Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job
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What would it be like to create your own job instead of looking for one? On this bonus episode of , Kelly Noack (http://linkedin.com/in/kelly-noack) shares how she expanded the job she was doing for one arm of a larger company. Kelly’s success in IT security and compliance gave her confidence that she could expand her role to include the family of businesses within the company as a whole. Kelly also shares how mentoring and research helped her propose the new position to her leadership. Learn more about Kelly’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series. (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories)
If you see networking as large meet-ups and one-off coffee dates, it’s time to rethink your networking strategy. guest Sophia Wellons stresses the need for building long-term relationships through networking. Networking isn’t simply meeting someone and asking them if they have a job for you; it building relationships that will serve both parties for months or years to come. Sophia says you have to go into these settings with clarity on what you need and how you can help others, along with a willingness to do so. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Sophia Wellons (http://linkedin.com/in/srwellons) is a recruiter at Galois (https://lifeatgalois.com/). Her company specializes in the research and development of new technologies. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Are you afraid of using new technology in your job search? Don’t be, says Find Your Dream Job guest Nicole Blevins. ChatGPT is a tool that can help you be more efficient and can give you the information you need to find the perfect fit. Nicole says ChatGPT can save you hours when creating cover letters and resumes. She also recommends using it to research positions, salary ranges, and sample interview questions. The best way to get comfortable with ChatGPT is to play around with it, learn as much as you can, and discover how it can best help you in your job search. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Nicole Blevins (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolelizblevins/) is the HR training services manager at Xenium HR (https://xeniumhr.com/). RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Not every job will have us excited to get up in the morning. Sometimes, we have to take positions to pay the bills. But if you see an opening that excites you, guest Arturo Rodriguez Flores says you should go all in on the opportunity. Arturo suggests using that excitement to fuel your cover letter writing and to research the company for the interview process. Excitement over a position will lead you to know where the company is, where they’re going, and how you can help them get there, says Arturo. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Arturo Rodriguez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturo-rodriguez-flores-992281203/) Flores is a recruitment strategist at SEIU Local 503. (https://seiu503.org/) It’s one of the largest labor unions in the state of Oregon. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
In a crowded job market, if you don’t stand out, you’ll miss out. The best way to network with target employers is by getting clear on your values, says guest Claudia Bruce-Quartey. Know the type of company culture that brings out your best. Claudia also suggests you practice questions to ask in these conversations and also how you will share the value you can bring to the company. And if you feel nervous about meeting with a hiring manager for a conversation, Claudia says execution is everything. So jump! ABOUT OUR GUEST: Claudia Bruce-Quartey (http://linkedin.com/in/claudia-bruce-quartey)is a career coach for female professionals who want to speak confidently about accomplishments and ask for raises. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Do you find yourself hesitant to be authentic in job interviews? Why does it matter? On this bonus episode of , Shae Noble (http://linkedin.com/in/shaenoble) shares her journey to authenticity and how it led her to take on a specific role. Shae says that knowing what you truly want from a job matters more than where you end up. She suggests making a list of what matters most to you and piecing those things together to create your dream job, then pursuing the companies and positions that can offer those things. Learn more about Shae’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series. (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories)
We all know we need to network, yet the thought of being in a room full of strangers making small talk turns many of us off. What if networking could be as natural as speaking with a friend? It can, according to guest Katy Byrtus. Katy says the best network is made up of those people you already know. Katy suggests reaching out to former coworkers, managers, and mentors, considering that people enjoy helping others. A job search can be challenging. Don’t go it alone. Use your network to make it easier and more sustainable than staring at a computer screen for hours on end. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Katy Byrtus (http://linkedin.com/in/kbyrtus) is a creative recruiter at M+P (https://mathys-potestio.com/) who connects candidates with jobs. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Trying to find a job by sending out mass resumes will only lead to frustration in your job search. You need people who are on your side and who can help you. guest Francina Harrison calls these R-E-A-L relationships; human-to-human interactions that lead to the information you need. As you seek out these REAL relationships, follow the advice Francina offers, “Don’t get anxious; get prepared!” by knowing three things: who you are, what you have, and what you want. About Our Guest: Francina Harrison (http://linkedin.com/in/careerengineer) is the CEO of The Career Engineer®. (https://tcenow.com/) Her company helps career changers, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. Francina is also the author of A Mind to Work: The Life and Career Planning Guide for People Who STILL Need To Work. (https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Work-Career-Planning-People/dp/069267294X) Resources in This Episode: __ __
It’s easy to reach out to friends and family when we need information during a job search. But have you ever considered networking with a stranger? Making a cold networking request might not be the easiest step you could take, but it can open up opportunities you wouldn’t have known about otherwise, says guest Emma Britton. Even if you don’t know someone, Emma says they’re likely to agree to connect simply to give back. They also realize you, as another professional, have things to offer. So, be confident, reach out, and ask for exactly what you need. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Emma Britton (http://linkedin.com/in/emma-r-britton) is the director of career services at the National University of Natural Medicine (https://nunm.edu/). RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
You feel like you want a change in your career, but you’re scared. Should you change, or should you stay put and appreciate the job you have? A change can be a positive thing, giving you new opportunities in your day-to-day responsibilities, says guest Amechi Udo. Before making any career change, Amechi suggests asking yourself what your desired outcome is. Get clarity around what you want in a new position, and then use the resources you already have to pursue the opportunity. Start with your skills, talents, and experience and grow from there. About Our Guest: Amechi Udo (http://linkedin.com/in/careercoachforexecutives) is the founder of Your Career Matters (https://www.yourcareermatters.co.uk/). Amechi’s company helps you take charge of your career. Resources in This Episode: __ __
Careers typically evolve on a fairly linear path. You graduate college, get your first job or internship, and proceed to grow in your field. But what if you turned this path on its head? What if, instead of getting a new job after fifteen years in the workforce, you go back to school and then begin an internship? On this bonus episode of , Rowena Paz Norman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenapaznorman/) shares how her journey to her dream job didn’t look like she expected it to. Rowena talks about why going back to school was the right step for her and what it was like being an intern in her mid-thirties. Learn more about Rowena’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories).
Are you afraid of annoying others by asking them for time to “pick their brain?” There is a better way to ask for someone’s time, says guest Tad Mayer. You begin by figuring out exactly what information you want from this person. But the most important piece, according to Tad, is understanding what you can offer to them. If you have something they value, they are more likely to give you 30 minutes of their time. Tad also recommends asking questions that allow the other person to share their career stories. Networking is a great way to draw out details that can help you in your own career journey. About Our Guest: Tad Mayer (http://linkedin.com/in/tadmayer) is a career coach at Essex Partners (https://www.essexpartners.com/). His company helps senior executives in transition. Resources in This Episode: __ __
Congratulations on getting an interview! Now, what is your plan for standing out from the other candidates who are interviewing for your dream job? Using the STAR method to share your professional experience is a great way to connect with a hiring manager, says guest Donna McCullough. Employers want to know who you are, not just what you can do. Donna suggests preparing “Eight Greats,” eight stories that showcase your previous wins in your career. These stories will engage the interviewer and make you unforgettable. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Donna McCullough (http://linkedin.com/in/donnacmccullough) is the founder of Claravia Consulting (https://claraviaconsulting.wixsite.com/claraviaconsulting). RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Have you been trying to find a job with little success? Perhaps it’s time to ask someone to help you. In this episode, guest Ellen Recko shares why it’s a poor strategy to job search alone. Job search mentors can offer more than just available openings; they can help you find clarity in what you want in your next position, as well as boost your confidence in what you have to offer. Ellen says one of the best ways to speed up your job search is to reach out to people who can help. That can be a formal mentor, a friend, or a paid career coach. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Ellen Recko (http://linkedin.com/in/ellenrecko) is a career coach with Lake Grove Job Seekers (https://lakegrovejobseekers.org/). RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will believe in you. Confidence is the key factor in getting the job you’ve dreamed of, according to guest Jamila Brown. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who know their value and what they have to offer. Jamila also says your job search is business, so if you don’t get hired, it’s not a personal rejection. And finally, have options. It’s nice to get an interview, but multiple interviews are more likely to lead to a job offer. Don’t stop at plan A; have plans B, C, D, and E in the background to pull from. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jamila Brown (http://linkedin.com/in/jamilabrown) is a career strategist and a co-founder of the 5 Minute Career Hack.(https://www.5minutecareerhack.com/) RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Your network plays a pivotal role in finding your next job. On this bonus episode of , Amanda Green (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-green-cpa-mpa-29b09921/) shares how she secured her dream job, even though she wasn’t looking for her next position at the time. Thanks to having a strong network, she was able to learn of an open position that wasn’t on her radar. Learn more about Amanda’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series. (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories)
Your work environment affects more than the hours you spend at work; it affects your personal life, as well. That’s why it’s so important to find a place of employment where you feel seen, heard, and appreciated. How can you be sure the company you’re interviewing with provides that type of workplace? Job guest Ana Goehner says you begin by speaking with current and former employees. Ana also suggests defining terms such as flexibility and exploring how the employer recognizes achievement. Do as much research as possible, and ask specific questions of the hiring manager that relate to what matters most to you. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Ana Goehner (http://linkedin.com/in/anagoehner) is a career strategist and a certified human resources specialist. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Sending out dozens of applications per day and hoping for the best is not the way to find a job you love. You need a successful plan, one that contains action, accountability, and accessibility. guest Steph Cartwright suggests starting by targeting employers and using LinkedIn to network with employees at those companies. A job search plan need not take up hours a week either; Steph says 20-30 minutes a few times a week is enough to put a strategy into place. Build new habits into your week instead of putting so much pressure on yourself to find the perfect job as quickly as possible. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Steph Cartwright (http://linkedin.com/in/stephcartwrightcprw)is the certified resume writer and job search strategist behind Off The Clock Resumes (https://www.offtheclockresumes.com/). RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
It happens; you’re thrilled to receive a job offer, and then suddenly, the offer is rescinded with no explanation as to why. Now what? Now is the time to take the lessons from your job search experience and move forward with the same energy you began it, says guest Octavia Goredema. What starts as a moment of distress can become a moment of clarity if you allow it. Go back to the drawing board; know that if you got this job offer, you will get another; use this experience to go after what you want with even more clarity and confidence. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Octavia Goredema (http://linkedin.com/in/octaviagoredema) is the host of the Audible Original series How to Change Careers and the author of Prep, Push, Pivot. (https://www.amazon.com/Prep-Push-Pivot-Strategies-Underrepresented/dp/1119789079) RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
If you’re counting on a generic resume to get your next job, you may be in for a rude awakening. In this digital world, you’re going to need to level up if you want to get past the applicant tracking systems and be invited to interview. Where do you begin? guest Enrique Ruiz says the most important step is your LinkedIn page. Build it out fully. Next, prepare two resumes; one for the ATS and a second, more specialized one for each position you’re applying to. Finally, represent yourself well. Show up on time, be pleasant and engaging, and express your desire to work hard and be a team player. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Enrique Ruiz (http://linkedin.com/in/enrique-ruiz-cdsp) is a former senior talent acquisition manager at Thesis, a digital agency in Portland, Oregon, and will soon launch his own recruiting agency. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
It’s easy to follow an opportunistic path with your career, taking what gets handed to you and making the best of it. But your career becomes more rewarding when you become more intentional. Getting clarity on how you need your job to align with your life is the most important first step, says guest Jeff Perry. Jeff suggests focusing on what you want in a job rather than what you want to get away from. Jeff reminds us that we each have the ability to make choices. Don’t be at the mercy of others when it comes to your career; be intentional with what works for your life and needs. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jeff Perry (http://linkedin.com/in/jeffcperry) is a leadership and career expert who works with individuals, teams, and organizations. Jeff also hosts The Engineering Career Coach Podcast. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-engineering-career-coach-podcast/id724048690) RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Does the word “networking” strike fear in your heart? Are you hesitant to reach out to others for coffee or conversation? That fear is natural, says guest Gene Rhee. But it helps when you realize we all network every day. When you talk with a coworker or a friend, you’re networking. The key to successful networking, according to Gene, is to have something to offer in conversation, so be clear on your values, skills, and interests, so that when asked, you can share specifics. And be ready to ask questions of the other person so that they feel valued and open to share. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Gene Rhee (http://linkedin.com/in/generhee) is the executive director of Mohr Career Services at the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon (https://business.uoregon.edu/). RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
If you aren’t using LinkedIn to find your next job, you are missing out on a powerful tool. But you have to use it well. guest Nick Poloni says it all starts with a story-driven profile. It’s not enough to have a list of previous positions; you have to provide content and context. Recruiters want to know who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you’re looking for. Nick suggests having a specific focus for your profile, using keywords and titles that are common to the field you are in or want to enter. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Nick Poloni (http://linkedin.com/in/nickpoloni) is the head of recruitment at Cascadia Search Group and works in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Job seekers oftentimes are hesitant to share their strengths for fear of bragging, and we sometimes focus more on our weaknesses than what we’re naturally good at. But you need to show a potential employer how your strengths will benefit their company, says guest Kristie Steele. Kristie says the best way to do that is by sharing stories of how those strengths have helped you in previous jobs. Asking friends, family, and coworkers what they see as your strengths is another way to get clarity on what you have to offer in a new position. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Kristie Steele (http://linkedin.com/in/kristiemsteele702)is a senior human resources manager at Forth. It’s a nonprofit working to electrify transportation. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Do you feel like a failure as a job seeker? Perhaps you’ve been rejected more times than you ever thought possible, or you can’t seem to get an interview, no matter how qualified you are. The key to dealing with failure in a job search all comes down to mindset, says guest Harsha Boralessa. Harsha suggests that resilience is the most important quality to have as a job seeker. Persistence, along with a specific job search strategy, will pay off in the long term. Harsha also shares the importance of doing at least one thing every day to further your career goals. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Harsha Boralessa (http://linkedin.com/in/harsha-boralessa-cfa-aca-fct-62aa199)is the founder and the host of the Reframe and Reset Your Career podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reframe-reset-your-career/id1548686014). RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
It’s not enough in today’s job market to have the experience required for an open position. You have to stand out from the crowd of applicants to even secure an interview. Using your leverage is the best way to stand head and shoulders above others, says guest Ashton McMillan. Leverage could be past work experience, education, or specific results from a previous job or campaign that show your success in the field. The more you know the value you have to offer an employer, the more confidently you will approach an interview, so do your homework and discover what results you have achieved that the potential employer needs in a new hire. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Ashton McMillan (http://linkedin.com/in/ashton-mcmillan) is a recruiter with experience in leadership and financial analysis who specializes in software engineering and technical positions. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Are your Sunday evenings filled with dread over having to go back to another work week because of a toxic or upsetting work environment? If so, it’s time to make a decision on whether to stay or leave. guest Becky Farone is here to share how to know when it’s the right time to leave and when you should try to hang on. Becky says you need to go back to your core values, analyze whether there are any areas that you can control, and check your confidence so that you don’t make a fear-based choice. Your career is your own, so trust yourself to make the right decision. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Becky Farone (https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckykaplanfarone/) is a credentialed career coach and the founder of Fireworks Coaching (https://www.fireworkscoaching.com/). Becky helps professional women over 40 decide to stay or leave distressing work. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Walking into an interview can be nerve-wracking, to say the least. Will you have all the answers they’re looking for? Will it be a good fit? You can’t prepare for the unknown, but what you can do, says guest Karla Rockhold, is prepare for what you do know. Karla recommends preparing a 30 to 90-second elevator pitch to answer the “tell me about yourself” query that usually opens the interview. Do your homework to prepare for the middle part of the interview, and end strong with your own set of questions for the interviewer. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Karla Rockhold (http://linkedin.com/in/karla-rockhold) is the director of alumni career engagement at Oregon State University (https://oregonstate.edu/). Her office connects graduates with the campus community and its career services. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Why should you work with a recruiter instead of going the traditional job-hunting route? guest Brad Near says a great recruiter can help you find a job quicker, and with more of what you’re looking for than you can on your own. Brad explains the broad connections that recruiters typically have, which can lead to many more open positions than you could ever know about. You can be more honest with a recruiter than you might be with a hiring manager; a recruiter will have your best interests in mind and will take the time to learn about any negative past experiences. Brad suggests trying a recruiter and seeing what they can do for you. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Brad Near (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bnear/) is the CEO of Rainier Recruiting (https://www.rainierrecruiting.com/). It’s a boutique agency that represents hundreds of openings across North America. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
In the world of job seekers, strategy might seem like the last thing you need. After all, you’ll do just about anything to get your next job, right? But a dialed-in strategy is exactly what you need, says guest Amy Santee. Without it, you’re flailing, not knowing what you want or where to find it. Your job search strategy starts with getting clarity on your priorities, financial needs, geographic preferences, and your long-term goals. Once you know what you’re looking for, you can develop a specific strategy on how to get it. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Amy Santee (http://linkedin.com/in/amysantee)is a career strategist and a coach for user experience professionals. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
