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

Ageism is alive and thriving, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it stronger. If you’re an older worker looking for your next job, Find Your Dream Job guest Scott Jacobs says you must increase your self-confidence before your next interview. Scott shares how to present your experience as an asset rather than a liability and why you must get comfortable with technology if you want to be considered for a position. And finally, Scott reminds us that ageism is no excuse for not going after your dream job. About Our Guest: Scott Jacobs (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscottjacobs/)is a career coach who runs the Jacobs Strategic Group (https://jacobs-strategic.com/). Scott has helped hundreds of clients with career transitions and job searches. Resources in This Episode: Are you an older job seeker? Find out more about how Scott can help you in your job search by visiting Jacobs Strategic Group (https://jacobs-strategic.com/). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macsl

Too often, job seekers work to secure a position without thinking about how they will be treated within the company structure. If equity is important to you, Find Your Dream Job guest Mark Kajitani says you can do pertinent research to find out how the employer handles DEI within the company culture. Once you’re clear on which aspects of equity matter most to you, prepare relevant questions for your interview and research the company to discover how they address those issues. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you would like to see in company diversity. About Our Guest: Mark Kajitani (http://linkedin.com/in/mkajitani) is a nonprofit human resources consultant, a speaker, and the director of people and culture at Oregon Public Broadcasting (https://www.opb.org/).  Resources in This Episode: If you’d like to connect with Mark or find out more about his work at Oregon Public Broadcasting, you can find him at linkedin.com/in/mkajitani (http://linkedin.com/in/mkajitani). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is

Have you ever been ghosted by an employer after an interview? Perhaps you’ve even spent hours providing work samples, only to never hear a word back. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Kellie Gordon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwgpdx/) shares how ghosting and rejection impacted her job search. Kellie also tells how she used these experiences to determine the company culture she desired to work in. Learn more about Kellie’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

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 i

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

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 h

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 h

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

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 To

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

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

It’s an exciting time of life; you're having a baby! But how do you make your next career move when your time and energy are about to be challenged? First, says Find Your Dream Job guest Emily Lamia, focus on the job you want. Just like any job seeker, determine your skills and the value you offer to the company you’re applying to. Next, Emily says, determine the benefits you need and pursue the positions that offer them. And finally, don’t let pregnancy make you feel like you can’t get hired; companies will hire the right person for the job, so communicate that you are the right person.  About Our Guest: Emily Lamia (http://linkedin.com/in/emilylamia) is the founder and owner of Pivot Journeys (https://www.pivotjourneys.com/). Her company gives you the strategies and support you need to find meaningful work. And to empower you to be inspired, engaged, and effective on the job. Resources in This Episode: If you’re ready for personalized help as you navigate your next career move, find out how Emily can hel

It might seem polite not to negotiate salary, but you are affecting your entire future when you don’t. An extra $15K per year can make a huge difference in your retirement savings, says Find Your Dream Job guest Kimberly Brown. If you need help positioning yourself to get a higher salary, Kimberly suggests starting by knowing your skillset, experience, and value. Share stories that display results you’ve had in the past, along with moments that brought growth. Kimberly also stresses the need for you to believe that you deserve the salary you’re asking for.  About Our Guest: Kimberly Brown (http://linkedin.com/in/kimberlybonline) is a career and leadership expert, author of the new book, Next Move, Best Move (https://www.amazon.com/Next-Move-Best-Transitioning-Career/dp/1119736226), and host of the weekly podcast, Your Next Move (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-next-move-podcast/id1559556846). Kimberly’s mission is to empower women and people of color in the workplace.  Resources in This Episode:

We all dread the question, tell me about a time you made a mistake in your job. But if we can address our mistakes as simply a piece of our entire career story, we can change the feeling of shame and uncertainty we may feel. Find Your Dream Job guest Melissa Magaña says our stories make us seem more personable and attractive to hiring managers. Melissa shares how to create a narrative arc of your career history that allows you to share specific stories- stories of successes and challenges.  About Our Guest: Melissa Magaña (http://linkedin.com/in/melissalmagana) is the HR generalist at Habitat for Humanity Portland Region (https://habitatportlandregion.org/).  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn by visiting Melissa Magaña (http://linkedin.com/in/melissalmagana). 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

A job seeker’s market means you have more control over the process of finding your next position. Even if you don’t have 100% of the requirements a posting calls for, Find Your Dream Job guest Beth Gibbs says you should consider applying anyway. Beth shares the best way to know if a job is right for you and how to communicate your non negotiables to a hiring manager. Networking is more important than ever, and Beth explains how to use your network to find the perfect job.  About Our Guest: Beth Gibbs (http://linkedin.com/in/beth-gibbs-6b99214) is the people and culture director at Impact NW (https://impactnw.org/).  Her organization prevents homelessness by partnering with people as they navigate their journey to stability and opportunity. Resources in This Episode: Beth welcomes connections on LinkedIn. Reach out to her at www.linkedin.com/in/beth-gibbs-6b99214. 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 pr

Have you ever considered starting your own business while still looking for your dream job? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Aaron Kier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkier/) shares why he continued applying for jobs even after starting his own consulting firm. Aaron also talks about how he used the power of networking not to find a job but to get better at looking for one. Learn more about Aaron’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

Preparing for an interview is non-negotiable; you must go in ready to answer questions about your skills, experience, and goals. But it’s even more important that you be authentic. Your resume speaks to your ability to do the job; hiring managers want to know if you’re the right fit, says Find Your Dream Job guest Danelle Robertson. The best way to accomplish that is by having a genuine conversation. Be willing to share your strengths and weaknesses, how you find solutions to problems, and how you’re growing in your field. But above all, says Danelle, be yourself. About Our Guest: Danelle Robertson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danelle-robertson-phr-ccws-306b754/) is the people and culture partner at the Oregon Humane Society (https://www.oregonhumane.org/).  Her organization rescues, heals, and adopts thousands of pets each year.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Danelle on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danelle-robertson-phr-ccws-306b754/). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought t

Today’s job market requires more than filling out applications. It requires knowing how to market yourself. If you don’t know where to start, Find Your Dream Job guest Liesl Forve says to start by thinking about each job you’ve had and which parts you were most successful at. Then, make a list of your skills and another list of the things you don’t want to do. That should help you narrow down what you love. Liesl then suggests creating a concise “I want” statement that you can use on LinkedIn, your resume, and in conversation with others.  About Our Guest: Liesl Forve (http://linkedin.com/in/lieslhydeforve) leads market expansion and corporate partnerships for Navigate Forward (https://www.navigateforward.com/). Her company supports executives as they explore a shift in career, pivot into retirement, or consider board service. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Liesl on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/lieslhydeforve (http://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslhydeforve). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job i