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

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16625&preview=true)  Feeling stuck is a common part of a job search. But many people aren’t sure how to move forward when their efforts start to feel stalled. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Diane DeVore talks about why so many candidates lose momentum and how they can find their way forward. Rather than pushing harder or applying to more roles, Diane encourages job seekers to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and get clear on what they want next. Diane also shares ways to bring focus and self-care back to your search. She talks about how to tailor your resume, build connections, and give yourself room to change. You’ll learn how small, steady steps can help you move forward and find work that feels like a stronger fit for you.  About Our Guest: Diane DeVore is the assistant director for career services at Everett Community College. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Diane on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16622&preview=true)  Relationships matter when you’re looking for work. But many people feel unsure how to approach them in a way that feels natural. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, Matthew Warner reframes networking as something deeply human. Rather than collecting contacts, he talks about building relationships with people you enjoy and respect. Matthew explains how investing in your network over time can create trust, shape hiring decisions and help you find work that’s a strong fit. Matthew also offers advice on how to care for your network over time. He compares relationships to a garden that needs regular care, not bursts of attention when you need something. You’ll learn how small actions, consistency and reciprocity can strengthen your connections throughout your career and why a simple check-in can make a meaningful difference. About Our Guest: Matthew Warner is the chief people and culture officer at Friends of the Children - Portland. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16558&preview=true)  Standing out in today’s job market takes more than strong credentials. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Cory Steward explains why interviews matter so much when hundreds of qualified candidates apply for the same role. He shares what employers are really looking for, including confidence, curiosity, and a good fit with the team, and why being prepared and personable can leave a lasting impression. Cory also explains why being a little bolder in interviews can help you stand out. Cory offers specific steps to help you show up more confidently in interviews. He explains how to research employers so you feel prepared, ask questions that help you assess whether a role is a good fit, and follow up without overthinking it. He also covers how to manage self-doubt, take thoughtful risks, and know when it’s time to move on. If you want to feel more confident and prepared in interviews, this episode will help you stand out and get hired. About Our Guest: Cory Steward owns and runs the top coaching firm, Get Career Confidence. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Cory on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16547&preview=true)  Changing careers can feel daunting, especially when fear, guilt, or long-held beliefs about who you should be start to surface. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Carissa Kerrissey explains why career pivots are far more common than people realize and how our brain’s natural negativity bias can make change feel harder than it is. Carissa breaks down myths like “I’m too old to start over” and shows how identity, purpose, and shifting values often signal that it’s time to explore a new direction. She also shares practical steps for navigating the inner critic, recognizing the transferable skills you already have, and using your core values to guide your next move. If you’re burned out, feeling stuck, or simply ready for a fresh start, Carissa’s advice offers a clear, encouraging path toward work that fits who you are today. About Our Guest: Carissa Kerrissey is the founder of Future Forward Careers. Carissa’s company helps burned-out teachers and mission-driven professionals reclaim energy, rediscover purpose, and transition into fulfilling work. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Carissa on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16578&preview=true)  Career pivots rooted in relationships can often lead to meaningful work. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Melanie Klym, Northwest River Restoration Director at American Rivers, shares why she loves protecting rivers across the Pacific Northwest. She also reflects on how she knew it was time to leave private engineering consulting and move into the nonprofit sector to expand her impact and better align her work with her values. Melanie talks through the job search habits that have shaped her career path, including informational interviews, volunteering, and working with mentors over time. By reaching out to people she admired, staying curious about different career paths, and building relationships before roles were posted, she found a position that was a strong fit. Her takeaways for job seekers: focus on people, stay engaged in your community, and think of networking as something you do throughout your career — not just during a job search. About Our Guest: Melanie Klym is the Northwest River Restoration Director at American Rivers.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn.  To learn more about Melanie Klym’s job search, visit macslist.org/stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16517&preview=true) It’s easier than ever to apply online, but relying only on job boards can leave you feeling overlooked and unsure of your next step. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, career and leadership coach Swati Parikh shares why conversations remain the most effective way to move your search forward. Swati explains how talking to people helps you learn what employers value, understand whether a role is the right fit, and avoid the discouragement that comes from sending applications into the void. She also demystifies informational interviews, offering guidance on what to ask, how to prepare, and why showing a little vulnerability can actually strengthen your connections. Swati highlights how building relationships can connect you with opportunities you won’t find online. If you’re looking for a more connected, effective job search strategy, this episode shares how talking to people can lead you to the job you want. About Our Guest: Swati Parikh is the founder of Greater Good Careers. It’s a career and leadership coaching business for mission-driven professionals and lawyers. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Swati on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16513&preview=true) Negotiating a job offer shapes far more than your first day on the job. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, HR expert Marcia Torres shares why your starting salary influences future raises, bonuses, and long-term earning potential — and why employers expect candidates to ask questions, review their offers carefully, and advocate for what they need. Marcia also talks about the value of taking 24 hours to read through an offer, getting clear on your bottom line, and using reliable salary data to understand where you should land in a range. She then walks through what candidates can negotiate beyond base pay, including job titles, professional development funds, PTO, and other benefits that make up a full compensation package. Marcia offers practical, down-to-earth guidance on how to approach these conversations collaboratively, build rapport with recruiters, and make a thoughtful decision about your next role. About Our Guest: Marcia Torres is the founder of Imagen Talent Solutions. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Marcia on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16563&preview=true)  On Nov. 12, we hosted our final quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with B Local PDX. More than 200 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “Meaningful Careers in Portland: Align Your Job with Your Values.” In this recording of our conversation, you’ll hear grounded, hopeful advice for navigating a tough job market and finding work that feels meaningful.  Our panelists talk about staying motivated, managing burnout, and taking steady, realistic steps toward roles that reflect your values. They share practical strategies such as volunteering, networking, and informational interviews that will help you build connections and find opportunities across Portland’s B Corps, nonprofits, government agencies, and values-aligned for-profits. About Our Guests: Wesley Griffin, executive director of B Local PDX Panelists Charles McGee, director of operations, Workplace Change Brandi Oldham, MHR, founder, Talent Career Coaching Nicole Stein, director of social impact and sustainability, Killian Pacific Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16462&preview=true)  Thinking about a career change can stir up nerves, excitement, and a big “where do I even start?” On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, coach and author Ariane Hunter talks about what’s really happening when something in your work life feels off. She shares why career pivots show up for so many of us — sometimes by choice, sometimes not — and how those quiet nudges can point you toward work that feels better than what you’ve been settling for. Ariane also explains why it helps to pause, breathe, and let yourself feel what’s coming up before rushing into the next thing. Then she gets practical, with small steps like checking in with people who’ve seen you shine, reconnecting with supportive colleagues, and exploring new options without having it all figured out. If you’re standing at a career crossroads, this episode offers grounded guidance and a reassuring place to begin. About Our Guest: Ariane Hunter is a speaker, an author, and the founder and owner of Ariane Hunter Consulting. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Ariane on LinkedIn. Check out Ariane’s book, Dreaming On Purpose: A Manifesto for Black Women on Taking the Leap, Building Your Dreams, and Being Your Own Boss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16459&preview=true)  Imposter syndrome can derail even the most seasoned professionals, especially in a tough job market. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Shannon Grosswiler explains why self-doubt shows up during a job search and how it affects the way people read job descriptions, talk about their accomplishments, and decide whether to apply for roles they’re fully capable of doing. Shannon shares the common patterns she sees — particularly among women — and why so many talented candidates underestimate their experience or hesitate to market themselves with confidence. Shannon also offers practical steps to rebuild your confidence and keep moving forward, from gathering LinkedIn recommendations to revisiting the moments you’re proud of and leaning on friends who see your strengths clearly. You’ll walk away knowing how to tell your story with more ease, approach applications with a calmer mindset, and keep going even when the market feels tough. If imposter feelings have been creeping in, this episode will help you reconnect with your value and take the next steps in your search. About Our Guest: Shannon Grosswiler coaches executives, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit professionals through career transitions.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.