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=16291&preview=true)  Job searching involves invisible emotional labor that can quietly erode your confidence and self-worth. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Alondra Canizal Hsu, constant rejection and uncertainty cause job seekers to question their value, especially when they don't receive feedback or explanations. BIPOC, first-generation, and immigrant professionals face additional challenges through code-switching and navigating spaces not originally designed for them, often feeling pressure to minimize their cultural identity. The emotional toll manifests as self-doubt about accomplishments, comparison with others on social media, and attributing rejections to personal failings rather than market realities. Alondra recommends building both formal and informal support networks – from family cheerleaders to professional "boards of directors" who can advocate and connect you with opportunities. She emphasizes tracking small wins throughout the process, setting boundaries to protect your mental health, and remembering that ghosting and rejection aren't personal attacks. Managing emotional labor requires acknowledging these feelings as normal, seeking community support, and maintaining perspective on what you can and cannot control in an unpredictable job market. About Our Guest: Alondra Canizal Hsu is a career strategist and the founder of Soluna Career Consulting.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Alondra on LinkedIn and Instagram. Soluna Career Consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Levi Gaytan, an HR leader and community builder, emphasizes the transformative power of personal narratives in job searches. He argues that candidates who harness storytelling can build deeper connections with employers, making them memorable. Key frameworks like SWOT and VRIO help job seekers articulate their unique values. Levi advocates using strong action words over vague phrases to showcase experiences. He underscores the importance of self-reflection and informational interviews to align personal stories with employer needs, equipping listeners with practical strategies for success.

Mher Mardoyan, a career coach dedicated to helping early to mid-level professionals expedite their job hunts, shares invaluable strategies for effective job searching. He discusses the pitfalls of a scattergun approach, emphasizing the importance of targeted applications and relationship building. Mher highlights the need to identify core values and craft compelling personal narratives. With a focus on networking and optimizing online profiles, he provides a roadmap for turning the job search into a strategic project, ensuring candidates stand out in a crowded market.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16242&preview=true)  A successful job search starts with self-knowledge, not sending out applications. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Aoife O’Brien, many job seekers make the mistake of jumping into similar roles after feeling unhappy at work, only to land in the same situation again. Aoife’s "Know, Show, Grow" framework encourages starting with three core pillars: values – what truly matters to you beyond a paycheck; needs – what keeps you motivated day to day; strengths – what energizes you and comes naturally. Without this foundation, you risk repeating the cycle of unfulfilling jobs. Aoife also recommends showing your value by tying your strengths to real business outcomes from past roles. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on opportunities that align with your authentic self, and submit fewer, better applications. About Our Guest: Aoife O'Brien is the founder of Happier at Work.  Resources in This Episode: Visit her website at happieratwork.ie  Connect with Aoife 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=16240&preview=true) Job searching requires both emotional resilience and strategic efficiency. Find Your Dream Job guest Jontae Grace learned this during his six-month job search after being laid off, including the crushing disappointment of reaching final interviews twice without receiving an offer. His advice: separate your self-worth from your employment status and never stop applying until you have a formal offer. Jontae advocates for using quick apply functions on job boards to save time: what traditionally takes 30-45 minutes per application can be reduced to seconds. He also suggests looking beyond salary to total compensation packages, sharing how one employer's wellness reimbursement program provided $1,500 annually in real value through dollar-for-dollar matching on health and wellness expenses. About Our Guest: Jontae Grace is an employee relations specialist at Do Good Multnomah.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Jontae on LinkedIn.  To learn more about Jontae Grace’s job search, visit macslist.org/stories.   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=16227&preview=true)  Do you hesitate to share with a hiring manager what other opportunities you’re pursuing? Do you think this will hurt your chances of being hired? Find Your Dream Job guest Carly Richter says it’s actually the opposite. Letting a potential employer know of other possible options is a great way to build rapport. Carly says it builds trust, relieves stress, and helps create a hiring timeline. Carly warns against sharing too much in an interview; answer the questions you are asked without oversharing personal details.  About Our Guest: Carly Richter is a senior recruiter and account manager with HR Annie Recruitment.  Resources in This Episode: Learn more about how Carly can help you in your career by visiting truecallingrecruitment.com. Connect with Carly on LinkedIn. Use promo code DREAMJOB at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at incogni.com/dreamjob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elona Landau, principal of the Department of Practical Sunshine, shares her insights on achieving career fulfillment. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection to identify personal values. Mindset plays a crucial role; battling limiting beliefs can open new doors. Elona introduces the concepts of heartset, mindset, and skill set, urging listeners to align these aspects for greater satisfaction. With her expert advice, she provides actionable steps to navigate the complexities of job searching and enhance personal growth.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16218&preview=true) Menopause is not merely a personal journey; it also affects your career trajectory. It’s estimated that 25% of women will refuse a promotion due to menopausal symptoms. Find Your Dream Job guest Tatiana Graham says these symptoms can last for 7-10 years and impact the way you show up in interviews. She suggests finding strategies that address your new stage of life, such as taking more notes, writing down your questions, and depending more heavily on your support system. Tatiana also suggests being honest with potential employers about your menopausal journey and understanding the value you bring to a company.  About Our Guest: Tatiana Graham is a certified leadership and transformational coach. Resources in This Episode: Schedule your FREE coaching session with Tatiana by visiting ⁠https://calendly.com/tatianagrahamcoaching/coaching-sessio⁠n.  ⁠Connect with Tatiana⁠ on LinkedIn. Use promo code DREAMJOB at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at ⁠incogni.com/dreamjob⁠. 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=16201&preview=true)  Finding a new job can be an exhausting process, but it doesn’t have to be. Find Your Dream Job guest Jeremy Cline says there are some simple ways to streamline the process to make it more enjoyable, as well as more efficient. Jeremy suggests setting up templates, creating a set of standard operating procedures for your search, and batching tasks that need to be done. Jeremy also encourages the use of AI technology, such as using ChatGPT to update and tailor application materials.  About Our Guest: Jeremy Cline is a career, business, and executive coach who helps you understand your unique talents and values so you can accomplish more. Jeremy also hosts the excellent Change Work Life podcast. Resources in This Episode: Tune into the Change Work Life podcast to learn how to make the changes you need to enjoy a better working life.  Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn. Use promo code DREAMJOB at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at incogni.com/dreamjob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Shannon Aniciete, Director of Business Career Services at Portland State University, shares essential wellness tips for job seekers. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental and emotional health while job hunting. Shannon encourages celebrating small wins to foster a growth mindset and reduce anxiety. She also discusses the benefits of organization and connecting with others to relieve stress. Engaging in activities that bring joy is highlighted as a crucial part of the journey to finding fulfilling work.