Last week I started my job as a Revenue Tax Specialist II for the City of Portland Revenue Bureau. Along with the relief of finding a position after a long seven month search, all of my first impressions here at the bureau have been fantastic. The people are welcoming and helpful, the work will have a nice mixture of analysis and customer service, and the two other gentlemen that were hired on with me are very easy to interact with.
This opportunity came to me through Mary Beth Henry, Manager of the Office for Community Technology/Mt Hood Cable Regulatory Commission within the City of Portland Revenue Bureau (via Kent Wyatt). Kent forwarded me the information about the position, and right before heading to Idaho to spend the holidays with my girlfriend’s family, I faxed out my application and resume to Barbra Rice. Barbra was quick to reply and we set up an interview for January 2, 2013. After a wonderful interviewing experience my New Year’s Resolution was fulfilled in a week. I was offered the position on the 7th and I enthusiastically accepted.
As impossible as it is to grasp a notion of fate, I really feel as though I am in the right place. I’m working for the city that I love and the project I was hired to work on is great. My time at the Revenue Bureau will be spent working on Portland’s new Arts Tax. This successful ballot measure will provide the funds for outreach, teachers, and special projects all aimed at arts education for various grade schools and arts organizations within the city. Not to be bias towards a measure but… HOW COOL IS THAT?
I want to end the last post in my job search the same way I ended all of them, with the Dynamic Duo.
What advice do you have for current job-seekers or anyone looking to expand their professional network?
I spent a lot of my time in college trying to determine what exactly it was I wanted to pursue. Constantly switching my aim to one thing or another, I missed out on some of the benefits of an unwavering determination. Any shuttle heading towards and end result I either missed or was too indecisive to board. My advice is to not dwell on missed opportunities, but instead to remember that if you have the knowledge of past experiences and a desire to succeed, your own two feet will always get you to where you want to be. If you miss a shuttle or the one you’re currently on breaks down, start walking. You will learn more about who you are and who you want to be.
Oh and also, Listerine Strips. Pop one of those in and you’ll have minty fresh breath during an interview without the distraction of gum (not to mention chewing gum during an interview is a huge no-no).
How important is building your personal and professional network?
Like every one of my interviewees, I’ll say that constructing a quality network is a crucial element of success. But I’ll take it a step further; make sure to go out of your way to show the people in your network your skills and abilities and that you have the initiative and creativity to find a way to showcase them. I was blessed to be able to share my journey on this blog and with the fine folks of ELGL.
A special thank you to my readers, interviewees, the Wyatt family, and my personal support system. I could not have completed my job search without all of you.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxOU-8GxGws&w=420&h=315]
