Careers & Employment

SIUSLAW NEWS | MARCH 2020 | SECTION C

A Special Supplement to

Siuslaw News

Careers & Employment Community Career Fair

5th annual fair connects employers and employees Thursday, March 5 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Three Rivers Casino Resort, 5647 Highway 126

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or the past five years, Three Rivers Casino Resort has brought together job seekers and opportunities for employment, education and volunteering with its free Community Career Fair. The next annual fair will be held Thursday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Three Rivers’ event center, 5647 Highway 126.

“Our first year, we had 24 vendors,” said event organizer Pam Hickson, recruitment specialist for Three Rivers Casino Resort and the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI). “It’s really grown from there and taken on a life of its own.”

The event has evolved over time into a regional event, Hickson said. “And we’re rebranding this year as a career fair.

It’s more than just employers.”

The Community Career Fair offers over 40 businesses looking to hire, employment opportunities including summer employment, community business connections and the resources needed for a great career choice.

Educational careers will also be represented, as well as Summit Salon Academy PDX, Lane Community College Florence Center, Linn-Benton Community College, Southwestern Oregon Community College’s culinary school and IITR Truck School.

A full list of vendors is included on page 4C. “There’s just a little bit of something for everyone,” Hickson said. “If someone is changing a career or looking at moving or starting a career, it’s a great opportunity to come to the fair.

We also have volunteer opportunities.”

Attendees at past Three Rivers Casino Resort Career Fairs have made connections for employment, education and volunteering.

The annual event returns for its fifth year on March 5.

According to State of Oregon Employment Department data, the unemployment rate in Oregon continues to trend downward.

“The unemployment rate has dropped to the lowest rate we’ve seen since the 1970s,” Hickson said. “You can’t just do passive recruiting anymore. You can’t just put a job on the website and expect people to apply online.

You have to do more of an active role.”

Through her job, Hickson attends nearly a dozen job fairs each year.

“I thought, ‘You know what?

There’s really nothing like that over here,’” she said.

Three Rivers supported her

vision, and they planned the first fair for March 30, 2016.

“It all started because we wanted another avenue to be able to recruit, and we thought we would share the opportunity with some other folks to see if they were interested,” Hickson said.

Big partners in the event each year are WorkSource Lane, which has an office at 3180 Highway 101 in Florence, and Goodwill Job Connections, 1310 Highway 101.

“They are the first stop when you’re looking for a job here in the community, and regionally as well,” Hickson said. “I always encourage vendors to establish those relationships with Goodwill and our WorkSource em-

ployment department here in town. They do so much. I get a lot of my applicants through those two sources.”

Each year also sees a return of vendors, which allows for networking and sharing of resources.

“It’s not just for the Florence community,” Hickson said.

“That’s of course where the bulk of our vendors come from, but there are also outside opportunities as well.”

All are welcome to the free event. Those seeking jobs can engage with resources offered through WorkSource and Goodwill Job Connections. Many will be able to apply on the spot through a bank of computers available for online applications

and a table and pens for paper ones.

“We encourage people attending the event to come dressed to impress, and also bring some resumes to share with potential employers,” Hickson said. “It’s a chance to meet one on one and put yourself out there.”

She added, “The Community Career Fair is for job seekers of all ages, not just adults in the workforce. The schools this year are on board. That wasn’t even a question.”

Three Rivers and CTLUSI are among those hiring in both Florence and Coos Bay. “It’s nice to be able to use the resources we have to bring new talent, but also share that with our community,” Hickson said.

“It really is in line with the Community Care Award we received at the Siuslaw Awards this year.”

Florence Area Chamber of Commerce annually holds the awards to recognize the contributions of businesses and individuals who support the Siuslaw region.

“That’s what it’s all about — it’s helping each other out,” Hickson said. “And we’re happy to give back. It’s just a win-win for everyone.”

Three Rivers will continue to plan for the event, with a date already set for the 2021 event.

“It’s great to have the vendors here, and it’s great to have the applicants coming in,” Hickson said. “We’re thrilled to have planned the career fair for the past five years, and look forward to a future of having these events.”

For more information, visit the Community Career Fair Facebook page or threeriverscasino. com.

Applicants can stand out among the crowd with these résumé tips

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hanging jobs can be a difficult decision to make, just as starting out fresh can be intimidating.

In many ways, landing a new job is more challenging than ever thanks to the technology-driven society in which people live. Information is shared faster than ever, and applying for jobs isn’t the same as it might have been as recently as a decade ago.

One thing that has evolved is the résumé.

Although creating a powerful résumé has always been a challenge, writing — or modifying one — for today’s digital world requires some insider tips.

Adapting a résumé as one ages and has gained experience can be advantageous. A well-crafted résumé is one way for professionals to demonstrate how their skill set is current and adaptable to today’s business climate.

The following are some current résumé trends that will help professionals stand out from other applicants.

Be brief yet effective A concise design is key.

Many recruiters spend little to no time reviewing the hordes of résumés they receive. In fact, automated résumé bots may initially screen the docu-

ments to thin the crowd.

According to data from the 12th annual Mystery Job Candidate survey

by CareerXRoads, the average recruiter spends six seconds looking at a résumé. If a résumé is lengthy or does not attract attention, it Many employers now will likely be ignored. Stick to a single-page and make use application tracking sure wording is brief but software to sift through the scores of résumés that meaty. are submitted for each opening they post.

Consider design Keywords make it easy Design your résumé so it will look good whether for employers to sort it’s viewed on a screen or through thousands of a mobile phone or print- résumés. The right keyed on paper. Classic serif words will flag your réstyle fonts (such as Times sumé and increase your New Roman) can make a “relevancy score” in the résumé seem dated, so se- main HR/recruiting softlect modern fonts that are ware programs available.

Take your cue from the crisp.

The idea is for the ré- job advertisements themsumé to look balanced selves and mimic the verand clear, without being biage used. Replace the overdone with modifi- lingo accordingly, tailorcations, like italics and ing it to each job you apcolors. However, bold ply for. Also, consult the lettering could provide “about us” area of a prospective employer’s webmuch-needed attention. site. This area may offer clues about buzz words Embrace keywords

back up the claims.

According to a 2015 survey

by CareerBuilder, employers say that résumés that include links to a candidate’s portfolio, website or blog garner more attention than résumés without such links. for the industry.

People should also adapt their résumés for each application they submit. Use some of the words listed in the initial job posting and description. In addition, look at similar job postings and incorporate some keywords listed in those ads so that you have all the bases covered.

Keep juicy details up top Format the résumé so the most pertinent information is within the top one-third of the document. Beef up a summary statement and use it in lieu of an objective.

Make sure that summary includes keywords that promote your skills and Highlight what you experience to potentialhave done ly lure the recruiter into Rather than listing ev- reading more. ery job responsibility and position in chronologi- Put your own voice in cal order, use a résumé to the résumé highlight specific career Rather than using stanaccomplishments. This is dard verbiage on your a time to be your biggest résumé, personalize what fan and tell the world all of you want to say. Hiring the great things you have managers want to hire a accomplished. Remem- human, not a machine. ber to include evidence to When speaking about

yourself, be sure to use strong action words that define your skills even further. HR professionals cite terms like “managed,” “achieved” and “improved” as examples of positive, assertive words.

Also, engage in activities that can improve your marketability. Be sure to list training, coursework, degree or volunteer efforts that pertain directly to the skills needed for the job to which you’re applying. These additions can tip the scales in your favor over another applicant.

Who you know Landing a new job is often about what you know, but getting a foot in the door is also largely influenced by who you know.

Include any professional groups to which you belong or alumni associations. Who knows? The recruiter may have the same alma mater or volunteer with the same organization.

Updating a résumé with the goal of standing out among a crowded pool of applicants is a great way for job seekers to land a new job. Simple changes like keywords, phrasing, formatting and having the right skills for the job can ensure a résumé is seen by a recruiter, and perhaps even lead to a new career.

2C | MARCH 2020 | SIUSLAW NEWS CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT GUIDE

local JOBS In print and online at thesiuslawnews.com.

Insisting employees address customers in a formal and respectful tone is one way for a business to improve its image.

How to improve your company image

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any people are familiar with the conventional wisdom about first impressions. When you only have one chance to make a first impression, it’s a good idea to make the most of that opportunity. But not every first impression inspires fond memories, and while erasing a bad first impression might be impossible, that does not mean a second impression can’t trump its predecessor.

That’s especially true for businesses.

Businesses typically experience a few stumbles out of the gate, and sometimes those stumbles coincide with a customer’s first encounter with a business. When such encounters hurt a business’ image, a business owner can employ various strategies to restore that image and increase the likelihood that future interactions with customers go as smoothly as possible.

Look the part. A T-shirt and flip-flops may be your ideal outfit, but such attire is rarely appropriate in a professional atmosphere.

First-time customers who see employees decked out in less formal attire may feel the company also takes a lax attitude toward its work, so avoid fashion that might give the wrong impression.

Prioritize positive customer service. Many businesses suffer from bad word of mouth that’s spread when past customers share horror stories of negative experiences with company employees. Such a problem is easily remedied by prioritizing customer service. This includes emphasizing that those who answer the phones always address customers respectfully and, when responding to emails or engaging in online chats, write professional responses that steer clear of informal language. Customers often understand that a product may malfunction, but poor customer service is inexplicable and will reduce the likelihood that a customer will become a repeat customer.

Commission a better website. Today’s consumers often rely on the Internet to connect with a business. Consumers may want to peruse a restaurant’s menu before booking a reservation or view a retailer’s online catalogue before walking into the store. A good website can be a tremendous asset to a business, while a bad website can drive customers away before they spend so much as a dollar. A good website is informative and easy to navigate. Restaurant owners should include some photos of their establishment on the site to show customers the type of ambiance they can expect when dining. The site’s URL should include only the name of the restaurant, which makes it

Find the Perfect Job

easy for potential customers to find the site when using a search engine. If the name you prefer is already taken by a similarly named establishment in another region, then include your state or city in the URL, such as JoesPizzaNY.com. If you are not skilled at building websites, hire a professional firm to build the site for you. Such an investment will likely pay for itself sooner rather than later and will increase the chances that customers’ first impressions are good ones.

Establish a social media presence. Another way to rehabilitate or improve a business’ image is to establish a social media presence that connects the business with existing and potential customers. Use the various social media platforms in different ways. A Facebook page can explain the history of the company, while Twitter can be used to alert followers to special promotions or events. Social media can also be used to solicit customer feedback, which can be used to ensure you are meeting your customers’ needs and adapting to meet those needs when necessary. A business that listens to and actively engages its customers is more likely to have a positive image than one that does not, and social media can be the tool businesses use to connect with those customers. A poor first impression can be difficult to overcome, but companies can take several steps to regain consumer trust.

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SIUSLAW NEWS CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT GUIDE | March 2020 | 3C

Build your network en route to landing a new job A new year provides a perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf, and many people commit to doing so by making New Year’s resolutions.

While there are no rules governing resolutions, certain resolutions tend to top the list of the most common year after year. Setting health and fitness goals are very common, but so are resolutions to switch careers.

In fact, a 2017 survey from YouGov found that 14 percent of respondents were committed to finding a new job in 2018.

Building a strong professional network can help people find a fulfilling job when they are looking to advance their careers. The following tips can help professionals establish such a network.

• Recognize networking is a twoway street. Networking can be an effective way to find a new job, and it’s also a great way to help other people do the same. While you’re looking for a new job, if you come across opportunities that aren’t a good fit for you but might be for someone in your network, don’t hesitate to contact them. Your efforts will be appreciated, and those you help might do the same for you if they come across job openings that suit your background.

• Build your online profile. LinkedIn, a social media site for professionals, is a go-to resource for human resources officials, and it’s also a valuable way to stay connected with professional acquaintances. Career services professionals advise adding anyone you have worked with to your LinkedIn network. Continue building your profile as your network grows and you work with more people.

When others invite you to join their network, accept those invitations.

• Update your résumé. Update your résumé as often as you deem necessary. Colleagues you’ve worked with in the past who are within your LinkedIn network may periodically view your profile, and an updated résumé is a great way to keep them abreast of how your career is going.

If they can see what you’ve accomplished since you last worked with them, they might be more inclined to reconnect or recommend you for a job opening.

• Stay in touch. Professional networks are most effective for professionals who keep in touch with their colleagues and acquaintances. Follow up with colleagues you’ve worked with in the past to see if there’s anything you can do for them or to check in on how a project you discussed with them is going. Staying in touch can shed light on job opportunities or open other doors that might facilitate your job search.

A strong professional network can help professionals advance their careers and help others looking to do the same.

Things to look for in a new job Professionals change jobs for various reasons. But regardless of what’s behind a career change, many people can benefit by looking for things in a new job that can make them happy both professionally and personally.

• Salary: Of course everyone would love to earn more money when changing jobs, but there is more to changing jobs than just improving your bottom line.

As you begin your job search, consider how much you currently earn and if that allows you to live a life you love. If so, don’t overemphasize finding a new job that pays considerably more than your currently earn. On the flip side, young professionals who want to start a family in the years ahead should consider the costs associated with such a decision and how the salaries they earn at their next jobs may affect what they want down the road.

• Work/life balance: Before beginning your search for a new job, think about why you want to switch careers or companies. Long hours often leads to burnout.

If you’re looking for a new job because you’re burned out, try to find a job that affords you a better work/life

balance. A study from the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen found that, with the curious exception of people who work more than 55 hours per week, stress rises accordingly with the numbers of hours worked each week.

Keep that in mind if your goal is to find a job that affords you a better work/life balance.

• Satisfaction: When attempting to achieve a better work/life balance, it can be easy to overlook satisfaction at work in exchange for more time at home. But studies have shown that feeling satisfied by

what you do can have a profound impact on your overall happiness.

It’s possible to find an engaging career that still affords you time away from work, and such a career can ultimately pave the way toward a happier life.

• Commute: Bending over backwards simply to get to work and then get home from work can have an incredibly negative impact on your life.

A study from the Office of National Statistics in the United Kingdom found that commuters, especially those

who spend between 60 and 90 minutes commuting to work, have lower life satisfaction and lower levels of happiness compared to people who don’t commute. Before accepting a job offer, estimate your commute time to and from the new office and try to determine the impact of that commute on your quality of life.

Many people aspire to find a new job at the dawn of a new year. Job seekers should consider a host of factors before switching jobs to make sure they make the best decisions.

How to attain occupational wellness in career Wellness is a broad term that can refer to various aspects of daily life. Disciplines like yoga and meditation might be the first things to come to mind when people think of wellness, but focusing on wellness at work can have positive, lasting effects on overall well-being as well.

Occupational wellness is not necessarily a familiar term, but it’s something that most professionals strive for.

According to the Student Health and Counseling Services at the University of California, Davis, occupational wellness inspires people to find work from which they will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment.

Occupational wellness promotes the exploration of various career options and the pursuit of those opportunities that most appeal to each individual.

While it may seem like common sense to aspire for an engaging, enjoyable career, the effect that finding such a career can have on overall well-being might not be so apparent. In an analysis of a recent Gallup World Poll, a survey that asks hundreds of thousands of workers across the globe about their jobs and their job satisfaction, Harvard Business Review found there is a correlation between job satisfaction and life evaluations. People who report being

satisfied with their jobs seem to be happier overall.

So how can one embrace the concept of occupational wellness? UC Davis offers individuals the following suggestions as they begin their journeys to occupational wellness.

• Perform some self-reflection. Reflect on yourself and what you need out of a job.

Are there certain occupational tasks you enjoy? Are there some you find burdensome?

Identifying those you enjoy and those you feel are onerous can help you narrow down your options to careers you will find engaging and rewarding.

• Consider unpaid work and volunteer opportunities. Even

though they don’t pay, unpaid work and volunteer opportunities can still enrich your life and provide personal satisfaction. Such opportunities should not be overlooked.

• Practice open communication and proper conflict management with colleagues.

Negative working environments can be stressful, leading to dissatisfaction on the job.

Openly communicating with colleagues and resolving conflicts in a proper, professional way can foster a positive working environment, potentially contributing to greater job satisfaction.

Prioritizing occupational wellness can help people live happier, more fulfilling lives.

Support local businesses Supporting local businesses has some surprising benefits that can greatly improve life for entrepreneurs and the communities they call home.

Large corporations may find it impractical to open up shop in some small towns, villages and rural areas, feeling that the cost of opening and maintaining the business might not be justifiable with such a small potential customer base. In such instances, small businesses offer an invaluable service to their communities, providing readily accessible goods to residents might not be able to or simply

don’t want to drive long distances to purchase items from the nearest retail center.

Small businesses also provide employment opportunities to local residents, which can be especially valuable in communities where jobs are few and far between. Supporting small businesses also can help make communities safer and more stable.

When small businesses thrive, they pay more in local taxes, and that increased tax revenue is then used by local governments to fund local schools, police forces and fire departments.

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4C | MARCH 2020 | SIUSLAW NEWS CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT GUIDE

Learn to be more Asking for a letter of recommendation assertive in the workplace Gender equality in the professional arena has come a long way in the 21st century.

But while great strides have been made over the last two decades, women still face unique challenges as they look to establish themselves professionally and advance their careers.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women still earn roughly 80 percent of what men are paid in the same positions.

Professional women often must walk the thin line between being too nice or too aggressive, a pressure not often faced by men. Assertiveness is an art for both genders, and women can take steps to be more assertive without giving the impression they’re ruffling feathers.

• Be confident in your speech. It is easy to fall into “weaker language” habits when advocating for an idea.

If unsure about the reaction to a proposal, you might say, “I think this is a good idea” or “I believe this will impart change.” More assertive language is to simply stand behind the point: “This is a good idea.” Confidence can go a long way.

• Allow people to dis-

agree. It is acceptable for others to disagree with you.

This can lead to discussion and an opportunity to present evidence why something should be done in a certain way. It also enables you to point out the strong points in their argument. Listening to all ideas can sway people in your favor, even if they don’t necessarily agree with all you believe in.

• Be proactive and future-oriented. This is especially pertinent when asking for raises or promotions. Explain to a boss how you respect yourself and that your work merits the right compensation. Point out clearly defined future goals and successes you’ve had that warrant consideration for higher pay.

• Don’t fear conflict. Conflict doesn’t have to be confrontational, especially when respectable language is used and everyone is allowed to voice their opinions. Conflict can inspire great change. And remember, while you need to have solid relationships with coworkers, they do not have to be your best friends.

Assertiveness in the workplace can help professionals achieve their goals and showcase their value.

Knowledge, skills and personality can get one far, but having the right people in your corner can open doors for new opportunities that you might otherwise never have considered. Perhaps this is why recommendations are so coveted when applying to jobs or schools.

Asking for a letter of recommendation is something that should be done with forethought. The correct approach and proper timing can mean the difference between receiving a recommendation or not.

Who to ask The first step is to decide who you want to ask for a recommendation.

Select teachers, mentors or past employers who know you well or can validate how you performed or improved.

Remember to consider the requirements of a college or university as well. Schools frequently ask for recommendations from specific

people, such as a teacher in a certain skills.

Speaking face-to-face shows resubject. The same goes for reading spect and gives you the advantage to job applications thoroughly. make your points personally, rather than through email.

Ask early Teachers may be inundated with Make the process easier college letter recommendation reProvide all of the necessary items quests around application deadlines and at the end of semesters. It’s bet- to help the person along. This can ter to leave plenty of time than to include a brief résumé, academic put teachers under pressure. The progress report, required forms and same rule applies to anyone else so on. you’re asking to write you a recomAs the deadline looms, offer conmendation. cise reminders that you will need the recommendation. Offer to pick it up Request in person personally. Make copies or scan and Underscore the importance of save the original just in case a mixthe recommendation by making it up in the admissions office occurs. a personal request. Schedule an apRecommendations are a key part pointment with the individual and of landing a job or being offered acdiscuss why you believe he or she ceptance into a college or university. would be the right person to provide Asking the right people early will the recommendation. Remind the translate into recommendations person of your attributes and point that paint an accurate picture of apout something that exemplifies your plicants.

The right way to leave a job

According to a 2018 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs between 10 and 15 times during their career.

When leaving a job, it is important that professionals exhibit a certain measure of grace and etiquette. Leaving a job with dignity and mutual respect can benefit professionals in the short- and long-term.

• Speak with a supervisor first.

Make sure your boss or immediate supervisor learns of your plans to

leave the job first.

• Provide ample notice. Ensure that your current employer has plenty of time to interview potential replacements and train someone to take your place. This makes for an easy transition for all involved, and can show your employer that you have the company’s best interests in mind. Two weeks’ notice is the standard.

• Check company policy. The employment firm AG Careers suggests

reviewing company policy if you will be leaving to work for a direct competitor. There may be strict rules in place and protocol to follow.

• Don’t shirk responsibilities. It can be tempting to slack off when another job awaits. You never know when you might need a referral or even a new job.

When leaving a job, professionals should always be courteous and considerate toward their current employers.

Traits of good leaders and how you can gain skills for success on the job Successful leaders have the skills to guide organizations on the right path. Such men and women are often the first up for promotions, and routinely relied on for critical projects. Solidifying your own leadership qualities can be just what you need to land a great job and start climbing the corporate ladder.

Good leaders often share a key array of skills. Here are

some of qualities that make strong workplace leaders: • Being able to communicate effectively with all of the people in your work environment and beyond is one of the most essential leadership skills you can possess.

Honest communication can build trust and being open to feedback can ensure that everyone is working toward a common goal. It

also means knowing when to speak and when to listen.

• It can be challenging to manage or oversee others if you can’t effectively take charge of your own tasks.

Being able to self-manage involves gaining control and prioritizing goals and actions. It also extends to being able to manage emotions, recognize weaknesses and strengths and focus attention where it’s needed.

• Great leaders are trusted by others. Consistently acting with decorum and respect and delivering on your promises will inspire others to trust you. Stick to your core beliefs and values.

• Effective leaders have the confidence to make decisions and stand by them.

Note that there is a fine line between assertive confidence and being boastful or cocky. It may take a little

while to develop the right balance that encourages others to support your efforts.

• Delegating tasks is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it is a quality consistently found in strong leaders. Being able to delegate means you have the confidence in others to share responsibilities based on their skill sets. Delegating also promotes teamwork and lets others know you’re

not afraid to share success.

• Leaders make mistakes just like everyone else.

Owning your mistakes like you own accomplishments is a good trait to have. Taking blame when it’s due will help increase trust in you.

Leadership skills are valued in all walks of life. Honing such skills can benefit professionals as they look to accomplish their goals and advance their careers.