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

When changing jobs or career paths, many people send out dozens of resumes, hoping that at least a few of them will result in an interview. If they’re lucky, they might even get a job offer. Before you send out a flood of resumes, however, you need to take some time to figure out your transferable skills and what you can offer to a company. Then use your network to discover jobs that may not have been posted or publicized. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Benny Kuo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennykuo/) and I talk about how he used his connections to find his current job. We also discuss why having an undergrad degree in an unrelated field may actually be helpful on your job hunt. Learn more about Benny’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories) series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I work in the high tech sector as a product marketing manager for CRU, Inc (https://www.cru-inc.com/). I develop str

As a culture, we are more disconnected than ever before. We move often and change jobs quickly. Many people don’t think about networking until they need help in finding their next job. It’s vital to stay connected to others and to nurture our network even when we don’t need help. Find Your Dream Job podcast guest, Karen Wickre, says a great network can provide you with many benefits other than a lead on a new job. Karen also explains how daily networking habits can keep you from feeling overwhelming and can make a real difference in your life and the lives of your professional connections.. About Our Guest: A long-time communicator and connector, Karen Wickre (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwickre/) has spent more than 30 years in Silicon Valley as an editor and collaborator. Her new book, “Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introverts Guide to Connections That Count,” reflects her lifelong interest in making meaningful connections. An avid media consumer, Karen also serves on the boards of several org

If you walk into an interview ready to answer questions but don’t have any of your own to ask, you are not taking full advantage of the interview process. You have a responsibility to not only answer questions but to ask them of everyone you talk to within the company, from the HR staff to the team members, to the hiring manager. The answers you receive will tell you a lot about how things really work inside the company. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, my guest Michelle Neal says that if you get conflicting answers to your questions, especially from the team and the hiring manager, that is your sign to run. It can be hard to walk away from a job offer if you’ve been out of work for a while but just remember, you can’t change people, and working in an unhealthy environment doesn’t benefit anyone. About Our Guest: Michelle Neal (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelnealmpa/) is a career coach and the owner of Consulting with Integrity (http://www.consultingintegrity.com/). Her passion is helping peopl

It’s natural to feel discouraged if you’re unemployed. But if you base your identity on what you do for a living, you may self-sabotage when looking for a new job. Feelings of worthlessness or desperation can lead you to apply for jobs that aren’t a good fit or cause you to bomb an interview because of your low self-esteem. Find Your Dream Job podcast guest Kali Rogers says that one way to stay positive during a job search is to remain curious. Treat your job hunt like a research project. Kali also says that it’s a big mistake to not tell others when you are looking for a job; if people don’t know you’re looking, they can’t share with you possible openings they may know about. About Our Guest: Kali Rogers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalirogers/) is the founder of Blush Online Life Coaching (https://joinblush.com/). Kali helps women grow self-confidence, get over nasty breakups, and work on better relationships. She’s also the author of “Conquering Your Quarter-Life Crisis," (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072L

It can feel frustrating to hear that you are overqualified for the job you want. Hiring managers may feel it’s a waste of both time and money to hire you if you have more experience than the job requires. There are ways around this, including doing your research to understand where the company is heading and taking advantage of any connections you have within the company. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Johnny Hartman (www.linkedin.com/in/johnanthonyhartman/) and I discuss how he tapped into his personal network to overcome two specific challenges in his job search: skills that were seen as being too specialized and being overqualified. Learn more about Johnny’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories) series. What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? From feature films to interactive virtual worlds, I’ve crafted media experiences both commercially for some of the biggest brands on the planet, as well as for entertainmen

If you are preparing to return to work after some time as a stay at home parent, you may feel unsure about where to begin. How do you explain the gap in your resume while also showing what you’ve accomplished during that time? Find Your Dream Job podcast guest Stephanie Smith says a smart job search strategy starts with getting your career documents in order. Stephanie also stresses the importance of using online tools like LinkedIn to help you stay in touch with industry leaders. And you should never underestimate the value of connecting with others through parenting groups or volunteer opportunities. Parenthood is a powerful experience that brings people together and those relationships can help you not only personally, but also professionally. About Our Guest: Stephanie Smith (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieannesmith/) is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Livelipath (https://livelipath.com/#/index). It’s a software company that customizes your resume and cover letter for any job applica

One of the biggest challenges older job seekers face is connecting with younger hiring managers. Too many older workers look for jobs with the wrong employers and are not clear about the value of their experience. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Ruth Winden, says that if you have trouble working with younger hiring managers, you can fix it. Ruth encourages older workers to begin by focusing their job search on companies that hire people from multiple generations. She also says it’s important for older workers to emphasize management experience and any evergreen skills they have. As an older worker, it’s up to you to find ways to connect with younger hiring managers and to be prepared for your next interview. About Our Guest: Ruth Winden (www.linkedin.com/in/ruthwinden) is a career coach for professionals in their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. She helps older workers overcome age bias and land new jobs with clarity, focus, and confidence. Ruth is also the author of the forthcoming book, “101 Ways t

There are many reasons why you might stay in a job you hate. You may be worried about what others will think or perhaps you feel that you’ve invested too much time in the position to walk away. Quitting can be good for your career, however. It can be one of the tools you use to carve out the career and life you want. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Lynn Marie Morski, says that quitting your job can improve not only your career, but also your health and your relationships. In order to quit well, you need to understand the difference between quitting and giving up. Lynn Marie tells us how to quit in a thoughtful, strategic way. About Our Guest: Lynn Marie Morski (www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-marie-morski-md-esq/) is a physician, attorney, and speaker. She’s also a lifelong quitter. Lynn Marie is on a mission to help people carve out a successful life through strategic quitting. And she’s the author of “Quitting by Design.” Resources in This Episode: Major life change almost always requires qu

If you have the skills and passion for a position that doesn’t yet exist, there are some specific steps you can take while you wait for that position to be created. Networking to build relationships, volunteering to keep your experience current, and finding a group of people who share your vision will allow you to be patient while you wait. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Julie Magers and I talk about how she worked to create a position that didn’t yet exist. It required patience, staying engaged in her profession, and building relationships every step of the way. Two years later, she is still loving the dream job she created for herself. Learn more about Julie’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I work at OHSU’s Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry as their one and only Family Support Specialist. In fact, I am one of two total employees filling this role in the entire University! In this role, I a

Every job search requires references. You need people who can attest to the work you’ve done and the skills you possess. But did you know that many employers have a policy against giving references? There is also the possibility that you may have to handle a bad reference. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Vicki Lind, says that you need a strategy for dealing with references. The best reference is someone who supervised you closely and is a fan of your work. Once you choose your references, you need to coach them and keep in close contact with them. About Our Guest: Vicki Lind (linkedin.com/in/vickilind) is a career counselor and job search coach. She’s also the founder and owner of Vicki Lind and Associates (aportlandcareer.com). Vicki and her team help clients find the sweet spot where meaning meets money. And she’s the co-author of “Landing a Job Worth Having.” It’s a new book full of tips on how to use job boards, tailor your resume, and interview for your next job. Resources in This Ep

If you have the desire to work in local government, you may wonder what you can do to have the best shot at an open position. Some of these positions receive hundreds of applications and the hiring process can be grueling. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Serilda Summers-McGee, says that relationships matter more than ever when pursuing a local government job. She tells us that the first relationship you build should be with a recruiter. You also need to understand how the local hiring process works and be ready to face stringent deadlines. If you want to serve your local city or town, learn how to stand out from the crowd and what you can do now to help your chances of getting the job you want later. About Our Guest: Serilda Summers-McGee (linkedin.com/in/serilda-summers-mcgee-mba-m-ed-8222964/) is the chief human resources officer for the City of Portland. She has more than 15 years of experience in human capital management with expertise in a range of HR disciplines. She’s also the auth

Your job hunt is going well, and you’ve interviewed for several different positions. You are offered one of the positions and you accept, only to receive a more lucrative offer, or one that’s a better fit for you. How do you tell that hiring manager that you’re going in a different direction? Or, let’s say you have been offered a job but the salary or benefits don’t meet your requirements. How do you turn down the offer without burning the bridge with that employer? Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, LaKiesha Tomlin, says that as long as you handle the rejection with professionalism, you should be able to move on and even apply for jobs at those same companies in the future if a great opportunity becomes available. About Our Guest: LaKiesha Tomlin (linkedin.com/in/lakieshatomlin/) is a career coach for talented leaders in science, technology, and engineering. She’s also a mechanical engineer who has worked as a manager in the aviation and technology industries. LaKiesha’s company, Thriving Am

Have you ever considered the fact that hiring managers have bosses too? They have to answer to a CEO or shareholders for the person they hire, which means you need to put yourself in their shoes when you go into an interview. Find out what problems the company is facing and what keeps that hiring manager up at night. Once you have that information, you can show them how you can solve those problems for them. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Joel Quass, says that telling a hiring manager what you can do isn’t enough; you have to demonstrate it through stories and past experience. Joel also shares how paying attention to your surroundings can help you make connections with the hiring manager. About Our Guest: Joel Quass (www.linkedin.com/in/joelquass/) is an expert in job interviews, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles. He’s also a manager with more than 35 years of experience. Spending more than 3 decades on the “other side of the desk” taught Joel that people don’t know how to be interviewed any

In years past, it was common to work for the same company from entry-level until retirement. But those days are long gone. There are no longer obvious ladders to climb or well-trodden paths to follow. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Bev Jones, says that if you want to be successful in your career, you have to behave like a CEO. This includes realizing that job hunting is a numbers game, and there will be losses on the way to the wins. Bev also shares how a mindset shift can help you bring new energy to your current job, and how to motivate yourself to do the things you don’t enjoy. About Our Guest: Bev Jones (www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-jones-coach-author/) is the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO: 50 Indispensable Tips to Help You Stay Afloat, Bounce Back, and Get Ahead at Work”. She also hosts the NPR.org podcast, Jazzed About Work (www.npr.org/podcasts/524588388/jazzed-about-work). Bev helps professionals enhance performance, address career challenges, and continue

One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome in a job search is leaving your job for a new one after only a few months of being there. Will the new hiring manager see you as a flight risk? How can you overcome the appearance of being a job-hopper? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Andrew Peters (www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-peters-6170929/) shares the strategies he used when leaving his job after only 10 months. Andrew and I also talk about how to use your network, including people you may not know very well, to get your resume in front of the hiring manager and how to build relationships so that you have connections to draw upon in the future. Learn more about Andrew’s path to career satisfaction below in this installment of our Success Stories (www.macslist.org/stories) series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? At different times, I’ve called myself a lobbyist, an advocate, and a policy professional. I started my career working with large philanthropic clients in health and

If the word “networking” brings to mind an event held in a hotel ballroom consisting of meeting new people and shaking hand after hand, it's time to change your mindset. Do large events and small talk with strangers make you uncomfortable? If so, you might be an introvert. Learning how to engage with a variety of people in a genuine and sincere way can help introverts (and everyone else) build the strong connections to help further your job search. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Tammy Gooler Loeb, says you need to think of networking as research and look for the types of interactions that make you feel more comfortable. About Our Guest: Tammy Gooler Loeb (www.linkedin.com/in/tammygoolerloeb/) is a career and executive coach who focuses on job search strategies, workplace communication, and leadership development. Tammy is passionate about helping people find professional meaning and satisfaction. Through personal coaching, she helps her clients clarify their professional goals and take a

Imagine that you are a candidate for a great job. You put together the perfect application, you nail the interview, and it looks like the job is yours on a silver platter. But in your thank you note, you misspell the name of the hiring manager. That simple mistake can mean that the phone call you’re waiting for, offering you the job, never comes. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Donna Svei, says that even the most experienced professional can make writing mistakes. Donna shares how to avoid these mistakes, the best way to present yourself when crafting a resume, and whether or not you need a cover letter. About Our Guest: Donna Svei (https://www.linkedin.com/company/donna-svei-executive-resume-writer/about/) is an executive resume writer and a former retained search consultant. She has read over 100,000 resumes in her career and seen the same mistakes over and over, even in the resumes of top CEO’s. Her company, Avid Careerist (https://avidcareerist.com/), helps clients craft intervi

Some people never apply for jobs. Rather, they are approached by recruiters or called by employers about jobs that don’t get advertised. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Laura Gassner Otting, says this doesn’t happen by accident. These people have learned how to use networking differently than most of us. If you would like to have opportunities come calling at your door, listen in as Laura shares how connecting with others can bring your own opportunities. About Our Guest: Laura Gassner Otting (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragassnerotting/) is a professional keynote speaker and author. She inspires audiences to push past doubt and indecision. She’s also is an expert in leadership, executive recruitment, and career change. Laura previously served in Bill Clinton’s White House, worked for a nonprofit search firm, and helped grow the startup ExecSearches.com. Her new book, “Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life,” will be out in April of 2019.

It’s not enough to get an interview; you need to turn that interview into a job offer. There are several things you can do to close the deal, including preparing for the most common questions employers ask, drawing an employer out about the needs of the company, and sharing how you will meet those needs after you begin work. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Jan Melnik, shares her top strategies for clinching a job offer and her #1 secret strategy for standing out before and after a job interview. Learn how to show your value and why a specific call to action gives you a better chance of getting the job offer. About Our Guest: Jan Melnik (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmelnik/) is a master resume writer and career strategist who teaches job seekers how to go from interviewee to employee. Jan is the author of “Executive’s Pocket Guide to ROI Resumes and Job Search” and is a frequent keynote speaker at industry conferences nationwide. She also makes regular appearances on both radio and

It can be discouraging to face dead ends and disappointment during your job search but knowing your skill set and being clear about your goals can take you all the way from defeat to your dream job. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Becca McCulloch (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcculloch-954810a/) and I talk about how to build rapport during an interview, how trusting your instincts can help you know when a job is the right fit, and how learning to go with your gut can help you make difficult career decisions. Learn more about Becca’s career journey below in this installment of our Success Stories series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I am the Membership Coordinator at the Portland Business Alliance; the regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as being the assistant to the Chief Operating Officer. I wear many hats, including events assistant; in my role, I head a few of the committees within the Alliance, draw and negotiate trades with area businesses, and even get to