize your job search strategies. 

While you’re working toward  concrete career goals, get creative with how you can leverage your skills in different capacities. Consider transforming a hobby or talent into a part-time business such as selling jewelry online or offering virtual music lessons. Another way to share your talents and skills is through remote or socially distanced volunteer opportunities. Local nonprofits need volunteers to sew masks, donate meals, or deliver groceries to at-risk seniors.

During this time of reflection, you can also grow and expand your skill set by taking free online classes. This will help you  advance your professional development and bolster your qualifications for when a dream opportunity arises.

4. Reach Out to Your Network

Even when you can’t meet up in person, networking is still the most effective way to boost your chances of landing an interview and getting hired. A 2016 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Yale University indicated that 70% of jobs are found through networking. With so many professionals now working from home without business travel or conferences on the horizon, you’re likely to have a captive audience. 

Before you reach out to your network for career advice, start by brainstorming ways you can offer them your support, or think about your “give” before your “get.”  Acknowledge that it’s a difficult time and ask how the person is doing. By leading with empathy and offering to help, you’ll make a genuine, thoughtful impression.

When you ask someone in your network for job search support, keep your message clear and concise. In lieu of requesting an informational interview over coffee, consider suggesting a 20-minute phone or video call to discuss job search tips. Always be sure to thank the person for their time and consideration.

5. Focus on Your Transferable Skills 

As you search for new job opportunities, one of the best ways to pivot into a different field is to leverage your transferable skills.  Professional career planner Dawn Rosenberg McKay defines these skills as the “talents and abilities that can travel with you when you make a transition.” 

Take stock of the transferable skills you can repackage in your resume and cover letter to fit the position you’re seeking. By reframing these skills to align with the job you want, you’ll be able to think and talk about your skills in new ways. 

This is a time when employers are placing a strong value on employees’ adaptability. Your ability to articulate your transferable skills and illustrate your adaptability in the workplace will impress hiring managers and help set you apart in a crowded applicant pool. 

The post Back To Basics: 5 Simple Strategies To Fine-tune Your Job Search appeared first on Mac's List.

7 Tips for Acing Your Next Virtual Interview

Virtual job interviews have become the new norm in a COVID-19 world. While a phone or video interview may not induce the level of nerves an in-person interview does, it’s still important to prepare as you would for a traditional interview. By having a strong command of platforms such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Skype and anticipating potential technical l challenges, you can focus on showcasing your best qualities.

If you’re in the process of job searching, this is a great time to brush up on your virtual interview skills and create a plan for troubleshooting any variables you may encounter.  This guide will help you learn how to ace your next virtual job interview,  whether it’s a phone or video conversation.

1. Practice Makes Perfect

You may not be traveling to a potential workplace or shaking hands with a future employer, but a virtual interview is just as important and real as an in-person one. Put your best foot forward by being personable, professional, and prepared.

Start by researching the company and role. Understand the company’s challenges and have examples of how you have handled similar issues in the past. Then, prepare for top interview questions and make a list of your own questions to ask an employer. 

From here, you can conduct a mock virtual interview with a friend as a rehearsal and a way to test the platform you’ll be using. Ask for their candid feedback to help you improve and pay attention to your body language throughout the practice interview. While it may feel uncomfortable, video-recording a mock interview can provide invaluable feedback about how you come across in a virtual job interview.

2. Find the Right Space

Your video background is one of the first impressions you’ll make in a virtual interview. When you’re deciding where to set up for a virtual interview, focus on finding a quiet, clean, and well-lit space. 

Even if you don’t have a designated home office, a neutral wall without distracting clutter will help keep the focus on you as a candidate. To ensure you have a natural, well-lit placement, position your light source behind your computer instead of behind you. 

We’re all human and adjusting to the lack of clear boundaries between our work and personal lives, so it’s ok if your interview gets interrupted temporarily. But as your interview approaches, you need to be as prepared as possible and communicate with your household to avoid major interruptions. You can also cut down on distractions by clearing your desk, closing open tabs on your computer, and silencing your phone before an interview.

3. Test Your Tech

Technological glitches can throw off even these most tech-savvy of job interviewees. You can prevent these challenges by testing out the same platform, internet connection, and hardware you’ll use for your interview. By practicing with a friend, you’ll be able to determine how you look and sound over the platform.

Track any difficulties you encounter and try to address them with additional practice. The more at ease you feel with different platforms, the more you’ll be able to focus on relaying your talents and skills in your virtual job interview.

It may sound simple, but knowing video platform basics such as how to mute and unmute yourself or how to share your screen for an interview presentation will serve you well. 

4. Dress to Impress

You’ve done your research, prepared thoughtful answers, and practiced on the interview platform you’ll be using. Now it’s time to dress as professionally as you would for an in-person interview. Yes, even for a phone or video interview!

Dressing up from head to toe will help give you a professional polish and boost your confidence leading up to the interview. You can look at a company’s social media channels to gain a sense of its dress norms and team members’ styles. 

It’s a good idea to test out your attire on a mock video call to see how your clothing and accessories look on camera. Bright-colored and patterned outfits look sharp for an in-person interview but may be distracting over video. Also, check if your glasses give off a glare and adjust your lighting accordingly. 

5. Watch Your Body Language

While there are fewer nonverbal communication cues in a virtual interview, eye contact and body language still play crucial roles. Start with good posture by sitting in your chair with your back straight, shoulders open, and feet planted on the floor. 

It might be tempting to connect with your hiring manager by looking directly at them on screen, but remember to look into your webcam. This will allow you to more closely align with the interviewer’s eye level on the other end.  

You can convey your excitement for the job by speaking clearly, naturally, and enthusiastically about the topics you’re passionate about. Remember to smile, nod, and use hand gestures that will add to your message.

6. Make a Backup Plan for Technical Difficulties and  Interruptions

As a precaution, create an interview Plan B with your hiring manager in case anything goes wrong. By creating a backup plan, you’ll demonstrate your proactive problem-solving skills and be ready in case of technical difficulties or unexpected interruptions.

For example, you can take down a phone number to reach the interviewer in case your audio or video stops working. This will enable you to call the hiring manager and continue your interview via phone or reschedule for a later date.

Over-communicate with your household in advance about needing a quiet, uninterrupted block of time for your interview. Then, create a plan for yourself in case there’s an unexpected interruption outside of your control, such as a blaring siren whirling past or a sneaky toddler wandering into the room. 

It will go a long way if you stay calm and collected while politely apologizing for an interruption. The mute button and chat feature on video calls are also a great help when the best-laid plans go awry.

7. Don’t Forget to Send a Thank You!

After your interview, the best way to stand out as a memorable candidate is to send a gracious, sincere, and professional thank you email to each person involved in the interview process.

There’s nothing like a handwritten thank-you note, but with so many workplaces shifting to remote work models, an emailed thank you is the timeliest way to reach your hiring manager. Ideally, you should send your thank-you note within 24 hours.

These templates will help you write a short, professional, and customized thank you email. In your note, highlight your enthusiasm for the role, reiterate how your talents and skills align with the job, and thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.

Lastly, be sure to use an engaging subject line, address the hiring manager(s) by name, and include your contact information in your signature line. With this thoughtful follow-up communication, you’ll leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing the job!

The post 7 Tips for Acing Your Next Virtual Interview  appeared first on Mac's List.

Aligning Your Values With Your Work, Jonathan Rudolf’s Job Search Success Story

Everyone’s job search story is different, but each individual story can inspire and empower others who are on their own unique path. We love to hear how our readers have found rewarding careers in Portland, and we want to share these stories with you to inspire you in your job search and to help us all better understand the local job market! In this Success Story, Jonathan Rudolf shares how the connections he made in a previous job and challenging his own assumptions led him to a job he loves with the Democratic Party of Oregon.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I administer our voter database for Democratic candidates across the state of Oregon and help them run more effective, data-driven programs. My ongoing goal is to empower our campaigns, counties and caucuses to better utilize technology and targeting tools in order to have meaningful conversations with voters and get out the vote. 

How long did it take you to find this job?

I learned about this job two days before my interview, and got the job shortly afterward. I received the good news on a Friday and began onboarding the next day. It goes to show how quickly you can go from uncertainty about your career’s future to doing a job that you love and feel has great purpose. The universe has a way of presenting great opportunities when you’re least expecting it. 

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? 

I found this job through the connections I made while working my first political data job at Our Oregon, an opportunity I found on Macslist after getting the newsletter sent to my inbox for many years. That job ended when the 2016 election did, but it whetted my appetite for voter data and was a clear stepping stone to my current position (even if I didn’t know it yet). 

My belief in social justice, economic equality and health care as a human right are core values that make this job a good fit ideologically as well, which definitely made the process of applying to this job feel more comfortable.

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

Honestly, my biggest challenge was the (incorrect) belief that succeeding as an entrepreneur was the only way forward. Perhaps the sunk cost fallacy was at play but thankfully I came to the realization that my personality isn’t naturally suited to “go it alone” and it’s humbling to be able to recognize that. 

Another challenge was wanting to do things perfectly, learn the perfect set of skills, find the perfect organization, and get the perfect position. But I’ve come to the realization that the perfect position or opportunity doesn’t exist – it’s more important to work hard and contribute fully toward your mission in the current moment and the next opportunity will take care of itself in time. 

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

You never know when your fortunes will change, it can happen in an instant. The energy you bring to your current situation will ultimately be reflected in your next position. I strongly believe that life always pays out what you put in, so worry more about your own internal world first before being too preoccupied about status, salary or title. And don’t be afraid to challenge your own assumptions about what’s right for you or what you’re suited for, you may be surprised. 

Why do you love your job?

I love being a force multiplier, where a small amount of my time can have a large impact down the line for staff and volunteers. It’s a lot of fun getting to fly to Washington, D.C., to get hands-on data training from the DNC, as well as traveling to counties across Oregon to do trainings myself. Being able to give a presentation at the same podium that Ron Wyden just did, or having the Governor walk into my office and ask what I’m currently reading is very cool.

But I also love my job because I get to work as a member of a close-knit team, which leads to learning data and career skills at a much more accelerated pace than I would on my own, since necessity is the mother of invention. I’m still mostly self-taught, but you end up being a lot more motivated to learn python and SQL, for example, when your team needs something yesterday.

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Bringing Your Authentic Self To Work: Meghan Prichard’s Job Search Success Story

Everyone’s job search story is different, but each individual story can inspire and empower others who are on their own unique path. We love to hear how our readers have found rewarding careers in Portland, and we want to share these stories with you to inspire you in your job search and to help us all better understand the local job market! In this Success Story, Meghan Prichard shares how to bring your authentic self to the application process, and to your future job. Meghan is the Marketing Strategist at Ride Report.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

Up until my current job, I worked exclusively at and with nonprofit organizations doing digital marketing. I’ve written for and managed websites, social media accounts, SEO, email campaigns, and everything in between.



I still do all of that (and more), but now I’m at a mission-driven technology startup called Ride Report. We’re focused on making transportation better for all community members. 

How long did it take you to find this job?

I had been looking casually for a few months, but this job is the first one where I felt compelled to actually apply. 

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

I attended my first PDX Women in Tech event in November and left feeling really empowered. It’s not something I normally would’ve gone to since I consider myself a marketing person and not a tech person. But I met so many generous people! A few weeks later, I was scrolling through the PDXWIT Slack channel when I came across the listing, which was posted by my current boss.



Reading the position description, which explicitly outlined the desired skill set and outcomes of the first few months of employment, spoke to the strategist in me. The culture they described in the open source employee guide — and throughout the interview process — spoke to the advocate in me. The fit just felt right; I relied heavily on my gut feeling during this process. 

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

I’ve become increasingly frustrated by places that advertise their transparency and equity efforts while continuing to list salaries as “based on experience.” There is adequate evidence that not listing salaries perpetuates inequality. I wanted to see transparency from the start, so I decided not to apply for any of those roles, which definitely reduced my options. I also recognize the privilege inherent in being picky. 

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

If you want to be able to bring your authentic self to your work, bring it to your application process, too. For a long time I had a cupcake on my resume because I was also a baker, which was a fun icebreaker for potential employers. During my interview at Ride Report, I shared a silly childhood photo of myself that I had captioned “#1 girl of the world.” 10-year-old Meghan ended up sealing the deal for adult Meghan.

Why do you love your job?

I love my job because I get to contribute to a reimagining of public spaces that are more sustainable, efficient, and people-friendly. Given the state of the world, it’s exciting to channel my energy into something that’s actionable and important. I also feel appreciated and supported as both an employee and a person with a life outside of work. 

The post Bringing Your Authentic Self To Work: Meghan Prichard’s Job Search Success Story appeared first on Mac's List.

Virtual Recruitment: How To Hire, Train, and Onboard in a Remote World

Many employers are navigating how to hire, train, and onboard new employees virtually during the COVID-19 crisis. There are more tools than ever to support remote work, but it’s important to understand the nuances of virtual recruitment and set yourself up for success as an employer. Processes that worked well for in-person onboardings may need to be simplified for remote trainings, while the skills you seek in candidates may shift in a virtual work environment.

Whether you’ve conducted virtual recruitment for years or are just learning the ins and outs of managing a remote team, you can fine-tune your hiring, training, and onboarding policies to lead by example as a remote employer. This guide will help you overcome some of the common challenges and learning curves employers experience when hiring talent virtually. 

Hiring
Develop a clear process

Just as you would plan for a traditional hiring process, start by setting clear remote hiring strategies. What does success look like for this virtual role? What’s the best way to articulate this role in a job description? With these pieces in place, you can create a clear, equitable hiring process that will help you understand a candidate’s track record, aptitude, motivation, and core behaviors. 

Without face-to-face contact, it’s more crucial than ever to implement video interviews so you can get to know a candidate’s personality and cultural fit. These qualities are much easier to determine when you can see a candidate’s nonverbal communication and body language over video versus email or phone.

Ask the right questions

Research conducted by Cornell University’s Center for Advanced Human Resources Studies indicates that traits most critical to telecommuters’ performance include self-motivation and self-discipline, effective communication, a results-orientated outlook, resourcefulness, and technological savvy. With these attributes in mind, behavioral interview questions can help you learn about a candidate’s ability to work independently and manage their own time. 

A candidate’s past behaviors will help illustrate whether the person has the competencies and self-direction you’re seeking for a remote employee. Asking behavioral questions will also help you suss out a candidate’s ability to collaborate with others as part of a remote team.

Put candidates to the test 

With in-office talent, it’s easier to provide on-the-job training and mentorship for someone who may be a strong cultural fit but doesn’t have all the skills you’re seeking. This proves more challenging in a virtual work environment. By conducting a skills assessment such as a writing test or hypothetical IT project, you can gain a relevant understanding of a candidate’s skills and how they’d fit into your team. 

You can choose to conduct a skills assessment in real-time during a virtual interview, or give a candidate an assignment to complete by a certain date and time. Sometimes employers will even offer paid internships or trial runs to determine if a candidate is the right match.

Maintain clear candidate communications

During a difficult time, small kindnesses go a long way. Throughout the virtual recruitment process, give candidates the courtesy of clear, consistent communication. Follow up in a timely manner and let candidates know where they stand in the process. 

Even if they don’t receive a job offer, candidates will remember how you treated them and whether you communicated effectively. If a candidate has a negative experience with your virtual recruitment process, this may have a negative impact on your company in the future. Open, honest, and empathetic communication will set you apart as a remote employer.

Training and Onboarding
Send a welcome package

Once you’ve made a virtual hire, it’s time to delve into training and onboarding. While you aren’t conducting these processes in person, you can strike a welcoming tone by sending a welcome package. In your welcome package, you should include a welcome letter, company policies and procedures,  equipment the new employee will need, branded company collateral, and details about company communication and culture. 

Send this welcome package to your new hire  with plenty of lead time before their start date and schedule first-day meetings for onboarding and training. This will enable the new employee to familiarize themself with the materials, ask questions, and know what to anticipate on their first day.

Create a training/onboarding plan and develop 30, 60, 90-day goals

According to Sapling statistics, great employee onboarding can improve employee retention by 82 percent. The platform also reports the average new hire onboarding experience consists of 54 activities. By streamlining your onboarding process, you can ensure your new employee will begin a path to long-term satisfaction and engagement.

Set out to create a focused, engaging, and productive onboarding for a new employee by providing multiple communication channels, introducing them to new colleagues, and providing detailed documentation about their role and responsibilities. Platforms such as Zoom and Slack are great professional tools you can use to build rapport and relay information between your team and your new hire. Once you’ve conducted training and onboarding, you can develop a 30, 60, 90-day plan so the new remote worker has a clear set of goals to work toward. 

Have managers schedule one-on-one time

A LinkedIn study showed that 72 percent of respondents listed one-on-one time with their direct manager as the most important part of any pre-boarding or onboarding process. By scheduling regular one-on-ones, managers can share project feedback, support new employees through challenges, and help track their progress on the 30, 60, and 90 day goals. Managers can easily schedule these meetings by sending out recurring calendar invites with a video chat link to Google Hangouts or Zoom.

When a new employee knows they can reach out to their manager, they’ll be more likely to ask important questions, flag issues, and work as a team contributor to overcome obstacles. Regular communication between managers and virtual employees can also foster trust, build  rapport, and support team morale. 

Set up frequent check-ins to make sure training is on track

Early on, one of the best things human resources departments and managers can do is to check in with new employees about their training. Another way to bring virtual employees into the fold is to set up video meetings with their new colleagues who can cover certain aspects of the training, answer questions, and share their experience of the company.

With 80 percent of business professionals already relying on video chats for one-on-one meetings, this is an ideal platform to conduct trainings and foster a sense of community with virtual employees. 

Ensure new hires don’t feel overwhelmed

Among the reasons remote employees leave their roles early are unmet expectations, a lack of clarity about their role, poor management, and limited opportunities for professional development. By getting your virtual recruitment and onboarding processes right, you can avoid overwhelming new talent with too much information. This will help ensure that they feel excited and supported in their new role. 

Strive to check in regularly and leave plenty of time in one-on-ones for questions. The extra time you take upfront with your virtual recruitment and onboarding will pay dividends when you have happy, engaged, and productive virtual employees down the road. Building a comprehensive virtual recruitment plan will not only help you  grow your remote work base, it will also lead to happier, more productive employees and continued success for your company. 

The post Virtual Recruitment: How To Hire, Train, and Onboard in a Remote World appeared first on Mac's List.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health: A Guide to Local Resources & Support

The COVID-19 crisis has spurred important conversations about mental health. People across the Pacific Northwest and around the world are adjusting to a new normal as we all  practice social distancing and learn how to cope with the uncertainty of a global pandemic. During challenging times, it’s more important than ever to invest in your mental health and connect with resources that will help you overcome feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with mental health challenges exacerbated by COVID-19, be kind to yourself and know that you are not alone. The Mac’s List team is here to help you navigate this unprecedented time in our community and world. This guide will help you care for your mental well-being and find the mental health resources you need. 

How to overcome mental health challenges
Feelings of isolation 

One of the most challenging aspects of self-isolation and social distancing is the separation from close friends and family.  When you don’t have the opportunity to socialize with loved ones in person, connect with your colleagues at work, or be out in the community, it can feel emotionally disruptive. This is an ideal time to stay connected with the people you care about via email, phone, or social media. 

Video platforms such as Google Hangouts, Skype, and  ZOOM offer an opportunity to connect face-to-face, while Marco Polo combines texting, social media, and video chats in one app. Many people are setting up virtual happy hours or connecting through virtual experiences such as  watching movies together. And don’t forget the art of snail mail! You can brighten others’ days by sending a handwritten postcard or letter. 

Mr. Rogers famously said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Whether it’s cheering for frontline workers with your neighbors or participating in a social distance birthday parade, there are plenty of creative ways for you to connect with others and support your community from afar. You can even consider adopting a pet through Oregon Humane Society!

Bridgeliner has a great crowdsourced guide of ways to be a helper. If you’re looking for a dosage of good news and inspiration, platforms such as Goodnewspaper, Upworthy, and John Krasinski’s Some Good News video series share heartwarming stories from around the world. 

Managing anxiety 

During a difficult time, it’s important to be kind and patient toward yourself and others. While it’s helpful to stay informed, hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Don’t be afraid to take breaks from the news and social media. Reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization can help you to stay informed while avoiding too much news exposure. 

Caring for your body and mind will also help you to manage stress. Try to eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. By taking regular breaks throughout your day to get outside and being intentional about your downtime, you can prevent burnout. Deep breathing and meditation practices can further help to alleviate anxiety and support a good night’s sleep. The Calm, Headspace, and Shine apps are great resources to get you started. 

As our communities practice social distancing, many people are working from home and finding themselves with more free time than usual. It’s easy to play the social media comparison game during the COVID-19 crisis, but remember everyone has different life experiences and copes with stress differently. Practice self-care as you navigate being productive and coping with a global crisis. 

Consider processing what’s happening around you by channeling your inner artist or writer. Books, movies, and virtual museum tours can offer a welcome distraction from the crisis. Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin has published a variety of blog and podcast episodes about how to keep your spirits up and find new routines during times of crisis. You can also keep your mind active by reflecting on your goals, doing small projects, or taking free online classes. 

How to find help and support 

Another option to explore during the COVID-19 crisis is virtual therapy. Many therapists are implementing online sessions to support their clients, and a variety of low-cost therapy options are popping up online. Fast Company has created a list of free online therapy options, while WebMD has suggestions for how to make the most of your online therapy appointment.  

Author and researcher Brené Brown talks about the collective vulnerability of a pandemic. This is an important time for mental health awareness, and we are all in this together. If you are struggling with isolation, anxiety, or depression, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Below, we’ve outlined local and national mental health resources to support you through this difficult time. 

Local Resources: 

Kaiser Permanente has its own crisis line called EPS or Emergency Psychiatric Services. Patients are welcome to call 503- 331-6425 for immediate contact with a Kaiser therapist.  
Multnomah County Crisis Services’ team of mental health professionals is prepared to help anyone experiencing mental health issues at any time, in any language. 

Call the Multnomah County Mental Health Call Center at 503-988-4888 to access free, 24/7 mental health support. 
The Multnomah County Urgent Walk-In Clinic (like Zoom Care) at 4212 S.E. Division St. can help anyone experiencing a mental health crisis at no cost. The clinic is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 503-963-2575 to learn more. Oregon Health Plan and insurance are not a barrier at this clinic. 



Other area mental health crisis lines:

Clackamas County: 503-655-8585
Washington County: 503-291-9111
Clark County: 360-696-9560 or 1-800-686-8137


Oregon Youthline is a free, confidential teen-to-teen crisis and help line. Teens can text Teen2Teen to 839863 to instantly text with another person or call 877-968-8491. The organization also has COVID-19 support resources listed on its website. 

Multicultural Resources: 

Impact NW serves Slavic families. The organization is closed to the public, but its programs and services continue to operate. Reach Impact NW at 503- 721-1740 or www.impactnw.org.
IRCO (Immigrant Refugee Community Organization)’s offices are closed, but the organization that serves African immigrants and Pacific Islander, and Asian families has a roundup of COVID-19 resources listed on its website.
Latino Network has a guide of community resources for Latino families.
NAYA (Native American Youth and Family Center) serves Native American families and has a community resources guide during COVID-19. 
SEI (Self Enhancement Inc.) serves African American families and features a resource page with COVID-19 updates. 

National Resources: 

The CDC has a guide to reducing stress and coping with the coronavirus on their website.
Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety is a toolkit created by Shine that provides resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty.
The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support at your fingertips. Text SHARE to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness created a COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide. 
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. 

English: 1-800-273-8255
Spanish: 1-800-628-9454


Psychology Today has a guide to support your mental health during COVID-19.
Trevor Project is a national 24-hour, toll-free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. Text START to 678678 or call TrevorLifeLine at 1-866-488-7386.
Verywell Mind has a guide to top online therapy programs in 2020.

The post Taking Care of Your Mental Health: A Guide to Local Resources & Support appeared first on Mac's List.

Working Remotely: 6 Tips to Boost Your Productivity

 The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented implications for everyone working and living in the Pacific Northwest. The Mac’s List team is here to support you during this uncertain time in our community and world. We’ve been gathering a variety of resources to help you navigate the professional challenges and  job market swings driven by COVID-19. 

 Working remotely is one of the biggest challenges for employers and employees to navigate. Entire teams are learning to adjust to collaborating and communicating virtually in real-time. Making a transition to remote work can be challenging under normal circumstances, but it can prove especially difficult during a global crisis. Whether you’re already in the swing of working remotely or brand-new to the experience, these tips will help you maintain productivity and overcome remote work challenges. 

How to Maintain Productivity While You’re Working Remotely
Stick to a consistent routine 

When you’re working in an office, your commute provides natural transitions to start and end the workday.  By creating routines for yourself at home, you can help yourself ease into the day and wind down for the evening. Consider dressing as you would for work and kicking off the day with activities such as reading, listening to music, taking a walk around the block, or making a hearty breakfast. 

Be kind to yourself as you find your new professional rhythm. One way you can collect your thoughts and clear your mind each day is to write three morning pages, a practice author Julia Cameron recommends in her book “The Artist’s Way.” Another great resource is the now-retired online magazine “My Morning Routine.” You can find hundreds of morning routine interviews with best-selling authors, successful entrepreneurs, and inspiring creatives from all over the world.

Take breaks to maintain work-life balance

Self-care is crucial during challenging times. Designating start and stop times for your remote workday will help ensure your habits are sustainable and give you the downtime you need. Along with morning and evening routines, you can implement break times throughout the day to support your work-life balance. Build in time for preparing meals, getting some fresh air, and checking in with your household. 

To signal the end of the workday, try logging off communication platforms and moving away from your workspace until the next morning. Scheduling virtual happy hours, pursuing hobbies you can do from home, and spending quality time with your household can create a healthy separation between work and home life, even when you work and live in the same space.

Stay connected with team members virtually 

When your team is working remotely for the first time, it’s more important than ever to stay connected. In fact, the instant communications hub Slack recommends erring on the side of over-communicating when you’re transitioning to remote work. Spell out what might seem obvious to you, double-check your communication for clarity, and create clear expectations about how often you’ll check in and provide status updates.

Chat tools such as Slack and Skype can help your team to cut down on emails, check in with each other, and boost morale. Asana is another great work management tool that can help remote teams to organize workflows, projects, and tasks. The key is finding the tools that work best for you and your team.

How to Overcome Challenges
Feelings of isolation

When your office suddenly transitions to working remotely, it’s easy to miss the casual social interactions and in-person collaboration. With so many people feeling anxious and uncertain right now, working from home can amplify these feelings and lead to loneliness.  

Chat platforms such as Skype and Slack can keep you connected throughout the day, while video platforms such as Google Hangouts, and  ZOOM offer an opportunity to connect face-to-face for meetings. Regardless of which communication tools your office is using, make it a point to reach out to your colleagues regularly, ask how they’re doing, and touch base on projects. You can even invite coworkers to have lunch with you over video chat. 

Don’t forget you can always pick up the phone or text if there’s something you need or someone you want to reach. Strong communication and small acts of kindness can go a long way in stressful times. You can also overcome feelings of isolation by decorating your workspace with pictures of people, places, and words that inspire you. And your pets will appreciate the extra cuddles and walks throughout the day!

Miscommunication with coworkers

Grace yourself and your colleagues the fact that everyone is going through an adjustment period working from home. It’s natural that you may feel out of sync with your typical office communication and interactions. Without body language or the ability to walk to a colleague’s desk and chat, it’s easy to jump to conclusions about what someone is thinking.

Try to assume the best of people and realize that a colleague’s email, chat, or text communication may come across differently than their verbal communication. It’s OK to ask more questions than usual or request specific feedback. By communicating early and often about your projects and deadlines, you can lead by example. 

Setting up regular video calls and one-on-ones are great ways to elevate your remote communication. Be sure to flag issues early on and suggest potential solutions when possible. This will help your team get ahead of any obstacles and learn from them. 

Blocking out distractions

Working from the comfort of home isn’t without its distractions, particularly if you share a household with other people, children, or pets. While it’s important to care for your home life, it’s also important to set boundaries around your working hours so that you can show up as your best self at work and at home. Outside of your home environment, social media and the news can pose another set of distractions, especially with COVID-19 coverage.

When you are working from home instead of the office, you are in charge of your environment. Start by creating a quiet, clean workspace with room for your computer setup, a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a strong Wi-Fi connection. You can get creative by rearranging furniture and items you already have, or consider shopping online for new office items such as an ergonomic chair or noise-canceling headphones. 

Set boundaries with your household about your schedule and what you need to get into a professional groove. Try to take care of any distractions in your physical space before you start or after you end the workday. When it comes to news and social media, consider tuning in at designated times throughout the day to avoid feeling overwhelmed with information. If you find yourself losing focus, take stock of what’s distracting you and brainstorm solutions to get back on track. 

Workplaces everywhere are adapting to their new normal in the midst of COVID-19 and finding ways to demonstrate leadership at work and in their communities. The Mac’s List team will continue to be here for you as you navigate this unchartered time for employees and employers.

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COVID-19 Resources for the Portland Community

Resources for All Portland Residents
All Resources

Get the latest updates on how you can stay healthy, what the City of Portland is doing to combat the spread of the virus, and updates from Mayor Wheeler here .
Congressman Earl Blumenauer and his team have put together a comprehensive list of emergency relief resources for the community. Click here to get information on food access, resources for college students, education and entertainment resources, and financial aid.
If you’re new to working remotely and looking for internet service, Comcast is offering 60 days of free internet for low-income households, the elderly, and veterans. Continued service is not required, can be cancelled at anytime.
Governor Brown’s jobs and economic policy advisor wants to hear from self-employed workers and small businesses about what is happening to you financially during the coronavirus pandemic. Send her an email with what your job is and what your projected losses (based on past income) may be: Leah Horner: Leah.Horner@oregon.gov. Your story will become part of a petition for federal disaster relief. 
The NAACP has put together a guide to the equity implications of the COVID-19 crisis, you can read that here , or listen in to their town hall to learn more about the impact on communities of color.
For veterans, click here for updates on the VA’s response for veterans with symptoms and updates on veterans patients with COVID-19.
For more information on the importance of social distancing, read this guide from the executive director of a Boston lab, or this round-up of FAQs in The New Yorker .
For artists in our community, The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) has partnered with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to administer a new medical emergency grant program called Rauschenberg Emergency Grants to provide healthcare services for artists.

Click here to find more resources for freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes, but is not limited to, actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers & playwrights, photographers, and more.


Let’s come together to support our community! Our friends at Bridgeliner have put together a list so everyone can chip in and help, in ways big and small. Please consider supporting local businesses and showing up for people in need. Click here if you’re looking for resources or ways to support Portland small businesses.

Food Resources

For the elderly members of our community, Po’Shines is offering free dinner for people 65 and older, for pick up or delivery.
For those in need, the Portland food community is coming together to provide free meals to the recently unemployed or anyone who needs extra help. Click here for a full list of Portland restaurants offering free meals.

Resources for Job Seekers

For the tech industry: if you are a tech professional looking for employment opportunities, or a tech employer looking for immediate assistance, click here to view an updated list of tech professionals who are ready to be hired, provided by the Portland tech startup community.
There are many industries that are slowing down their hiring, but there is also a high number of industries ramping up their hiring and looking for immediate temporary or part-time workers. Here’s a timestamped up-to-the-minute guide to who’s hiring now from KOIN. And The Oregonian has a list of other local employers who are seeking applicants this week.

Resources for Employers

Washington Nonprofits has organized a series of webinars to help nonprofits respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are working to provide answers and support for nonprofit organizations in our region impacted by this event.
If you are in need of volunteers, or getting the word out about donations, reach out to the PDX Covid-19 Mutual Aid Network .
If you’d like to communicate directly with other employers in our community, sign up for BBPDX’s Switchboard . This platform is structured around offers and asks to help connect people in need with real solutions.

Resources for Parents

For parents who are homeschooling, click here to learn more about Scholastic Learn at Home, a program that’s offering 20 days of free access for up to 3 hours per day. Or sign up for the PBS Daily newsletter to get more ideas for activities you can use for play time and learning time.
If you want to know how to talk to your kids about the virus, click here . Or if your family is feeling extra stressed during this uncertain time, click here for ways you can de-stress together .
School districts in the Portland metro area are providing meals for students during a closure announced by the governor to slow the spread of COVID-19, here is a list from KPTV of the school districts who are providing lunches and when and where to pick up the meals.
If you’re looking to keep your kids entertained and learning, check out this guide to 30 virtual field trips of educational places you can explore together from your couch. Or visit a museum virtually .

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A Message From Team Mac’s List on the COVID-19 Pandemic

We want to take a moment to talk about the coronavirus pandemic. This situation has rapidly escalated over the last few weeks, and we think it’s important to address here as it is impacting every aspect of the local job market, from networking events, to in-person interviews.

We are not experts, and we don’t know what the future holds. But it is clear the next few weeks or months are going to be an extremely challenging time for everyone in our community and beyond. We want to extend our support and continue to be a career and community resource for everyone in the Pacific Northwest during this crisis.

For job seekers reading this, know that we have your back during this uncertain time. We can help you refresh your resume, talk about your job search concerns, or chat about how to navigate working remotely. Please reach out to us on any of our social channels, or you can email us directly at support@macslist.org. 

For employers reading this, know we are here to assist you in any way you need. Our Hiring Solutions Director, Nichol, is always available to chat if you have any questions or need help figuring out what to do next. You can reach her at nichol@macslist.org.

We are open to your feedback. Please reach out if you have any ideas on how we can improve this website, our social channels, and our weekly newsletter to provide better resources for you in the weeks to come.

As this situation evolves, we will continue to listen to the needs of our community and provide updates on our plan. We hope Mac’s List can continue to be a helpful resource for job seekers and employers in the months ahead.

–  Mac’s List Team

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Advice for Older Job Seekers: Lisa Lawrence’s Job Search Success Story

Everyone’s job search story is different, but each individual story can inspire and empower others who are on their own unique path. We love to hear how our readers have found rewarding careers in Portland, and we want to share these stories with you to inspire you in your job search and to help us all better understand the local job market! In this success story, Lisa Lawrence shares how patience, persistence, and being discerning helped her find a job with Digital Mark Group.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I work for Digital Mark Group, where my career is all about helping businesses of any size understand and implement digital marketing campaigns. 

How long did it take you to find this job?

Philosophically, it has taken me years to find this job. In real time, it took about three months. 

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

I used Mac’s List primarily, and LinkedIn secondarily, to gauge the need for my skill set. In the end, it was my prior knowledge of and working with DMG in a previous capacity that led me to inquire about an opening. 

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

I remained patient and discerning throughout the process. I knew that I couldn’t continue the path I was on, but I also wasn’t going to jump from the frying pan into the fire. This was going to be a real change; not just the same job with a different company.  

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

As an over (age) 50 job seeker, I had a lot of misgivings about making a change; never let negative social-driven messages about age/workplace derail you. My years of experience are very worthwhile to my employer and to me. 

Why do you love your job?

I love my job because it embodies the future. Marketing is evolving faster than we realize and I get a rush of excitement knowing that I can help businesses successfully navigate the most cutting-edge digital marketing and advertising platforms available.

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