PNSQC February 2024 Meetup Recap: "Step Up Your Career Game: Job Hunting Workshop"
02/27/2024
Michael Larsen
The meetup featured a lineup of accomplished speakers who shared their expertise on various aspects of job hunting, resume crafting, and leveraging technology to advance one's career prospects.
Here's a glimpse of the highlights from the engaging presentations (read more):
Crafting Your Resume for Today's Job Market
Heather Wilcox, Engineering Manager, QA and Reliability at NWEA, kicked off the event with an illuminating talk on "Crafting your resume for Today's Job Market." Drawing from her experience as a hiring manager, Wilcox offered invaluable insights into optimizing resumes to stand out in today's competitive landscape. Key takeaways included emphasizing contextual skills, maintaining clarity in presentation, and showcasing a human touch in job applications.
Strategic Job Search Tactics and Networking
Susan Loth, Digital Quality Assurance Specialist, delved into effective job search strategies and leveraging personal connections to unearth opportunities in the QA and software testing domain. Loth outlined a methodical approach involving keyword searches, leveraging LinkedIn connections, and utilizing the "T-Shaped Letter" strategy to align personal skills with job requirements.
Harnessing LinkedIn and AI for Career Advancement
Ron Wilson, Quality Engineering Leader and Job Search & Career Expert, shared five practical tips for leveraging LinkedIn and AI tools such as ChatGPT to secure dream job opportunities. Wilson underscored the importance of providing detailed information to AI tools to enhance LinkedIn profiles and resume descriptions, highlighting the potential of AI in refining writing skills.
Exploring State Government Job Opportunities
Ying Ki Kwong, E-Government Program Manager at State of Oregon, shed light on the benefits of pursuing careers in state government, emphasizing stability, attractive benefits, and job security. Kwong's insights provided attendees with an alternative perspective on career paths beyond the private sector.
In addition to the enriching presentations, attendees were treated to exciting announcements regarding the upcoming PNSQC 2024 conference. Moss Drake, PNSQC Program Chair, revealed Bas Djikstra, an esteemed test automation consultant and trainer, as one of the keynote speakers for the event. Drake also extended an invitation for proposals for the conference, offering attendees an opportunity to share their expertise alongside industry luminaries.
For those who missed the meetup or wish to revisit the presentations, slides from each speaker are available online:
Heather Wilcox: Crafting Your Resume
Susan Loth: Job Search Strategies
Ron Wilson: Tips for Landing Your Dream Job
With valuable insights gained and opportunities on the horizon, participants left the meetup inspired and equipped to navigate their career journeys with confidence.
For those interested in contributing to PNSQC 2024, the Call for Proposals is now open, offering a chance to showcase expertise and collaborate with industry leaders. Submit your proposal here.
Stay tuned for more enriching events and opportunities from PNSQC as it continues to foster growth and excellence in software quality and careers within the industry.
Michael Larsen
PNSQC February 2024 Meetup Recap: "Step Up Your Career Game: Job Hunting Workshop"
The Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference (PNSQC) recently hosted a dynamic meetup titled "Step Up Your Career Game: February's Job Hunting Workshop Awaits," drawing professionals from the tech industry for an insightful evening of career development discussions and strategies. Held in a hybrid format, both in person at the NE Broadway McMenamins and online, the event garnered significant participation from individuals eager to enhance their job search techniques and refine their career paths.The meetup featured a lineup of accomplished speakers who shared their expertise on various aspects of job hunting, resume crafting, and leveraging technology to advance one's career prospects.
Here's a glimpse of the highlights from the engaging presentations (read more):
Crafting Your Resume for Today's Job Market
Heather Wilcox, Engineering Manager, QA and Reliability at NWEA, kicked off the event with an illuminating talk on "Crafting your resume for Today's Job Market." Drawing from her experience as a hiring manager, Wilcox offered invaluable insights into optimizing resumes to stand out in today's competitive landscape. Key takeaways included emphasizing contextual skills, maintaining clarity in presentation, and showcasing a human touch in job applications.
Strategic Job Search Tactics and Networking
Susan Loth, Digital Quality Assurance Specialist, delved into effective job search strategies and leveraging personal connections to unearth opportunities in the QA and software testing domain. Loth outlined a methodical approach involving keyword searches, leveraging LinkedIn connections, and utilizing the "T-Shaped Letter" strategy to align personal skills with job requirements.
Harnessing LinkedIn and AI for Career Advancement
Ron Wilson, Quality Engineering Leader and Job Search & Career Expert, shared five practical tips for leveraging LinkedIn and AI tools such as ChatGPT to secure dream job opportunities. Wilson underscored the importance of providing detailed information to AI tools to enhance LinkedIn profiles and resume descriptions, highlighting the potential of AI in refining writing skills.
Exploring State Government Job Opportunities
Ying Ki Kwong, E-Government Program Manager at State of Oregon, shed light on the benefits of pursuing careers in state government, emphasizing stability, attractive benefits, and job security. Kwong's insights provided attendees with an alternative perspective on career paths beyond the private sector.
In addition to the enriching presentations, attendees were treated to exciting announcements regarding the upcoming PNSQC 2024 conference. Moss Drake, PNSQC Program Chair, revealed Bas Djikstra, an esteemed test automation consultant and trainer, as one of the keynote speakers for the event. Drake also extended an invitation for proposals for the conference, offering attendees an opportunity to share their expertise alongside industry luminaries.
For those who missed the meetup or wish to revisit the presentations, slides from each speaker are available online:
Heather Wilcox: Crafting Your Resume
Susan Loth: Job Search Strategies
Ron Wilson: Tips for Landing Your Dream Job
With valuable insights gained and opportunities on the horizon, participants left the meetup inspired and equipped to navigate their career journeys with confidence.
For those interested in contributing to PNSQC 2024, the Call for Proposals is now open, offering a chance to showcase expertise and collaborate with industry leaders. Submit your proposal here.
Stay tuned for more enriching events and opportunities from PNSQC as it continues to foster growth and excellence in software quality and careers within the industry.