AUGUST 2026
CAREER How to Handle an Unexpected Interview Question
Should You Include a Photo on Your Résumé? A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald, Stanwood Camano News and Anacortes American goskagit.com
CAREER AUGUST 2026
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How to Navigate a Career Fair What to Bring, What to Say and How to Follow Up
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areer fairs can be energizing — and overwhelming. In one room, you’ll find dozens of companies, each with recruiters ready to meet job seekers just like you. But making the most of the experience takes more than just showing up. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been to a few before, preparing ahead of time can help you stand out, stay confident and leave with leads worth following.
when you approach their booth, you can ask Keep it conversational, and if the recruiter better questions and make a stronger impression. seems engaged, ask about next steps or how to apply. If it’s a general chat, thank them for their Print several copies of your résumé and bring time and move along. You don’t need to visit them in a folder to keep things neat. You don’t every booth — focus on quality over quantity. need to hand one out at every table, but having them ready shows you came prepared. Dress professionally — even if the event seems casual — and carry a small notebook or phone to jot down names and notes. A firm handshake, a smile and a short intro can go a long way. Make Each Interaction Count
Plan Before You Go
When you speak to a recruiter, don’t just ask what jobs they have. Start with a friendly introduction, then ask something specific about the company or role:
Start by reviewing the list of participating companies. Pick out a few that interest you most and learn a little about what they do. That way,
“I saw your company is expanding into health care. Could you tell me more about that direction?”
Follow Up to Stay Top of Mind After the event, send a short thank-you email to any recruiter you spoke with for more than a few minutes. Mention something you discussed and include your résumé again. Even if there isn’t an immediate opening, staying in touch could lead to future opportunities. Career fairs are just one step in the process, but when approached with intention, they can be a smart way to build momentum in your search — and make real-world connections that matter.
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Do You Know How To Attract the Attention of Headhunters? Standing Out Today Practical Ways to Differentiate Yourself Beyond the Résumé
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Holding Down Multiple Jobs? Should You Include a Photo on Your Résumé? How to Handle an Unexpected Interview Question Staying Composed When You’re Caught Off Guard
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Dive into a maritime industry career CAREER AUGUST 2026
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Do you know how to attract the attention of headhunters?
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ob hunting can be challenging, but attracting a headhunter’s attention can be an effective strategy for landing your dream job. Here’s a practical guide to piquing their interest:
• Optimize your online presence. Ensure your profiles on professional social networks, such as LinkedIn, are current and accurately reflect your experience, skills and achievements. Headhunters often use the internet to find potential candidates.
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• Be active on social media. Regularly participate in relevant conversations in your field. Post engaging content, share relevant articles and make connections with industry insiders. • Build your personal brand. Identify what sets you apart from other people. Create a strong image by highlighting your unique skills, experience and expertise. • Attend events. Attend conferences, visit career fairs and sign up for activities in your field. These events are a great opportunity to network with headhunters and other professionals. • Improve your résumé. Make sure your résumé is clear and concise and highlights your achievements. Relevant information should be easy to spot. Follow these tips to increase your chances of being noticed by these professionals and open the door to exciting opportunities. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas and ask questions at meetups. goskagit.com
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Standing Out Today Practical Ways to Differentiate Yourself Beyond the Resume
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When possible, tie the work sample to the employer’s needs using the same language found in the job posting. Communication Counts Many roles depend on clear communication, and interviews often test it more than applicants realize. Job seekers can stand out by preparing a simple story about their work using a basic structure: the situation, the task, the action and the result. This approach helps candidates stay specific while avoiding long answers that drift. Written communication also plays a role. Employers notice whether emails confirm time zones, include needed details and stay professional. A short thank-you note after an interview can reinforce interest and highlight one relevant point from the conversation without overselling.
iring can move fast, and many applicants look similar on paper. A strong résumé still matters, but employers often make decisions based on signals that do not fit neatly into a one-page document. In a crowded job market, job seekers can improve their odds by Networks and Referrals making it easy for organizations to understand Referrals remain a common way employers their skills, their work style and the value they can find candidates, and networking does not have bring from day one. One place to start is clarity. Recruiters and hiring to be formal. Informational interviews, alumni connections and community groups can help managers frequently scan applications quickly, so candidates who define what they do and what applicants learn how organizations actually hire and what they value. A brief message that is roles they are targeting can reduce confusion. A short headline at the top of a résumé, a consistent respectful of time, references a shared connection job title on LinkedIn and a focused cover letter all and asks one clear question is more likely to get a response. help show direction. Proof of Work
Candidates can also strengthen their visibility by engaging thoughtfully on professional platforms. Sharing an article with a short takeaway, commenting with a useful observation or posting a small project update can show interest in the field and build familiarity over time.
A resume describes results, but work samples show them. Depending on the field, that might mean a portfolio website, a GitHub repository, a writing link, a project summary or a short case study that explains the problem, the approach Standing out is often less about flash and more and the outcome. Concrete evidence helps about reducing uncertainty for the employer. employers move from wondering whether someone can do the job to seeing how they think. When job seekers present a clear target, provide proof of work and communicate with care, they For candidates without a long work history, make it easier for hiring teams to say yes. In an class projects, volunteer work and personal economy built on skills and service, that kind of projects can still demonstrate job-ready skills. The preparation reflects well on both applicants and key is to provide context and to explain individual the workplaces ready to welcome them. responsibility, tools used and what was learned. 4
CAREER AUGUST 2026
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Holding Down Multiple Jobs? Yes, But Not Just Any Old Way!
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hether out of financial at work, you must be available. need or professional ambition, polyworking has Advantages and its advantages and disadvantages. disadvantages It’s important to be well-informed Working multiple jobs has some before working several jobs at once. benefits, but you’ll also face some Here are some points to consider. challenges. The advantages include additional income and the chance to Regulations diversify your skills. Legally, your primary employer On the other hand, you may doesn’t have to know that you have be overloaded with work, which another source of income. However, can eventually lead to burnout. if they suspect you’re working Polyworking can also cause conflicts another job on company time and of interest and negatively impact can prove it, the consequences can your personal life. What’s more, an be serious, ranging from termination increase in your income can affect to legal action. your taxes and benefits. Therefore, it’s important to Talk to a financial expert to avoid comply with current laws regarding unpleasant surprises. overtime and working conditions. For example, if your primary employer requires you to stay longer
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Should You Include a Photo on Your Résumé? (Probably Not!)
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n today’s digital age, you might be tempted to put a face to your name on your resume. Wait! While a photo might seem like a way to stand out, it can actually hurt your chances of landing an interview. Here’s why: • Focus on skills, not looks. Your résumé is about showcasing your job qualifications. A photo takes up valuable space that could be better used to highlight your skills and experience. Let your achievements speak for themselves. • Unconscious bias is a risk. Recruiters are trained to focus on your qualifications, but unconscious bias can still creep in. A photo could introduce an element that distracts from your abilities.
• It’s not the norm (in most places). In North America, résumés without photos are the standard. Including one might make your application seem out of place or even outdated. • Recruiters will see you online anyway. Like it or not, recruiters often search online for candidates. If they want to see a picture, they’ll quickly find you on social media (assuming your profiles are professional). Your resume is your chance to shine based on your skills and experience. Skip the photo and focus on crafting a compelling document that highlights why you’re the perfect candidate.
CAREER AUGUST 2026
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How to Handle an Unexpected Interview Question Staying Composed When You’re Caught Off Guard You might say, “That’s a great question. Let me think about that for a moment.” This gives you space to organize your thoughts and signals that you’re taking the question seriously. If the question is unclear, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification. A simple, “Could you expand on what you’d like to know?” ensures you’re answering the right question rather than guessing. Use Structure to Stay Focused When you’re caught off guard, structure is your friend. The STAR method — situation, task, action, result — works well for behavioral questions and helps keep your response organized. If the question is more abstract, focus on your thought process. Interviewers often care less about the “correct” answer and more about how you approach the problem. Walk them through your reasoning step by step.
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ou’ve prepared for the usual interview questions — your strengths, your weaknesses, your five-year plan. Then suddenly, the interviewer asks something you didn’t see coming. Maybe it’s a curveball about a failure, an abstract problem or a personal scenario that leaves you momentarily speechless. Unexpected questions are designed to test more than knowledge. They reveal how you think, how you handle pressure and how you communicate when things don’t go exactly as planned. Pause Before You Respond It’s tempting to jump in quickly, especially when silence feels uncomfortable. But taking a brief pause — even a few seconds — shows thoughtfulness, not weakness.
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CAREER AUGUST 2026
For example, if asked how you would solve a complex challenge, outline the first steps you’d take, the information you’d gather and how you’d evaluate possible solutions. Be Honest — and Stay Positive If you truly don’t have a direct example, don’t panic. You can acknowledge that while pivoting to something related. For instance, “I haven’t encountered that exact situation, but in a similar case, I…” Avoid defensive or negative responses, even if the question feels pointed. Keep your tone calm and professional. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate adaptability and clear thinking — not perfection. Unexpected interview questions are rarely meant to trip you up. They’re opportunities to show confidence under pressure. With a steady pause, a clear structure and a thoughtful tone, you can turn even the toughest question into a moment that works in your favor. goskagit.com
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Dive into a Maritime Industry Career
uch of the world’s consumer goods are transported by ship. For this reason, the maritime industry remains a vast source of employment, and marine businesses are constantly seeking new talent. Are you familiar with the career opportunities in this sector? Here comes with a measure of prestige, but the role A high school diploma and a driver’s license are a few to consider. of a ship’s captain also carries a great deal of are minimum requirements for these positions; responsibility. In addition to overseeing the training is typically provided on the job by the Crew member navigation of the ship, the captain leads the entire employer. Whether they work on the deck, in the engine crew and communicates with port authorities. room or on the bridge, the duties of a ship’s The position is open to qualified officers who The maritime industry offers many other crew members are varied and challenging. obtain the appropriate certification after gaining job opportunities that are just as exciting and Through vocational training that requires no prior sufficient experience at sea. financially rewarding. Want to learn more? Visit experience, these workers ensure the smooth the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime operation of their ship. They’re also responsible Stevedore or dockworker Administration (MARAD) at maritime.dot.gov. for the proper handling of cargo and the safe Don’t have sea legs? No problem, since many embarkation of passengers and vehicles. maritime workers, such as the stevedore, carry out their jobs on dry land. Their daily routine Ship’s captain may include operating forklifts or cranes to load It’s a job that captures the imagination and and offload the goods moving through the port.
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