Destination: Dream Job

Join me this week as I interview Mac Pritchard, founder and CEO of Mac’s List, author, and host of the top-ranked career advice podcast Find Your Dream Job. Mac shares insights from his decades of experience in the job board industry, revealing the truth behind how job boards really work and why you shouldn’t rely on them alone to land your next job. Discover the power of networking, referrals, and understanding employers’ pain points to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Learn practical strategies to navigate both the visible and hidden job markets and how treating your job search like a research project can dramatically increase your chances of success. If you want actionable career advice on mastering job boards, building authentic connections, and accessing unadvertised job opportunities, this episode is a must-listen.   Connect with Mac: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macprichard/ Website: macslist.org Podcast: macslist.org/podcasts  

In this episode, career and diversity advisor Javier Vinsome joins us to unpack the real impact of AI on your job search.   With over a decade of experience supporting accountants and internationally educated professionals, Javier dives deep into how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use AI to screen resumes and why you need to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT smartly to beat the bots.   Discover how to use AI without losing your authentic voice, avoid common pitfalls like AI-generated errors or over-embellishment, and safeguard your personal info while crafting resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn content.   Plus, get expert advice on using AI to prepare for interviews with tailored questions and answers that actually work.   If you’re confused about whether AI is friend or foe in today’s job market, this episode breaks down what you need to know to stay competitive and land your dream job.   Connect with Javier: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvinsome/ CRIEC: https://criec.ca/   Connect with Steph: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/  

It’s no secret that job hunting is a full-time job in itself, but for immigrants, it often feels like an uphill battle.   This week on the Destination Dream Job Podcast, I spoke with Mher Mardoyan, Career Coach about the challenges immigrants face in the job market.   One of the biggest hurdles? The constant demand for “Canadian experience,” and the tendency to undervalue international experience.   In this episode, we talked about: 🔑 The importance of recognizing the value of global experience and how employers can do better in supporting immigrants.   💼 Practical tips for job seekers, including the seven steps to job search success and how to stay positive during the process.   🌐 Leveraging LinkedIn and networking to build authentic relationships and increase your chances of landing your dream job.   If you're struggling to navigate the job search, especially with the added pressure of being an immigrant, this episode is for you!   Tune in now to hear more about Mher’s advice and insights.   Connect with Mher:  

Brad Minton, a career development expert and founder of Mint2BeCareer, dives into the power of authenticity and storytelling in job hunting. He emphasizes the importance of embracing your unique story to connect with employers. Reflecting on personal strengths helps candidates present their best selves. Minton also tackles imposter syndrome, urging clarity in sharing achievements to build a strong personal brand. Additionally, he discusses crafting compelling resumes and adapting to the evolving job market.

Struggling with Networking? You're Not Alone.  Let’s be real – networking can feel cringy. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of rejection hold many people back. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be awkward or salesy! Here are the top takeaways from my recent conversation with Michelle about overcoming networking struggles: Shift your mindset: Networking isn't about pushing sales. It's about having genuine conversations. Prepare in advance: Know who you want to talk to, what you want to learn, and how you’ll talk about yourself. Focus on curiosity: Approach networking with a mindset of learning, not just pitching. Be authentic: People appreciate real, meaningful conversations – that’s how connections happen. I’m embracing these principles myself in both my career and business growth. It’s about creating value first, not asking for favors.   Connect with Michelle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/ Get a free chapter of Michelle's book:https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/ Connect with Steph: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/ Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com  

Matthew Sorensen, a former executive recruiter and interview coach, shares his insights on how to transform your job search mindset. He explains how to stand out in interviews by becoming a solution rather than just another candidate. Learn the importance of anchoring your identity with memorable details and understanding a company's needs. Matthew highlights practical strategies for mastering interviews, including handling common questions, maintaining confidence during lengthy hiring processes, and crafting your application materials to showcase unique solutions.

🚨 Should I Stay or Should I Go? 🚨 Ever find yourself humming The Clash’s iconic song when thinking about your job? You’re not alone. Many professionals struggle with the clash question—do I stick it out, or is it time to move on? The way we see work is shifting, with more people seeking purpose, fulfillment, and alignment with their values. But uncertainty, fear, and even guilt can keep us feeling stuck. In my latest podcast episode with Grace Fabian, we dive into why this decision is so difficult and how to recognize when it’s truly time for a change. Spoiler: If you’re feeling stressed, trapped, stuck, or overwhelmed—it might be time to reassess. We also talk about: ✅ The biggest signs it’s time to move on ✅ Why change isn’t as scary as it seems ✅ How to build a career that actually fits YOU If you’ve ever wrestled with this question, tune in! 🎧 And if you’ve made a tough career move before, what was the moment that made you realize it was time? Let’s talk in the comments. 👇 Connect with Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracefabiancoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/gracefabiancoaching/   Connect with Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/

In this conversation with Dave Wolovsky, a neuroscience-based career coach, listeners gain valuable insights into maintaining mental health while job searching. He emphasizes that life is bigger than just the pursuit of a job, advocating for a balanced approach. Energy management takes precedence over mere time management to stave off burnout. Networking should be viewed positively; showcasing your value engages others more effectively. Incorporating mindfulness into the job search journey fosters resilience and well-being, making the process more sustainable.

Want to step into a leadership role but not sure where to start? Great news - you don’t need a title to start leading. On this week's episode of the Destination Dream Job Podcast, Jennifer Recla shares how leadership is about influence, not position. Here is what you can expect from this episode: ✅ The 3 must-read books to sharpen your leadership skills ✅ How to find a mentor (even if your company doesn’t have a program) ✅ Why volunteering for leadership roles can fast-track your career ✅ The #1 leadership struggle—and how to overcome it ✅ How to get comfortable with feedback (both giving & receiving) 🎧 Ready to grow into the leader you’re meant to be? Listen now!   Connect with Jennifer: www.jenrecla.com Link for Navigating Workload: https://youtu.be/7HBbmu0u6_Q?si=DsUQw6XqYrE5z0xG   Connect with Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/ www.destinationdreamjob.com

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Am I actually living the life I want? So many of us follow the traditional career path—go to school, get a job, climb the ladder—without questioning whether it’s truly what we want. But what if there was another way? In this episode of Destination Dream Job, I had an incredible conversation with Kelly about designing a career that aligns with your values, priorities, and life stage. We talked about: 🌱 The Sow, Grow, Slow framework—how to recognize what career season you’re in and make decisions accordingly 🚀 Why freedom and flexibility are essential for long-term career fulfillment ⏸️ How taking a career break can actually propel you forward (yes, really!) 🔎 The importance of defining your North Star—so every career decision moves you closer to a life you truly love Kelly shared so many game-changing insights, and this episode is a must-listen if you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or just ready for more alignment in your work.   Connect with Kelly: IG & TikTok: @careerslay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-burke/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-slay/id1645861695