Overcoming Uncertainty: Miranda Whitters’ Job Search Success Story

In this job search success story, Miranda Whitters of Columbia Distributing shares her advice on how to balance the uncertainty of job searching with self-care.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I work as a recruiting specialist with Columbia Distributing. Our company is among the largest beverage distributors in the Northwest. We distribute a wide range of beverage products to chain stores, convenience stores and private businesses. 

My role is to help support the recruiting needs for our new warehouse opening in Canby, Oregon. I help identify and pre-screen candidates for our openings in the merchandiser, warehouse and delivery departments. In this role, I have learned several unique ways to recruit during these difficult times. (We just finished two successful virtual hiring events for our delivery helper and night warehouse roles). I’ve also gotten the chance to expand my human resources skill set and have led orientations for new hires. 

How long did it take you to find this job?

 It took me four months to find this job.

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

I was contacted by an awesome recruiter at Ajilon. She proposed this opportunity to me and I decided to take the leap and interview. I was also speaking to other recruiters to increase my chances of an interview. I was also participating in workshops to help make my resume better and to learn tips for virtual interviews. 

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

I think the most difficult part is trying to not feel discouraged during the uncertainty of the job search. There were some days it felt like I would never find a job and it was hard not to feel overwhelmed. But I knew that if I just gave up, there was no way I’d ever get a job. So, I told myself to take it day by day and to keep applying.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

Give yourself grace when looking for jobs. It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others and to feel discouraged by the competitive nature of the job search. I really had to practice this and to put my circumstance into perspective of the world we live in. Balance the job search with self-care if possible – whether it’s going on a walk, practicing your hobbies, or journaling. 

Why do you love your job?

I love my job because of how many different people I get to speak with on a daily basis. Also, being able to help provide people with new employment (especially during these times) is a really rewarding part of my job. I’m also grateful that I’m able to learn different skills, not just those related to recruiting. This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to lead orientation for new hires, and it’s really exciting to practice this and expand my human resources skill sets.

Everyone’s job search story is different, but each individual story can inspire and empower others who are on their own unique path. We love to hear how our readers have found rewarding careers in Portland, and we want to share these stories with you to inspire you in your job search and to help us all better understand the local job market!