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

Patricia Ortega | Transformational Career Coach | Career Counselor
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Nov 25, 2025 • 52min

139. Women, Work, and Voice: Unlearning Silence to Grow Your Career, with Elaine Lin Hering

  In this episode, explore the concept of unlearning silence with Elaine Lin Herring, a faculty member at Harvard Law and a bestselling author. Elaine discusses her book 'Unlearning Silence' and shares the toll of societal and personal expectations on our lives, particularly for women and immigrants. She delves into the importance of finding one's voice, understanding personal needs, and making intentional choices for a more aligned and fulfilling life. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she offers practical advice for overcoming self-doubt, utilizing our unique talents, and creating a life that's truly yours.   Timestamps 01:14 The Burden of Expectations & Breaking Free from the Past 07:41 Rediscovering Your Voice, the Power of Self-Expression 14:56 The Journey to Unlearn Silence 27:37 Navigating Life's Uncertainties & Embracing Possibilities Amidst Challenges 30:06 Reevaluating Career Paths & The Importance of Market Awareness 31:55 Balancing Gratitude and Ambition, Exploring New Opportunities 40:10 Strategic Silence and Intentional Choices   About Elaine Lin Hering Elaine Lin Hering is a speaker, facilitator, and former Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She has worked on six continents and facilitated executive education at Harvard, Dartmouth, Tufts, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. She has served as the Advanced Training Director for the Harvard Mediation Program and a Managing Partner for a global leadership development firm. She has worked with coal miners at BHP Billiton, micro-finance organizers in East Africa, mental health professionals in China, and senior leadership at the US Department of Commerce. Her clients include American Express, Chevron, Google, Nike, Novartis, PayPal, Pixar, and the Red Cross. She was named a Thinkers50 global management thinker to watch and is the author of the USA Today Bestselling book Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully (Penguin). Connect with Elaine Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn Subscribe to Elaine's Newsletter    _________________________________________________________________ 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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Nov 18, 2025 • 8min

138. The 30 Second Interview Fix That Gets Job Offers

  In this episode, Patricia highlights the critical importance of small details in job interviews and how mastering those can significantly affect the outcome. She shares a personal anecdote demonstrating how a simple 30-second oversight can have lasting consequences and applies this lesson to interview preparation. Patricia provides actionable advice on how to identify and leverage personal strengths by reflecting on past industries, experiences, skills, and unique qualifications. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for thorough preparation for responses, particularly the 'tell me about yourself' answer, and offers guidance for ensuring these answers highlight relevant strengths confidently and clearly.    We'll Talk About: 00:00 The 30-Second Interview Game Changer 01:51 Identifying Your Strengths 04:03 Crafting Your 'Tell Me About Yourself' Response 05:06 Practice Until You Can't Get It Wrong 06:04 Taking Action: Preparing for Your Interview 06:51 Final Thoughts and Next Steps   _________________________________________________________________ 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 _________________________________________________________________ Referenced Materials Episode #110: How to Structure and Draft Your Tell Me About Yourself Response
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Nov 11, 2025 • 33min

137. Procrastinating in Your Job Search? How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Start Getting Closer to The Offer

  In this episode, Julianna and Patricia delve into the sensations and realities of feeling stuck, especially in one's career. They discuss common signs and symptoms of this stuckness, including the physical and mental manifestations during coaching sessions. The conversation covers the impact of procrastination, the power of coaching, and the importance of finding the right coach for your needs. Practical advice is offered on identifying and overcoming stuck points, ultimately aiming to guide listeners towards achieving their optimal performance.   We'll Talk About: 00:33 Understanding the Feeling of Being Stuck 02:10 The Loop of Learning and Procrastination 04:08 Signs of Being Stuck 08:24 The Coaching Process and Overcoming Stuckness 29:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   __________________________________________ 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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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 Check out The Career Change Maker 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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