25   
  • Me too ...did this last year October.
    Similar dealings with my bosses.....

  • There is something I like telling everyone, before you write a resignation letter, do it when u have appointment letter of a new job. It's so hard to... get a job when your jobless  more

Luka Doncic Confirms Separation From Fiancé After Nearly a Decade Long Relationship


There are moments when the box score tells only half the story. For Luka Doncic, March 2026 was one of those months. The Lakers superstar, who spent years building one of the NBA's most dominant résumés, confirmed publicly on March 10 that he and longtime fiancée Anamaria Goltes had split, ending a relationship that stretched back to their teenage years in Slovenia. The couple shares a young... daughter, and with that comes the kind of legal and emotional complexity that no highlight reel can prepare you for.

Doncic Confirms the Split

Doncic didn't bury the news or let a publicist dance around it. He confirmed the breakup himself to media outlets, keeping it brief but direct. The two are no longer together, and that was about all he offered publicly. No dramatic statement. No long explanation. Just confirmation of something that had been quietly circulating since early March.

USA Today was first to report the separation, with other outlets following shortly after. Within hours, the story had taken over NBA social media. Fans who had watched Luka and Goltes grow up together reacted with a mix of surprise and genuine sympathy.

A Relationship That Felt Built To Last

To understand why this hit differently, you have to understand what this relationship represented. In a league where athletes' personal lives can feel like a revolving door, Luka and Goltes were the exception. They were steady. They were consistent. The engagement felt like a natural next step, and when their daughter was born, the basketball world genuinely celebrated alongside them.

That's what makes this news land harder than your average celebrity split. This wasn't a short-term romance that ran its course. This was years of shared history, a family built together, and a future that looked set in stone. Now, that future looks different, and navigating it publicly, in the middle of an NBA season, is no small thing.

The Custody Question

Beyond the emotional weight of the breakup, there's a practical and legal dimension that will demand Doncic's attention. Reports indicate that custody arrangements for their daughter are now a central issue. Family law experts have pointed out that high-profile custody situations like this one tend to draw disproportionate media scrutiny, which only adds pressure to an already difficult process.

The Lakers have stayed quiet, declining to comment and keeping the focus where it belongs -- on the team's playoff push. That's probably the right call. This is Doncic's personal life, and whatever is worked out will ultimately be about what's best for his daughter, not what plays well in the press.

How This Could Affect Doncic On the Court

Here's the uncomfortable question that sports analysts are already asking: Will any of this affect his game? It's a fair question, even if it feels intrusive to ask it. Custody discussions require time, legal counsel, and emotional bandwidth. Doncic is simultaneously trying to carry a Lakers team through a demanding stretch of the season. He's human. This stuff has weight.

That said, Luka has always been the kind of player who channels pressure into performance. He's ice-cold in clutch moments and has played through adversity his entire career. If anything, history suggests he might respond by locking in even harder on the court.

FAQ SECTION

Q: What happened in Luka Dončić's personal life?

A: He confirmed his separation from fiancée Anamaria Goltes, with custody of their daughter now a central issue.

Q: Who is involved?

A: Luka Dončić, Anamaria Goltes, and their young daughter.

Q: Why is this news important?

A: Dončić is one of the NBA's biggest stars, and his personal life draws public interest. The custody matter adds legal and emotional dimensions to the story.

What Comes Next

Legal proceedings around custody are expected to continue in the weeks ahead. Doncic hasn't shared specific details about any arrangements, but sources close to the situation suggest his priority is his daughter's well-being. Whatever the timeline looks like, expect more clarity to emerge as things develop.

In the meantime, Luka will keep doing what he does. He'll run the pick-and-roll, hit mid-range pull-ups over outstretched defenders, and quietly remind everyone why he's considered one of the best players on the planet. The personal stuff stays personal. The basketball stays elite. For Doncic, this chapter is just beginning. How he handles it will say a lot about who he is beyond the game.
 
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Employ Inc. Announces Eric Waldinger as Chief Revenue Officer - HR ASIA


Growth Expert Brings Nearly Thirty Years of Go-to-Market, Sales, and Marketing Experience, Further Strengthening the Company's Executive Team

DENVER, March 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Employ Inc., a leading provider of people-first, intelligent hiring solutions across JazzHR, Lever, and Jobvite, today announced that Eric Waldinger has joined the company as Chief Revenue Officer. As Employ enters... its next phase of growth, Waldinger will lead go-to-market strategy and market expansion, while overseeing sales and revenue operations.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Waldinger spent the first half of his career in the staffing and HR technology spaces, working in business development, sales leadership, marketing, partnerships, product development, and strategy at Robert Half, CareerBuilder, and Aquent. He later held executive roles across real estate investment and community management software organizations, including Archstone (acquired in 2013), UDR, and FRONTSTEPS. Most recently, Waldinger served as Chief Marketing Officer at SambaSafety and Chief Revenue Officer at Snapsheet.

"Coming back to HR Technology feels like returning to my roots," said Waldinger. "Early on, I developed a deep appreciation for the talent acquisition ecosystem and the role it plays in connecting people with opportunity. I'm excited to help Employ navigate the next wave of HR Technology innovation in this space."

He continued, "I've spent the past decade helping SaaS companies scale by building strong go-to-market teams, improving retention and expansion, and putting the operational discipline in place to support sustainable growth. At Employ, my focus is on accelerating this type of growth while bringing Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Product into even closer alignment to deliver exceptional value for our customers."

Employ CEO Jerry Jao commented, "Eric has deep experience building and scaling go-to-market organizations, along with a strong understanding of the HR technology landscape. What stood out most during the search was his leadership approach. He believes great companies win when teams operate with clarity, accountability, and shared goals. As Employ enters its next phase, Eric will bring new energy and vision on how to serve our customers and expand our impact in the market."

About Employ Inc.

Employ delivers people-first intelligent hiring solutions that empower companies to overcome their greatest hiring challenges. Serving growing businesses to Fortune 100 companies, Employ powers hiring at scale -- with ~100 job applications processed and 650,000 plus hires made across our customer community.

Through our AI-powered hiring platforms -- including JazzHR, Lever, and Jobvite -- Employ enables teams to move faster, hire smarter, and build stronger workforces. Trusted by more than 26,000 organizations globally, Employ combines innovation, insight, and human-centered design to help companies hire with confidence.

Employ also publishes Job Seeker Nation and Recruiter Nation, two of the industry's most trusted and tenured research reports, turning real-world hiring data into insights that shape how companies attract, evaluate, and hire talent.

For more information, visit www.employinc.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c11c63ad-f7c1-4384-8010-5ae526dc89cc
 
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How to Choose the Right Psychometric Test for the Recruitment Process in 2026 - APN News | Authentic Press Network News


Choosing the right psychometric test for recruitment is no longer optional for organizations competing in a skills-scarce, high-performance talent market. As hiring cycles accelerate and roles become more complex, recruiters need assessments that measure far more than résumés or interviews can uncover.

In 2026, data-driven hiring depends on evaluating personality traits, cognitive ability,... motivations, and behavioral tendencies with accuracy, scale, and scientific rigor. The right psychometric test for recruitment from platforms like Mercer assessments helps predict on-the-job performance, reduce hiring errors, and strengthen cultural alignment.

This blog explains how organizations can smartly select the most suitable psychometric tools and why these test methods continue to be central to modern hiring excellence.

Why Psychometric Testing Matters in 2026

The science behind psychometric assessments has evolved rapidly. Modern platforms like Mercer assessments combine psychological theory, validated scoring models, and AI-assisted reporting to offer talent insights with greater precision. Organizations now rely on a psychometric test for recruitment to:

With future workplaces emphasizing agility, digital fluency, and cross-functional teamwork, the role of psychometric testing has expanded beyond hiring alone. These tools now support talent development, succession planning, skill-gap identification, and workforce optimization.

Core Types of Psychometric Assessments You Should Understand

To choose the right assessment, you first need clarity on what each category measures and when it is most useful.

A personality test measures enduring traits such as communication style, decision-making preferences, stress response, teamwork approach, and leadership tendencies. These tests predict how individuals behave in different work environments and help assess cultural fit, role fit, and managerial potential.

They typically evaluate:

These measure numerical reasoning, verbal ability, logical thinking, spatial awareness, and learning agility. They are widely used for campus hiring, lateral hiring, and roles requiring strong analytical thinking.

These tests reveal what energizes a candidate, their preferred work environment, and their alignment with the organization's purpose and culture.

These evaluate observable actions, leadership styles, teamwork tendencies, and decision-making approaches in real or simulated work situations.

Selecting the right combination ensures holistic evaluation rather than depending on isolated attributes.

How to Choose the Right Psychometric Test for Recruitment in 2026

Here are the key evaluation criteria organizations should use when selecting a psychometric test from platforms like Mercer assessments.

Start by identifying what the role demands:

Once competencies are defined, pick the test type, personality, cognitive, behavioral, or motivational, that aligns with those needs.

A high-quality psychometric test for recruitment should correlate strongly with on-the-job performance. Assessment providers should offer evidence of:

The stronger the correlation, the more dependable your hiring decisions.

In 2026, simple personality questionnaires will no longer be sufficient. Advanced personality test formats, such as forced-choice scales, reduce socially desirable responses and provide a more authentic profile. Multi-dimensional tools measure 20-30+ traits, offering deeper insights into workplace behavior.

These actionable insights help recruiters make informed, defensible decisions.

Large organizations require adaptable test batteries for:

A strong assessment partner provides customizable test combinations and multiple languages.

A powerful psychometric platform should offer:

Smooth experience improves recruiter efficiency and candidate satisfaction.

How to Introduce a Psychometric Test in the Recruitment Process

Introducing a psychometric test into the hiring workflow requires clarity, structure, and the right sequencing. The goal is to enhance decision-making without disrupting the candidate experience or recruiter efficiency.

Begin by mapping the job's behavioral, cognitive, and cultural requirements. This ensures the psychometric test aligns with measurable competencies and supports unbiased, structured decision-making for every candidate.

Use cognitive, behavioral, motivation, or personality tools based on the role's core demands. This prevents irrelevant testing and ensures each test delivers insights directly linked to performance outcomes.

Introduce the assessment before interviews to build a reliable shortlist. Early inclusion improves efficiency, removes bias, and allows recruiters to compare candidates on standardized, objective psychometric data.

Explain why the test is used, how results influence evaluation, and what benefits candidates gain. Transparency enhances trust, improves completion rates, and positions the company as fair and people-centric.

Use psychometric scores alongside structured interviews, situational tasks, and work samples. This blended approach creates a balanced, data-rich evaluation that strengthens predictive accuracy and reduces hiring errors.

Equip recruiters and hiring managers with structured interpretation guidelines. Proper training helps them use scores meaningfully, avoid misjudgments, and make consistent decisions aligned with validated psychometric principles.

Integrate the psychometric test into your applicant tracking system for automated scheduling, scoring, and reporting. This ensures seamless evaluation at scale, reducing manual workload and improving turnaround time.

Track hiring accuracy, performance outcomes, and attrition patterns. Continuous monitoring ensures the psychometric test stays relevant, properly calibrated, and aligned with evolving organizational and role-specific requirements.

Make Better Hiring Decisions With the Right Psychometric Tools

In 2026, effective hiring depends on scientifically designed assessments that evaluate candidates holistically, beyond skills or interviews. A reliable psychometric test for recruitment offers a data-driven, unbiased, and scalable way to identify the right talent for every role.

When combined with a high-quality personality test and assessments for cognition, motivation, and behavior, organizations can build a stronger, more future-ready workforce. The key is selecting a psychometric solution with validated models, strong norming practices, actionable insights, and proven predictive accuracy.

By choosing assessments that align with organizational goals, recruiters can strengthen hiring decisions and support long-term business performance.
 
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20 Supply Chain Job Interview Questions and Answers! - Supply Chain Game Changer™


Many of the most important, and in demand, jobs these days are in Supply Chain. Not only are these skills in high demand but the number of people with those extensive skills and experience and Supply Chain Management training, is limited, making the effectiveness of the Supply Chain job interview more important than ever.

The result is that there will be a lot of competition, both from those... hiring and those being hired, for the Supply Chain positions that need to be filled.

To help facilitate placing the best people in the best jobs we have endeavoured to outline the top 20 Supply Chain Job Interview Questions and Answers.

1. Tell me about your background

For my part I do not want to just read a candidate's resume, or just have them read it back to me. By making this request I get a chance to hear the candidate articulate in their own words what they are about.

It is a chance to see how they react, how enthusiastic or emotional they get, and how well they communicate. Candidates should be prepared to elaborate on what the written words are on their resume and demonstrate their value.

One interesting point to add here is the fact that CV Experts recently completed a questionnaire with 100 hiring managers across multiple different industries. The vast majority of hiring managers stated that they would still be willing to hire a candidate if their personality fit the team, even if their skills weren't a full match for the role.

2. Why are you interested in this job?

The job should come with some level of description about the responsibilities and expectations. The candidate should have most, but not necessarily all, of the qualifications before even applying for the job.

Research about the job should enhance one's confidence in their ability to perform the tasks required. As such the candidate should be able to tell the interviewer what it is about the job that appeals to them along with why they have the capabilities to do it.

3. What do you know about this company and this industry?

Any candidate worth consideration will have researched the company and the job extensively prior to the Supply Chain job interview. There are innumerable sources including the company's website, social media, government filings, reviews and commentary, that can help inform a candidate on what the company is all about.

The candidate should have developed a genuine interest in both the job and the company, which can be demonstrated about how comprehensively they are prepared to respond to this question.

4. What is Supply Chain's role?

Supply Chain can mean many different things to many different people. The culture and history of the organization will also often dictate how Supply Chain is viewed and what role it plays. In some organizations Supply Chain will be considered a back office, limited functional organization, whereas in other organizations it will be a very broadly scoped, all reaching group.

Given this wide definitional spectrum it is important for the candidate to have their own ideas as to how they view Supply Chain. If one is a specialist, for instance as a Procurement expert, then their view may be very finite in scope. If however one is a generalist, or in management, they may have a very broad view of what Supply Chain is, or what it can become.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This can be a difficult question for candidates to answer, with difficult answers for the interviewer to hear.

It is critical here to be honest, and perhaps humble. Dishonesty may get you past the interview but later on it will be uncovered, compromising trust in you and loss of integrity.

Remember that no one is perfect, so there is no sense in trying to portray that you are. Be honest and truthful and that should suffice.

6. What are some of your greatest achievements? What did you learn from these?

Having researched the job, and the company, when this question comes up you should be able to draw from your own achievements so as to demonstrate how they could be applicable to this new position.

Even if you are early in your career you should be able to construct your accomplishments, albeit limited, in such a way as to demonstrate the general skills that you can bring to a job.

And no achievements happen without missteps along the way. Even goals that are achieved can be a source of reflection on how things could have been improved and made even better.

7. What are some of your greatest failures? What did you learn from these?

In answering this question the main consideration is that you should not be afraid to articulate any failures. In fact if you don't have any failures you are likely to make the interviewer suspicious.

Everyone fails at one point or another. It's expected. Obviously no one is perfect. In fact the expectation is that you will reflect on failures and take away lessons to perform better in the future. The key is to be insightful and demonstrate growth from past failures.

8. Why should we hire you in particular?

What makes you stand out from the competition? It is a highly competitive labour market, particularly in areas like Supply Chain.

You need to demonstrate a level of enthusiasm and energy that sets you apart. This does not need to be physical energy. But positive mental energy and body language will demonstrate your high level of interest.

Then summarize your skills, your accomplishments, your learning skills, your ability to work in and with a team, and why you want to join that particular team and company.

9. What are your career aspirations?

Career success means different things to different people. And that's ok. If you want to join a company, do that job, and continue in that capacity then that is great. If you want to join a company and rise to the level of the CEO then that is ok to.

The key is that you have some vision and aspiration. There is no right or wrong answer. It is also acceptable for a candidate to ask the interviewer if there are any expectations of the career trajectory of the successful candidate during the Supply Chain Job Interview.

10. How do you collaborate with others?

There are extremely few jobs wherein you don't have to work with any other people. Even if you are working from home you are going to be emailing, calling, or having zoom meetings with other people.

At that same time anyone and everyone you work with is going to have their own set of personalities and behaviours. Some people you will naturally get along with, and others you will not. Regardless, you have to work with ALL of these people.

Your ability to work with people with divergent beliefs and personalities is the true test of your ability to collaborate.

11. How do you deal with conflict?

Not only do you have to collaborate with people to get things done, but you will have to deal with the inevitable conflict. Because people bring their differences into the workplace the daily stresses and pressures of the job will erupt in conflict, in varying degrees of intensity.

Conflict is inevitable. What is not clear to the interviewer is how you will handle that conflict. Be sure to discuss examples of conflict situations and your role in working through the conflict.

It is also a fact that these conflicts will not only be with your peers. Conflicts may occur with your boss, with customers, or with 3rd parties. That can make these situations even more tenuous. If you haven't had that experience yet, it is reasonable to research and read and consult to develop your skills in conflict resolution.

12. How do you approach and handle problems?

Every job has problems. Unexpected things will always happen. Further you may be tasked with doing something to improve things, which in and of itself will introduce challenges and problems. And with problems comes some level of stress.

What happens next is what matters. How do you deal with problems? Do you run away? Do you take the lead? Do you follow? Every job at every level has its own set of problems. Thus it is very important for the interviewer to understand how you deal with problems.

13. Do you have experience in planning and strategy development?

Even the most mundane jobs require a level of planning, organization, and time management. Certainly the higher level jobs will involve more intense levels of tactical and strategic planning and visioning.

Much of this skill is developed and acquired as you advance and gain more experience. That being said, basic planning and organizational skills are needed in any job. Depending on your level of experience you should not underestimate the basic skills you may have in answering this interviewer question.

14. How do you handle ambiguity and stressful situations?

Even jobs that may seem routine will be met with process breakdowns, quality issues, and changing demands. Your boss may be screaming, customers may be screaming, and a lot of money may be lost while the situation prevails. The way out of those situations will not always be clear and will often be uncharted.

How you get through and out of those experiences is what the interviewer will want to know. Talking to an interviewer in the confines of a safe meeting room, or online, is one thing. But they want to understand how you would deal with things when everything is burning all around you.

15. How do you like to manage? How do you like to be managed?

There are many different management styles, and you rarely if ever get to choose your boss. That being said any person is more or less productive depending on how they are managed relative to how they prefer to be managed.

Do you need very specific instructions and direction and micromanagement? Or do you prefer much more of a hands-off management style?

Gaining at least a general understanding of the management culture in a company will give you a more informed view as to whether or not you will fit well in any company.

16. Are you a team player or an individualist?

Just like many jobs and careers, some require a more individual effort whereas others need extensive team work for success. Sports and athletics are great examples where these different skills are situationally relevant.

Understanding how the job is to be performed will also help inform both the candidate and the interviewer as to whether any particular job is a good fit.

17. Do you like to multi-task or do you prefer to work on one thing at a time?

Many jobs require the ability to juggle any number of tasks at the same time. Still others are much more structured, defined and repetitive. Different jobs appeal to different individual tendencies.

The candidate's proclivity for one type of job or the other is important to understand in the interview process to ensure appropriateness of fit.

18. Why did you leave your last job? What would cause you to leave your next job?

There was a time decades ago when people worked with one company for their entire careers. That type of longevity is very rare these days. The general expectation nowadays is that a person will actually work for many different companies in the course of their career.

For some people they will move to a new job because of bigger and better opportunities, more money, promotions, or just because of a need to change. For others they will lead a job involuntarily. Maybe they were fired for a performance issue; maybe they were downsized as a part of a larger restructuring effort.

Regardless of the reason for leaving one job, or starting another job, the candidate should be able to articulate these reasons and circumstances to the interviewer.

19. What motivates you? What demotivates you?

This question ties into why someone would accept a new job, or leave an old job. They may be motivated by more money. They may have left a job because of a bad boss and his or her bad behaviours. They may have plateaued, or become bored.

Whatever a candidate's reasons are it is important to discuss this with an interviewer. If a potential company is not going to be able to live up to a candidate's expectation and motivations it is better to understand that up front to avoid wasting anyone's time.

20. Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Other things that should be understood as a part of the Supply Chain job interview process are other expectations and capabilities. If a company wants an employee to be on call 24-7, yet a candidate wants to work 9-5 with a solid work-life balance, failure to make this clear up front will quickly lead to somebody being very dissatisfied.

Additionally any other thoughts or expectations are best voiced in the interview process. The more that is shared and mutually agreed upon at this stage will ensure the best possible fit and chance of success in the job.

Copyright © Mortson Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 
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  • This question is common and its good for some one to declare about her children from the initial stage and not late stag because any emergency can... arise. more

  • I think the question was not bad but not was at the right time

Employ Inc. Announces Eric Waldinger as Chief Revenue Officer


Growth Expert Brings Nearly Thirty Years of Go-to-Market, Sales, and Marketing Experience, Further Strengthening the Company's Executive Team

Eric Waldinger

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Chief Revenue Officer, Employ... Inc.

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DENVER, March 11, 2026

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Employ Inc., a leading provider of people-first, intelligent hiring solutions across JazzHR, Lever, and Jobvite, today announced that Eric Waldinger has joined the company as Chief Revenue Officer. As Employ enters its next phase of growth, Waldinger will lead go-to-market strategy and market expansion, while overseeing sales and revenue operations.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Waldinger spent the first half of his career in the staffing and HR technology spaces, working in business development, sales leadership, marketing, partnerships, product development, and strategy at Robert Half, CareerBuilder, and Aquent. He later held executive roles across real estate investment and community management software organizations, including Archstone (acquired in 2013), UDR, and FRONTSTEPS. Most recently, Waldinger served as Chief Marketing Officer at SambaSafety and Chief Revenue Officer at Snapsheet.

"Coming back to HR Technology feels like returning to my roots," said Waldinger. "Early on, I developed a deep appreciation for the talent acquisition ecosystem and the role it plays in connecting people with opportunity. I'm excited to help Employ navigate the next wave of HR Technology innovation in this space."

He continued, "I've spent the past decade helping SaaS companies scale by building strong go-to-market teams, improving retention and expansion, and putting the operational discipline in place to support sustainable growth. At Employ, my focus is on accelerating this type of growth while bringing Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Product into even closer alignment to deliver exceptional value for our customers."

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Employ CEO Jerry Jao commented, "Eric has deep experience building and scaling go-to-market organizations, along with a strong understanding of the HR technology landscape. What stood out most during the search was his leadership approach. He believes great companies win when teams operate with clarity, accountability, and shared goals. As Employ enters its next phase, Eric will bring new energy and vision on how to serve our customers and expand our impact in the market."

About Employ Inc.

Employ delivers people-first intelligent hiring solutions that empower companies to overcome their greatest hiring challenges. Serving growing businesses to Fortune 100 companies, Employ powers hiring at scale-with ~100 job applications processed and 650,000 plus hires made across our customer community.

Through our AI-powered hiring platforms-including JazzHR, Lever, and Jobvite-Employ enables teams to move faster, hire smarter, and build stronger workforces. Trusted by more than 26,000 organizations globally, Employ combines innovation, insight, and human-centered design to help companies hire with confidence.

Advertisement

Employ also publishes Job Seeker Nation and Recruiter Nation, two of the industry's most trusted and tenured research reports, turning real-world hiring data into insights that shape how companies attract, evaluate, and hire talent.

For more information, visit www.employinc.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c11c63ad-f7c1-4384-8010-5ae526dc89cc

CONTACT: Note to editors: Trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein remain the property of their respective owners.
 
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A career coach unlocks the secret to acing your job interview and combating anxiety : Life Kit


Hey, everybody. Marielle Segarra here. Job interviews, man - when you land one, there's this really confusing moment. You're excited - like, hell, yeah. I made it to the next round. But then comes the dread. What am I going to wear? What are they going to ask me? What happens if my mind just goes blank?

CYNTHIA PONG: I actually think the best thing to do is to name what's happening. So it feels... vulnerable, feels awkward. But if you just say I - and now I'm stumbling over my words 'cause I'm kind of nervous 'cause I'm just really excited about this opportunity. Then you can get yourself back on the rails. They know that you know what's up. And you have built more trust and empathy, and that's ultimately what it's really about.

SEGARRA: That's Cynthia Pong. She's the founder and CEO of Embrace Change.

PONG: Which is a career coaching and consulting firm, and we specialize in working with women of color - proud to be an all-POC team - and it's our singular mission to get all women of color - and, by extension, all people of color - the money, power and respect that we all deserve in the workplace.

SEGARRA: Cynthia says you want to go into a job interview with a mindset of composure. Too often, we feel like, I don't have enough experience, or this company is just so prestigious. Then we start sweating, and we forget that we have something important to offer.

PONG: And this is all about - is this a good fit? What are you looking for as far as skills, expertise, background, etc.? What do I bring to the table as far as those things, and is that a match?

SEGARRA: And even if you don't check every box on the job description, you do bring a lot to the table.

PONG: Don't self-reject and take yourself out of the game.

SEGARRA: On this episode of LIFE KIT, Cynthia and I are going to help you prepare for your next job interview, and then we'll show you how to put her tips into practice with some role play, where I'm the hiring manager and she's in the hot seat.

SEGARRA: All right. So let's say you got an interview, and you're trying to research the company and the people ahead of time. What should you come to the interview knowing?

PONG: Right. So the basics, definitely, you should be familiar with and, like, pretty well versed in. So what is this company or organization doing? What's their mission? Do they have a values statement or things like that? Those can be really helpful. I would also look up the people that you're interviewing with 'cause that can help ease a lot of stress around it if you have some basic understanding of - who is this person? What's their role? You know, find them on LinkedIn or - you know, Google it or whatever - just the basic information about what they do, their responsibilities, their trajectory. If you want to think about it another way - if you were doing the interview, what would you expect the other person to know?

PONG: And if you don't meet that threshold, then put a little more time in your calendar to, like, do that research.

SEGARRA: OK, so this feels like the next thing that's always on my mind. How do you decide what to wear...

PONG: So the - I was thinking about this kind of quandary, if you will. And if you think of, like, a Venn diagram, where one of the circles is what makes you feel comfortable and confident and, like, kind of your best self, then the other circle is what you imagine would be the appropriate look, if you will, for someone who's doing that role or that position. So then the overlap between those two circles would be where I would try to aim for and think of that as your sweet spot - so what makes you feel confident and competent and, like, your best self, and also whatever is overlapping with what you think would be appropriate for that job. And, yeah, no need to overdo it. I also - you know, if you have a bad outfit for one interview, it's not necessarily going to make or break the situation. You know, like, I like to trust that people will be able to see beyond kind of the surface. And if not, then maybe that's a red flag it's not a fit.

SEGARRA: So let's say it's the week and a half before the interview, and you're trying to prepare. Where do you start?

PONG: All right. So I recommend people think of three main points that - if the interviewer or interviewers forget all else that happened, the three things that you want them to remember about you. For example, it might be - I don't know - that you're really good at strategic problem solving. It could be that you're a strong advocate. And then maybe the third thing is that, you know, you're good at, like, reading a room. So if those are kind of your three things, then they can also anchor all the kind of prep that you do in the week and a half leading up to the interview. By that, I mean, if they ask you a question about something, and maybe you fumble the answer a little bit 'cause you're like, oh, I didn't prep that one and, like, I don't really know, it doesn't matter. You answer it in, like, one to two sentences or phrases, and then you find a way to circle it back to one of those three points.

What that principle is actually called is messaging discipline. So politicians use it a lot. People use it a lot in press and media, but it's just rerouting, rerouting, rerouting, like a GPS, to those three points. Sometimes they do the catchall question, like, at the end - right? - like, is there anything else that, you know, we didn't talk about that you wanted to tell us? That's also an opportunity for you to hammer home any one of those three things - or all three if you want. But that - additionally, you get to stack the deck even more by doing that one, Marielle, because there's this concept of primacy and recency, which is that people tend to remember the first thing that you said and the last thing that you said. Everything in the middle is kind of mushy. But you can hack this by injecting more breaks. So even by taking, like, a longer pause, you create another primacy/recency opportunity for you.

SEGARRA: How do you come up with those three things, though? Like, how do you decide what they are for this job?

PONG: Yeah. You know, I think that that - well, one place you can start is, like, looking at the job description, although that's not the be-all, end-all. I would take it a level deeper if you can. But look at the job description, and they'll say, like, these are the things that a strong candidate will have or, like, these are the things we're looking at. And then try to see if you can bucket out - 'cause usually there's a long list. So, like, put those in larger categories. And, like, oh, it looks like they're looking for somebody who has XYZ leadership skills, or maybe they're looking for somebody who has really strong written communication skills, right? So then maybe one of your three points is, like, how good you are at written communication.

Another way you could figure out what your three points are is going from an internal perspective - like, the type of role that I want to have next is really going to help me leverage these three things about me. And then also, you can do any kind of hybrid. And then focusing - and this is the hard part 'cause we don't want to do things that are, like, you know, painful or extra challenging - but focusing on the things that you think are going to be your weak spots - that you're most insecure about or most concerned about. Practice those, like, more.

SEGARRA: So OK, can you give me an example of something that might be a weak spot you could prepare for? Like, I'm imagining, you know, if somebody is an employee, and they've never managed anybody, but they're applying for a supervisor job, or maybe if you're applying to host a podcast, but you don't have that much experience with it - are those the kind of things you're thinking about?

PONG: Yeah. Let's take the example of the host. It's not about, like, putting on a defensive case, you know? 'Cause I think a lot of times when people think like, oh, OK, they're going to think I don't have enough hosting experience, etc., that feels like a deficit. And it feels like something that I then have to prove - that I do have a ton of hosting experience - and, like, you know, I may or may not, right? So just be like, OK, well, what is hosting experience actually about? Like, what's under the surface of this iceberg? What are their actual concerns? Are they concerned that I can't learn how to do something on the job? So it might be drawing analogies between work you've done before. This happens a lot with a lot of our clients - like, showing how this experience is relevant to that other industry's experience when you're changing careers and things like that. Don't go overboard. Be you. And sure, put a little sheen on it or something like that, but you don't have to try to make yourself something you're not.

SEGARRA: Yeah. So we're using this example of hosting, but I think this applies to a lot of jobs. Like, if you were trying to go for a job in sales, it's maybe similar in that you'd want to show that you're really comfortable talking to people or customer service...

PONG: Yep. I also want to emphasize that, you know, you don't need to check all of the boxes and all of those bullet points on a job description to apply for a job. Like, please don't do that. If you - I would say, if you can check off half, and if you know how to learn something - like, anything - if you've ever learned anything - and I guarantee you you have - then apply for it. Don't self-reject and take yourself out of the game. Similarly, when you go into the interview, you don't have to literally be doing the job right there. It's not even day one yet. Like, as long as you can show that you have the building blocks and then the capacity to learn and adjust and evolve, then that's it.

SEGARRA: Yeah. OK, so you get to the end of the interview, and the interviewer asks, do you have any questions for me? What are some things that you can say?

PONG: One question you could start with is - so where do you all see the organization in 5 or 10 years?

Another question would be - what does success look like in terms of what you want to see from somebody in this role - like, your ideal candidate in this role?

Another question could be - who would be someone who's a bad fit for this role? Like, what are some red flags that you think really just, you know, wouldn't be appropriate for what you're looking for?

Another question is - what are the top qualities and skill sets or characteristics that you really want the ideal person in this role to have?

Another question would be, you know, so what are the kind of pathways to learn, grow and any kind of upward mobility in terms of leadership roles here?

Another question is, like, am I taking over for somebody who's currently in this position, or is this a new position? Asterisk on that - if that would be easily Googleable (ph), don't ask that question.

SEGARRA: All right. It's time for that role play. Cynthia has a law degree and was once a public defender, so I came up with this scenario. I will play the role of a hiring manager at a legal services group that advocates for economic justice. Let's call it The Segarra Institute. She's come in for an interview. We sit down, shake hands, look each other in the eye, and I ask her the open-ended question that a lot of interviewers start with.

PONG: Sure. So I'm a lawyer and an advocate. I've been doing this work for over seven years. I'm - I've - for my entire career, I've been in the economic justice space because the mission and the idea of making sure that all of our communities have equal access to economic power and opportunity and also financial liberation, really - that's what drives me day to day. So each of my different roles and different organizations I've been a part of have all fallen under that economic justice umbrella. As far as skill sets, I've honed a couple of areas of expertise, including courtroom advocacy and oral argument, specifically, on the one hand, and then also policy work on the other. So I can really bridge both and handle both. In terms of strengths, focus is one of my top strengths, but I'm also really good at, you know, issue-spotting and strategic problem solving. I'm a self-starter. I'm a quick study. And, personally, I love everything about NPR LIFE KIT and Rottweilers.

PONG: I know. I sort of feel like they're the advocate's dog because they're literally, like, kind of a misunderstood underdog in the world of dogs. You don't see them much in New York City either. They have this reputation for being, like, you know, kind of tough and mean. But really, that's not what they're really like. I think, for a lot of our, like - for us, as the advocates, and also the clients that we serve and the communities we serve, there's a lot of that - a misunderstanding of us. And if people really just got to know us as people, I - or as dogs, in this case - like, I think it would be really different.

SEGARRA: Just a quick note here - that answer is kind of fun - right? - 'cause it tells me a little detail about Cynthia and her personality, but she also makes the connection between that detail and the job.

SEGARRA: OK, well, tell me why you want to work here at The Segarra Institute.

PONG: Yeah. Well, I mean, to me, I've heard about you all for a long time. And you've been kind of the gold standard at the cutting edge of this work, and I want to be more at the front edge of this. Like, I do have a very creative, innovative side for being someone who is also, like, strongly legally trained, so I want to be able to leverage my skill set to be able to push the envelope on what is possible. And so I want to be at a place that's really leading this work and the whole field.

SEGARRA: OK, now another common interview question that trips a lot of people up.

Talk to me about a time that you made a mistake at work.

PONG: Right. So when I was a paralegal - one of my first jobs out of college - I was probably a couple of weeks into the job and, you know, still very new, very green, learning what was involved. And one day, I remember one of the partners came up to me and asked me for a certified mail receipt - like, those little slips of paper, white and green. And I was like, I don't even know what that is. But, like, I was, like, looking around for it. I knew there was a stack of them somewhere. I was, like, looking, looking. And slowly, I feel that, like, panic setting in 'cause we're not finding it. We turned my desk and the whole cube, like, upside-down looking for it, and it wasn't there, Marielle. And it turned out that that was, like, a really important issue for the case. And I thought I was going to get fired, actually, because I had misplaced it or, like, I didn't know where it was, and it was my responsibility.

So what that really taught me early on in my career was to ask a lot of questions at the beginning so that I could know which things that I might not think are important are actually important, and then also to be really conscientious about the things around because you never know what could be super important for a client's case for, you know, one of our appellate appeals to the Supreme Court - things like that.

SEGARRA: Next up, another tough question - basically, I ask her, are you sure you have enough experience for this job?

OK. I want to ask you - I'm looking at your resume here. This job does involve managing a couple of junior staffers, and I see that you don't have that kind of experience, at least from what I can tell here. Do you think that would be a problem?

PONG: Oh, no. I mean - so I haven't formally managed other folks, but I've worked in a couple of capacities, both paid and unpaid, where I have been the lead in a situation - like, the lead point person - and de facto managing either a project or a team. And also now, in my local mutual aid organization, like, I'm the lead director of our entire, like, incoming donations and volunteer organization. So that's a team of, I would say, 30 or 40 volunteers. So I'm fully familiar with what it takes to coordinate large groups of people.

And also, I think one of the skill sets that I bring is my ability to understand where another person is at in terms of their learning journey and what they need to do and also helping them - helping coach them up in terms of their awareness around their strengths and areas for growth to help them step more into the role that they need to play. So I know that, in this position, I think I'm going to have, like, two to four direct reports or something like that and, of course, would love to talk with you all, if I was to get this role, about co-creating a plan to make it a smooth transition for me to be their director so that we can ultimately get this work done.

SEGARRA: OK, well, where do you see yourself in five years?

PONG: Well, you know, if I were able to join the team here - which, you know, I am applying to other places, but this is my No. 1 place that I could really see myself here for the long term. And, you know, you'll see from my resume, too, the last couple places I've been at have not necessarily been for extended periods of time 'cause it ultimately wasn't a great fit for what I was looking for. At this stage of my career, I am, to be totally transparent, looking for a place where I can invest and grow over the long term. So, I mean, I would hope in five years - and I hope it's not too presumptive to say, but I hope that I would be in a position to be considered for additional senior leadership roles at that time. But, you know, a lot could happen, and I want to be able to serve kind of the mission and the work, first and foremost.

SEGARRA: OK. Well, I just want to say I am totally going to hire you.

SEGARRA: But, you know, there's a lot of - you'll get a lot of exposure.

PONG: Perks? Oh, OK, great. I'll talk to my landlord about the paying in exposure.

SEGARRA: Now, just to be clear, you probably won't get hired on the spot, and you probably shouldn't take a job that pays in exposure. But, you know, I like to have a little fun.

SEGARRA: OK, time for a recap. As you prepare for a job interview, think about your big three points. Maybe you're a great communicator or a clear writer, or you know how to help everyone on your team thrive. Whatever those points are, have them ready to go. Also, be ready to talk about your weaknesses or about a time that you made a mistake at work. Ideally, these are things that you've worked on, and you can talk about that too. On interview day, wear something that you feel comfortable in and that makes you feel like your best self. Maybe you have a hair clip or a button-down shirt that always looks great on you. Also, remember - composure. The person interviewing you is not above you. They're not better than you. You're two people with skills and needs, trying to figure out if this is a good fit.

SEGARRA: There's more of my conversation with Cynthia Pong on NPR's YouTube page. Find the video version of this interview at youtube.com/NPRpodcasts. And for more LIFE KIT, check out our other episodes. We've interviewed Cynthia before on how to switch careers and also on how to hunt for a job. You can find those episodes and more at npr.org/lifekit. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at npr.org/lifekitnewsletter.

This episode of LIFE KIT was produced by Clare Marie Schneider. Our visuals editor is Beck Harlan, and our digital editor is Malaka Gharib. Meghan Keane is the supervising editor, and Beth Donovan is the executive producer. Our production team also includes Andee Tagle, Audrey Nguyen, Mia Venkat and Sylvie Douglis. Julia Carney is our podcast coordinator. Engineering support comes from Alex Drewenskus and Carleigh Strange. And special thanks to NPR's video team, who helped produce this episode - Iman Young, Christina Shaman and Nickolai Hammar. I'm Marielle Segarra. Thanks for listening.

Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio record.
 
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Mel Mclaughlin Partner: Exclusive look at the private health battle and family grief


Public curiosity about mel mclaughlin partner has intensified as the well-known sports presenter prepares to speak publicly about a months-long medical treatment and the profound pain of losing a sister. In a candid profile and an upcoming filmed interview, the presenter and immediate family members describe an emotional period that has kept her away from her daily broadcast duties and reshaped... how she approaches work and family.

Background and context: a sudden absence and an impending interview

The presenter has been absent from on-air sports headlines since December, during which time she has been receiving medical treatment for months. She is slated to sit down for a televised interview with a close colleague to speak about the private ordeal. While she has stepped away from her regular role, a veteran presenter has temporarily covered her reading of sports segments.

The absence follows a decade-long tenure with a national broadcaster and a career that began in 2005. Her professional résumé includes on-the-ground coverage of major international competitions and national championships, with assignments ranging from World Cups to Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, national swimming championships, a Rugby League World Cup and a recent Ashes series. Colleagues and family describe a consummate professional who travelled extensively for sport and adapted to the unpredictable conditions of live event reporting.

Mel Mclaughlin Partner

In profile material recorded on set, family presence was noticeable: a parent watching the pace of production in disbelief, and sisters moving through the controlled chaos of hair and makeup. One family exchange captured this dynamic: the presenter's father took in the activity and asked, "Is this what Mel has to do every day?" to which she replied with relief and humour, "This is not a normal day. " Those moments underline a private reality behind the public persona.

Within that same portrait, a younger sister offered a robust defence of the presenter's sporting credibility, pushing back against assumptions that women in sports media are chosen for looks rather than knowledge. The sister said her sibling is "a walking, talking sports encyclopedia" and stressed a rigorous work ethic that included travelling to major events and learning on the job -- sometimes applying makeup in temporary spaces between interviews.

Analysis and outlook: causes, implications and expert voices

The immediate cause of the present absence is the medical treatment the presenter has been undergoing for months. That treatment has kept her away from live reading duties and required a temporary reallocation of responsibilities among colleagues. Professionally, the interruption highlights the interplay between high-visibility roles and the private health needs of on-air talent; personally, it has coincided with an intense period of family bereavement.

Family testimony offers the clearest insight into personal impact. The presenter herself described the day on set with a rare candidness, and the father's astonished reaction to the production rhythm emphasized how removed the television environment can be from everyday family life. The sister's comments about the presenter's deep engagement with sport provide an internal corrective to public misperceptions about why she was chosen for the role and what she brings to it beyond presentation.

From a career perspective, the presenter's long-running assignment roster -- spanning multiple World Cups and Olympic cycles -- means her absence is felt across national sports coverage. Operationally, networks have contingency plans for high-profile absences, but the reputational and emotional consequences are more complex when the reason is health-related and accompanied by bereavement.

Looking outward, the situation raises questions about workplace support for broadcast professionals who face serious medical issues while in high-profile roles. The balance between privacy and public interest is delicate: audiences expect visibility on-screen, yet the person behind the role retains rights to private medical care and grief. The forthcoming interview will likely deepen public understanding of that balance and will test how audiences and employers respond to disclosures of private struggle.

In the weeks ahead, viewers will watch not only the personal revelations but also how the presenter's professional network and peers manage a return to work, if and when that occurs. The profile material already underscores two consistent threads: professional dedication across a lengthy career and a close-knit family contending with loss while navigating public attention.

As the presenter prepares to speak about both her health and the loss of a sister, mel mclaughlin partner questions will remain part of public curiosity; the real story, as family testimony suggests, is a complex human one that intersects medical care, workplace continuity and mourning. How the presenter, her colleagues and the viewing public reconcile those demands will shape the next chapter of her career and public image. What will the interview change about how audiences see the person behind the headlines, and how will it influence support structures for broadcasters facing similar private battles?
 
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How Philanthropy Can Help Students Achieve True Job Readiness


In today's rapidly evolving job market, the gap between traditional education and workplace demands continues to widen. Amidst this, philanthropic initiatives are emerging as powerful catalysts for transforming education and preparing students for real-world success. By focusing on skill-based learning and practical experience, these programs are reshaping the future of education and career... development.

Bridging the Skills Gap through Philanthropic Investment

Philanthropic investments play a crucial role in reshaping education by funding skill-based learning programs that traditional curricula might overlook. These initiatives enable students to gain practical, career-relevant skills that are essential in today's competitive job market. By supporting curriculum development, philanthropy allows schools to integrate real-world projects and problem-solving modules into standard education, creating a more dynamic and relevant learning environment.

Fostering Continuous Learning and Adaptability

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to learn continuously and adapt to new skills is crucial for long-term career success. Philanthropic support for educational initiatives that focus on these competencies ensures students remain relevant throughout their careers. This approach goes beyond traditional academic achievement, emphasizing the development of lifelong learning habits and adaptability skills.

Creating Lasting Impact through Community Investment

Effective philanthropic programs understand that true job readiness extends beyond academic qualifications. It involves creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures talent and ambition, regardless of socioeconomic background. The emotional impact of these initiatives is profound, as seen in the joy and pride of scholarship recipients and their families during award ceremonies.

Developing Tomorrow's Leaders

When organizations invest in developing future leaders, the benefits extend far beyond individual success stories. Well-developed leaders make better decisions, inspire their teams, and drive higher performance levels across organizations. By supporting educational initiatives that focus on leadership development, philanthropy helps create a pipeline of talented individuals who are prepared to take on tomorrow's challenges.

The role of philanthropy in education extends far beyond financial support. By investing in comprehensive educational programs that focus on practical skills, continuous learning, and leadership development, philanthropic initiatives are helping to create a more prepared and adaptable workforce. These efforts not only benefit individual students but also contribute to building stronger communities and a more dynamic economy. As we look to the future, the continued support of philanthropic programs remains crucial in ensuring that every deserving student has the opportunity to develop their talents and achieve their full potential. Through these initiatives, we are not just investing in education - we are investing in the leaders who will shape tomorrow's world
 
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Workforce Barriers For People With Lived Experience Of Homelessness - Addressing Employment Challenges And National Efforts To Bridge Gaps - Young Upstarts


by Tori Lyon, CEO of Jericho Project

Stability is a core quality startup founders want to see in a new hire. Consequently, founders may be quick to reject résumés that show signs of instability, such as gaps in residence, sudden shifts in employment, or multiple moves within a short period.

The problem with that approach, however, is that startups can miss out on excellent hires by assuming... those signs indicate a lack of reliability, when in reality they may be the result of challenges associated with homelessness. Instability is one of the most misunderstood workforce barriers tied to homelessness and one that, once overcome, can pay dividends to a startup as well as provide hope to those in the homeless community.

Positive and negative effects of housing instability on those seeking employment

Housing instability negatively affects everything from sleep and health to scheduling and communication. These downsides can contribute to gaps in employment history and hiccups in the hiring process, which can come across as a lack of attention or interest. For example, those who are currently experiencing homelessness can struggle to secure the clean and appropriate clothing, reliable transportation, and consistent internet or phone service needed to move forward in the job application process.

However, housing instability can also inspire remarkable resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. As a result of facing housing instability, individuals who have experienced homelessness typically know how to solve problems under pressure, navigate complex systems, and persevere despite setbacks.

When employers learn how to recognize instability on a résumé as the result of structural barriers rather than a lack of motivation or talent, they allow themselves to tap into the many desirable skills that people who have experienced homelessness can bring to the workplace. And when employers commit to addressing those barriers with the right type of support, they often gain employees who become deeply committed.

Ways employers can create employment pathways for those experiencing homelessness

Those who have experienced homelessness can bring to the workplace a unique combination of grit and adaptability that is key to startup success. However, bringing employees with that background on board can feel like assuming more risk.

For those who are hesitant, partnering with agencies that support those experiencing homelessness can be an effective first step. Nonprofits and city agencies that specialize in housing and workforce services are ready to help employers tap into existing trust, expertise, and support systems to bring clarity to the process and address challenges as they arise.

As companies begin onboarding people who have experienced homelessness, training them in workplace culture will be just as important as training them in workplace skills. Those starting jobs after experiencing homelessness may not be familiar with current workplace norms, such as meeting structures, departmental roles, or when to go to IT versus HR. Clear onboarding that addresses expectations and provides a pathway to employee assistance programs is important for ensuring a smooth transition.

Long-term benefits of removing workforce barriers for those who have experienced homelessness

Companies that choose to look beyond the stigma of homelessness can realize immediate benefits by filling positions with capable and committed personnel. And choosing that course can create a ripple effect that results in greater, long-term benefits for the company.

For example, implementing practices to support employees who have experienced homelessness, such as mentorship and clear communication, benefits all staff. Such practices address insecurity and other personal well-being issues that can affect any employee.

Companies that invest in understanding and supporting their employees as they seek to overcome personal struggles foster high levels of loyalty and commitment. When employees sense they have been given a real opportunity, along with support, they typically become deeply invested in their work and their teams.

Ultimately, investing in removing the workforce barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness is not just a social good. It allows companies to tap into a broader talent pool, strengthens company culture, improves retention, and equips organizations to support a broader and more resilient workforce.
 
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  • It sounds deceitful. This is a good indicator of your work environment and can assist, moving forward. Watch more what people (some supervisors in... some workplaces) do than what they say. more

  • Restructuring is a soft word for redundancy.You are going home.Look for another job ASAP

Employers shocked that 1 in 5 Gen Z job seekers has a parent contact...


Mommies and daddies hold their little ones' hands when they're crossing the street. But once those little ones are big enough to interview for corporate jobs, it's time to let go -- that's the argument from employers who are stunned by the number of Gen Zers whose parents are job hunting on their behalf.

It's an alarming trend spurred by the nearly 50% of youngsters who tap mom and dad to write... their resumes -- and the 21% who actually have their folks contact prospective bosses directly, per a 2026 report.

And executives have had enough.

"Zoomers, do not send your mother to my office," scolded a hiring manager, wagging her finger at the wave of 20-somethings who can't stand on their own two feet, in a trending video. "Don't have your mother call me on my phone, call my assistant, [or] talk to my other staff about you coming to my office to be an intern."

"If you cannot have a conversation with me, if you cannot have an interview like grown people do without your parents being involved," she continued, "if that is where your anxiety is, this is not the place for you."

Putting Gen Zs -- adults under age 27 -- in their place is no easy task, owing to the oft-maligned demographic's propensity towards entitlement, laziness and unpreparedness in the workplace, according to recent reports.

To mask their shortcomings, the newbies to big business are shamelessly letting mom do their dirty work, while they kick back and collect the checks.

Researchers for Zety, a virtual career services hub, surveyed 1,001 Zers to determine just how severely the group relies on their heads-of-house for help in the industry.

The poll found that a staggering 44% of Zers get their parents' support in résumé and CV writing, while one in five task them with contacting a potential employer or recruiter for a position.

Moreover, a shocking 20% of parents are joining their grown-up kiddos on interviews, and 10% are even negotiating their big babies' salaries directly with employers.

"Early parental involvement suggests that many Gen Z workers view job searching as a collaborative process rather than an individual milestone," the study authors noted. "This support may help candidates feel more prepared, but it also raises questions about how and when young professionals begin developing independent career skills."

Getting mommy's support may seem like a sweet gesture, but it's leaving a bad taste in business leaders' mouths.

"We had a 20-year-old come in for a job interview at the salon. She brought her mom with her," a hairdresser wrote in the caption of a clip related to the questionable move. "Now listen, I'm all for supportive parents. But was definitely caught off guard ... At what point do you step back and let your kids stand on their own?"

"Is this confidence-building support," she asked her online audience, "or does it send the wrong message in a professional setting?"

And, unsurprisingly, older 9-to-5ers are unimpressed with Gen Z's seemingly immature mess.

"Instant pass on that application," roared an outraged commenter.

"Definitely a red flag," another wrote, in part. Similar sentiments were echoed by a separate naysayer, who deemed the needy, unmanned Gen Z "instantly unhireable."

"I had a girl bring her mom, too," an executive commented. "I didn't hire her."
 
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People Who Nail Job Interviews Even When They're Super Nervous Usually Do These 7 Things, Says Career Coach


You've had your resume professionally prepared and sent a handful of applications online. After some back and forth by email and a short phone screen, you got the invitation. You've been asked to come in for a face-to-face interview.

You should be thrilled about this, especially been a few months since you got laid off from work, and the job market has been slow. Still, your palms are sweaty.... Suddenly, you have butterflies in your stomach. Research has shown how job interviews can create anxiety, especially if you haven't had an interview in years and have no idea where to start.

Almost everyone feels nervous before a job interview, even highly qualified candidates. Instead of letting anxiety take over, they rely on a handful of simple strategies that help them stay focused and clear when it matters most.

fizkes via Shutterstock

Sometimes the hardest questions can be about yourself, like your interests, values, goals, preferred ways of working, and ideal work environment. A study suggested taking the time to think these items through, not to ace the interview but to ensure this job is a good match for you.

Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Be clear about what you want. And, at the same time, adopt a practical mindset. If you don't get this job, there will be other opportunities, perhaps one that is an even better fit for you. You will be far more self-aware and ready for when that time comes.

RELATED: Boss Uses 'Salt & Pepper Test' In Every Job Interview And Avoids Hiring Candidates Who Fail

Amnaj Khetsamtip via Shutterstock

Find out as much as you can about the company. You can get a lot of clues about the culture from the corporate website, executive bios, and career pages. Research the organization to see what's been in the news. Get a sense of the leadership and potential hotspots by scanning the company's social media. Find out if anyone in your network works or knows someone there. There is nothing like a first-hand account.

Once you've done your digging, consider what questions you'd like to ask the interviewers during the process. Recruiters and hiring managers are always impressed when candidates take the time to learn about the products and services offered, the values, and the most significant business goals.

RELATED: If You Want To Actually Get Hired, These Are 11 'Weaknesses' Bosses Usually Like To Hear During Job Interviews

PeopleImages.com - Yuri A via Shutterstock

Be sure to set aside a few hours for this next exercise: write out the questions you think you'll be asked, along with your best possible answers. Take your cues from the job posting, particularly the qualification section, and you can't go wrong.

Studies have shown that most interview questions are behaviorally based. That means that you'll need to think about situations in the past in which you demonstrated specific behaviors, such as problem-solving or adaptability.

Be prepared to answer the questions in a fair amount of detail, including information such as the context, who was involved, what actions you took, what you were thinking and feeling at the time, what the outcome was, and what you learned from the experience.

And don't forget to write out your responses to challenge questions. These are questions that stress you out the most. When I work with clients on these questions, such as "Why did you leave your last job?" there is a real turning point for them. I give them activities to re-frame their situation in an accurate but more positive light. When they nail this, their confidence soars.

RELATED: The 3-Minute Exercise That Will Help You Answer Even The Toughest Job Interview Questions

fizkes via Shutterstock

Practice makes perfect, and to avoid potential jitters, you must have your responses down pat. Read your answers out loud or even record or videotape yourself. Get a friend, mentor, or coach to help you and give you honest feedback so that your best performance will be in front of the hiring panel.

Neuroscientist Brit Brogaard, Ph.D., explained, "Many people going into an interview are nervous. It's natural. Unfortunately, nervous behavior may lead you to behave in exceedingly annoying ways and make you commit one of the job interview mistakes. You may tap your foot, click your pen, shake your leg, or fail to maintain eye contact. These micro-behaviors can be one reason you don't get a job. Your interviewer may not even be consciously aware of your nervous behaviors, but on a subconscious level, these behaviors may still cause them to dislike you. The best you can do to avoid this is to practice with friends or colleagues ahead of time."

RELATED: There's Only One Right Answer To The 'How Are You?' Question In A Job Interview, According To A Career Coach

Antonio Guillem via Shutterstock

It's no accident that Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Michael Phelps, and Muhammad Ali performed so well. They all used visualization before every event. Retired professional golfer Jack Nicklaus is widely known to have said, "I never hit a shot, not even in practice, without having a very sharp in-focus picture of it in my head."

The same visualization techniques used in sports psychology apply here as well. Never step into a room without having pictured the entire interview from your arrival to your departure. Close your eyes and imagine walking up to the receptionist with conviction to announce yourself, calmly waiting in the reception to be called, firmly shaking the hiring manager's hand, and wearing a genuinely warm smile. Note how you feel.

Now, envision yourself seamlessly answering every question posed to you. Finally, imagine giving your closing statement about why the job appeals to you so much, and what you look forward to bringing to it. You're done. You've shaken hands again, and now you're heading home, enthusiastic about the opportunity and proud of how well you handled the interview.

RELATED: Woman Shares The One Brain Technique She Uses Every Day To Easily Achieve Her Goals Without Burning Out

Kmpzzz via Shutterstock

There's an adage, "Dress for the job you want," and it is true. The interviewer has to be able to picture you in the job. You can get a sense from the company website about the dress code, but it's always better to slightly overdress than show up underdressed.

In general, stay away from anything distracting, such as low necklines, short hemlines, bright colors, or big jewelry. Classic and comfortable work best for most organizations. But the bottom line is you have to feel good wearing it. Ask a friend or partner for color and outfit suggestions that flatter you.

RELATED: Study Finds Most Workers Feel They Have To Hide Who They Are To Get A Job, Including Changing Their Names

EF Stock via Shutterstock

Before you walk into the building, take a few minutes to get grounded. Sit in your car, on a bench, or in a coffee shop and feel your feet on the floor. Put your hand on your stomach and take a deep breath. Count to four and then exhale slowly. Take about 10 breaths and let your thoughts come and go freely.

Then, pump up your self-talk. You can do this! You're ready! Hold your head high, smile, and act confident. Then, you will be. Even if you're over-the-top nervous, you can present yourself as a self-assured professional. It takes some preparation on your part, but stick with it, and you'll shine at the interview as well as in your new job.

RELATED: If You Want To Stop Overthinking And Having A Zillion Thoughts At Night, Start With These 18 Gentle Habits

Lisa Petsinis is an ICF-credentialed career and life coach who works with women who want to show up fully for their lives and build lasting life skills - like confidence and resilience - that will help them achieve their career and life goals.
 
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Commentary | Peter "Fish" Case: Politics has no rulebook that anyone actually follows


The devil you know? But what happens when they're all devils and every devil makes the previous devil look better than the last? I really hope at some point we can hold them all accountable; I hope at least history will hold them to a standard that used to exist when the rule of law was the order of the day. Kristi Noem's résumé now needs the word "former" in front of her job title; historians... will probably mark the moment as the most awkward exit interview since Diddy tried to expense baby oil as "office supplies."

Noem already has a résumé highlight reel that reads like a political blooper montage. First there was the now-famous story about her shooting the family dog, which is not usually a recommended chapter in a campaign memoir unless the target demographic is... coyotes. Most politicians kiss babies. Few write about disciplining puppies with extreme prejudice. Then there was the roughly $220 million ad campaign promoting government messaging so relentlessly that people started wondering if the ads were trying to sell policy or just convince the rest of us that $220 million is the new normal price for an enthusiastic PowerPoint. Her exit memo should read like: "Exceptional at communications, fearless in decision-making, and possesses a once-in-a-generation talent for taking a perfectly calm news cycle and lighting it on fire with $220 million of taxpayer money."

But... she's the devil we know... even though we don't really want to know her. But she exited by stating she was proud of her work at the Department of Homeland Security, arguing the department had secured the border and eliminated public safety threats. Calling this situation "BS" might be unfair... to bulls. At least when a bull charges, you know it's coming. Watching the leadership circus around Kristi Noem has been more like a hockey game where the ref skates the puck straight into the net and then insists the other team scored. Meanwhile, two Americans -- Renée Good and Alex Pretti -- ended up dead during federal operations in Minnesota, which sparked nationwide outrage and investigations, let us not forget! Trying to spin that into a victory lap is like the Yankees bragging they beat the Red Sox while standing in the wrong stadium, wearing Mets jerseys. If accountability were a sport, this performance would be the Seattle Mariners of press conferences: with lots of hype, confusing playcalling, and the scoreboard still says you lost.

Some people are starting to treat the firing of Kristi Noem like the political equivalent of a halftime show, lots of noise, bright lights, and suddenly everyone stops looking at the scoreboard. Meanwhile, the conversation about the still-mysterious records connected to Jeffrey Epstein keeps trying to creep back into the game like a fan who wandered onto the field. It's the oldest play in politics: run a flashy trick play so the crowd argues about the replay while the real story jogs quietly toward the locker room. One minute the news cycle is talking about the Epstein files, the next minute everyone's debating who got fired, who's outraged, and who's posting what on social platforms.

If this were sports, it'd be like the Yankees and Red Sox benches clearing while the umpire quietly changes the scorecard. Fans scream, commentators argue, and nobody notices the inning ended differently than it started. Distraction may not win championships, but in politics, it can definitely run out the clock.

Sorry for all the sports references, opening day is upon us and I'm excited for another season of baseball. But it is quickly being replaced by political gamesmanship as America's new pastime; unfortunately people care more about the Yankees vs. Red Sox score than they do about political gamesmanship. Why? Simple, baseball still plays by the rules and adheres to the rules for 162 regular season games. We know what we are getting when we flip on or tune into a baseball game. The game is played for 9 innings and at the end of those innings a winner is declared.

Politics, by contrast, seems to have no innings, no scoreboard, and definitely no rulebook that anyone actually follows. Every "play" is a curveball, a balk, or a sneaky bunt designed to confuse the fans, and somehow the umpire is always on someone's payroll. Instead of cheering for a home run, we're left yelling at the TV while the real action happens behind closed doors, off the radar, or buried in paperwork. At least in baseball, even if your team blows it, you know the game ends. In politics, the whistle never blows, the scoreboard disappears, and somehow the losers keep running the bases anyway. Play ball!
 
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How to Apply for a Job Without a CV (And Still Get Hired)


Not everyone has a polished, up-to-date CV ready to go. Maybe you're switching careers, just entering the workforce, or simply tired of the endless copy-paste grind of traditional job applications. Whatever your situation, the good news is this: you can absolutely apply for jobs without a CV -- and actually get hired.

In this guide, we'll cover practical ways to get your foot in the door without... a traditional resume, including how platforms like LoopCV make it easier than ever to start applying to jobs with zero CV hassle.

The traditional CV format has been around for decades, but the modern job market is evolving fast. Here's why more candidates are looking for ways to apply without one:

The reality? Many employers care more about what you can do than the document you hand them. Your skills, portfolio, and personality often speak louder than a formatted Word file.

One of the easiest ways to apply for jobs without a traditional CV is to use a platform built for it. LoopCV is designed exactly for this. You can create a free account, set up your job search preferences, and let the platform automatically apply to matching jobs on your behalf -- without needing to upload a CV upfront.

With LoopCV, you fill in your skills, experience level, and target roles. The platform does the heavy lifting, sending out applications across hundreds of job listings while you focus on interview prep. It's job hunting on autopilot.

👉 Create your free LoopCV account and start applying today

Many companies, especially startups and tech firms, allow candidates to apply through an open application or interest form on their website. These often ask for a brief introduction, your LinkedIn profile, or a portfolio link -- no CV attachment needed.

Look for "Work With Us," "Join Our Team," or "Open Roles" pages. Send a compelling email introducing yourself, your skills, and why you're a fit. A strong email can often replace a full CV for initial screening.

Your LinkedIn profile can serve as a dynamic, always-updated alternative to a static CV. Make sure yours is complete with:

When applying via LinkedIn's Easy Apply, your profile IS your application. No separate CV upload required.

For creatives, developers, marketers, and consultants, a portfolio website can be more powerful than any CV. Showcase your work, case studies, client results, and testimonials. When reaching out to employers or responding to job ads, simply share the link.

Free tools like Notion, Canva, or WordPress make it easy to set up a professional-looking portfolio in a weekend -- even if you have no design experience.

Up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking, according to industry research. A warm introduction from a mutual connection can bypass the CV stage entirely. Attend industry events, engage on LinkedIn, join online communities in your field, and don't be shy about asking contacts to refer you.

When someone vouches for you internally, the hiring manager is already sold before they ever see your application.

LoopCV is a job search automation platform that takes the friction out of finding and applying for jobs. Here's what makes it different:

Whether you're a first-time job seeker or a seasoned professional pivoting careers, LoopCV makes it possible to apply smarter, not harder.

👉 Sign up for LoopCV for free -- no CV needed

Even without a traditional resume, you need to make a strong impression. Here are some quick wins:

Can you really get a job without a CV?Yes. Many employers, especially in tech, startups, and creative industries, prioritise skills, portfolios, and personality over formal documents. Platforms like LoopCV let you apply to jobs directly without uploading a traditional CV.

What can I use instead of a CV?You can use a LinkedIn profile, a personal portfolio website, a GitHub profile (for developers), a cover letter, or a well-crafted introductory email. The key is to communicate your value clearly, regardless of format.

Is LoopCV free to use?LoopCV offers a free plan that lets you get started with automated job applications right away. Visit www.loopcv.pro to create your account and explore the available plans.

How does LoopCV work without a CV?LoopCV lets you build a profile with your skills, experience, and job preferences. The platform then automatically applies to matching job listings across multiple job boards on your behalf -- without requiring a traditional CV upload to get started.

What types of jobs can I apply to without a CV?Many roles in tech, marketing, design, customer service, sales, and freelance work can be applied for without a traditional CV. Entry-level positions, startup jobs, and roles at companies that emphasise skills over credentials are particularly open to non-traditional applications.

Will employers take me seriously without a CV?Absolutely -- especially if you come prepared with a strong LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or a well-written personal pitch. Many hiring managers care most about whether you can do the job, not the format of your application.

How can I make my application stand out without a CV?Focus on specificity and proof. Tailor every message to the role, mention something specific about the company, and back up your claims with numbers or examples. A targeted, thoughtful application with no CV will always outperform a generic one with a full resume.

The job market no longer demands that you fit neatly into a two-page document. Skills, initiative, and the right tools matter more than ever. Whether you choose to build a killer LinkedIn profile, put together a portfolio, or let LoopCV do the legwork for you, there are more ways than ever to land a great job -- CV or not.
 
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Surveilled and Sold: Privacy and Sanctuary in Portland - Feet in 2 Worlds


Surveilled and Sold is an investigative series about how surveillance technologies track immigrants in an era of mass deportation -- and the ways private companies and the U.S. government buy, sell, and exchange our personal data.

When I first see Nemorio, he is sitting by himself at the Voz Worker Center in Southeast Portland, Oregon. The 56-year-old is bundled up in neon-colored winter clothes... and watching a soccer game on his phone.

Job hunting looks a lot different than it used to. When he joined the Worker Center 14 years ago, he left behind standing on a cold street corner for a safer, warmer place to find work. Nemorio is a professional landscaper, but he takes all sorts of jobs: a request to help someone move, paint their house, clean their business's exterior, or other construction or landscaping-related needs. A Portlander of 22 years, he has worked for some of the same clients for over a decade.

Nemorio is one of dozens of immigrant day laborers searching for work at the Worker Center. Along with central heating, coffee, pastries, and conversations to pass the time, the Center also provides a degree of security for its workers, some of whom are undocumented. A poster that says in big block letters, "NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC," is pasted over the front door, next to a Ring camera. Volunteers regularly sign up for shifts to sit on a folding chair and guard the front door. Often bundled up in rain jackets with hot tea in hand, they observe the Worker Center's surroundings -- watching who approaches the building. With increased ICE presence in Portland over the past year, their job is to alert workers if they spot masked agents.

When I initially approach Nemorio, he politely declines to participate in an interview. But he stays in the same room as I speak to another member: a house cleaner from Oregon City, fresh off a two-hour bus ride into town. Not long after we begin talking, one word piques Nemorio's attention -- enough to join in on the conversation.

"Camera."

The house cleaner and I are discussing high-tech cameras that are installed all over the city of Portland. They're hard to miss, with big solar panels and a recording of a male voice repeating the same message: "This property is being monitored by video surveillance 24/7." When I show Nemorio a photo I took of a camera in a Lowe's parking lot, he recognizes it immediately. He's seen the cameras everywhere, he says. He begins listing grocery stores like WinCo and Fred Meyer. He remembers one in particular at La Tapatia, a Latino grocery store in Gresham -- a city bordering Portland. "ICE was looking for somebody there," he says.

He's seen the cameras out in nearby towns like Beaverton, too. "There are more undocumented immigrants and more troubles there."

Any one of those cameras in the parking lots he named could be capturing his truck's license plate every time he drives past, silently recording his routine movements.

And any of them could've been the one that led to an encounter last October, when an ICE vehicle followed Nemorio's truck, landscaping equipment in tow, after he left a work site. He says he was lucky, because the agents eventually split off to follow a different car instead.

"It's better now," he says. "I'm lucky to have no problems. Maybe Jesus protects me."

This happened to him despite living in a sanctuary city within a sanctuary county and state. In 2026, Nemorio and other immigrant Portlanders face daily threats and fears of being targeted or profiled while driving. Surveillance technologies are helping federal immigration agents bypass state and local sanctuary protections to reveal immigrants' personal information and track their movements -- in many cases, leading to their arrests without a warrant or reasonable suspicion.

Over the past year, immigrants in Portland and across the country have had growing suspicions of being watched and followed. It's not unwarranted: ICE arrests quadrupled last year, and street arrests increased by 1100% nationwide. The number of ICE detainees went up 75% in just one year.

This has all been disrupting immigrants' daily lives. A 2025 survey by KFF and the New York Times shows that 41% of immigrants are worried that they or a family member could be detained or deported. About 14% avoided seeking medical care. Around 13% were not showing up to work. While their fears are valid, what they don't know is how they're being surveilled.

These concerns have prompted Portland community organizers to take action. Elizabeth Aguilera is the Director of Communications of an immigrants' rights advocacy group called Adelante Mujeres. Last year, they started organizing volunteers to drive children to school and pick up groceries for families who are afraid to leave their homes.

Allies in Portland's city government are also responding in their own ways. As Portland's only immigrant City Councilor, Angelita Morillo co-sponsored an emergency ordinance last fall to codify Portland's sanctuary city declaration into law. "The community wanted us to indicate that we were working on these issues and taking a critical look at them," says Morillo.

While Nemorio doesn't know the mechanisms behind the cameras, he has a hunch about why they're here.

"Somebody is looking in the cameras," he says.

The cameras are automated license plate readers (ALPRs). They are typically installed on road signs or bridges. They can also be mounted on police cars or left on mobile trailers for extended periods of time in the parking lots of grocery stores, shopping centers, banks, and gas stations.

You've most likely seen them around your neighborhood. ALPRs are used in all 50 states by over 4,000 local law enforcement agencies. In the Portland metro area, there are approximately 130 ALPRs installed. Nationwide, these ALPRs have captured millions of people's movements -- likely including yours.

ALPRs record every vehicle they see, capturing and logging its license plate number and characteristics, along with the date and time. These cameras all feed into one network, which can reveal a person's daily routines -- recording what streets one takes to go to work, school, places of worship, medical appointments, and so on. Those details are then stored in an easily searchable database.

It's a system that runs with little to no oversight.

Police don't need a warrant to look up a license plate. Curiosity alone is often enough reason to search for a track record of a car's movements. Officers can construct a list of targeted plates and receive an immediate alert once an ALPR detects one, detailing exactly when and where it was found. Police can also access data from cameras owned by private businesses such as Home Depot and Lowe's, which are popular gathering sites for day laborers.

Two companies, Flock Safety and Vigilant Solutions, corner the market on selling these tools to law enforcement agencies and private corporations. These companies claim their missions are in service of public safety and crime solving. But both have been known to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security on immigration enforcement efforts.

ICE routinely taps into vehicle location data collected by local and state police departments for deportation operations. A lack of federal data privacy protections allows ICE agents to buy access to private databases through data brokers. The agents can use these databases to match license plate numbers and ALPR data to DMV records as a loophole circumventing sanctuary laws. It's a quick and easy way to reveal someone's image, address, and daily movements.

During President Donald Trump's second term, license plate reader data -- combined with subscriptions to private data brokers -- are increasingly being exploited to find and seize immigrants. ICE does this without warrants across the country, including in sanctuary cities and states like Portland, Oregon.

"About a third of the detentions are happening out in community, and usually [while someone] is in a vehicle going between one place to the other," Aguilera says. "Part of that is because of these surveillance techniques, including tracking license plates."

Local sanctuary protections only function on the local level, determining what city and state resources and personnel can and can't be used for. They are not enough to stop federal agencies from buying access to data brokers and using surveillance technology to monitor Portlanders. And these sanctuary protections have not stopped the Portland Police Bureau from sharing its residents' information with a database ICE can access.

According to Aguilera, most detentions in Oregon last year occurred along the highway through Washington County, where one-sixth of all Latino Oregonians live. Smaller towns within the Portland metro area (like Beaverton, where Nemorio was followed) are where day laborers often find work. 90% of these vehicle stops, Aguilera says, usually happen between six and nine a.m., when people are heading to work or school.

On an early morning last October, a farmworker in Woodburn, Oregon was on her way to a job. Just like Nemorio, that same month -- in a town 30 minutes away -- she was being followed while in transit.

But unlike Nemorio, her car was pulled over by DHS officers. The agents who stopped her did not ask her name or show any papers. They broke the glass of her car window and detained everyone in the car. Immigration enforcement swept her up along with 30 others that day. Their arrests were part of an ongoing surveillance and deportation campaign in Oregon called Operation Black Rose.

"They sit and surveil and run license plates," says Aguilera. "And then they're doing sweeping arrests without [reasonable] suspicion."

In February, a federal judge issued an emergency order to halt warrantless arrests in Oregon. By that point, over 800 ICE arrests had occurred in Oregon between January and October of 2025, with over 500 immigration arrests in Portland alone.

"What does that say about us as a sanctuary city?" Marina Ortiz asked the city council at a hearing in September. Ortiz is co-chair of Latinx PDX, a resource group for city employees. "Sanctuary must be more than a word. No one should have to fear that a lunch break or commute home could change their life forever. Yet for many city employees and community members, that fear is real. We need more than your symbolic words."

A month after Ortiz's plea, Portland City Council passed an emergency ordinance to codify the city's sanctuary status. The ordinance legally prohibits all Portland city employees and resources from assisting any federal agency with immigration enforcement.

"I'm really not a fan of resolutions that say we care about X group of people but we're not gonna do anything materially for them," Councilor Morillo says. In 2017, during President Donald Trump's first term, the city council passed a resolution declaring Portland a sanctuary city. "City Council encourages all Portlanders to unite and work together to promote kindness and understanding in our shared community," the city council wrote in the conclusion of the 2017 resolution.

But resolutions are not legally binding. They merely express the formal opinion of the city council. Without specific policies that define what sanctuary status means in practice at the city or state level, these declarations remain mere political statements.

This criticism was echoed by city residents who urged city council to codify sanctuary protections at the public hearing in September.

"Prior to this year, sanctuary policies sort of felt like the equivalent of a company changing their logo to a rainbow during June," said Portland resident Jack Dickinson at the hearing. "We no longer live in a world where that can be justified as sufficient."

But even with the new emergency ordinance, local sanctuary laws cannot override federal policies. That means sanctuary laws cannot protect immigrants from deportation or criminal prosecution by the federal government.

By the time the city's sanctuary status became law last October, immigration arrests in Oregon had shot up almost 80 times more than the year before.

Portland resident Nick Kai remembers that two of those arrests involved immigrant fathers in their neighborhood in the same week. Kai is a trained legal observer with the National Lawyers Guild. One of Kai's neighbors was taken by ICE on his way to work. At the same hearing, Kai shared that they now drive their friend's daughter to school because her mother is afraid to leave her home.

"True sanctuary means safety in every part of your daily life, not just when you enter a city building," says Kai. "It's sanctuary in schools, churches, hospitals, grocery stores, post offices, community centers -- every essential thing that we need. No one should live in fear of being torn from their family simply by leaving home. That is sanctuary."

Both the Portland Police Bureau and the Sheriff's Office in Multnomah County, which encompasses the city of Portland, have denied any active contracts with Flock Safety. Yet in January 2026, the police bureau confirmed a recent contract with Motorola Solutions, the owner of Vigilant Solutions.

This relationship suggests Portlanders' private information may be being shared without their knowledge, regardless of citizenship status.

"That information is being funneled systematically all over the country to private data brokers," says Laura Rivera, a senior attorney with Just Futures Law, an organization that provides legal support to immigrants' rights organizers. "[They] sell it to law enforcement agencies and private parties that could exploit it."

Since 2017, Vigilant Solutions has sold license plate data to DHS and its agencies via Thomson Reuters, a data broker company. The data is searchable through a Thomson Reuters investigative database called CLEAR.

Through its new contract with Motorola Solutions, any plates read by ALPRs owned by Portland Police Bureau will feed into CLEAR -- right into the hands of ICE -- in direct violation of the city's ordinance and the state's Sanctuary Promise Act.

That's not the only way ICE can access Portlanders' data. A public records request Feet in 2 Worlds submitted to the Portland Police Bureau showed the its active subscription to LexisNexis Accurint, a different investigative database with access to millions of people's names, social security numbers, addresses, vehicle registrations, utility bills, and ALPR data, among many others.

In an email to Feet in 2 Worlds, Sergeant Kevin Allen -- the Public Information Officer at the police bureau -- said that the bureau uses the database to "assist in identifying and locating subjects involved in investigations."

The police bureau's subscription includes access to another investigative database originally developed for the federal government after 9/11. The Accurint Virtual Crime Center (AVCC) was created to conduct mass personal data searches of Muslims to generate suspect lists following the 9/11 attacks.

As a condition of access to AVCC, the police bureau and other local law enforcement agencies must share their data with the Public Safety Data Exchange database (PSDEX). PSDEX compiles data from thousands of law enforcement agencies nationwide.

ICE has access to both AVCC and PSDEX.

The Portland Police Bureau is handing over its data to the same investigative database ICE uses to find immigrants. That means even if Portland law enforcement is not directly cooperating with ICE, Portlanders' data can still be accessed by ICE.

Importantly, ICE can also access jail release data through AVCC. ICE often asks local police to hold someone in their custody for an extra 48 hours through a form called a detainer request. Once ICE knows the exact date and time of a detainee's release, agents can arrive at the jail and directly transfer them into federal custody. The police bureau's FAQ says that "officers shall not honor or comply with federal agency immigration detainer requests," in compliance with sanctuary city laws. Their data-sharing with PSDEX -- formalized in a contract -- undermines that claim.

When Feet in 2 Worlds reached out to the Portland Police Bureau, Sergeant Kevin Allen denied any participation in PSDEX via an email statement. "We do not see this anywhere in the current contract with LexisNexis," he wrote. He also denied that the police bureau is contractually required to share license plate data and jail release data to LexisNexis's databases, including the post 9/11 tool AVCC.

Yet the addendum Feet in 2 Worlds received via a public records request states that the police bureau "agrees to submit to LexisNexis Customer Data Contributions."

"ICE is looking to exploit data brokers increasingly to power its deportation machine," says Rivera, the attorney with Just Futures Law. "We're seeing right now under this government how data brokers and other surveillance tools are being weaponized to criminalize our community members and expose them to arrest and deportation on a new scale."

Without strong federal data privacy laws preventing the sale of people's personal information, sanctuary protections will remain toothless against these loopholes. Meanwhile, the federal government is building and bolstering a vast surveillance infrastructure to harvest our data -- targeting immigrant communities first.
 
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