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=16907&preview=true) Are you considering going back to school before pursuing your dream job? What if you could get that position without paying thousands of dollars for more education? Find Your Dream Job guest Ken Coleman says it’s entirely possible, and he offers two questions to ask yourself before signing up for student loans. Ken also shares networking tips, how to pursue alternative education, and the importance of following your gut. About Our Guest:Ken Coleman is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and the author of The Proximity Principle.Resources in This Episode:If you need help figuring out the next step in your career or job search, visit Ken’s website at kencoleman.com. Check out Ken's book From Paycheck to Purpose: The Clear Path to Doing Work You LoveSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-n

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16904&preview=true) Networking evolves with the marketplace, technology, and your own career stage, and habits that once worked can now make you look out of touch to the people you most want to impress. Find Your Dream Job guest Wendy Dukes says the fix starts with directness. Rather than spend ten minutes of a coffee meeting building up to your ask, state what you need from the start, then share the details that support your request. Offer something in return, too, so the connection benefits you both. Wendy also urges job seekers to retire two old standbys, the business card and the printed resume, in favor of a strong, current LinkedIn presence. And remember: networking isn't limited to professional events. Your next great connection might happen in a grocery store line, at a tailgate, or even on a cruise ship.About Our Guest:Wendy Dukes is the director of the early careers program at the Forté Foundati

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16887&preview=true) If the statistics are true, recruiters and hiring managers spend less than 5 minutes looking at each resume they receive; even less if it doesn’t grab their attention immediately. In order to get past the first round of screening, Find Your Dream Job guest Agnes Zach says you need to use the language of the job description in your cover letter and resume. In addition, she suggests preparing specific, 3-5 minute answers to the most commonly asked interview questions. Agnes also shares the most common reasons you aren’t making it to the final round of interviews.About Our Guest:Agnes Zach is the CEO at Nonprofit Professionals Now and A to Z Staffing. Her organizations offer executive search, temporary staffing, and talent evaluation services.Resources in This Episode:If you're a professional or job seeker in the nonprofit sector, Agnes offers services to help you. Find out more on her website

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16889&preview=true) Job searching has changed a lot in 25 years, but the fundamentals haven't. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Mac joins Enrique Ruiz on the All In Recruiting Podcast to share the three questions every job seeker needs to answer: What do you want? Where do you want to go? What do you offer? Mac talks about his own periods of unemployment and the lessons they taught him about networking, referrals, and why applying online isn't enough. He and Enrique also dig into what employers get wrong — from vague job postings to ghosting candidates — and why hiring is a branding experience. Whether the job market is booming or tough, someone is always getting hired. Listen in to learn how honing the fundamentals helps you ride the ebbs and flows of any economy and stand out from the competition.About the Host:Enrique Ruiz is the founder of Chief Talent Agent and the host of the All in Recruiti

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16880&preview=true) You know a job search takes time. But when the rejections pile up, and the silence stretches on, it's hard not to wonder if something is wrong with you. It isn't, says Find Your Dream Job guest Melissa Wong. Feeling stuck is one of the most common and painful parts of a job search, and the way through is to focus on what you can control. One of Melissa's favorite remedies is to make something. A creative project gives you a reason to reach out to collaborators, a fresh talking point at networking events, and maybe even a new portfolio piece. More than anything, it reminds you that you have something to offer. Her other piece of advice is don't go it alone. Trade some of those cold applications for in-person conversations. Ask people for feedback on your search, and be willing to let them help. Staying connected keeps you resilient, and resilience is what will carry you to your next job

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16876&preview=true) There are many elements involved in landing your dream job; networking, a professional resume, and solid skills are just a few of the things required. But even with all that, it can be incredibly difficult. What if there was a silver bullet to fast-track your job search? Find Your Dream Job guest Jason Alba says informational interviews are the answer. Jason adds that informational interviews are an incredibly effective job search tool that most people aren’t taking advantage of, and he shares how to get the most out of your own. About Our Guest:Jason Alba is a soft skills and career expert for Pluralsight.Resources in This Episode:Connect with Jason on LinkedInCheck out Jason's booksSee 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=16871&preview=true) Each of us brings unique strengths to the table, and showing what you excel at makes you stand out to employers. When it comes down to the final two candidates, the offer often goes to the person the hiring manager can clearly picture in the role. Specificity wins. So how do you get that clear on what you offer? Find Your Dream Job guest expert Shannon Bowen of Monsoon Leadership says AI can help.Shannon shares how to use tools like ChatGPT or Claude to pull strengths and themes from your own success stories, match keywords from job postings, and sharpen your interview answers with stronger verbs, statistics, and outcomes. She also reminds listeners that AI is just a mirror. The strengths are already within you — it simply reflects back what you know best.About Our Guest:Shannon Bowen is a career coach and the founder of Monsoon Leadership. Resources in This Episode:Connect with Shannon on

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16852&preview=true) If you’ve ever been ghosted after what you thought was a great interview, you may feel confused about what went wrong. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’ve put your all into the interview only to be rejected. But Find Your Dream Job guest Shelley Piedmont says there are ways to be better prepared next time. First, focus more on the value you bring than strictly on your qualifications. Second, be a clear communicator. And finally, remember that sometimes, not being selected gives you a better chance at job fulfillment and happiness. About Our Guest:Shelley Piedmont is a former recruiter and human resources director. She’s also the founder of My Career GPS.Resources in This Episode:If you’re ready to find a job you love, Shelley can help. Learn more by visiting her website at My Career GPSSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16841&preview=true) Looking for work right now is hard. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Mac steps into the guest seat alongside executive career strategist Gina Riley for the Intel Alumni Network's Path to Next series. Mac and Gina name what many job seekers are feeling right now. The market has tightened with fewer roles, more applicants, and easy-apply tools that leave too many qualified professionals sending out thoughtful résumés into silence.What sets you apart is knowing the job you're after, building a short list of employers you'd love to work for, and pursuing organizations rather than openings. Mac and Gina discuss how to ask for an informational interview, why a referral carries more weight than an online application, and how to follow up when someone goes quiet without feeling like a pest. Their parting advice is: don't wait to be picked; being qualified isn’t enough in this job marke

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16847&preview=true)What does it take to thrive at work when AI keeps changing the rules? This week on Find Your Dream Job, HR leader and career coach Marguerite McAleer talks about how to future-proof your career in the age of AI. Marguerite sees AI less as a replacement and more as a tool for handling routine tasks, freeing you to focus on the work machines can't do: strategic thinking, creativity, and human relationships.Marguerite also pulls back the curtain on what hiring looks like from her side of the desk, where a single job posting can attract more than 150 applications. She says to forget the spray-and-pray approach. Be choosy, go after roles that feel like a fit, and put your own voice back into anything AI helps you write. She explains why skills are increasingly valued over credentials, how the STAR method can help you stand out in an interview, and why anyone changing careers should lead with connectio

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16818&preview=true) Have you ever heard that to find the job of your dreams, you should follow your passion? The reality is not all passions lend themselves to a career, and not everyone has passions to follow. Instead of trying to figure out your passion so that you can be happy at work, Find Your Dream Job guest Grace Lee says it’s a better idea to pursue meaningful purpose. Stop hoping to find your perfect career; take charge of your future by digging deep into what drives you and creating your own opportunities.About Our Guest:Dr. Grace Lee is the founder of Mastery Insights, a coaching and education company. She is on a mission to unleash the extraordinary in the world through insightful career development, integrating neuroscience and business development principles.Resources in This Episode:For more insights into building your career, check out Mastery Insights.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16814&preview=true) Networking doesn't have to feel transactional or awkward. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career counselor Leah Payne shares why the best networking happens when you follow your interests. When you show up to events and communities that matter to you, you’ll meet people who care about the same things, and genuine connections will follow.Leah walks through helpful strategies for connecting with your community: joining professional associations, using LinkedIn's alumni search filters, and asking people in your network for referrals. In every conversation, she says to lead with curiosity, not an agenda. The relationships you build today may not pay off for months, but they can make a difference down the road.About Our Guest:Leah Payne is a career counselor at Portland State University.Resources in This Episode:Connect with Leah on LinkedIn.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16810&preview=true) If you’re like most people, you don’t enjoy talking about your greatest accomplishments. It can feel uncomfortable to “toot your own horn,” even when a hiring manager asks you about your skills and expertise. If you want to stand out in today’s tough job market, Find Your Dream Job guest Elizabeth Gross says you must overcome this reluctance. Elizabeth shares how to emphasize your accomplishments on your resume, as well as the best way to sell yourself on LinkedIn. About Our Guest:Elizabeth Gross is the owner of Job Search Divas, where she offers a range of career-related services, including resume writing, career coaching, job search strategies, networking skills, and interview preparation.Resources in This Episode:To find out more about Elizabeth and the services she offers, visit her website at www.jobsearchdivas.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16816&preview=true)More than 120 job seekers, students, and community members gathered at the Ecotrust Building’s Billy Frank Jr. Conference Center in Portland on Thursday, May 7, for a conversation about one of the most important aspects of the job search: mentorship.Hosted by Mac’s List and presenting sponsor Portland State University, You’re Not Alone: Using Mentorship to Pivot, Progress, and Land Your Next Job featured a panel of career coaches, HR leaders, and executives. Here is a recording of that event.About Our Guests:​Gina Riley, Executive Career Coach, Gina Riley Consulting​Ed Johnson, Chief Executive Officer – Community Health Centers at OHSU and Board Member of PSU Foundation​Tia B. Coachman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Affirma ConsultancySee 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=16807&preview=true) Referrals matter in hiring, and professional associations are one of the best places to build them. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, Mac talks with career coach and former recruiter Cheryl Ferguson about how to find the right association, ease first-meeting nerves, and make meaningful connections.Cheryl also explains why volunteering and speaking can put you on a hiring manager's radar before a job opens up and why the biggest mistake people make is showing up only when they need a job. Cheryl says show up consistently, share your knowledge, and enjoy yourself.About Our Guest:Cheryl Ferguson is a coach who works with people who want a better career. Previously, Cheryl was a recruiter for more than 25 years.Resources in This Episode:Connect with Cheryl on LinkedIn.See 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=16773&preview=true) What do you say when a hiring manager asks you why you’re looking for a new job? If this question makes you feel defensive, Find Your Dream Job guest Susan Peppercorn says you need to find a way to put a positive spin on your answer, even if the truth is that you were fired or laid off. Hiring managers understand difficult situations, so don’t be afraid to be honest, while not spewing negativity toward a former employer. Susan advises focusing on what you bring to the table and why you’re interested in working with that company.About Our Guest:Susan Peppercorn is a coach, writer, and speaker. She's passionate about helping people move from surviving to thriving in their careers. Susan is the author of the bestselling "Ditch Your Inner Critic At Work: Evidence-Based Strategies To Thrive In Your Career."Resources in This Episode:Connect with Susan on LinkedIn.See Privacy Policy at https://art

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16765&preview=true) An open job can get hundreds of applications. To stand out, you need to show employers how you can solve their problems, and that starts with knowing your story. Career coach Connie Teng joins Find Your Dream Job to break down what recruiters are listening for when you walk them through your resume, and why your "why" matters just as much as your skills and experience.Connie shares strategies for crafting a career narrative that connects your past roles, your motivations, and your strengths to the employer's specific needs. She also digs into the role limiting beliefs play in holding candidates back and how to get unstuck. Whether you're preparing for a recruiter screen or a final-round interview, this episode will help you walk in ready to show your value and make a lasting impression.About Our Guest:Connie Teng is a leadership and career coach who helps mid-career professionals and emergi

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16759&preview=true)If you're like most folks, you feel nervous when going into a job interview. And science has shown that a lack of self-confidence directly affects your body language, which can distract the hiring manager or make you appear less suited for the job. You don’t want to walk into an interview room and try to wing it. You want to walk in there with confidence. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, John Ribeiro, says that confidence comes from changing your mindset, preparing what you’re going to say, and sharing stories that show your true and authentic self. About Our Guest:John Ribeiro gives people what they need to ace a job interview. He prepares you with the skills and mindset to answer those tough questions that will lead you to a job offer. John is also a veteran hiring manager. And he’s a professional public speaker, podcaster, and co-author of the book Zero2hired: Successfull

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16761&preview=true) Your credentials get you in the door. But to land the job, you have to stand out. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Sue Barber explains why so many job seekers undersell themselves and what to do instead. She works with high achievers who stay in the background, and she's made a career of helping them step forward and speak up about the value they bring.Sue walks through how to take inventory of your strengths, use language that matches the level you're going for, and apply the "show, don't tell" principle to your interview answers. She also talks about what imposter syndrome looks like in the interview room and how to push through it. If you've ever deflected credit or downplayed your role in a project, this episode is for you.About Our Guest:Sue Barber is a coach who helps under-the-radar high achievers transform into visible leaders. Sue is also the host of The Visibil

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16770&preview=true) On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Catherine Van shares how she transitioned from her childhood dream of being a broadcast journalist to becoming a DEIB leader at the Oregon Community Foundation, Oregon's largest private charitable funder. When the nonstop news cycle took a toll, she pivoted into nonprofit and corporate communications, bringing her commitment to storytelling and social justice.Years later, after returning from maternity leave at another organization, Catherine faced an unexpected layoff. By leaning on her network and reframing her skills, she found her way into equity work. Catherine talks about the psychological toll of rejection, the power of reframing your skills for a new context, and why the job search is never a solo sport. About Our Guest:Catherine Van leads equity initiatives at the Oregon Community Foundation.Resources in This Episode:Connect with C