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

It’s easy to tell a hiring manager about the specific successes you had in past positions. What’s not so easy is describing how your strengths led to those successes. But Find Your Dream Job guest Gregory Heller says it’s crucial to explain how those successes can transfer to a new job, and you do that by addressing your strengths that made them possible. Gregory suggests getting clear on the top 3 strengths you possess and practicing sharing them in an interview. He also recommends using informational interviews to gain clarity on what the companies you’re interested in are looking for in a new hire.  About Our Guest: Gregory Heller (http://linkedin.com/in/gregoryheller) is the senior associate director of MBA career management at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington (https://foster.uw.edu/). Gregory also hosts the podcast, Conversations on Careers and Professional Life (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-on-careers-and-professional-life/id1439113603).  Resources in This Episode: Hear more from Gregory on careers and professional life by tuning into his podcast at Conversations on Careers and Professional Life (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-on-careers-and-professional-life/id1439113603). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a person of color, you face unique challenges during a job search. How do you overcome those challenges to find your dream job? Begin by knowing what elements matter most to you, says Find Your Dream Job guest María Granados. Ask about initiatives the company sponsors and any partnerships with underprivileged communities. María advises following up after interviews and having conversations with your potential team members to learn how the employer practices diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company and in the community.  About Our Guest: María Granados (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mar%C3%ADa-granados-bhrm-mba-7b420ab3/) is a human resources coordinator at Reed College (https://www.reed.edu/) and a graduate of Portland State University.  Resources in This Episode: Learn more about Reed College and how they are leveling the hiring field through equity, diversity, and inclusion by visiting www.reed.edu/ (http://www.reed.edu/). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It might seem like changing jobs is the only way to get what you want out of your career. But what if staying in your current position could be more profitable? It can, according to Find Your Dream Job guest Bethany Mills. Bethany says there are many reasons to stay where you are, including acquiring new skills, moving up the company ladder, and starting new initiatives. Switching jobs also requires energy that might be better spent at your current job, where you can continue to develop relationships to increase your networking power later.  About Our Guest: Bethany Mills (http://linkedin.com/in/bethanybmills) is the executive director of the Mississippi State University Career Center (https://www.career.msstate.edu/). Resources in This Episode: Learn more about how the Career Center at Mississippi State is creating futures by visiting www.career.msstate.edu/ (http://www.career.msstate.edu/). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Preparation should be your number one priority when searching for your next job. But how do you prepare well for a job search? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Jessica Ventura (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicanventura/) shares how she prepared for the interview process by gathering specific questions for her potential employer. Jessica also talks about how to leverage networking to learn more about the needs and opportunities in the position you’re applying for. Learn more about Jessica’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you aren’t clear about what you want in a job, you may find yourself unhappy and unfulfilled at work. If you’re unsure how to state your wants and needs in an interview, Find Your Dream Job guest Leah Gagliano says to begin with your core values. Talk about how those core values make you a better employee and how they will benefit the company. Leah also suggests practicing beforehand so that you go in with confidence. And finally, relate your values to the solutions you can provide for the employer.  About Our Guest: Leah Gagliano (http://linkedin.com/in/leah-gagliano) is the human resources director at Community Vision (https://cvision.org/). It’s a nonprofit that provides services, education, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Resources in This Episode: To learn more about Community Vision and how you can get involved with their mission, visit cvision.org/ (https://cvision.org/). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Government jobs are plentiful, but there are fewer candidates than ever before. If you’ve wondered if you should apply for your local government, Find Your Dream Job guest Anna Morgan says the answer is yes. Working for your local government is a fantastic way to get involved in your community, and the opportunities for career growth are high. Local governments usually offer excellent benefits as well, according to Anna. Attending job fairs and networking with recruiters can help you find your next job in your local government. About Our Guest: Anna Morgan (http://linkedin.com/in/annabmorgan) is a senior recruiter at the City of Portland (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/).  Resources in This Episode: Learn more about open positions and the free trainings offered by the City of Portland by visiting www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs (http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this job seeker’s market, you don’t usually need 100% of the qualifications to apply for your dream job. What you need is clarity on what you want, a resume with relevant experience, and the willingness to step out of your comfort zone, says Find Your Dream Job guest Gillian Williams. Gillian reminds us that even if you faced rejection previously, it only takes one “yes” to change your life. Networking, courage, and transparency are what it takes to get your foot in the door when you don’t meet all the exact qualifications in a job posting. About Our Guest: Gillian Williams (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilliankatewilliams/) is the president and founder of Monday Talent (https://www.monday-talent.com/), a national recruitment firm.  Resources in This Episode: If you’re ready to work with a recruiter who is invested in your career journey, Gillian is ready to help you. Find out more by visiting Monday Talent (https://www.monday-talent.com/).  From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you find a company where you feel connected, supported, and have a sense of pride in your accomplishments? Find Your Dream Job guest Rhodes Perry suggests identifying your values and researching potential employers to see if they share those values. Talk to current and former employees and ask specific questions about how teams function in the organization. Find out if the work environment is one that promotes safety, both physical and psychological. Rhodes also emphasizes finding an employer who truly values what you can bring to the job.  About Our Guest: Rhodes Perry (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodesperry/) is a bestselling author, podcast host, and award-winning social entrepreneur. Rhodes is also the author of the new book, Imagine Belonging: Your Inclusive Leadership Guide to Building an Equitable Workplace (https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Belonging-Inclusive-Leadership-Equitable/dp/1951591739/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15VO4WVVJTKCN&keywords=imagine+belonging&qid=1660086956&s=books&sprefix=imagine+belon%2Cstripbooks%2C141&sr=1-1). Resources in This Episode: Hear more from Rhodes Perry and other entrepreneurs on his podcast, The Out Entrepreneur (https://www.rhodesperry.com/podcast).  From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready for a change in your job situation, but you aren’t getting called back after interviews? If you’re feeling discouraged with your progress, there are ways to stay positive and reach your goals. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Josh Belzman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbelzman/) shares how hiring a career coach took his search to the next level. Josh tells us what he did to remain positive during a year-long job hunt and the practical steps he took to be more successful at interviewing. Learn more about Josh’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (https://www.macslist.org/success-stories) series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you decide whether to stay at your company or look for a position elsewhere? It all boils down to a few simple questions, according to this week’s Find Your Dream Job guest, Kelli Thompson. Do your values match those of the employer? Are you excited to get to the office every day? If not, have you discussed your needs with your boss? Kelli recommends doing what you can to change the environment before choosing to leave it. State your needs clearly and set boundaries around time and expectations. And finally, trust yourself to know what’s best for you. About Our Guest: Kelli Thompson (http://linkedin.com/in/kelliraethompson) is a leadership and career coach. Kelli’s mission is to help women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She’s also the author of Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck (https://www.kelliraethompson.com/book) Resources in This Episode: Kelli’s book can help you increase your confidence in the workplace. Get your copy by visiting her website at kelliraethompson.com/book (https://www.kelliraethompson.com/book). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices