The Uncommon Career Podcast: Transformative Career Coaching & Job Search Strategies

Patricia Ortega | Transformational Career Coach | Career Counselor
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Nov 4, 2025 • 15min

136. Clarity and Resume/Cover Letter Inspiration for Your Job Search - Tips from Successful Candidates

  In this episode, Patricia shares valuable advice on job searching, focusing on the importance of clarity, creating effective resumes, and writing authentic cover letters. The episode emphasizes learning from recent job seekers' experiences, the necessity of slowing down the application process to refine materials, and the significance of aligning resumes and cover letters with employer needs. Key highlights include avoiding 'chaos applying,' understanding the true meaning of authenticity, and the importance of tailoring resumes to solve hiring managers' problems.    We'll Talk About: 00:27 The Importance of Clarity in Job Search 02:58 Crafting an Authentic Cover Letter 05:33 Tailoring Your Resume for the Reader 08:48 Avoiding Common Resume Pitfalls   _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching  
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Oct 28, 2025 • 41min

135. Leaving Law & Tenure: Redefining Success with Faith and an Entrepreneur Mentality w/Janine Esbrand

  In this episode, join career coaches Janine and Patricia have an insightful coffee chat about their personal journeys of leaving law and tenure to embrace new careers. They share the importance of redefining success, the challenges faced during transitions, and the strategies they've learned. The conversation touches on entrepreneurship, mindset, and the unexpected growth that comes with making a significant career change.    Timestamps 01:08 Janine's Journey from Law to Coaching 05:49 Patricia's Academic Background and Career Shift 09:54 Navigating Identity and Career Changes 23:43 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skills 25:19 Being the CEO of Your Career 26:58 Navigating Challenges and Mindset Shifts   About Janine Esbrand Janine Esbrand is a career strategist & executive coach helping high-achieving professionals step into impactful leadership roles with clarity, intention, and strategy. A former corporate lawyer, she draws on a decade of legal experience and her Career Change Maker™ framework to guide emerging leaders toward roles that align with their strengths, values, and long-term goals—unlocking both personal fulfillment and organizational impact.  Connect with Janine Connect with Janine on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Career Navigator    _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching
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Oct 21, 2025 • 12min

134. Why Networking Beats Applications - And How to Get Started

Discover why networking trumps blind applications in the job hunt. Learn how referrals and personal connections are the keys to securing interviews. Patricia reveals common mistakes people make, like overanalyzing their outreach. Understand how to approach networking as a genuine connection rather than a sales pitch. Overcome your fears of cold outreach with simple, actionable steps, and hear inspiring stories of transformation. Start with just one conversation this week to kickstart your networking journey!
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Oct 14, 2025 • 20min

133. The Resume Mistake Every Mid-level Professional Needs to Correct

  In this episode, Patricia highlights common resume mistakes made by mid-level professionals, emphasizing the importance of measuring value over word count. Learn keys in transforming detailed job descriptions into value-packed stories that delineate specific outcomes and impacts. Lastly, learn how to translate and focus on results rather than tasks while using quantifiable proof and ensuring every word on the resume is purposeful.    We'll Talk About: 00:37 Why Resumes Fail 01:54 Crafting a Value-Packed Resume 04:43 Signs Your Resume Needs Improvement 11:38 Steps to Transform Your Resume 18:00 Making Your Resume Stand Out   _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching  
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Oct 7, 2025 • 23min

132. Make Your Voice Heard: Become Assertive at Work

  In this episode, dive into the topic of assertiveness in communication. Highlight the importance of asserting oneself in both personal and professional settings without coming off as aggressive. Explore how individuals can overcome internal barriers and effectively communicate their boundaries and opinions. And lastly, gain insights into reframing their perspectives, using positive language, and building self-confidence to enhance their assertive communication skills.   We'll Talk About: 00:28 Understanding Assertiveness in Communication 02:30 Client Stories and Real-Life Examples 04:42 Overcoming Hesitations and Self-Doubt 10:21 Practical Tips for Assertive Communication     __________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching\ Connect with Julianna: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Newsletter signup⁠
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Sep 30, 2025 • 35min

131. Are You Severely Underpaid? Using the VALUE Framework to Get Out of the Career Clearance Section, w/Candyce Hunt

  In this episode, tune in for the importance of negotiating your salary and recognizing your value in the workplace. Guest Candyce Hunt shares her own experiences and introduces the VALUE framework (Value documentation, Assert clear boundaries, Loudly communicate, Unapologetically ask, and Evidence) to help you secure the pay you deserve. Included are key signs to identify if you're undervaluing yourself, as well as practical steps to advocate for better compensation. Make your next step to being properly valued and compensated at work today.   Timestamps 00:45 Identifying the Career Clearance Track 02:59 Candyce's Personal Journey 05:12 Recognizing Limiting Behaviors 13:44 The Value Framework Explained 19:42 Practical Tips for Negotiation 31:25 Final Thoughts and Resources   About Candyce Hunt Candyce is a Career Wellness Coach, Speaker, and Leadership Consultant with nearly 20 years of experience leading teams at Ross, Dollar General, WeWork, and Kohl’s. Her journey began as an 8-year-old choir director in Chicago, sparking a lifelong passion for influence, harmony, and growth. She helps professionals and organizations thrive through career strategy, leadership development, and business consulting. Candyce has partnered with Payscale, LA SHRM, ASHA, and The Vitamin Shoppe to drive impact through coaching and training. Her mission is to help people pivot with confidence and lead with clarity. Connect with Candyce Connect with Candyce on LinkedIn Download the Career Blueprint Here    _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching
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Sep 23, 2025 • 39min

130. An Encouraging Message and Our Top Episode: Job Interview Obstacles - Turning Nerves, Anxiety and Mistakes into Success

  In this special episode, Patricia shares deeply personal insights into her faith journey, discussing the impact of prayer during tough times and how a leap of faith profoundly transformed her career. Addressing recent global and local tragedies, this segment aims to offer comfort and perspective through a spiritual lens. Tune in further for a replay of a popular discussion on overcoming job interview nerves and mistakes.   We'll Talk About: 01:11 The Power of Prayer 02:11 Personal Testimony and Career Journey 03:46 Faith and Business: Finding the Balance 19:16 Introduction to Viral Episode 19:49 Job Interview Obstacles: Overcoming Nerves and Anxiety   _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching  
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Sep 16, 2025 • 23min

129. Stop Getting Overlooked: What to Do When Your Boss Wont Advocate for You

  Unsure whether or not you're actually being seen at work? In this episode, learn how to recognize when your boss is not advocating for your growth and what steps you can take to advocate for yourself. Highlight the importance of being clear on your career goals, communicating expectations with your boss, and using persuasive communication and marketing principles to make your achievements visible. Also emphasized here is the importance of managing up, understanding interpersonal dynamics, and creating a frictionless advocacy process to ensure your career progression.   We'll Talk About: 00:22 Identifying Red Flags: Signs Your Boss Isn't Advocating for You 01:38 Building Visibility & Managing Expectations 06:21 Effective Communication: Making Your Wins Visible 09:09 Overcoming Resistance: Addressing Hesitations 12:46 Practical Tips: Elevator Pitches and Branding    __________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching\ Connect with Julianna: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Newsletter signup⁠
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Sep 9, 2025 • 13min

128. Make Bold Career Moves Without Damaging Your Reputation

  In this episode, discuss how to pursue career growth without damaging professional relationships. Learn strategies for transitioning between roles while maintaining healthy connections, and understand the importance of focusing on people rather than the organization. Tune in further to cover key principles such as expressing your intent to stay in touch, scheduling follow-ups, and providing value through strategic preparation.   We'll Talk About: 00:54 Balancing Growth and Relationships 01:42 Setting Expectations for Career Advancement 02:23 Navigating Transitions with Grace, Focusing on What Matters 08:41 Practical Tips for Smooth Transitions 10:24 Investing in Your Future    _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching  
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Sep 2, 2025 • 33min

127. You Got The Job, Now Maximize Your Career Success, with Bryttani Graddick

  Ever thought of mastering your career growth? In this episode featuring Bryttani Graddick, learn strategies for becoming irreplaceable in your career amid the challenges posed by AI and globalization. Tune in to uncover her flywheel system comprising education, experience, engagement, and excellence, designed to help HR professionals and other career-focused individuals achieve sustained career growth. And lastly, know how to recognize the signs that it's time to elevate one's career, and the importance of internal versus external changes.   Timestamps 00:39 Recognizing the Need to Become Irreplaceable 03:59 Identifying Root Issues in Your Career 05:55 The Importance of Internal and External Changes 08:19 The HR Efficiency Pyramid 18:37 The Four E's Flywheel System   About Bryttani Graddick Bryttani Graddick is an HR Leadership Career Coach with a heart for serving others. As CEO & Founder of Talented Teams Consulting, LLC, she educates and empowers HR professionals to build their careers on purpose. She started her HR career as an unpaid intern and currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer in the credit union industry. In her executive role, she leads human resources and training/development. As a lifelong learner, she understands the importance of building skills and abilities to prepare yourself for a fruitful career and positively impact those around you. Currently serving as an Instructor and Education Partner for SHRM, Bryttani believes in continuously building your skills to reach new heights personally and professionally. When she’s not spending time with her husband, three kids, and family, she dedicates her time to helping other HR leaders fast-track their journeys to build more impact, influence, and income! Connect with Bryttani Connect with Bryttani on LinkedIn Book Your Complimentary Career Audit with Bryttani    _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching

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