Portland Employment Guide December 28th - January 3rd

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Portland Employment Guide December 21st - December 27th

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Northwest Veteran's Transition Guide Winter 2009

Here is the 2009 Winter Copy of the Veteran's Transition Guide:

Portland Employment Guide December 14th - December 20th

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7 Ways Your Money Will Never Be The Same

Take a look at this article that was on MSN today. The article talks about how a lot has changed since the start of the recession and they point out the 7 ways your money will never be the same:

1. Stocks are no longer king
As share prices keep rising, blogs and investor chat rooms crackle with rancorous shouting matches between folks who say the gains are justified and those who deride the charge in the Dow Jones Industrial Average from 6,500 past 10,000 as a "sucker's rally." But the rally is legit because, at 6,500, stocks were priced for a disaster that never occurred and because many sectors of the economy have improved noticeably since the darkest days of the crisis...

2. Diversification has changed dramatically
Once, you could fight a down market with counterweights like real-estate investment trusts, high-dividend stocks and foreign stocks. In 2000 and 2001, for instance, many small-compand and value funds and overseas stock funds made money even as the large-capitalization U.S. stock indexes tanked. During the 2007-09 bear market, virtually every asset class save Treasury bonds fell in unison. As a result, many experts have declared diversification a failure...

3. Cash is never trash
Forget that cash, in the form of money market funds and bank savings accounts, pays next to nothing. Yields will nudge higher once the Federal Reserve lets go of its free-money policy. But even if that enables you to collect just 2%, never again should you equate cash with garbage...

4. Regulators will be more visible
More oversight is coming, and it will go beyond executive pay and fixing bank balance sheets. After Congress finishes dealing with health care, it will establish a financial-protection agency for consumers, increase regulation on private-equity investors and hedge funds, and generally try to discourage the financial industry (in the U.S., anyway) from concocting inscrutable, high-risk stuff. There's an excellent chance that future Madoffs and Enrons won't be able to dodge the law for so long...

5. Catastrophes won't wait 100 years
Some people have likened the recent disaster to a 100-year flood, suggesting that we are unlikely to suffer another event so serious for a century. The problem with this 100-year cliché is that it's never been true. And now it is utterly implausible...

6. Commodities will be more important
Gold isn't the only tangible asset that has racked up big gains in 2009. Cocoa, coffee, copper and frozen pork bellies, to name a few others, are also in rollicking rallies. The breadth of the advance reinforces the idea that investors will want to make more room in their portfolios for stuff as well as securities, regardless of whether they're trying to reduce risk or are angling for big gains. It's not that commodity prices are predictable. They can react to the weather, world politics and currency exchange rates. But because it's become a lot easier to invest in commodities, it's a good bet that they will play an ever-larger role in savings programs...

7. Bonds will be less volatile
This sounds like double talk, given that rising interest rates cut the value of existing bonds by making new, higher-yielding bonds more desirable. And rates look to have only one way to go, which is up. Clearly, holding a long-maturity Treasury bond that pays less than 4% is a dicey proposition...

So Portland, let me know what your thoughts are on this article by leaving some comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide December 7th - December 13th

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10 Holiday Money Mistakes

Well now that Thanksgiving is officially over and the Christmas season has finally begun. The shopping madness began with Black Friday and all kinds of crazy deals, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you should go wild. Here is a great article on the 10 holiday mistakes that people make when shopping during the holiday season.

1. Being blinded by bargains
"It was 60% off! How could I pass that up?"Sound familiar? But just because something is a good deal doesn't mean it's a good deal for you. With so many discounts this season, it's easy to fall into the trap of buying something simply because it's on sale. You may spend more than you normally would have or end up with a closet full of cheap, unnecessary stuff. Stay focused by drawing up a budget and gift list before you head to the stores. Write down everyone you need to buy for, along with the amount of money you're willing to spend on each person. Then jot down gift ideas for each person on your list. An hour of forethought can save you a bundle in the long run.

2. Forgetting to budget for the extras

Gifts aren't the only expense this time of year. Don't forget to factor in the costs of greeting cards, postage, family photos, shipping, décor, entertaining and travel.Even the utility bills for your festive outdoor light display might turn out to be an unpleasant January surprise.

3. Buying on credit

Financial experts say those who shop with credit cards tend to spend as much as 30% more than if they'd shopped with cash. The reason: When you shop with cash, you're more aware of how much you spend and how much you have left because you can touch it. And once the money's gone, it's gone. Plus, if you have to put the purchase on your credit card or sign up for the store's financing, you simply cannot afford it. Any good deal you thought you were getting will be eroded by the interest you'll accrue and the time you'll spend as a debt hostage. About 12 million Americans are still paying off last holiday's bills, according to Consumer Reports.

4. Not keeping the receipts
Don't you hate it when you buy something only to find the store puts it on sale the following week? Hang on to your receipts. Many retailers will honor the sale price if you had made the purchase within a few weeks and will refund you the difference. Keep your receipts, also, in case you or a loved one needs to make a return. Without a receipt, you may only get store credit -- or your return could be refused altogether.

5. Spending to impress
This is a biggie, especially for young adults who may feel compelled to prove their success and their new independence. Don't let your gift giving become a larger statement than the gift. Before tossing something in your cart, ask yourself if it's something the person will really use and if you can really afford it. And the same goes for entertaining. It's the company of friends that matters, not how much money you spend.

6. Over-giving
It's wonderful to get caught up in the spirit of giving, but not if that means you'll break your budget or go insane trying to pull it off. You don't have to buy something for every single person you know (co-workers, neighbors, newspaper deliverer, that nameless guy you make small talk with at the bus stop). Stick to the people who count most in your life, such as family and close friends. You might even suggest drawing names among groups of co-workers or relatives to whittle your gift list further. Chances are others are feeling the strain, too, and will welcome the idea.

7. Giving in to gift guilt
Don't let guilt drive you to break your budget or go into debt. You don't have to spend the same amount of money on every kid on your list, for example. Giving thoughtful, age-appropriate gifts is much better. You also are not obligated to give a gift that has the same monetary value as a gift someone gave you, says etiquette expert Peter Post, or even to reciprocate unexpected gifts. Simply accept the gift and say thank you.

8. Failing to do your homework
That discount looks like a good deal, but do you know if it's the best value for your money? Remember, inexpensive sometimes just means cheap. Hit the Web before making major purchases to compare prices, read customer reviews and make sure you're getting a quality item at a good price. Check the Web for coupons, too. Many retailers offer coupons you can print and take to the store, or you'll find e-coupons to save on your online purchase or your shipping costs.

9. Procrastinating
In the frenzy of last-minute shopping, you have no time to give thoughtful presents. So you compensate by spending more. If you're shopping online, aim to make your purchases by mid-December. That way, you won't have to pay extra for expedited shipping, and your gifts stand the best chance of arriving on time.

10. Giving fruitcake
And for heaven's sake, don't waste your money on a bad gift. You may as well toss your money on a blazing yule log. Here are some common gifting gaffes to avoid:Gadgets they'll never use: golf-ball-finder glasses, battery-powered potato peeler.

• Desk clutter: "gone fishing" plaques, Zen gardens, paperweights.
• Overly personal: lingerie, nose hair trimmers, weight-loss books.
• Thoughtless: cookies for the diabetic, wine for the recovering alcoholic or the same gift for the same person two years in a row.
• Tacky: holiday apparel, stuffed animals for anyone over age 10.
• Clichéd: snow globes, coffee mugs, Chia Pets and, yes, fruitcakes.

So Portland, in closing it is okay to make mistakes. Just take a look at these famous people and their mistakes. With this year being hard on a lot of people, take advantage of these tips and learn from past mistakes. As always please feel free to leave comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide November 30th - December 6th

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What's Going On Around Portland And The Northwest

With many of you this week being in totally holiday mode with Thanksgiving on Thursday, here are some quick link to whats going on around Portland:

• Portland may not be a global city, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
• Consumer confidence grows slightly, but is nothing to write home about for the holiday season.
• With the economy growing modestly and consumers spending, the economy may not be rebounding as strong as once believed.
• Is a college degree worth what it costs to be in debt after graduation and in a weak job market?
• It has gotten so bad for some that they can not even afford to take care of their pets.
• More on Portland being a happier city despite the unemployment issues.

So Portland, while your enjoying your turkey on Thursday and catching up on the news, don't forget about the Employment Guide for all your employment needs. Stay safe and enjoy your Thanksgiving, and as always please feel free to leave comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide November 23rd - November 29th

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What's Going On Around Portland And The Northwest

Here is a look at some of the stories that are going on here in Portland and the Northwest:

• It looks like the people of Portland have stopped looking for jobs and that's the reason the unemployment rate has dipped.
• However, the unemployment rate has held at 11.3% and that's lowest it has been since February.
  
• When times are tough it's nice to see the Young Professional of Portland helping the unemployed battle hunger and joblessness.
• A new study shows that you might not need as much income in retirement.
• Most Portlanders are happy with their city.
• US Chamber of Commerce VP John Murphy, issued a challenge to Oregon to create more jobs.

So Portland, we here at the Employment Guide and Wiser Worker are here to help with the unemployment rate. Also, keep your heads up and don't give up hope! If anyone would like to add another article or has any comments, please feel free to post them in the comments section below.

Portland Employment Guide November 16th - November 22nd

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Unemployment To Hit 10.5% But The Job Outlook Brightens

Just this last Friday, the Labor Department said that the jobless rate in the U.S. had jumped up to 10.2%. That is the highest unemployment rate in 26 years! The highest post world war II rate was 10.8% at the height of the 1982 recession. Also, economists that were recently surveyed stated that the unemployment rate will hit 10.5% by the middle of next year. The Federal Reserve also warned that unemployment will likely stay high for the next couple of years.

That news may trouble some people, but others may choose to believe that the job market is looking brighter. With many reports that the economy is on the way up, it is nice to hear that companies are going to start hiring. The National Association for Business Economics said the number of employers planning to hire workers over the next six months exceeded the number expecting job cuts for the first time since the recession began in December 2007. That is really great news and is something that everyone should focus on instead on the double digit unemployment. We here at The Employment Guide are also doing all that we can to help get the economy back on a roll again.

It is also nice to see that employers may need to soften their stance on sick days with there being such a scare with H1N1. With uncertain times, people do not need the added stress that they could possibly loose their job by being sick.

So Portland, with the recent news of the unemployment rate being double digits and that companies are going to hire. What side of the fence do you lean towards? Please leave you comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide November 9th - November 15th

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Debt, Retirement, And 5 Stocks You Should Buy As Prices Drop

- Times can be rough right now for some people and companies with bankruptcy. If you think that you or your company may have it bad with debt, take a look at this article and how people are punished for bankruptcy abroad:

Dubai: Yes, you can go to jail

In Dubai, if you don't have enough cash in your account to cover the check in any given month, watch out: The bank can get a warrant for your arrest, and you can be jailed, Rhode said. Those in default also can have their passports seized, preventing them from leaving the country.

Germany: Bankruptcy is a teachable moment

In Germany, as in most European countries, creditors could turn to specialized public debt collectors to try to get defaulters to pay. These collectors might hold public auctions of one of the debtor's few possessions -- a sofa, say -- which often brought in so little money that the auction costs weren't even covered, let alone any part of the debt, Kilborn said.

...Germany, however, views its six-year repayment plan as a chance to educate consumers about responsible money management, Kilborn said. If the debtor follows the rules of the plan, his or her debts are wiped out after six years even if not a single payment is made to a creditor -- and typically, none is.

India: Bands of thugs and public shaming

There is no system, formal or informal, for helping people resolve their consumer debts in India, Kilborn said.

A growing middle class and a rise in the availability of credit haven't led to any kind of mediation system for people who can't pay. Instead, even legitimate lenders may turn to bands of thugs to enforce debts or use public humiliation, such as demonstrations outside the defaulters' homes.

- Have you ever wondered how the US compares with other countries in retirement? Well the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index has ranked countries based on the adequacy, sustainability, and integrity of their public and private pension systems. It turns out that we are ranked 6th out of the 11 countries examined.

- Here is an article on the 5 stocks that you should buy as prices drop. It has great tips on long term investment that have great potential on being successful.

So in closing Portland, what are your thoughts on debt, retirement, and the stock market? And do these articles change your opinions on these subjects? Please leave your comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide November 2nd - November 8th

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Portland Employment Guide October 26th - November 1st

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Don't Forget About Tomorrow!!

Portland Employment Guide's 4th Job Fair of the year will be at the Downtown Hilton on 921 SW 6th ave. tomorrow October 22nd! This event is free to all job seekers, so make sure to dress for success and bring lots of resumes! Please see the up to date flyer below for all the necessary details.

Up To The Minute List Of Companies That Will Be At The Job Fair (With Links)

October 22^nd List of Companies

1. Mary Kay
2. Isagenix
3. Party Lite
4. ACS
5. US Army
6. Evans Glass
7. Central City Concerns
8. Avon
9. ADT
10. Heavy Equipment Operator School
11. Opti Staffing
12. KOIN Local 6/Hire Me TV
13. KPAM
14. IRS
15. Easter Seals
16. AFLAC
17. Oregon Army National Guard
18. International Air Academy
19. Warner Pacific
20. Heald
21. TNT Direct Sales
22. DeVry
23. Farmers Insurance
24. Stratus of Oregon
25. Discovery Toys
26. American Family Insurance
27. Clearwire
28. PDX Enterprise Solutions
29. NetBiz
30. Total Employment And Management (TEAM)
31. Caregiver Training Institute
32. 2020 Companies
33. Reliv International
34. Caregiving Career Institute

Portland Employment Guide October 19th - October 25th

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Portland Job Fair And List Of Companies

With the Portland Job Fair only about a week away, many job seekers want to know who is coming and how to prepare for the job fair. Well here is a great list of 10 ways to prepare for a job fair:


Top 10 Job Fair Tips

And as far as the current list of companies that will be in attendance, which is not the final listing. Here it is!


October 22 List of Companies

One last thing Portland, take a look at what is dropping. Pretty soon things will return to the way once were. Until then I hope to see all of you at the Job Fair. Just remember that is it free to all job seekers, so bring plenty of resumes and dress for success!

Portland Employment Guide October 12th - October 18th

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Portland Job Fair October 22nd!

The Portland Employment Guide is having it's last job fair of the year on October 22nd! It will be at the Downtown Hilton on 921 SW 6th Ave and will be from 10am to 3pm. There are already 20 companies signed up with many more expected to come. Companies such as KPAM, KOIN, Evans Glass, and Opti Staffing will be there, along with ADT, AFLAC, and Isagenix. Admission is free to all job seekers, so bring lots of resumes and dress for success. This is going to our last job fair of the year, so we hope to see everyone there! For any additional information please see our flyer below:

Portland Employment Guide October 5th - October 11th

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What's Going On Around Portland And The Northwest

Here are some links to some stories that are going on around Portland and the Northwest that I thought I would share:

• It appears that the economy shrank less than expect in quarter 2, which is another sign that the economy is actually growing.
• Despite a drop in income, Nike's first quarter profits held steady due to saving from job cuts and a smaller marketing budget.
• Nautilus, the Vancouver-based fitness equipment company is trying to sell its entire commercial operation to focus solely on the consumer side of business.
• It looks like Washington state along with Oregon will not increase their minimum wage.
• Intel and Nike make the top 10 list of the 500 greenest corporations in America.
• The Biggi family has decided not to sell their land to Beaverton, stopping the Portland Beavers from moving there.

So Portland, what is going on around the Northwest that we should know? Please leave your comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide September 28th - October 4th

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Is Your Facebook Profile Stopping You From Getting A Job?

Who isn't on Facebook these days? The once student only website has become a mega sensation in the past couple of years, but it doesn't mean you should post anything and everything to it. This month's question for Seymour on the Spherion Career Blog has everything to do with Facebook and how it might stop you from getting a job.

Q: Dear Seymour, Could my Facebook Page be Keeping me From Landing a Job?

His response is...

A: Facebook started in 2004 as a pet project of then Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg. It was originally designed for students, but in no time it exploded into an international social networking phenomenon that included everyone and excluded no one. Though it was once a forum for students to chat and post photos, now Facebook is for anyone and everyone--including potential employers - which means if you're serious about your career, there are rules to follow.

Is this professional?
Before you post anything to Facebook, ask yourself: Is this professional? If you knew a boss or a potential boss would see it, how would you feel? What might they assume about you? Social networking is about being friends with people, but now that business and career networking has become part of it as well, it's important to mind your p's and q's. If you wouldn't do it or say it in an office, don't put it on Facebook.

Consider creating a career-only profile.
It's a great idea to make a profile that is only for business and networking. You can easily create a separate e-mail address to help you manage this, and it will eliminate the question of whether it's okay to post something on Facebook. Make this profile only about your work and your career goals. Post a professional photo if you choose to post a photo at all, and make your updates about industry news. If you have a career blog, link to it there. This is also a great idea for friending people you work with--office rumors can spread quickly, so only having work friends on your business profile will protect you. This will allow you more freedom on your personal site.

Manage your friends and your privacy.
Many people have hundreds, even thousands of Facebook friends. It's smart to create lists to help you manage your friend list and also to regulate the privacy settings of each group. You may have one group for closest friends, one group for family, and one for career networking. Privacy settings are so sophisticated now that you can manage who sees what, so it's easy to still post your beach vacation photos but only make them visible to your social friend group. Think about what is appropriate on your profile for friends and what is appropriate for business and use the privacy accordingly.

You never know who is watching.
This is true in life, and it's also true on Facebook. Even if you think your privacy settings are set, even if you think you are unsearchable, you never know how word could get out about something you said or did. Maybe one of your friends ends up knowing your next hiring manager even if you are unaware of the connection. Most hiring managers are eager for information about candidates, and while using a friend to view other's profiles may not be completely ethical, it's wise to expect the unexpected.

So with that said, just be careful what you promote on your social networking sites and make sure that you would be able to show them to anyone including potential employers. In closing, has anyone ever been denied employment for having something on their Facebook page? Please leave you comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide September 21st - September 27th

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Is The Recession Over? And The 10 Best Cities To Earn A Living

A bit of news was released today by Ben Bernanke that I think everyone will be happy with. According to the Federal Reserve Chairman, the recession is "very likely" over. However, the economy might be growing now but, it probably won't speed up the recovery of the unemployment rate which is at a 26 year high.

So now that the recession has "officially" ended, here is a list according to Forbes of the top cities to make a living. Of the top 10 cities to earn a living only one is in the Northwest. Three of the top 10 are in the state of Texas.

7. Seattle, Wash.

Number of Forbes’ Best Big Companies: 0

Number of Forbes’ Best Small Companies: 1

Median Income: 32,836

ACCRA Cost of Living Index # (100 Median): 123.8

Five-Year forecasted Annual Job Growth: 1.09%

So Portland, what are your thoughts about the recession "very likely" being over? I for one am very happy about the news. Also, what are your thoughts about the cities that are listed as the best places to earn a living? Does it surprise you that Portland is not listed? Please list your comments below.

Portland Employment Guide September 14th - September 20th

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America's Most Stressful Cities

Every year Forbes comes out with a list for the most stressful cities in America and right now we have four cities in the Northwest that are in the top 15 out of 40 cities listed. They determine how stressful a city is by the quality of life factors, unemployment rate, median home prices, population density, and the number of sunny days in a city. The four cities that I mentioned are:

15. Sacramento, Calif.
With a June unemployment rate of 11.6% and a year-over-year median home price drop of 34.5%, it's a good thing the number of sunny and partly sunny days in the Sacramento metropolitan areas is high, measured at 265 days in 2007.
Read on for more lifestyle coverage, including information on the most expensive places for health care and best cities for a housing recovery.

14. Portland, Ore.
Portland takes the No. 1 spot for the least amount of sunny days of the 40 metropolitan areas we examined--only 142 in 2007. Another drawback is its 11.7% June unemployment rate.
Read on for more lifestyle coverage, including information on the most expensive places for health care and best cities for a housing recovery.

11. Seattle, Wash.
Seattle scores high for its ninth highest cost of living and low amount of sunny days--only 164 in 2007. Unemployment was just slightly below the national rate at 9.3% in.
Read on for more lifestyle coverage, including information on the most expensive places for health care and best cities for a housing recovery.

6. San Francisco, Calif.
The Golden Gate city takes the No. 1 spot for its 42.7% year-over-year median home price drop. It holds the No. 2 spot for high cost of living. Its sunny weather and good air quality, however, lower its rank on the stressful cities list.
Read on for more lifestyle coverage, including information on the most expensive places for health care and best cities for a housing recovery.

After seeing the list, do you agree with the cities listed? Or should there be others added to the list? Please leave your comment in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide September 7th - September 13th

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What's Going On Around Portland And The Northwest

Here are some interesting news stories that I have come across that I thought I might share with everyone:

• ReVolt Technology, a company that makes zinc based batteries that are used to extend the range of electric cars has chose Portland as there US based headquarters and will hire 250 people.
• Downtown Portland has been hit hard by the recession and the number of jobs that available are lowest since 2002.
• Here is the forecast for Oregon's economy and as the article states, it will be a slow recovery.
• Oregon's State Government is wasting $200K on unnecessary phone charges.
• Evans Glass is hiring for sales reps in the Portland Area.

So Portland, what's going on in your area? Please share your new stories in the comment section below.

Portland Employment Guide August 31st - September 6th

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Tips On How To Avoid Recession Burn Out, Most Lucrative College Majors, And Mature Workers

It seems like every night that the new has multiple stories on the recession or the economy. The news could either good or bad, which can very conflicting on how things really are. I know that what they say may or mat not be 100% correct all the time, but don't let it get to you. Here are some great recession tips from Spherion Blog.

1. Take in the news, but do not hang you hat on any one story. Bottom line - it's been bad, but there are positive signs that it's getting better.
2. Keep your nose to the grindstone. Don't worry about what could happen, focus on what is happening right now and do your part to stay productive at work.
3. Go a head, have a coffee break. Stressing yourself out and staying stuck to the cubicle is going to make you less productive. Take a break by going on a walk or getting a cup of coffee.
4. Avoid the office hen house. You know, the colleagues who spend a good part of lunch or break time hashing out the rumor mill about layoffs and office closings.
5. Stay positive. Easier said than done, but having a positive attitude is sometimes all it takes to have good things come your way.

With most kids either starting school or heading back there, here is a great article that will help some of those students that are on the fence what they should major in if they want it to make it worth their while. I know that these may not be for everyone but it seems like being an engineer is the way to go!

Here is another great article about how mature workers are often left behind when they need some flexibility at work or job training. They are often over looked when recruiting younger employees. Employees that are 50 and older usually prepare to work until they are into their 70' and 80's, so they need job flexibility and traing just as much if not more. So every year the AARP produces a list of the top 50 employers for workers 50 and older. Here is the most recent list. 2009's will be announced in September and as always Wiser Worker can help those mature workers find what they are looking for!

So Portland, give us some feed back and let us know what you are thinking!

Portland Employment Guide August 24th - August 30th

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Photos From The Portland Job Fair 8/18

Here is what it looked like today at the job fair:

Portland Employment Guide August 17th - August 23rd

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Companies At The Job Fair And Job Fair Tips

We are exactly a week away from the 3rd job fair of the year for the Portland Employment Guide. By now most people are wondering who is going to be present, so they can plan accordingly for the job fair. Well as of right now we have nearly 20 companies signed up and ready to go! Here is the list:


August 18th Companies

After figuring out who is going to be there you might need to know some tips on how to approach the job fair. Here are 10 tips to help you stand out from the crowd:


Top 10 Job Fair Tips

We here at the Employment Guide are very excited about the job fair next week! We really look forward to seeing everyone there and hope that things work out for those coming. I also just wanted to say that this is my 100 post, so thank you for all of those who read this!

Portland Employment Guide August 10th - August 16th

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Portland Job Fair August 18th

The Portland Employment Guide is having another job fair on August 18th. It will be at the Downtown Hilton on 921 SW 6th Ave. It will be from 10am to 3pm, and there are already 15 companies signed up with many more expected to come. Companies such as KPAM, KOIN, Evans Glass, and Opti Staffing will be there, along with ADT, AFLAC, and Cascade Medical School. Admission is free to all job seekers, so bring lots of resumes and dress for success. For any additional information please see our flyer below:

Portland Employment Guide August 3rd - August 9th

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Phone Interviews, Unemployment Rate Explained, And The "New" Retirement Plan

Hopefully everyone in the Northwest is keeping cool today with near record temperatures this week. With the way things have gone this year, it would be nice to have a "heat wave" of employment so to speak. Well when opportunities come about you need to capitalize on them. Today, recruiters and hiring managers are using phone interviews as a first round of screening for potential hires. No longer it seems that you can just cruise your way through the phone interview and go straight to the actual face to face interview. So, this article from Spherion Career Blog gives some great tips on how to prepare for the interview. Here are the five tips that they recommend:

1. Conduct the phone interview in a location that is quiet with no distractions.
2. Make sure you schedule the interview when you have time to think about your answers and are not rushing.
3. Treat the phone interview as the first round instead of a preliminary necessity.
4. If it helps, dress for the phone interview. Maybe not in a suit, but make sure you have showered and dressed if you are at home.
5. Prepare by practicing your interview answers, and use all of the interviewing skills you would if this was a face to face meeting.

With all these news reports about the unemployment rate being at a certain percentage, we often wonder how they come up with the numbers that they do. Well here is a post from the Wiser Worker Blog that breaks down the unemployment rate. It does not represent the amount of United States citizens who are not working. Instead, it represents the amount of people actively seeking employment who cannot find it.

With people having to work longer than they anticipated in life, retirement just is not an option. Working has become the new "retirement" plan for a lot of people. Everyone has seemed to take a hit in this economy, and their nest eggs are not stretching as far as they had planned. Well to help those in need you can always look to Wiser Worker.com or Employment Guide.com. We even have a job fair coming up next month for those still looking for work.

So Portland, what are your phone interviewing tips? Also, what is your retirement plan and do you see yourself working much longer than you anticipated? Please leave your comments below.

Portland Employment Guide July 27th - August 2nd

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Odds And Ends

Here are some links I thought everyone might be interested in locally:

• Workplace problems can be common and hinder you from actually getting your work done. So here is article with a couple of question that deal with workplace problems.
• Here is a great article on how the community around 50th and Division are surviving this recession.
• The demand for food stamps has jumped nearly 30% since last year at this time.
• The jobless rate has dipped slightly but it is nothing compared to the 5.3% that it was at this time last year.
• This might be some really good news, if you have been following the whole fiasco with where the Portland Beavers are going to play after the 2010 season.

I also came across some article that do not have local ties that I thought were interesting:

• With the job market being so thin these days, everyone wants to help you with your resume.
• Spherion Career Blog wants to warn you about job scams.
• Jobless benefit rolls drop for the first time in months, and work productivity is up.
• Facebook is a great social networking tool that just turned 5, but they have not seen any profits. Will they last another five years?

So Portland, what website do you check out that I need to follow? Feel free to add to my list of websites or leave any comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide July 20th - July 26th

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Can Bad Grades Hold You Back From Finding A Decent Job?

With my last two blog entries (here and here)I was taking a look at the struggles of teens finding work this summer. Every summer, college students and high school graduates look for work, but what if your grades aren't up to par? Well the same question was asked on Spherion Blog. Here is what one of the readers asked:

Q: Dear Seymour, My grades aren't great. Does this mean I will have a harder time finding a job?

Here is what Seymour had to say:

Good grades are always a plus on your record. They can earn you recognition and often can open doors. However, good grades aren't important to everyone. To some, grades are an arbitrary measurement system that can depend on what classes you took, the difference between individual teachers, or other factors that don't necessarily reflect on a student's intelligence or abilities. Less-than-perfect grades are not a barrier to finding your dream job. There are still great ways for you to market yourself to a potential employer:

Don't make grades the most prominent part of your resume. When you create your resume, you don't necessarily have to list a GPA. As long as you have a degree or course credit (in other words, as long as you passed something), that is enough to list. Most employers look at your broad education and any experience that relates to the job you are applying for, not your GPA.

Focus on your passions. Put time and thought into what you want to do. Why are you applying for certain positions over others? If you are passionate about a job when another candidate with perfect grades is tepid about it, then you will stand out. Most employers are looking for people who are diligent, honest, work hard, and are happy about coming to work. If you care about what you want to do and are serious about it, that will shine through in an interview and set you apart.

Don't bring up bad grades unless you are asked -- if you are, have a good answer. Never highlight less than stellar qualities in an application process. Unless you are specifically asked about your grades, don't bring it up. If you are asked directly, don't lie. Be honest, but be prepared with a brief explanation about your grades. Do not make excuses. Some good answers could include, "I wasn't focused for the first two years of school," or "I had some temporary personal circumstances," or "I wasn't passionate about what I was studying, but I am very passionate about my current career path." Keep it brief and move on.

Have some other activities to boost your credentials. Find activities that complement your chosen career. Join clubs, trade associations, professional associations, or volunteer organizations that coincide with your field. Using your free time to devote yourself to these things will draw more attention to your motivation and take away from your report card.

These are great tips on how to make you stand out a little more when you thought your grades might hold you back from getting a job.

Portland Employment Guide July 13th - July 19th

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Work-Related Stress Tips And More On Teen Jobs

Like a lot of us, it is really hard to go back to work after the 4th of July holiday. We had lots of fun eating, drinking, and popping fire works this past weekend. So it makes it that much harder to go back to work after all that stress relief. So when you are having a hard time getting back into the swing of things at work, here are some tips from Spherion Blog to remember.

Take time off - Getting away from the office and having a little "me time" is the best way to beat the stress blues. Some workers are concerned about taking time off during a tough economy, but taking a day or two for a long weekend may help relieve stress.


Make lists and check them twice - Keeping organized and staying on top of your tasks can help keep stress at bay. Feeling organized can help compartmentalize your responsibilities, relieving anxiety about what's on your plate at work.

Confide in someone - "Venting" frustrations can be a great stress reliever. Most people do not want to be seen as a complainer, but confiding in a close friend or relative can unburden your mental state of mind and is healthier than keeping it to yourself.

Decompress or indulge a hobby - All employees could use a little down time. When times are tough and stress becomes overwhelming, remember to take time to unwind. Work in the garden, read a book, meditate or just take a hot soak in the bath to help you decompress from a hard day at the office.

As you recall from last week's post, teens are having a hard time finding work this summer. Here is another article just to prove that Oregon is one of the toughest places for kids to find work. With the recession most businesses are just not hiring and any open positions seem to go to out of work adults.

So Portland, what tips do you have in relieving work related stress? And for those that can not find summer work, please let us know about your situation. Please leave all comment in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide July 6th - July 12th

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Small Businesses Are Holding Steady In Portland, Where's My Summer Job?, And Job Fair Tips

Like many of us already know the economy is still bad and things have not improved, despite reports that things are turning around. Despite the fact that Portland's jobless jump outpaces the nation, and those in power may not have done all they can to create jobs. Portland can still hang its hat on small businesses. As layoffs mount, more and more people are starting their own business. Last month alone, Portland issued 579 new business licneses which is triple the number from a year ago and they have have issued nearly 7,000 in last 12 months. It all really picked up last September as the recession was just starting to take a hold of the economy. Oregon traditionally relies on small business for job creation than most other states. Companies with 500 employees or less provide 57.2% of all private sector jobs in Oregon compared to the nation average of 50.2%. Some other really good news about small business owners is that Jeff Merkley introduced new legislation to boost tax deductions to $10,000 for those who spend under $60,000 for start up. Currently there is a $5,000 tax deduction for those who spend under $50,000.

With it finally being summer up here in the Northwest, the kids are out of school looking for jobs and there doesn't seem to be many. High schoolers across the area have reported that it has been harder to get a job this year than most years. The teenage unemployment rate in 2008 was estimated at around 17%, but this year they are predicting that it will be up around 22-23%. With the saturated job-seeker market, companies are being really picky with sorting through resumes. This can be a good thing for those hiring though because they can sit back and evaluate all the resumes and applications to select candidates that meet their criteria.

Here is a great article from the San Francisco Chronicle that features some good job fair tips and a quote from our very own Christina Moneypenny. Christina has some excellent advice, "When you submit stuff online, that is great, but it is just a document. When you go to a job fair you get to bring the whole package. The recruiters are there and they will know within in 30 seconds whether or not you are the right person for the job."

So Portland, what is your take on small businesses? And is this something that will bring us out of the recession? Also what are your feelings on the shrinking job market for teens? Please leave your comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide June 29th - July 5th

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Some Tips on Turning Your Temp Job into a Permanent One

I have been following a blog recently called the Spherion Career Blog that gives some pretty good advice on what to expect when job searching. I always seem to find something useful to add on here from their blog. Well I came across one of their post that features a little Q&A from one of their writers named Seymour who gives monthly insider tips. The topic that was presented this time was turning your temp job into a permanent one.

Q: Dear Seymour, I am currently working as a temporary employee
at my company. My coworker (who was also working temporary) was just offered
her position permanently. How can I turn my temp job into a permanent
one?

And here are tip that Seymour lists:

Confirm the opening. Ask your staffing employer or the HR contact at the organization where you are assigned if the position offers the possibility of permanent work. If it doesn't, you can still keep your eyes and ears open for other full-time job openings within your department or elsewhere within the organization.

Make your intentions known. It's important to share your intentions of securing full-time work with the company. Do your best to communicate your goal to coworkers and supervisors.
Exceed expectations in your temporary tasks. Remember, not only is a temp-to-perm assignment an opportunity for you to "try out" the position, your employer is likely sizing you up for the role as well. The single best way to make sure you are considered a candidate for permanent employment is to exceed your boss' expectations in your current assignment. In today's competitive labor market, becoming a star employee may even result in the organization creating a position for you if one is not currently available.

Take advantage of your inside contacts. If you've done a good job at building your credibility and proving your worth to colleagues and superiors, they can help serve as references and stepping stones to a permanent position within the organization.

Don't get complacent. Even though you're considered an "insider," it is still important to approach the interview and hiring process seriously. Make sure you convey why you're a good fit for the position, and the benefits of hiring you, such as your existing knowledge of the company.

These are some great tips for anyone right now that is in some kind of temporary position and wants to make it permanent. There are plenty of news stories out there right now that talk about how bad things are, so it is important to take advantage of all the help you can get. Even if it is as simple as smiling or showing more confidence, because you never know what might happen.

So Portland, let us know what your advice is on making your temp job permanent. Please feel free to leave comments in the section below.

Portland Employment Guide June 22nd - June 28th

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15 Most Popular Job Sites And 10 Big Companies That Continue To Thrive

I came across an article on Forbes.com about the best ways to find jobs online. In the article it talks about how the online job sites have leveled the playing field for people searching for work and employers trying to hire. They also mention how unique visitor traffic has increased on many sites nearly 50% in a years time due to the recession. The part of the article that grabbed my attention the most was Forbes list of the 15 most popular job boards. It was great to see that The Employment Guide made the list at number 15! Some of our partners also made the list like, About.com at number 8, Job.com at number 7, Indeed.com at number 5, and SimplyHired.com at number 4.

Another article that I came across was about 10 big companies that have not quit on the US. This is great article that shows that not everything is going wrong with the manufacturing industry in the US. It is a great slideshow outlining each of the 10 companies and what their status is like during the recession. Here is another great article on the myth of the US industry demise. It focuses on the myth that all the manufacturing jobs have been outsourced to other countries. That is the furthest thing from the truth! The United States is still the biggest manufacturer in the world. Our numbers may have dipped due to the recession but we still produce the most factory goods in the world.

So Portland, what are your favorite jobs boards to use? Do you agree with the list on Forbes? Also, has anyone tried applying or received a job from any of the 10 companies that were listed? If so, give us a little more feed back on what the manufacturing industry is like right now.

Portland Employment Guide June 15th - June 21st

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Portland Employment Guide June 8th - June 14th

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Portland Job Fair Video

Here is what the event looked like today:

Portland Job Fair Photos June 4th

Here are the photos from the June 4th job fair in Portland. Let us know what you thought of the job fair and if anyone has any photos to share let me know!

Portland Employment Guide June 1st - June 7th

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Portland Job Fair June 4th

With our job fair coming up next week, I thought I would take some time to talk about it. We currently have around 15-20 companies lined up with more surely to come. It is going to be at the Downtown Hilton in Portland from 10am to 3pm on Thursday, June 4th. It is free to all job seekers. This is our second of four job fairs this year and we are pretty excited about it!

So take a look at these previous job fair blog entries here and here to brush up on some of what you should expect to face when going to a job fair. Also any simple google search on job fair tips can expand your knowledge on what to expect. As always you should dress for success and bring lots of resumes because you just never know what could happen!

Here is the Job Fair flyer that has a list of our sponsors such as Evans Glass, Opti Staffing Group, KOIN, Hire Me TV, and KPAM 860AM. If you can not make the job fair, you can also check us out on the web at our website. We hope everyone is as excited as we are and we look forward to seeing you next week!

Portland Employment Guide May 25th - May 31st

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Oregon's Jobless Rate Takes a Breather And Other Northwest News

Like I have stated before that the recession is slowing, but it is far from over. Oregonians are seeing that for the first time in a while. These numbers are still very high for us, but they did not continue to climb after March. Its reports like this one about Oregon High-Tech stabilizing that validate what I am saying and what many are reporting that the numbers may not be pretty but at least they aren't snowballing. Right now there are a reported 242,550 Oregonians that are unemployed and that is more than double the number that were unemployed last year in April. Right now a lot of industries are losing jobs but it appears that government, education, and health services are all hiring due the US Census Bureau's population census that come out every decade.

With the unemployment rate being the way it is many people have looked elsewhere to gain the necessary skills that it takes for the job market today. Community Colleges have been flooded with many trying to gain any kind of edge they can in the job market. Though it has not seem to help much with how things are in Oregon, it is still preparing people for when companies start to hire again.

Just recently, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski called upon legislation to shift about $90 million of the state's unemployment trust fund to create an emergency job program for 12,000 unemployed people. These projected jobs are set to begin July 1st and pay from anywhere between $8.40 and $10 an hour helping local food banks, clearing brush in parks, and restoring habitat. This program would be very similar to when Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the Civilian Conservation Corps. that put many people back to work during the Great Depression. This is very good news for those on unemployment looking to get back on their feet somewhat.

In closing, if you ever find yourself wondering if you should just take any job in this econmy, well here is a bit of Q & A on the subject from Spherion Career Blog.