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

Do you let things like job postings, layoffs, or irritations on the job drive your career decisions? If you’re ready to find more satisfaction in your next job or career move, Find Your Dream Job guest Bruce Hazen says you need a well thought-out strategy. You can find a job that aligns with your career goals by having a clear understanding of your skills, experience, and interests. Bruce also shares how to know whether it’s time to leave a company or if there are changes you can make that will make staying more beneficial.  About Our Guest: Bruce Hazen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/managementcoach/) is a career and management consultant and president of Three Questions Consulting (http://www.threequestionsconsulting.com/). He designs career strategies with the mission of reducing suffering at work, increasing career satisfaction, and helping people think ahead in their career approach. Resources in This Episode: Are you ready to stop finding “one job in a row?” Bruce’s book, “Answering the 3 Career Questions” (http://www.threequestionsconsulting.com/books/) will help you develop a strategy for your entire career.  Do you find yourself applying for any job that you think you could do? Before you send out your next application, stop chasing every lead and get clear about your own goals. Our free guide, Finding Focus in Your Job Search (http://www.macslist.org/focus), can help. 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.

When you’re looking for your next job, patience is often in short supply. You may be tempted to send out as many resumes as possible. But going for quantity over quality won’t serve you well in your job search. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Alex Konopka (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-konopka-1859225b/) and I talk about how crafting a unique resume allowed him to focus on his skills and abilities, even for jobs he wasn’t 100 percent qualified for. Alex also shares why preparation before your interview is key to getting a callback or job offer.  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.

When you start a new job, you may think it’s best to wait for your boss to outline a clear focus. Find Your Dream Job guest expert Robert Moment says a better approach for the first 90 days is to be proactive about building relationships and achieving small wins in your first few weeks in a new role. Be prepared to ask questions of your manager or team members about current projects, specific challenges, and recent successes. Showing initiative in the early days demonstrates your ability to be a problem-solver and your capacity to make the company more successful as a result. About Our Guest: Robert Moment (linkedin.com/in/personalbrandingexpert/) the Get Hired Expert (http://www.howtoaceaninterview.com/), specializes in teaching everyone from recent college graduates to experienced professionals how to interview and helping job seekers stand out, get hired, and make more money. He also advises new employees on how to succeed at their new job in the first 90 days and beyond.  Resources in This Episode: If you want more help in your new job, check out Robert’s book, “Starting a New Job: Career Planning and Job Promotion Tactics for Motivated New Employees” (https://amzn.to/32X9X6z). Do you find yourself applying for any job that you think you could do? Before you send out your next application, stop chasing every lead and get clear about your own goals. Our free guide, Finding Focus in Your Job Search (https://findingfocus.macslist.org/), can help. 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.

Volunteering while in the midst of a job search might seem like a waste of time. After all, why would you work for nothing and waste your skills and expertise? But the fact is, volunteering might actually help you find your next job, says Find Your Dream Job guest Aaron Good. Volunteering can provide you with purpose and allow you to stay connected to other people. Those connections can sometimes turn into actual jobs. Volunteering may also uncover hidden interest in a field that you never considered.  About Our Guest: Aaron Good (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarongood/) is a career counselor who focuses on career, purpose, and identity. As the founder of Trailhead Counseling (https://trailheadcounseling.net/), he works with individuals who want to improve their current job, find a new career more aligned with their values, or reaffirm the track they’re on. Resources in This Episode: Aaron offers a variety of counseling options in the Portland area. To make an appointment, go to: https://trailheadcounseling.net/services/ Do you find yourself applying for any job that you think you could do? Before you send out your next application, stop chasing every lead and get clear about your own goals. Our free guide, Finding Focus in Your Job Search (http://www.macslist.org/focus), can help. 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.

Rachel Shields Ebersole recently relocated to the Portland area from Woodstock, Vermont. Upon arrival in Portland, Rachel did not have many professional connections in the Pacific Northwest. On today’s Find Your Dream Job, Rachel Shields Ebersole explains how she found a job here by attending local events, volunteering, and reaching out to leaders in her target industry. 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.

If you’ve wanted to work with a recruiter but you’re not sure where to start, Find Your Dream Job guest Wendy Schoen offers solid advice on what steps to take first. Wendy recommends you start by updating your LinkedIn. You need to develop what Wendy calls a profile that is “full, and ripe, and juicy.” Embracing a “just the facts” approach with your profile is a great way to get skipped right over. Even if you aren’t currently looking for a job, building a relationship with a recruiter can be helpful for years to come as you grow in your chosen field. About Our Guest: Wendy Schoen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/schoenlegalsearch/) is the CEO and managing partner of Schoen Legal Search (http://schoenlegal.com/), and she has been in the legal search field since 1993. She places a wide variety of attorneys into law firms, corporations, and consulting firms. Wendy’s clients range from major international law firms to start-up companies to international Fortune 10 companies.  Resources in This Episode: To find out more about the legal recruiting services Wendy offers, visit her website at http://schoenlegal.com/. Your presence online is critical in order for employers to find you. Learn how to use your social media to make a favorable impression by enrolling in our free online course, How to Wow and Woo Employers Online (https://macslist.teachable.com/p/impress-employers-online/?src=podcast). 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.

Automation is the most prevalent trend in the job application process. It’s highly likely that an Applicant Tracking System will decide whether you even get brought in for an interview. Should we be afraid that the robots are taking over? Not quite, according to today’s guest on Find Your Dream Job, Nicolle Merrill. Nicolle says you need to learn as much as possible about how artificial intelligence affects the modern job search to set yourself up for success. In addition, you should invest time and effort into your online presence, and continue to develop authentic relationships with professional connections. About Our Guest: Nicolle Merrill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicollemerrill/) is the founder of Future Skills (http://www.futureskills.blog/), a company that teaches professionals how to advance their skills and stay relevant in today’s rapidly changing working world. She is also the author of the upcoming book, “Punch Doubt in the Face: How to Upskill, Change Careers, and Beat the Robots.” (http://www.futureskills.blog/future-of-work-book/). Resources in This Episode: Want to know more about the future of work? Explore emerging careers and more at Nicolle’s website:   http://www.futureskills.blog/ Are you stuck in a mediocre job? Nicolle’s podcast, 50 Conversations (https://www.50conversations.com/), will help you make the jump into a career you can love. Your presence online is critical in order for employers to find you. Learn how to use your social media to make a favorable impression by enrolling in our free online course, How to Wow and Woo Employers Online (https://macslist.teachable.com/p/impress-employers-online/?src=podcast). 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.

Building a tech career in Portland can be daunting, especially for newcomers. The good news is that Portland is an open and welcoming community, even if you are new to the tech field and lack experience. The key to breaking into Portland’s tech industry is networking and meeting the people who do the hiring here, says Find Your Dream Job guest Tim Butler. Tim says that if you put in the time and do the work, you’ll find others who can help you grow your career in authentic and meaningful ways. About Our Guest: Tim Butler (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbutler67/) is a technical sourcer at the Portland, Oregon office of New Relic (https://newrelic.com/), a software analytics company. Tim has been in the recruiting industry for eight years after spending 20 years in insurance. His passion is helping professionals find new career opportunities that align with their career interests and goals. His current focus is on finding talented software engineering professionals. Resources in This Episode: If you’re interested in working with Tim to find a job in Portland, head over to New Relic (https://newrelic.com/) for more information. The job market in Portland is competitive. My guide, How to Find a Job in Portland: 8 Steps to a Meaningful Career (https://findajobportland.macslist.org/), offers valuable tips and insights so you can find a job you love in the Rose City. 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.

When you apply for a job, you expect to hear back from the employer. But all too often, employers avoid  getting back to applicants unless they plan to bring them in for an interview. And even then, you may go in for an interview and not hear back about the final hiring decision. While it seems like common courtesy for employers to respond to everyone who applies, Find Your Dream Job guest Jennifer Tardy says that some hiring managers are so inundated with applicants that they simply don’t have time to reply to everyone. Jennifer shares practical tips for following up with the hiring manager in a natural, casual way. She recommends being persistent, but kind and understanding in your communication with hiring managers so you don’t burn any bridges. About Our Guest: Jennifer Tardy is the founder and owner of Jennifer Tardy LLC, a diversity and inclusion consulting organization in Maryland. Through her work, Jennifer is on a mission to forge successful career opportunities between employers and members of underrepresented populations such as people of color, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ, and millennials. She’s also the host of the But What About Me career podcast.  Resources in This Episode:  Check out Jennifer’s YouTube channel for new videos every week on all aspects of the job hunt. Tune in to Jennifer’s podcast, But What About Me, where she answers questions about the hiring process for those in underrepresented people groups. For more personalized help, join Jennifer’s group coaching program, where she walks you through every step of the job search journey, from revising your resume to celebrating your job offer.  Do you find yourself applying for any job that you think you could do? Before you send out your next application, stop chasing every lead and get clear about your own goals. Our free guide, Finding Focus in Your Job Search, can help. 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.

The decision to make a career change can be full of challenges. Rejection, lack of focus, and ignoring networking opportunities can make the transition even harder. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Travis Puckett and I discuss his move from the food and beverage industry to data analysis. A desire for traditional work hours and a love of number-crunching motivated Travis to pursue an internship rather than a full-time, traditional position. Travis shares how he got clear about his goals and how faith in himself gave him the confidence to try something new.  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.