Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips For Finding Work, Advancing Your Career, And Loving Your Job

A diverse workplace is something that should be a priority for each of us, and many employers state their commitment to providing one. But finding those companies that attract and maintain a diverse workforce can be challenging. How do you know if the employer interviewing you is dedicated to diversity? You begin, says Find Your Dream Job guest Marcus Carter, by asking specific questions about their diversity programming. In addition, Marcus suggests analyzing your future career trajectory and your own tolerance levels for inequity.  About Our Guest: Marcus Carter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusacarter2/) is a senior recruiter at Instrument. It’s a creative agency, engineering firm, and consultancy.  Resources in This Episode: To learn more about the mission of Free Geek, visit freegeek.org. (https://www.freegeek.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

We all know that we need to network when we’re job hunting. But do we just ignore those important contacts the rest of the time? That would be a critical mistake, according to Find Your Dream Job guest Lauren Francis. Lauren says you need to stay in touch with your network even when your career is secure. This can be as simple as commenting on an article they write on LinkedIn or attending a webinar their company puts on. Sending an email to check-in is an easy way to stay fresh on the minds of your connections and to show you care about their well-being.  About Our Guest: Lauren Francis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenfrancis/)is the president and founder of Mulberry Talent Partners, a professional staffing, recruiting, and executive search firm in Portland Oregon. Resources in This Episode: Visit mulberrytalent.com (https://mulberrytalent.com/) for more information on their bi-weekly job workshop series.  From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topre

Job seekers know that networking is the foundation of a successful job search. So, what do you do when a global pandemic stops all in-person networking? You research the company you want to work at and you figure out what you can offer them, says Find Your Dream Job guest Kenneth Johnson. We also need to be more patient than ever and understand that it may take longer for people to get back to us. Kenneth reminds us that the people on the other side of our networking may be needing extra support and that we should find ways to help them, even if it’s on a volunteer basis.  About Our Guest: Kenneth Johnson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kljohnsoninfo/) is the president of East Coast Executives. It’s a top diversity recruitment firm. He’s also a Forbes career coach and the host of The Career Seekers Show. (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=career+seekers+show) Resources in This Episode: If your company is moving toward a more diversified employee base, check out the help Kenneth offers, at https://w

If you’re a job seeker trying to figure out how to make authentic connections with hiring managers during a global pandemic, you aren’t alone. Virtual interviews make it more difficult than ever to build rapport with prospective employers. But Find Your Dream Job guest Mark Mohammadpour says that since 90% of human communication is non-verbal, you can build that rapport through simple things like eye contact, body language, and posture. Mark also shares the importance of preparing and practicing before the interview to build your self-confidence. About Our Guest: Mark Mohammadpour (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmohammadpour/)is a strategic communications executive, certified personal trainer, and health coach. Mark also hosts the podcast, Chasing the Sun. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chasing-sun-fitness-health-wellness-mark-mohammadpour/id1446325272) Resources in This Episode: Do long days in the office or weeks of travel leave you with little time for fitness? Tune in to Mark’s podcast, Chasin

If you’re job hunting, it’s likely because you ended up in the wrong job, to begin with. How do you ensure that it doesn’t happen again? You stop applying for jobs, says Find Your Dream Job guest Nick Corcodilos. Instead, you go after specific companies. And because every company needs profitability, you need to show hiring managers how you can increase their bottom line or save on costs. Nick also suggests learning enough about the company that you can show them how your specific skills apply to their specific needs.  About Our Guest:  Nick Corcodilos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcorcodilos/) is the host of asktheheadhunter.com (https://www.asktheheadhunter.com), where he has answered more than 50,000 questions from job seekers and employers.  Resources in This Episode: Get your own copy of Nick’s book, “Fearless Job Hunting: Overcoming the Daunting Obstacles that Stop Other Job Hunters Dead in Their Tracks.” (https://www.asktheheadhunter.com/store/fjh/books.htm) And be sure to use the discount code “

If you’re considering switching career fields, you’ve probably experienced the insecurity and fear that come along with not only changing jobs but entering a whole new sector. If you’ve been in your field for many years or perhaps even decades, the switch can be even harder. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Michelle Bence (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrence) and I talk about how she overcame her fears of leaving the field of journalism after 25 years. Michelle also shares her surprise and delight at how transferable many of her skills were, and how she used some of those skills in the interview process itself. Learn more about Michelle’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

Are you ready to leave the company-centered job space behind to find an employer that puts its employees first? Finding a position where you feel deeply valued and truly connected to all your coworkers can be difficult, but Find Your Dream Job guest Katie Augsburger says it is possible. The first step is to be able to articulate your personal values. Secondly, Katie recommends asking questions about the company’s retention and growth policies and practices, and finally, being willing to read the employee handbook for evidence of policies that support marginalized communities.  About Our Guest: Katie Augsburger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieaugsburger/) is the founding partner and employee experience strategist for Future Work Design. She has been creating and implementing successful human resources programs for over 15 years. Resources in This Episode: If you’re ready to transition your company to an employee-first model, Katie and her team can help. Learn more about what they offer at www.futurework.d

With double-digit unemployment due to Covid-19, should you even look for work right now? Even in unprecedented times like these, the job market doesn’t come to a complete halt. Find Your Dream Job guest Pattie Sinacole says that if you’re sitting on the sidelines, you are actively missing opportunities. If you’re ready to get serious about your next career move, Pattie recommends creating a strong LinkedIn profile, building your personal and professional networks, and surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family.  About Our Guest: Patricia Hunt Sinacole (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciahsinacole/) is the CEO and Founder of First Beacon Group LLC (www.firstbeacongroup.com), (https://firstbeacongroup.com/) a Human Resources (HR) consulting firm that provides HR services to a wide variety of companies across New England. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Pattie on LinkedIn to see more of the content she shares there. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciahsinacole) To follow Pattie’s week

Choosing the industry you want to pursue in your career is one of the most important decisions you will make, but it can also be one of the toughest. How do you narrow your choices if you aren’t sure what you want to do? One of the most helpful ways, says Find Your Dream Job guest Meg Gerry, is trial and error. You have to try things to know if they’re a good fit. Meg also suggests having conversations with people currently working in the field you are considering. And finally, personality and career assessments can help you get clear on the skills you offer and what you need in a work environment.  About Our Guest: Meg Gerry (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gerry-academic-career-advising/) is a Certified Career Services Provider (NCDA), a Global Career Development Facilitator (CCE), a Certified College Counselor, and an academic advisor with a master's degree in academic advising. Resources in This Episode: Meg’s podcast, All Things College and Career, (https://atcandc.com/) provides interviews with exper

Does imposter syndrome hold you back from pursuing your dream job? It’s a common issue that affects approximately 75% of us at least once in our careers. If you feel like a fraud when discussing your job skills, there are concrete ways to overcome it, says Find Your Dream Job guest Lisa Orbe-Austin. Applying to jobs that you aren’t 100% qualified for and having others who can speak to your strengths are great ways to boost your confidence. Lisa also shares the importance of having a structure for your job search, and how to use your network, even if you’re hesitant to ask others for help.  About Our Guest: Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaorbeaustin/) is a licensed psychologist and executive coach, with a focus on career advancement, leadership development, and job transitions. Resources in This Episode: If you need step-by-step help managing imposter syndrome, get a copy of Lisa’s book, “Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life.”(https://www

Long-distance job searching can present unique challenges, from figuring out what your new city has to offer to meeting the people who can potentially help you in your search. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Elizabeth Lattanner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-shappell/) and I discuss her move from Washington DC to Portland, and how she leveraged her network in DC to begin building a network 2,000  miles away. Elizabeth also shares how she used the power of informational interviews to find the companies she wanted to work for. Learn more about Elizabeth’’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

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we look for work. But how long will those changes last, and what do they mean for the future of job search? According to Find Your Dream Job guest John Sullivan, the changes are permanent and you need to be prepared to adjust your strategy. John shares how to show potential employers that you are capable of handling crises, as well as proving to hiring managers that you have the up-to-date skills needed to work from home and even lead a team remotely.  About Our Guest: John Sullivan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-john-sullivan/) is a human resources expert, author, and speaker. He also teaches at San Francisco State University. Resources in This Episode: If you need help finding a job in the current climate, visit John’s website at www.drjohnsullivan.com. (http://www.drjohnsullivan.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 a

If you’ve stopped looking for work because of the current pandemic, you might be surprised to learn that many employers are still hiring. There is, however, a lot of uncertainty in the economy, says Find Your Dream Job guest Biron Clark, so you need to go into a job search focusing on the here and now rather than the long-term. Biron suggests completing 1 or 2 high-impact activities every day instead of spending all day on the computer filling out applications. It’s also a great time to pursue fully-remote positions if that’s something you’re interested in.  About Our Guest: Biron Clark (https://www.linkedin.com/in/biron/) is a former executive recruiter and the founder of CareerSidekick.com.(https://careersidekick.com/) His advice is read by more than one million people per month. Resources in This Episode: For more articles on finding your dream job, head over to Biron’s website at  CareerSidekick.com. (https://careersidekick.com/) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume. (h

Conducting a job search in a stay-at-home world requires a vastly different skill set than many of us are accustomed to, says Find Your Dream Job guest Toni Patterson. Video interviews have replaced face-to-face meetings, and technology know-how is now a requirement, not just an added benefit. It’s important to prepare a space to conduct your video meetings, and Toni recommends paying close attention to the background and lighting. Body language is still important, even over video, so be sure that you understand how to maintain eye contact through your computer or phone.  About Our Guest: Toni Patterson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-patterson-0a5a74126/)is a career coach who helps smart, driven women get the salaries, promotions, and jobs they want.  Resources in This Episode: Updating your LinkedIn profile is a great way to stand out to employers. Get your copy of Toni’s resource, The Ten Easy Ways to Update Your LinkedIn Profile So That The Jobs Find You, (https://toniapatterson.lpages.co/linkedin-pr

When you’re looking for that perfect job fit, you need more than just a network. You need a group of people who know you, your needs, and your personal values. Find Your Dream Job guest Soumary Vongrassamy says you need friends who will remind you of what’s really important and who will help you ask tough questions about the job. Once you find your dream job, Soumary says it is of the utmost importance that you “pay it forward,” creating that inner circle for others and helping them through the job search process. About Our Guest: Soumary Vongrassamy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumary/) is a specialist in equity and conflict resolution with the Multnomah County government in Portland, Oregon. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Soumary at (https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumary/). Nail every behavioral interview question in your next interview by learning how to prepare for them. Download 100 Behavioral Interview Questions You Need to Know. (http://www.macslist.org/questions) Learn more about your ad

If you’ve moved to a new city, you might expect it to take a while to find a job that you love. But on this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Jackie Starr (http://linkedin.com/in/jackiestarr) shares how she found her dream job in a new city in just two months. Jackie was looking for work in the nonprofit field, and she wanted a position that had a positive impact on her community. Working with a career coach helped Jackie to narrow down her options, and telling others she was job hunting directly led her to the position she has today as the executive director at the Friends of the Multnomah County Library. Learn more about Jackie’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories) series.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been looking for your next position for quite some time, you may feel discouraged. It’s normal to experience depression during an extended job search. It’s also normal to not want to talk about it, says Find Your Dream Job guest Ashley Watkins. You may feel embarrassed about not having a job and your self-worth might have taken a big hit. But Ashley shares the importance of being honest with yourself and others. She also lays out the exact steps you need to overcome those negative feelings, make adjustments, and land the job of your dreams.  About Our Guest: Ashley Watkins (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjwatkins/) is a certified resume writer, job search coach and former corporate recruiter. Resources in This Episode: If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, visit WriteStepResumes.com(https://www.writestepresumes.com)to learn more about Ashley and the services she offers.  Nail every behavioral interview question in your next interview by learning how to prepare for them. Downlo

Using a job board may seem like a productive way to spend your time, but is it? According to Find Your Dream Job guest Susan Joyce, the answer is “maybe.” Susan says job boards work best when you identify your target employers and customize your resume for those employers. She also recommends using job boards to do research on the companies you’ve chosen to target. And remember, 40% of jobs are filled by employee referrals, so if you know someone at one of your targeted employers, be sure to ask them to introduce you to the hiring manager.  About Our Guest: Susan Joyce (https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanjoyce/) is the publisher and editor of JobHunt.org. (https://www.job-hunt.org/) With more than one million visitors a month, it’s one of the most popular job-search advice sites in the world. Resources in This Episode: For more advice from Susan and her contributing editors, visit job-hunt.org. (https://www.job-hunt.org/) Nail every behavioral interview question in your next interview by learning how to pre

The likelihood of an applicant tracking system reviewing your application rather than a human is steadily increasing. How can you ensure that your resume rises to the top and doesn’t end up in the circular file? First, you need to pay attention to the job posting, says Find Your Dream Job guest Brandon Laws. Use the same language the employer uses to showcase your skills and experience. Brandon also highlights the need to build a personal brand online that matches the skills you mention on your resume. And watch those typos; applications with grammatical errors almost always get tossed without a second look.  About Our Guest: Brandon Laws ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawsbrandon) is the director of marketing at Xenium HR,(https://www.xeniumhr.com) where he has spent the last 11 years of his career helping transform workplaces. He also hosts the podcast Transforming Your Workplace. (http://www.xeniumhr.com/hr-resources/podcast) Resources in This Episode: For more ideas on building a great workplace, listen

Are you ready for a career that allows you to impact your community and the world, outside the nonprofit sector? No matter which field your expertise is in, B Corps offer you an opportunity to make that impact. B Corps are companies that are dedicated to transparency and reshaping the workplace, according to Find Your Dream Job guest Kathleen Everett. If humane hiring practices, sustainability, and loyalty to employees and customers are important to you in your next position, Kathleen offers some helpful advice on how to find a job in a B Corps.  About Our Guest: Kathleen Everett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-everett-253347a/ ) has over 30 years of experience teaching companies how to compete with speed, while reducing costs and improving service. Resources in This Episode: For more information and a list of B Corps, visit B Corporation online. (www.bcorporation.net) Nail every behavioral interview question in your next interview by learning how to prepare for them. Download 100 Behavioral Intervi