Mac Prichard's Blog, page 3

Why It’s Important to Believe in Yourself: Gregory Day’s Job Search Success Story

Meet Gregory Day, an HR Director for an independently owned fire safety service company based in the Pacific Northwest and an active volunteer with the Portland HR Management Association (PHRMA). In this job search success story, Gregory shares his tips on recruiting, networking, and believing in yourself. What do you do for a career?  ... Read more »

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A Writer at Heart: Monica Lucas’ Job Search Success Story

Meet Monica Lucas, a Content Strategy Manager at Lithia & Driveway. In this job search success story, Monica shares why creativity, networking, and perseverance are important in finding the right fit. What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I’m a writer at heart. The majority of my career has been... Read more »

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Finding What Works for You: Karen Magistrale’s Job Search Success Story

Meet Karen Magistrale, an Employer Brand Professional with Talent Programs City of Hope. In this job search success story, Karen shares how she navigated a career transition by creating a routine and seeking advice from her network. 

What do you do for a career?

I’m an employer brand professional. I primarily work on marketing and advertising projects centered around recruiting talent for our organization. Generally part of the HR or talent acquisition department — not a traditional marketing and communications team — my focus is on communicating with or engaging a variety of clinical types through storytelling, visual mediums, and efficient methods of connecting them with our hiring teams. 

Who do you work for?

I work for the City of Hope, a mid-sized healthcare, research, and innovation organization based in the Los Angeles area with more than 11,000 employees and locations throughout the U.S.  Founded in 1913, the organization is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses.

What do you like best about your career?

The work has so many facets, which may be why I’m in it! This enormous playroom of strategy/tactical, thought leader/creator, mixed media planner/performance tracker, communication/PR, words/images, hi-tech/low-tech, collaborator/individual contributor generates all this creative energy. Ultimately, the goal is to reach more and better qualified talent over time to feed the important work of saving lives.

What resources ​have helped you in your career and your job searches? 

This past year was the first time in more than 20 years that I found myself without a job, which was not my decision. So, I had no plans for my next move until it happened, and I asked myself the same question! What can I do to help myself? I obtained two jobs in the past using Mac’s List, so that was part of my plan from the get-go. In addition, I used other job boards, online networking platforms, and job-specific community groups. I also interacted with colleagues and made new contacts.

Are there specific tools or tactics that have contributed to your success?

My approach to the job search was to treat it like a full-time job. Like the work I do, it incorporated different activities. Every day was about setting the tone for positivity and confidence building. I listened to motivating podcasts and read inspirational literature. I set a goal to apply to “X’ jobs per week. I scheduled time with colleagues to help me stay inspired, learn from them, and ask for referrals. From attending networking events to free webinars, I continually tried to learn something new in my field. 

Instinctively, I knew that the worst thing I could do was to focus on the scarcity of the situation. I used all those hours to do productive things that made me feel good, too. While helping myself, I looked for ways to be of service. I performed some of my work pro bono to maintain my skills. This all created a heightened energy that led to great conversations with people! Ultimately, it led me to an opportunity to work with several of my former colleagues in a better job than I had before.  

Throughout your career, what obstacles have you encountered when doing a job search, and how did you overcome them? 

I’ve been a job seeker for many decades. Although the methods of locating and applying for jobs have changed many times, some of the same obstacles still exist: how to stand out in the crowd, write an effective resume, find an opening for the role you really want, and negotiate satisfying terms of employment. On the human side, it’s avoiding the pitfalls of losing confidence and motivation, isolating behaviors, and feeling like a failure.  

For me, it was the conscious development of creating a plan designed around a balance of activities: intentional nurturing, socializing, asking for help, and doing the footwork. I created and refined my resume many times and requested feedback. I applied to every job that was right for me in a day, practicing interviewing, writing down my answers to interview questions, and practicing the job offer negotiation. I scheduled my participation in anything that would support my job-seeking efforts. And I honed my craft by learning a new skill working for free. 

What piece of advice would you give to job seekers or professionals trying to advance in their careers?

The job search is a fickle thing. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. How you go about it at different stages in life will probably change. Sometimes, we don’t have the time or resources to hold out for the perfect or even the really good. A lot of the time, you may need to expand your search criteria and look for job titles above and below your current role. Somebody’s director level is somebody else’s intermediate level. Read the descriptions carefully and experiment. Create a short list of activities you will do every day to keep your motivation and focus. 

Know thyself. If you do better starting at 5 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m., do what works for you. Engage trusted friends or colleagues for input about your skills. It will help you evaluate your cover letters and resumes and how you might describe yourself in an interview. Seek advice from people who hire people. They are the best sources of where to look for jobs and how to improve your job search techniques. Most of all, network like crazy! I still believe it’s as true today as when I entered the market. Generally, it comes down to who you know (or who they know). 

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.

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Mac’s List Now Requires Salary Information on Job Board Listings

New Feature Aims to Streamline Recruitment Process and Benefit Job Seekers

Mac’s List is happy to announce we have updated our platform with a built-in function that requires all job postings to include salary information. 

This move reinforces our commitment to promoting transparency in the job market and aims to facilitate a more efficient and equitable hiring process for both employers and job seekers.

While many of you have voluntarily adopted this practice, the new functionality ensures consistent adherence to salary transparency. In a recent Mac’s List hiring survey, 90% of respondents said they already included salary information in their job postings.

The mandatory inclusion of salary information saves time for both parties involved in the hiring process. For employers like you, research shows that including salary information attracts a greater number of qualified candidates. Meanwhile, job seekers can focus on opportunities that align with their salary expectations and career goals.

The mandatory inclusion of salary information reduces pay gaps across gender and racial lines, improves recruitment and retention, and increases employee satisfaction. 

Salary transparency is becoming a growing practice in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. Pay transparency laws took effect in Colorado in 2021, New York City in 2022, and California, Washington, and New York states in 2023.

It’s only a matter of time before this is required by law in Oregon, but we don’t think we should wait. Making this change now will help both job seekers and employers.

Mac’s List remains committed to fostering a fair and efficient job market in the Pacific Northwest. If you have any questions about this change, please email me at mac@macslist.org.

To learn more about the benefits of salary transparency for employers and to better understand job seekers’ perspective on this topic, visit www.macslist.org. 

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Portland’s Networking Scene: Connecting Professionals Across Industries

Professional networking events can foster meaningful connections, spark innovative ideas, and create valuable opportunities for professionals across diverse industries.

Whether you’re seeking to expand your network, explore new career avenues, or collaborate on exciting projects, these events offer a platform to engage with like-minded individuals, experts, and thought leaders. 

Check out this roundup of Portland networking opportunities and mark your calendars for an upcoming event. 

Business NetworkingB Local PDX

B Local PDX is a group of Certified B Corporations from Oregon and Southwest Washington working to foster and deepen connections among organizations in the region that share its purpose and passion for using business as a force for good.

Business for a Better Portland

Launched in 2016, Business for a Better Portland is a business organization whose members believe that the health and prosperity of businesses depend on the health and prosperity of the community at large. The organization organizes around Portland’s pressing issues, including: safe and efficient transportation, equity in entrepreneurship, access to capital, as well as housing and homelessness.

City Club of Portland

City Club of Portland is a civic organization focused on community service, public affairs, and leadership development. Post-pandemic, City Club has explored a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Upcoming events are announced by email and appear on the website calendar. Video recordings of past events can be accessed on the club’s YouTube channel. The organization’s membership represents a broad spectrum of leaders from business, government, academia, social services, and other professions.

Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s Corporate Exchange

The Corporate Exchange (previously the Corporate Volunteer Council)  is a coalition of businesses and business professionals committed to corporate volunteerism in local communities. The organization gathers professionals focused on corporate community engagement and provides a space for best practice sharing, professional development, and networking. If you want to learn more about Corporate Exchange, please email info@gosw.org.

iTake The Lead Meetup Group

This Portland-based Meetup group has more than 2,225 active members. Its goal is to help small business owners and sales professionals build referral-based businesses while creating a community of entrepreneurs. The group offers a variety of training seminars and networking events, many of which are free to attend.

Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

OAME is an all-inclusive organization, operating by the motto: “Everybody’s In, Nobody’s Out.” The 700-member association is a collection of entrepreneurs, public agencies, partner non-profits, and large businesses. The mission is directed toward eliminating discrimination and racism. OAME’s annual trade show is one of the biggest events of the year.

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

OEN connects entrepreneurs to a large network of peers and mentors, funding opportunities, and trainings. They host more than 100 events each year, open to members and non-members. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur launching your first startup, OEN provides the tools you need to grow your business.

Oregon Executives Association

Established in 1926, Oregon Executives Association is one of Portland’s oldest and most successful business networking and support groups. It holds a lively luncheon meeting every Wednesday, and members become part of a close-knit organization focused on increasing member business opportunities and connections throughout the community. OEA members are owners or decision-makers of companies with solid reputations for providing quality services and goods. Their business integrity is a credit to the Association and the community. OEA is a member of the International Executives Association, with more than 6,000 member firms in the United States and Canada.

Portland Business Journal’s Power Breakfasts

Start your day with some networking! The Power Breakfast is an ongoing monthly event showcasing successful local businesses and business leaders.

Portland Metro Chamber

The Portland Metro Chamber is the area’s regional chamber of commerce, with a membership of more than 2,200 companies. PMC organizes regular networking and educational events, giving you an opportunity to connect with local business leaders.

Nonprofit EventsComNetworkPORTLAND

ComNetworkPORTLAND is a network of Portland-area communications professionals who believe in the power of smart communications to improve lives. In affiliation with The Communications Network, ComNetworkPORTLAND is one among over a dozen cities with active local groups of communicators working in various facets of the social sector, including at foundations, nonprofits, and as consultants.

Engaging Local Government Leaders

Interested specifically in local government jobs? ELGL represents the unique needs of public service professionals. They coordinate numerous networking and educational events for their members. Check out their “City Hall Selfie Day” page to get a sense of their trademark enthusiasm for all things local government.

GATHER: A Happy Hour for Social Good

GATHER is a quarterly networking event for folks working in and adjacent to the nonprofit sector. This networking event is for mission-driven professionals looking to connect with like-minded folks. Whether you need moral support, a dose of inspiration, or are looking for collaborators, this is the event for you!

Housing Oregon

Are you interested in helping solve the issue of houselessness for Oregon’s vulnerable populations? Housing Oregon is a statewide association of 75 organizations that are building, financing, and supporting affordable housing. They advocate on the local and state levels for programs and policies that enable members to provide housing for working families, people with disabilities, seniors, and others struggling to meet their needs in communities throughout Oregon.

Nonprofit Association of Oregon

When it comes to the Portland nonprofit scene, NAO is the place to start. Each week, NAO hosts multiple training events for nonprofit professionals, most of which are open to non-members. The NAO Events Calendar is the most comprehensive list of nonprofit-themed events, with listings from many organizations around the state. NAO also has a robust selection of trainings for established nonprofit professionals.

People’s Nonprofit Accelerator

The People’s Nonprofit Accelerator (formerly Willamette Valley Development Officers) is a local membership association dedicated to the continuing development of nonprofit fundraising professionals. They organize regular seminars, conferences, and online courses to improve nonprofit development programs.

Say Hey!

Partners in Diversity works to increase multicultural inclusion in the workplace and support local professionals of color. They offer a series of services and training to for-profit, nonprofit, and government professionals. Their quarterly Say Hey! series is Oregon’s largest multicultural networking event.

YNPN Portland

The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) is a volunteer-led and volunteer-run organization that supports current and future nonprofit leaders. The Portland chapter coordinates regular educational and networking events throughout the metropolitan area. From events like a summer pizza party to a seminar on managing conflict, YNPN has a lot to offer to those interested in making waves in the nonprofit world.

Marketing EventsAMA PDX

Digital marketing is constantly evolving, and the American Marketing Association is dedicated to helping marketers stay on the cutting edge. The local chapter in Portland hosts regular luncheons, happy hours, and programs to connect and educate local marketers. Plus, their AMA PDX Agency connects local marketers with nonprofit organizations in need of marketing services. These projects allow local pros the opportunity to give back, meet their peers in the industry, and hone their skills at the same time.

Magnet

What if the person who could further your career was already looking for you? What if a room full of people knew the exact insight you sought? What if your knowledge could be someone else’s Eureka moment? Welcome to Magnet, where you can let your net… work. This Portland networking event creates relationships that connect ideas.

SEMpdx

SEMpdx started out with an SEO/SEM focus, but has been hosting varied marketing events featuring regional experts for several years. If you want to make dozens of new connections quickly, attend their flagship events: the annual Summer Networking Party and the Holiday Networking Party. These networking events also give you the opportunity to connect with organizations like the Portland Business Alliance, Think NW, and more.

ThinkNW

Founded in 1906, ThinkNW (formerly Portland Advertising Federation) holds the title of the oldest advertising club in the United States. ThinkNW is a next-generation organization and community unifying Pacific Northwest advertising, marketing, and media professionals, students, and talent. Check out one of their panel events or agency-hosted happy hours. 

More Organizations That Host Marketing Events in Portland

There are also many incredible Portland professional organizations that aren’t primarily focused on marketing. Still, they host regular marketing events or are in industries adjacent to marketing (such as design, tech, nonprofit, PR, and entrepreneurship). Keep tabs on these organizations’ event calendars to meet new people and connect with leaders in the Portland marketing scene.

AIGACommunications Network PortlandEntrepreneurs’ Organization PortlandThe Nonprofit Association of OregonPRSA OregonTechnology Association of OregonYoung Nonprofit Professionals NetworkCan’t-Miss Portland Marketing EventsCreative Mornings

Start your morning with creative inspiration, professional networking, and industry insights. Creative Mornings is a free monthly breakfast lecture series for creative professionals. Each session starts with a short talk, followed by a Q&A and breakfast. This series was founded in NYC in 2008 and now has spread to 170 cities globally. The Portland chapter celebrates our city’s amazing talent and gives marketers a great opportunity to connect with creatives on a monthly basis.

Engage

The Engage Conference is hosted annually by the aforementioned SEMpdx. It covers every niche of search and social media marketing, from the basic fundamentals of keywords to cutting-edge tips and tricks for mobile optimization, link building, and digital marketing. Each session also includes extensive Q&A with the speakers and an extended time for networking. Plus, this conference is typically ⅓ of the cost of other industry conferences, so you can attend even if you have a smaller budget for networking conferences.

Technology Events Calagator

Calagator is a treasure trove of networking events for tech professionals in Portland. Started more than ten years ago to establish one unified calendar for the tech community, Calagator is a flexible and easy-to-use way to stay on top of tech events. Anyone can import, create, and edit events. Calagator offers an in-depth view of Portland’s networking scene, from the biggest, nationally advertised conferences to the intimate, niche gatherings at coffee shops.

ChickTech

ChickTech is a national organization that aims to empower, increase, and retain women in the tech industry. Their intergenerational tech-centered events offer a broad range of networking and mentoring opportunities, from social happy hours to soft-skill and technical workshops. 

Nonprofit Technology Conference

The Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) draws more than 2,000 nonprofit professionals worldwide to Portland every year. Organized by the Portland-based Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network, an invaluable resource in its own right, NTC boasts over 100 sessions exhibiting the most innovative technologies and strategies and networking events every night. It’s a dynamic place to collaborate with other nonprofit tech professionals passionate about creating change through technology.

PDX Startups

PDX Startups is a “crowdsourced resource platform connecting and supporting Portland’s growing startup ecosystem.” The website hosts a comprehensive directory of locally connected startup organizations, plus a database of investors. If you’re in the startup world, ensure you have a presence here. And if you’re looking to get involved with startups in Portland, it’s a great resource to get oriented. You’ll also find other resources for startup folks linked here, including the PDX Startup Slack channel and Silicon Florist’s Startup Switchboard.

PortlandTech.org

A project developed by WorkSource Oregon, PortlandTech.org started as a resource to publicize the many work opportunities in Portland’s tech industry. The site now offers a number of valuable resources for networking in tech, such as an incredibly detailed and specific list of jobs filtered by skill set, language, and preferred system, as well as positions from intern to management level. In addition, they maintain a calendar for community tech events, including trainings available in the area, prep help for coding interviews, and more.  

Portland Tech Meetups

The international networking hub Meetup operates on the philosophy that “Getting together with real people in real life makes powerful things happen.” Find other real people in the Portland tech community on Portland Tech Meetups. If you’re an avid bitcoin enthusiast, a web designer hoping to break into the industry, or anywhere in between, you’ll probably find a group perfect for you. It’s as easy as signing up.

Silicon Florist

If you’re looking for an expert voice from deep within Portland’s tech industry, look no further than the Silicon Florist. For over a decade, founder, national speaker, and author Rick Turoczy has covered tech news in Portland’s startup and broader tech community through the Silicon Florist website, email newsletter, and social media channels. He offers insider perspectives on local tech industry news. If you sign up for a weekly newsletter, you’ll learn about what’s happening in tech nationally and locally and hear about the best networking events to attend. 

Technology Association of Oregon

The Technology Association of Oregon is a recognized leader in promoting and supporting the tech industry in Oregon. TAO supports entrepreneurs, creates connections within the tech community, and promotes the sharing of knowledge and expertise. There are several ways to get involved, from becoming a member, to attending some of their many great events. 

Women Who Code

Women Who Code is an international nonprofit organization that “envisions a world where women are proportionally represented as technical leaders, executives, founders, VCs, board members, and software engineers.” With a membership of more than 167,000 tech professionals, Women Who Code offers skills training, fosters community, and develops role models to inspire women to pursue their tech careers. Join the Portland chapter to get access to coding resources, leadership opportunities, and scholarships.

Women’s EventsCenter for Women’s Leadership

The Center for Women’s Leadership (CWL) is the only organization of its kind in the Northwest. With a mission to increase women and girls’ leadership, CWL hosts leadership trainings, supports research on women’s leadership, develops and shares curricula on the achievements of Oregon women leaders, and supports Oregon’s women leaders through a speakers series and informational digital archive. Get involved with CWL by attending their regular speaker series and annual Power Lunch. If you’re a current college student, you can enroll in their NEW Leadership Oregon programs, too.

Hub Dot

At the core of Hub Dot is the mission to revolutionize the way women network. It’s about removing labels. Through “Dot Alchemy,” Hub Dot lightens the pressure or awkwardness of networking, giving women the opportunity to connect based on discussing “What’s your story?” rather than “What do you do?” This group of women loves to support each other through sharing personal stories and connecting in an authentic and fun environment. Portland is lucky enough to be one of the handful of cities where Hub Dot takes place. Join their mailing list to hear about upcoming events, and join their online community to keep your inspiration flowing.

Women’s Foundation of Oregon

With values of being bold, compassionate, inclusive, determined, optimistic, and accountable, the Women’s Foundation is striving to make Oregon a place where every woman and girl can thrive. The organization dismantles sexism, racism, and structural oppression through the movement of resources and ideas toward gender justice. Read their research report, Count Her In, which lists insightful stats about Oregon’s female workforce. You can also become a foundation member and attend their local events.

Here are even more resources to check out:

Boss Ladies PDX is a Facebook group where female entrepreneurs ask questions and share advice and opportunities with each other.See Chick Tech and Women Who Code above.Young Professional EventsEmerging Professionals of Portland

Organized by the Portland Metro Chamber, the local chamber of commerce, EPOP offers programming focused on educational and professional development, civic engagement, and networking opportunities.

Urban League of Portland Young Professionals

The Urban League of Portland hosts monthly professional and personal development programming for young professionals aged 21-40 to connect them to the League’s work in advocacy, civic engagement, and workforce development.

See AMA-PDX, Nonprofit Association of Oregon, Partners in Diversity, SEMpdx, and YNPN Portland above.

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Retaining Talent: Strategies for Oregon and Washington Employers

To cultivate a thriving workforce, employers need to engage and retain their most valuable asset — their employees.

From investing in comprehensive training programs to embracing work-life balance initiatives and celebrating community, you can nurture talent, champion employee well-being, and help your team see they have a future with your organization.

Here’s a list of strategies for retaining talent. Use them to create a collaborative, creative environment that nurtures internal talent.

Engage Your Employees.Encourage open communication.

Ask employees which new career development ideas and opportunities they are interested in. Ensure employees know it’s a company priority to see them grow professionally.

Ask employees frequently how you can help them grow and succeed. Communicate regularly with them (both formally and informally) to gauge their engagement in their jobs.

Create an open, transparent environment.

Make your employees feel like their voice matters and create an open, transparent environment where honesty is celebrated. Honesty builds trust and connection with your staff and encourages your team to reciprocate.

Create Development Opportunities. Invest in training programs and career development opportunities.

These can be free online courses, company-led workshops, expert-led breakout sessions, or other training methods – as long as you have a clear strategy for employees to learn new skills. Whatever your strategy, budget for training and development, and encourage your employees to participate in the opportunities offered.

Outline detailed development plans.

Formally evaluate employees’ current capabilities and growth potential. Look beyond their educational credentials and focus on their curiosity and desire to learn new things. Reward them with more opportunities and invest in their skills.

Assign stretch projects.

Assigning new responsibilities or an entirely new project is a good way of assessing talent and pushing an employee’s potential. A stretch assignment can often help to demonstrate hidden talent and an individual’s capacity to shoulder new levels of responsibility.

Set up Mentorship Programs.Have senior staff mentor entry-level employees. 

Empower mentors to monitor their mentees’ needs and provide resources and support to help them develop. Offer formal mentoring to all employees, but intentionally give underrepresented groups access to information and key relationships that will make them successful.

Try informational interviews.

Let employees interview another member of the organization to learn more about their role and see if they are interested in succeeding that person one day. If it’s feasible with your office setup, let them shadow the other employee for the day. Setting up succession plans in advance is key. And be prepared to follow through with the succession plan when the time comes.

Provide cross-functional experiences.

Allow employees to work on projects with other team members or outside their usual task responsibilities. This lets them see whether they want to create a different career path within your organization.

Embrace Work-Life Balance Initiatives.Focus on flexibility and offer remote work.

Workplace flexibility was already a popular topic before COVID-19. A 2019 Glassdoor survey of over 5,000 adults in the U.S. and Europe detailed that 56 percent of respondents prioritized workplace culture over salary. On top of this, 73 percent of workers said they would not apply to a company that didn’t share their values.

Now, workers of all ages want to be able to work when and where they are most productive and engaged. This is especially true after they’ve demonstrated their ability to work remotely for an extended period.

This year, mobile workers are expected to account for 60 percent of the U.S. workforce. One of the best ways to attract and retain talent is to offer flexible working accommodations, whether that’s a hybrid model, flexible hours that accommodate caregiving responsibilities, a four-day work week, or total freedom to set their own schedules.

Encourage the use of paid time off and sick days.

A trend that was creeping into the workplace pre-pandemic was the stigma around taking time off, even for sick days. While this may have improved as a result of COVID, this can still be a challenge in an era with unrealistic expectations for 24/7 connectivity and accessibility. 

Overworked employees can lead to burnout, low morale, and turnover. Workers need time to unplug to be their best, most productive selves, especially when they need a mental break or when they’re under the weather. 

Encourage employees to take vacations away from the office, take full advantage of sick days, and stay disconnected during their time off.

Invest in Employees’ Well-Being.

Remember that employees are human beings, not resources. Being supportive means caring about the overall employee as a person, not just their performance at work. When setbacks occur, meet them with empathy and concern.

Acknowledge achievements.

Rather than focusing heavily on motivational incentives, establish a set of clearly defined goals and then celebrate when those goals are met. Recognition for a job well done helps create a positive organizational culture and encourages employees to excel in their jobs.

Give employees autonomy.

Part of building a supportive foundation is learning to trust that your employees will use their workday to accomplish their tasks. By creating a strong sense of autonomy, employees will feel empowered rather than micromanaged.

Promote wellness.

Create wellness programs that take a holistic view of wellness, from financial wellness to physical health and well-being. Actively support participation in these programs so that employees know you genuinely care.

Celebrate community and honor losses.

Create celebration of life events at work (including getting married or having a child for example) to help strengthen workplace relationships and employee connections. When an employee experiences a loss, offer them bereavement time and express your condolences.

Create a Supportive Environment for Employee Feedback.Remove fear from your culture.

Mistakes are the stepping stones to moving outside the comfort zone to a path of growth and discovery. Create an environment where employees are not constantly afraid of being judged on their past mistakes. 

Instead, create a supportive environment where employees can try and fail without fear. Respond to problems and mistakes in a fair and supportive manner. Encourage employees to take risks and help them work through problems. They may surprise you with their innovative ideas and abilities.

Use different approaches to gather employee feedback.

Use methods that guarantee anonymity, such as online surveys and focus groups conducted by a third-party facilitator or consultant. Try skip-level meetings, in which a manager meets with employees two levels below them in the organizational structure. 

Ask employees to identify their top three challenges and suggest specific solutions or recommendations.

Follow through with actions.

Employees will stop giving feedback if they think it is a futile process. Thank employees for their feedback, share decisions made, and explain the reasons behind the decisions.

Building human-centered policies into your company’s procedures will help secure your company’s future and establish you as a hiring innovator.

Ask Employees What They Need.

It’s easy to assume we know what’s best for our employees, based on our own experiences and insights, but we’re all different. Employees who thrive with clear instructions need different management than those who need space and autonomy to do their best work. 

The employee with dependents needs different benefits than the employee nearing retirement. The employee who is new to your company experiences it in a very different way than a long-term employee.

Instead of assuming you know what works for your employees, ask them what they need. You can use surveys, focus groups, empathy mapping, shadowing, and interviews – whatever you need to develop a clear picture of what your employees need to be successful in your organization.

 

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Innovating a Career in IT: Kelly Noack’s Job Search Success Story

Meet Kelly Noack, an IT governance risk compliance) manager with Good Food Holdings. In this job search success story, Kelly shares how she carved her own path in IT, advocating for her experience and non-traditional education.

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

I work in IT, specifically IT compliance and security, for a grocery retail group. I develop, manage, and execute different IT compliance, risk, security, and regulatory programs. My work includes leading audits, training and developing IT teams, and partnering with internal groups to establish policies and procedures. 

I work for New Seasons Market and the other grocery banners that are a part of Good Food Holdings. This family of West Coast grocery stores includes Seattle-based Metropolitan Market, Santa Cruz-based New Leaf Community Markets, and California-based Bristol Farms and Lazy Acres Natural Market. 

In my day-to-day, I partner with and serve the IT department, operations, finance, store leadership, and different teams across the corporate groups in the five divisions.

What do you like best about your career?

I love that I’ve developed my own path in IT. I believe my contributions serve the greater good by helping my company meet and maintain IT compliance and establish best practices. I love that I get to work closely with all levels of IT team members and develop partnerships across the different business groups. 

At this point in my career, I am thrilled that I’ve found a specialization that offers enough challenge, space to grow, and opportunities to collaborate. Though I’ve been in IT for the better part of a decade, I am newer to IT security and compliance and love that I am constantly learning in my current role.

What resources ​have helped you in your career and your job searches? Are there specific tools or tactics that have contributed to your success?Job Boards

When I moved from San Francisco to Portland 14 years ago, I was still looking for jobs on Craigslist, which was hit or miss (mostly miss). From there, through a friend, I learned about Mac’s List and quickly started using that as my primary resource. I learned more about the Portland job market and identified tools and resources to help my search. 

I’ve since leaned on LinkedIn as a resource to research roles and companies I’m curious about. I find that combining Mac’s List and LinkedIn with GlassDoor and Google Search can maximize my search results, especially because in IT, different titles serve in a similar capacity. Understanding how to tweak my searches has become an art. 

Networking

Another resource for me is networking with peers or peers of peers. I follow tech job boards in Portland, like PDXWIT, and B Work and Reconsidered for more social impact-centered companies. Elpha has been a resource for salary transparency. Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, PDXWIT shut down in February 2024. 

Thanks to a cold email I sent to a third-degree connection on LinkedIn, I learned a lot about my current role and the path to it. The person had the job I was working toward in IT compliance and was gracious and generous enough to talk about their path and training, plus offer advice on how to level up into my current role. This conversation propelled my confidence to pursue the next step in my career and advocate for myself.

Company Websites

I love to check the websites of companies with a mission or values that resonate with me. Sometimes, they’re hiring for roles, or, in the past, I might email them to ask if they’d consider hiring for a role I could provide. I’ve also tried to maintain a network of mentors and peers, following their updates on LinkedIn to keep up with their careers and new companies. 

Throughout your career, what obstacles have you encountered when doing a job search, and how did you overcome them? 

Sometimes, looking for local jobs in the Portland market has been a blocker. If I expand my search to include remote or hybrid roles, I’ll find a lot more options. 

Another obstacle I’ve faced and overcome is applying to jobs that require a college degree despite not having one myself. I’ve advocated for my experience and non-traditional education (through certifications and coursework), which make me a great candidate. I’ve worked hard to develop the skills employers want, especially since I have had to prove myself more.

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.

The post Innovating a Career in IT: Kelly Noack’s Job Search Success Story appeared first on Mac's List.

Oregon and Washington Job Seeker Report 2023 Highlights What Workers Want

Hiring is hard. It takes lots of time and effort to find the best people.

One of the best ways employers can hire well is to understand what job seekers want. Knowing what matters to applicants is also a good way to retain current employees because these insights can shape company policies to reflect what matters most to workers.

The need for understanding what employees care about has never been greater. A new report from Mac’s List says that many local professionals surveyed recently in Oregon and Washington are unhappy at work and looking for a new job.

This finding and steps employers can take to improve worker satisfaction and recruitment are outlined in the Oregon and Washington Job Seeker Report 2023, an annual publication from Mac’s List. It draws on a survey of 1,190 local professionals between June 26 and July 27, 2023. 

Whether you’re a seasoned HR leader or new to hiring, this report is your roadmap to attracting and recruiting the best talent.

Here’s what these local job seekers told us: 

Key Findings from the 2023 Mac’s List Job Seeker Survey:Many Oregon and Washington professionals are unhappy at work. Despite record-low unemployment rates, on a scale of 1 as dissatisfied and 100 as very satisfied, respondents marked their satisfaction at 54. Factors cited by survey respondents include inadequate pay, burnout, cultural misalignment, and ineffective organizational leadership. Respondents also cited ageism, illness, disability, mental health challenges, and caregiving responsibilities as obstacles in their professional lives.Most workers want a new job, will use multiple strategies to get it and think the job market is OK, good or great for candidates. A notable 36% of respondents actively seek new opportunities, while 43% are passively looking. When people start a job search, they don’t rely on online applications alone. Forty-five percent of respondents said they worked with recruiters, and 42% had used staffing agencies. Forty-three percent of job seekers described the job market as OK for candidates, with 38 percent calling it good or great. Workers know their value and salary expectations match what the market pays. Survey respondents generally expect yearly salaries of $50,000 to $100,000. These expectations align with market averages for Oregon and Washington. For employers, this underscores the importance of knowing and paying market wages and providing salary information when hiring. Money matters, but job seekers also want good benefits, cultural fit, work-life balance, and flexibility. Survey respondents ranked compensation second in six factors that matter when weighing a job offer. Number one was how a job fits with a candidate’s life. Culture fit, personal values, the hiring process, and flexibility were other factors mentioned. Download the Oregon and Washington Job Seeker Report 2023

To get your copy of the Oregon and Washington Job Seeker Report 2023, please [download it here]. By completing this form, you’ll be added to our monthly employer newsletter, with other valuable hiring resources. Don’t worry, you can unsubscribe at any time! 

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Exploring New Horizons: Rowena Paz Norman’s Job Search Success Story

Meet Rowena Paz Norman, the Strategic Planning Manager at Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA). In this job search success story, Rowena shares how she transitioned from a career in sales to strategic planning. Through graduate school, experimentation, and a willingness to take risks, Rowena found fulfilling work in strategy and shares valuable advice for job seekers seeking to make a career change.

What do you do for a career? 

I am a Strategic Planning Manager who leads company-wide strategic planning and review processes to ensure the organization maximizes its long-term goals and stakeholder impact. I also manage and provide insight into strategic growth and business development initiatives to support long-term ambition and growth. For example, I am part of a team leading our international exploration. Very interesting problems to solve!

Who do you work for? 

I work for Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), a farmer-owned co-op founded in 1909 that makes incredible dairy products. My favorite is our Tillamook Mudslide ice cream!

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

For 13+ years, I was in business development and sales in emerging markets at Google and Feeding America. Even though I “climbed the ladder,” I was unfulfilled and wanted more from my career.

After taking courses at Portland Community College, I decided to return to school full-time and get my MBA at Portland State University with the hope that graduate school would open new opportunities. To make a career change, I experimented through my classes, school projects, internships, and networking. Experimentation helped me discover what I liked or didn’t like and gain new skills.

I also utilized school internships to experiment. While it was scary starting over as an intern (especially at 36 years old!), my internships were transformative experiences. I’m grateful for my internships because they gave me humility, focus on learning, and the ability to experiment with changing careers in a low-stakes way. My internship in strategic planning at TCCA actually resulted in a full-time offer for the work I do today!

How long did it take you to find this job? 

Two weeks or two years, depending on how you look at it. 

I interviewed and accepted a full-time offer during the last two weeks of my internship. The internship allowed me to show TCCA and its leaders that, though I didn’t have formal strategy experience, I am smart and hard-working. I am grateful that my manager saw my potential, and the success of the internship led to my full-time position.

The two years are the time I spent in graduate school experimenting with new career options and growing emotionally. Internships, coursework, and school projects allowed me to test out different careers and industries in a low-risk way. My leadership classes and therapy also supported my emotional growth to take risks and change careers.

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

The uncertainty of what comes next can be terrifying. Sticking to what is known, while unfulfilling, can be easier. I sometimes wonder if I stayed in sales, would I be a vice president and make much more money? But then I realize how miserable I would be because the work was no longer interesting and challenging.

Recognizing that my worth is not derived from my work and that my title and paycheck do not determine my value gave me the ability to take the risks necessary to seek more fulfilling work. Strategy, innovation, and operations –– this stuff is fascinating, and I am thrilled that at TCCA, I get to develop these skills every day. 

I will note that starting over in a new career and industry is hard. It is humbling. I was great at what I did in my previous work; success was clearly defined, and I knew how to win. With my new career in strategy, there is no clear win, and the work is more about influencing others. There is so much I do not know and cannot control. However, growth happens in the discomfort.

I would not want it any other way.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other jobseekers? 

Give yourself the emotional and financial space to experiment and take risks with your career.

Recognizing that your salary and title do not determine your value gives you the freedom to pursue work that is interesting and challenging. The most valuable job title I have ever had was “intern” because it gave me the humility to recognize that my work is not my worth. This emotional space opened the door for me to pursue work that was interesting and aligned with my values over a fancy title.

Beyond the emotional space, financial space is also important to be able to experiment and take risks with your career. Living below your means gives you the freedom to make career choices that are not driven by finances. My husband and I made lifestyle and financial choices so that it was possible for me to go back to school and make career choices where money wasn’t the determining factor.

I’m grateful for the emotional and financial freedom to experiment and take risks with my career. 

Why do you love your job? 

I love my work because I help shape the future of an organization that has the heart and charm of a small nonprofit and the vision and ambition of a Fortune 100 company. I am developing my strategy, innovation, and operations skills to help me reach my long-term goal of starting my own business. As I do this work, I am surrounded by people who are smart, driven, and kind and love to eat as much as I do. Also, all the free cheese and ice cream is always a plus.

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!

The post Exploring New Horizons: Rowena Paz Norman’s Job Search Success Story appeared first on Mac's List.

2023 Oregon and Washington Employer Survey Highlights Local Job Market Changes

Does the job market feel different to you compared to four years ago? 

You’re not alone.

Unemployment rates in Oregon, Washington, and across the United States remain at historic lows. And the current labor shortage shows no sign of slowing soon. 

But it’s not only the unemployment rate that has changed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 

For many professionals, how you work, where you do so, and what you can expect when you look for a job has shifted fundamentally. 

Employers have embraced hybrid and remote work, and job seekers continue to hold an advantage in the current labor market. 

And more change is coming. Transparency in job postings and employee satisfaction will be key factors in shaping the future of work in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. 

A new annual survey from Mac’s List outlined in the Oregon and Washington Hiring Report 2023 confirms these transformations in both the workplace and the job search. From June 26 to July 26, we surveyed 115 employers in Oregon and Washington across various industries.

Here’s what these local employers told us: 

Key Findings from the Mac’s List Employer Survey 2023Hybrid and remote work is the new normal: 50% of surveyed employers plan to hire hybrid or remote workers in the next 12 months. This marks a significant shift from the pre-pandemic era when only 9% of Portlanders worked remotely in 2019. In 2023, 12.7% of U.S. full-time employees work from home, with 28.2% adopting a hybrid model. By 2025, an estimated 36.2 million Americans will work remotely, emphasizing the role of adaptability and technology in reshaping the modern workplace.Job seekers maintain their advantage: Employers continue to find it challenging to identify the right candidates, with 56% of respondents citing this as their biggest hiring challenge. The job market remains favorable for job seekers, as 53% of surveyed employers foresee no significant changes in the job market in the coming year.A strong job market ahead: 80% of employers state that they plan to hire new workers in the next 12 months, aligning with labor market analysis projecting job growth in Oregon and Washington. These opportunities reflect optimism about economic growth and demand for diverse skills.Salary transparency is the norm: In a significant shift, 90% of respondents now include salary information in their job postings. This trend toward transparency aligns with national changes and benefits job seekers by reducing wage gaps, clarifying expectations, and streamlining the recruitment process.The Great Resignation eases: The trend of employees leaving their jobs in large numbers has receded, with 51% of employers reporting that retention rates are about the same and 23% indicating higher retention than usual. This suggests that businesses have adjusted to the evolving labor market with improved retention strategies and better working conditions.Download the Oregon and Washington Hiring Report 2023

By completing this form, you’ll be added to our monthly employer newsletter, with other valuable hiring resources. Don’t worry, you can unsubscribe at any time! 

 

 

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