Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16513&preview=true) Negotiating a job offer shapes far more than your first day on the job. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, HR expert Marcia Torres shares why your starting salary influences future raises, bonuses, and long-term earning potential — and why employers expect candidates to ask questions, review their offers carefully, and advocate for what they need. Marcia also talks about the value of taking 24 hours to read through an offer, getting clear on your bottom line, and using reliable salary data to understand where you should land in a range. She then walks through what candidates can negotiate beyond base pay, including job titles, professional development funds, PTO, and other benefits that make up a full compensation package. Marcia offers practical, down-to-earth guidance on how to approach these conversations collaboratively, build rapport with recruiters, and make a thoughtful decision about your next role. About Our Guest: Marcia Torres is the founder of Imagen Talent Solutions. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Marcia on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16563&preview=true)  On Nov. 12, we hosted our final quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with B Local PDX. More than 200 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “Meaningful Careers in Portland: Align Your Job with Your Values.” In this recording of our conversation, you’ll hear grounded, hopeful advice for navigating a tough job market and finding work that feels meaningful.  Our panelists talk about staying motivated, managing burnout, and taking steady, realistic steps toward roles that reflect your values. They share practical strategies such as volunteering, networking, and informational interviews that will help you build connections and find opportunities across Portland’s B Corps, nonprofits, government agencies, and values-aligned for-profits. About Our Guests: Wesley Griffin, executive director of B Local PDX Panelists Charles McGee, director of operations, Workplace Change Brandi Oldham, MHR, founder, Talent Career Coaching Nicole Stein, director of social impact and sustainability, Killian Pacific Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ariane Hunter, a speaker and author focused on empowering Black women in business, dives into the nuances of career pivots. She discusses the importance of recognizing internal nudges toward change and how these transitions can enhance job satisfaction. Ariane emphasizes the value of pausing to process emotions and suggests practical steps like reaching out to past collaborators and cultivating a curious mindset. Her insights provide a roadmap for those at career crossroads, encouraging small, intentional actions to navigate uncertainty.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16459&preview=true)  Imposter syndrome can derail even the most seasoned professionals, especially in a tough job market. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Shannon Grosswiler explains why self-doubt shows up during a job search and how it affects the way people read job descriptions, talk about their accomplishments, and decide whether to apply for roles they’re fully capable of doing. Shannon shares the common patterns she sees — particularly among women — and why so many talented candidates underestimate their experience or hesitate to market themselves with confidence. Shannon also offers practical steps to rebuild your confidence and keep moving forward, from gathering LinkedIn recommendations to revisiting the moments you’re proud of and leaning on friends who see your strengths clearly. You’ll walk away knowing how to tell your story with more ease, approach applications with a calmer mindset, and keep going even when the market feels tough. If imposter feelings have been creeping in, this episode will help you reconnect with your value and take the next steps in your search. About Our Guest: Shannon Grosswiler coaches executives, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit professionals through career transitions.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16454&preview=true)  Job searching can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and the pressure to find your next opportunity. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Samorn Selim, founder of Career Unicorns®, shares a simple but powerful system to help you get your next job without burning out. She explains how to spot the signs of job search fatigue, why clarity is the first step to success, and how to focus on what truly matters instead of trying to do everything at once. Samorn breaks down her three-part system — clarity, strategy, and consistency — to make the process manageable and effective. You’ll learn how to narrow your focus, structure your search in small, realistic steps, and celebrate progress along the way. Whether you’re sending out endless applications or feeling stuck in a cycle of stop-and-start searching, this episode will help you approach your job search with confidence, balance, and renewed energy. About Our Guest: Samorn Selim is the founder of Career Unicorns Resources in This Episode: Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn Check out Samorn's gratitude journal, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy | Perfect Gift For Yourself Or Loved Ones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charity McDonald, a career and leadership consultant, shares her insights on navigating career pivots. She discusses the importance of expanding job title options and focusing on transferable skills. Managing expectations during a job search, especially when it's prolonged, is crucial. Charity also emphasizes the power of networking and building genuine connections, as most job opportunities arise through referrals. Additionally, she offers tangible LinkedIn strategies for making meaningful connections with hiring managers.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16435&preview=true)  Many job seekers treat interviews as a series of questions to answer correctly, but doing so can make you blend in instead of stand out. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Kacie Bail explains how to turn an interview into a genuine conversation that builds trust and connection with your interviewer. She shares three practical steps: listen intently, identify conversation threads, and engage naturally with what your interviewer says. By focusing on curiosity and connection, you can show that you’re not only qualified but also someone they’ll enjoy working with. Kacie also offers simple ways to signal understanding, ask meaningful follow-up questions, and use nonverbal cues like nodding and smiling to build rapport. You’ll learn how to adapt these techniques for both casual and highly structured interviews — and why the goal isn’t perfection, but authenticity. As Kacie reminds us, interviewers may forget your exact answers, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. About Our Guest: Kacie Bail is a career coach who helps introverts and non-native English speakers get more fulfilling jobs.   Resources in This Episode: Connect with Kacie on LinkedIn.  Visit her website, where you can Get a Free PDF on How to Ace your Interview in 7 Steps. Sign up for Kacie’s Newsletter. Check out Kacie’s Career Coaching for Introverts and ESL Community Meetup Group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16430&preview=true) On Sept. 11, we hosted our third quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with Willamette University’s Atkinson School of Management. Almost 100 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “The Leadership Skills You Need to Succeed in Oregon’s Tough Job Market.”  Together, the panelists shared their experiences from higher education, tech recruiting, and executive coaching, offering practical advice for job seekers navigating Oregon’s challenging job market. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with representatives from eight tabling organizations, including educators, professional associations, and career coaches. About Our Guest Leah Straley, dean of Graduate Admissions for Willamette University.  Panelists Ashley Nixon, Ph.D., dean for academic affairs and professor of human resources and organizational behavior, Willamette University Tim Butler, principal sourcer, global talent sourcing, New Relic, Inc. Dr. Carol Parker Walsh, JD, PhD, ACC, executive coach & leadership consultant, Carol Parker Walsh Consulting Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Career coach Tonjala Eaton, an expert in personal branding and intentional job searches, emphasizes the power of your unique reputation in a crowded job market. She discusses the importance of self-reflection to identify what sets you apart and offers practical strategies for showcasing your personal brand effectively, from LinkedIn profiles to interviews. Tonjala highlights how focusing on a clear message helps attract the right opportunities and avoid burnout, ensuring that your skills and contributions stand out to potential employers.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16414&preview=true) Networking is one of the most effective ways to find your next job. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Nikki Schutte, most opportunities don’t come from job boards — they come through people you know and the connections they can introduce you to. Referrals won’t guarantee you a job, but they often get your application noticed and can lead to interviews you might not get otherwise. In this episode, Nikki explains why employers value personal connections, how professional associations can help you grow your network, and why showing up in person makes such a difference. She also shares practical tips for job seekers who feel hesitant about networking, from starting small at local events to focusing on authentic conversations. By building relationships over time, you’ll uncover hidden opportunities and make your job search far more effective. About Our Guest: Nikki Schutte is the executive director of the Portland Human Resources Management Association. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices