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

You need a job and you need it now. So it can be frustrating when you apply for positions, maybe even have interviews, and then don’t hear anything back. What do you do? Find Your Dream Job guest Brenda Abdilla is here to tell us how to reach out to hiring managers in a way that shows you’re on their team. Brenda shares the chaos that some companies are facing due to the labor shortage and why that delays hiring practices. She also gives specific questions to ask so that you know how long you can expect the hiring process to take.  About Our Guest: Brenda Abdilla (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaabdilla/) is an executive and career coach. Brenda is also the author of Outsmarting Crazytown: A Business Novel About How Derailed Professionals Can Get Back on Track (https://managementmomentum.net/outsmarting-crazy-town). Resources in This Episode: Are you ready for a career change? Find out how Brenda can help you by visiting managementmomentum.net/our-services (https://managementmomentum.net/our-services).

Gaps on a resume are no longer the red flag they used to be; the COVID pandemic has made gaps more common. But how do you talk about your gaps? Find Your Dream Job guest Esther Leonard says you have to be honest. Share (as much as you feel comfortable) about why you have the gap, but also any skills you built during your absence from the workforce. Esther advises continuing to network and build your confidence that you are the right person for the role you want.  About Our Guest: Esther Leonard (https://www.linkedin.com/in/estheryvetteleonard/) is a career coach and talent recruitment professional. Esther also hosts Beyond Her Grind (https://www.beyondhergrind.com/). It’s a weekly podcast that gets into the root of what motivates women of color to want more in their careers. Resources in This Episode: Book a session with Esther to get your career kick-started on the right path by visiting www.estherthecareercoach.com/services (http://www.estherthecareercoach.com/services). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dre

Do you ever leave an interview feeling like the hiring manager knows nothing about you? That’s a response we hear often. How can you answer common interview questions while leaving an impression on the interviewer? Find Your Dream Job guest Madeline Mann says you begin by choosing stories and accomplishments that are relevant to the role you’re interviewing for. Next, Madeline advises showing how this role is perfect for you, based on your experience and purpose. Finally, make sure each of your answers displays your character and your desire to make a difference for this particular company.  About Our Guest: Madeline Mann (https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinemann/) is an HR and recruiting leader whose career coaching programs have helped thousands. Madeline also hosts the award-winning YouTube channel, Self Made Millennial (https://www.youtube.com/c/SelfMadeMillennial). Resources in This Episode: Register for Madeline’s free 5-day class, Upgrade Your Career, by visiting www.selfmadeway.com/webinar-opt-in (

Searching for your next job can lead to discouragement and even despair. Where do you find the motivation to keep moving forward when you feel like it’s too hard? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Clarke Hylton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkehylton/) and I discuss the steps he took to overcome inertia and discouragement during his own job search. Clarke says the first step is figuring out what it is you really want to do. And from there, networking is the fastest way to the job you want. Learn more about Clarke’s career history in this installment of our Success Stories series (https://www.macslist.org/success-stories/starting-fresh-in-a-new-city-clarke-hyltons-job-search-success-story). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve been called in for an interview. That’s great news! Now, it’s time to prepare. Do you know how to get ready for a job interview? Find Your Dream Job guest Thaddeus B. Dunn says it starts with researching the company. Know what the company values and who the interviewer will be. Study the job description and use points from it to highlight your skills and successes. Prepare questions that will allow you to build rapport with the hiring manager, and practice asking and answering questions with a trusted friend or coach.  About Our Guest: Thaddeus B. Dunn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaddeusdunn/) is the founder of Right Fit Recruiting (https://rightfitrecruiting.net/). Thaddeus’s company serves healthcare organizations, nonprofits, financial institutions, and government agencies. Resources in This Episode: Learn more about Thaddeus and his company by visiting the website at rightfitrecruiting.net/ (https://rightfitrecruiting.net). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.

Merely mentioning the words “applicant tracking system” can strike fear in the heart of a job seeker. We tend to fear what we aren’t familiar with and when our livelihood is on the line, it’s easy to understand why. But rather than fear them, Find Your Dream Job guest Matt Warzel says you need to learn how to benefit from them. When approached correctly, an ATS can help you get in front of a hiring manager more quickly, and allow you to showcase your skills prior to an interview. Matt shares the exact method he uses with clients to get the best results when applying through an ATS.  About Our Guest: Matt Warzel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjwcareers/) is a certified resume writer and the president of MJW Careers (https://mjwcareers.com/). Matt’s company helps you find your next job faster and with a better salary. Resources in This Episode: For more insight into how managers and recruiters think, follow Matt’s blog and sign up for his newsletter at jobstickers.com (https://mjwcareers.com/news/). From our

If the thought of walking into a ballroom filled with hundreds of people makes you nervous, you’re not alone. But networking isn’t about the number of people you meet. Find Your Dream Job guest Bob Gerst reminds us that networking is a give and take relationship; not a Rolodex filled with names. Bob says quality networking doesn't just happen, it takes effort. And the more you do it, the easier it gets, so practice is key. Bob also shares how setting networking goals and doing prep work can make the process more beneficial for both parties.  About Our Guest: Bob Gerst (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgerst/) is a human resources executive and a career coach who helps job changers find jobs quicker. Resources in This Episode: If you need help with your next career transition, find out how Bob can help you by visiting bobgerst.com/#Coaching (https://bobgerst.com/#Coaching). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 40

Have you skipped applying for a job you would love because you don’t have 100% of the qualifications in the job description? Before you eliminate yourself, Find Your Dream Job guest Jonaed Iqbal says you need to consider what you do have to offer. Share stories of how you’ve used your skills in past positions, including volunteer work. And make the interview a two-way street, engaging the hiring manager in conversation, while sharing your passions and how you will use them to meet the demands of the job. About Our Guest: Jonaed Iqbal (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonaed/) is the founder of NoDegree.com (https://www.nodegree.com/). It’s a career website for those without college degrees, and also hosts The NoDegree Podcast (https://link.chtbl.com/TheNoDegreePodcast). Resources in This Episode: Lacking a degree doesn't mean you can’t have the job of your dreams. Find out how you can have a fulfilling career and life by visiting Jonaed’s website at NoDegree.com (https://www.nodegree.com/). From our Sponsor:

It’s natural to withdraw from others when you’re jobless, but that’s not the best way to help yourself through a time of uncertainty and it certainly isn’t the best way to find your next position. Networking is more important than ever when you’re looking for a job and on this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Doug Hunter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhunterdigital/) and I talk about how he continued to build his network as part of his job search. Doug also shares how he dealt with the rejection inherent to any job search. Learn more about Doug’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 a recent college graduate who’s ready to enter the job market? If so, it is essential that you learn to market yourself and your skills to potential employers. The best way to begin, according to Find Your Dream Job guest Dr. Ciera Graham, is practicing for interviews. Take the time to rehearse answers to common interview questions to build your confidence. Dr. Graham also recommends doing an honest assessment of your skills and sharing with prospective employers some of your previous accomplishments.  About Our Guest: Dr. Ciera Graham (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcieragraham/), a higher education administrator, writes regularly about career issues, and runs a coaching business for women and millennials. Resources in This Episode: If you’re a female or a millennial ready for your next career step, find out more about how Dr. Graham can help you. Visit her website at cieragraham.com.(https://cieragraham.com/) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.or

Every employer says, “Tell me about yourself.” If you don’t prepare your answer before the interview, you miss an opportunity to share how your story connects with the position you’re applying for. Find Your Dream Job guest Dan Hahn suggests diving deep into the role and what it requires, and then wording your personal story to line up with the needs of the company. Share personal anecdotes that show how your mission relates to the mission of the employer, and how that mission has inspired your career journey.  About Our Guest: Dan Hahn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hahn-b521a25/) is the owner of A Portland Career (https://www.aportlandcareer.com/). Dan helps his clients get unstuck and find new careers and better jobs. Resources in This Episode: If you’re ready to begin a career transition, let Dan help you. Find out more by visiting his website at aportlandcareer.com (https://www.aportlandcareer.com/). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresum

For working moms looking for their next career opportunity, it can be difficult to balance parenthood, volunteer work, and their home life with the hours required to job hunt. Is there any way to make it easier? Find Your Dream Job guest Mona Johnson says yes. And it starts with saying no. Say no to the things that aren’t top priorities for this season. Say yes to consistency and good time management. Mona adds the important reminder to ask for help. Others want to help you, but you have to be willing to let them know what you need. About Our Guest: Mona Johnson(https://www.linkedin.com/in/mona-johnson/) is a career coach at Merit America (https://www.meritamerica.org/). It’s a nonprofit that provides a path to skilled careers in technology for adults without bachelor’s degrees. Resources in This Episode: Are you ready to build a career that matches your potential? Find out how Merit America can help you achieve your career goals at meritamerica.org. (https://www.meritamerica.org/) From our Sponsor: Find

Seventy-seven million adults have a criminal record, and while discrimination is illegal, employers do have the right to ask about your background. If you’re ready to rejoin the workforce after a criminal conviction, Find Your Dream Job guest Ty Reed suggests only disclosing if asked directly, but being 100% honest. Be prepared to describe how you have turned your life around, using specific examples. Ty also offers the reminder that while it may take time, you absolutely can get the job of your dreams after a criminal conviction, so don’t give up. About Our Guest: Ty Reed (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyreedmba/) is the founder of Recovery Career Services (https://www.recoveryandwork.org/)It’s a nonprofit that helps anyone who wants to return to employment and put the past behind them. Resources in This Episode: If you have a criminal record and need help getting back in the workforce, Ty would love to help you. Find out more by visiting his website at www.recoveryandwork.org.(www.recoveryandwork.org)

Rejection is a part of the job search that we don’t like to talk about. No matter who you are, it stings to be rejected, especially when you thought it was a perfect fit. How do you get past those initial feelings of not being good enough? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Emma Holland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacholland/) and I discuss how she dealt with rejection and eventually found her dream job by refusing to give up. Emma also shares her experience using a career coach and how the support of this coach helped her overcome the obstacles she faced. Learn more about Emma’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series. (https://www.macslist.org/success-stories) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you dealt with circumstances so difficult, you’re afraid nobody will hire you again? Find Your Dream Job guest, Oscar Garcia has. Oscar knows what it’s like to lose a job with no warning, and he has learned how to use that adversity to advance his career. Oscar says you begin by reframing your story; telling it from a position of strength, not victimhood. View every obstacle as a challenge instead. Oscar also shares how to brand yourself so that companies come to you, as well as how to find the courage to market yourself well. About our Guest: Oscar Garcia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefempowermentofficer/) is the Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of Aspira Consulting, a Silicon Valley training and consulting firm. Resources in This Episode: If you’re ready to see results in your career search, let Oscar help you. Find out more by visiting his website at aspiraconsulting.com/. (https://aspiraconsulting.com/) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org

If you’re in a period of stagnation at work, it can seem too hard to look for something better. A job search takes a lot of energy, and if you feel drained at work, you might not feel that you have the energy it takes. But Find Your Dream Job guest Megan Leatherman says there are always steps you can take, no matter how impossible it seems. She says the first step is to get back to self-care. It’s also important, Megan says, to believe that you can do what it takes to find the job that’s perfect for you. Vocalize what’s true about where you are now and where you want to be.  About Our Guest: Megan Leatherman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganleatherman/) is a coach, writer, and the founder of A Wild New Work. It’s an ecological career development agency in the Pacific Northwest. Resources in This Episode: Get Megan’s free program, Grounded and Gifted, by going to her website at awildnewwork.com/groundedandgifted (https://awildnewwork.com/groundedandgifted) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought

If you’re investing all of your focus into your current job, you are not setting yourself up for future success. Taking ownership of your career gives you an advantage that sets you up for success in future positions. How do you take ownership of your career? Find Your Dream Job guest Monique Betty says you begin by being deliberate - in your skills, your relationships, and your education. Monique suggests focusing less on your purpose early on, and more on finding fulfillment. That, she says, will ultimately lead to you discovering and pursuing your purpose.  About Our Guest: Monique Betty (https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquebetty1/) is an executive coach and trainer who works with professionals and teams. Resources in This Episode: Head over to Monique’s website at moniquebetty.com (https://www.moniquebetty.com/) to be notified when her e-course, The Career Advantage, goes live to the public. Don't miss your chance to sign up (https://www.moniquebetty.com/7-guiding-principles) to Your Professional Devel

Any job search is easier if you know what you’re looking for. Too many job seekers settle for a job that pays a good salary but doesn’t fulfill them. How do you figure out your passion and purpose before you try to land your next position? Find Your Dream Job guest Andrea Koppel says you have to experiment. Try out as many things as it takes to discover what you love. She recommends choosing three industries to explore. And Andrea reminds us that we may have several passions in life, so follow what you love and don’t be afraid to change.  About Our Guest: Andrea Koppel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-koppel-caffeinated-career-coaching/) is the founder and CEO of the College2Career Academy and the host of the Time4Coffee podcast. (https://time4coffee.org/t4c-podcast/) Resources in This Episode: Take advantage of the huge archive of conversations Andrea has with career professionals by visiting Andrea’s website at time4coffee.org/. (https://time4coffee.org/) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is bro

The majority of open positions are never posted on job boards, but rather, are filled in-house or through networking. Having a well-developed network opens up jobs for you, but it also provides you with an instant connection to companies you are interested in. Your network can also provide references for you if you’ve worked together in any way.  On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Melissa Erickson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-erickson-86438937/) and I discuss how she overcame her shyness to become a skilled networker. Melissa also shares how she practiced for interviews. Learn more about Melissa’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’re in a hurry to switch jobs, you’re likely to find yourself in another job you dislike as much as your current one. How can you apply for the job you actually want and not just what’s available? Find Your Dream Job guest Ebony Joyce says you start by slowing down. Figure out what it is you want and what’s holding you back. Ebony also warns against lateral moves, as that can affect your lifetime earning potential. Ebony stresses the importance of knowing your values and finding a company with similar values.  About Our Guest: Ebony Joyce (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonyjoyce/) is a job search strategist, speaker, and diversity and inclusion consultant at Next Level Career Services. Resources in This Episode: Are you ready for a career that uses your talents and values what you bring to the table? Find out how Ebony can help you by visiting her website at www.nextlevelcareer.co/ (http://www.nextlevelcareer.co/) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.o