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=16699&preview=true) What do you do when someone asks what kind of work you want, and you genuinely don't know? Steven Rothberg, founder of College Recruiter, has an answer, and it starts with a legal pad and three columns. In this episode, Steven walks through his framework for identifying your career sweet spot by mapping your competencies, interests, and values side by side. He explains why telling employers "I'll do anything" is the kiss of death in a job search and what it signals to recruiters managing dozens of open roles at once. Whether you're a new graduate or a mid-career professional at a crossroads, his approach will help you focus your search, perform better in interviews, and land a role where you'll want to stay.About Our Guest:Steven Rothberg is the founder of the College Recruiter job board. Resources in This Episode:Connect with Steven on LinkedIn.See Privacy Policy at https://art19

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16685&preview=true) It’s not uncommon to feel as though a job interview is an interrogation and that your entire life is on display for the interviewer to pick apart. But an interview is actually a two-way conversation. And while it’s important to prepare for the questions you may get, Find Your Dream Job guest Rachel Beohm says it’s also crucial that you walk into the room with confidence and the knowledge that you belong there. Rachel shares how eye contact, positive body language, and knowing your value before you walk into the interview can help you to come across more confidently.About Our Guest:Rachel Beohm is an executive coach and speaker who specializes in nonverbal communication and personal presence. She trains executives, HR professionals, speakers, and job seekers to present themselves powerfully through the use of nonverbal communication skills so they can achieve their goals, and

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16679&preview=true)  When someone asks what you want in your next job, it can feel safer to say, “I can do anything.” But that answer can make it harder for employers and people in your network to understand where you fit. Career and leadership coach Shannon Bloom explains why a broad message can slow your search and make it harder to stand out compared to candidates with a clear goal. She shares how to identify your strengths, values, and impact so you can show what makes you distinct and back it up with clear examples. She recommends writing down your accomplishments, asking colleagues for feedback, and looking into roles that fit your skills and interests. Relationships play a big part in the job search, since many positions come through referrals and conversations. When you’re clear about what you want and what you offer, it’s much easier for people to point you toward opportunities that match your goals. Abo

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16682&preview=true) Sometimes, a LinkedIn connection from the past can change the course of your job search. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Joy Reimer, the sole recruiter at Century West Engineering, shares how staying active and engaged on LinkedIn eventually led her to the role she holds today. Joy says the key is to keep showing up, stay positive, and not overlook the connections you’ve already made. She also talks about the habits that made a difference in her search: thinking beyond a single job title, using AI tools to uncover roles she might not have found otherwise, and skipping the “easy apply” button in favor of going directly to company websites. Joy also makes the case that networking isn’t something you do only during a job search. It’s something you practice all the time. Along the way, she learned to celebrate small wins, brush off being ghosted, and trust her instincts when somethin

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/podcasts/career-happiness/how-to-choose-the-right-career-for-you-with-dalan-vanterpool) One of the biggest challenges that you will face in your professional life is choosing a career. It’s not only recent college graduates who face this challenge. Most of us will change careers at least once during our working lives. How do you find the job that’s the best fit for you, no matter your age? Find Your Dream Job guest Dalan Vanterpool says that before you begin thinking about certain roles, you need to ask yourself five specific questions. The answers to these questions can help you land a job that not only allows you to excel in your work, but also provides an atmosphere that you enjoy being a part of every day. About Our Guest: Dalan Vanterpool is a private banker and career development expert from the British Virgin Islands. Dalan hosts the Careers and Cash Flow podcast. His show helps young professionals build meaningful careers that lead to

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16651&preview=true) Hiring managers care about what you’ve achieved, not just what you were responsible for. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, recruiter and HR professional Ashlie Journet explains why it’s important to track your wins and talk about your impact. Many people overlook their own wins, so their resumes don’t reflect the results they’ve delivered. Ashlie breaks down what employers look for, like evidence you saved time, cut costs, worked across teams, and solved problems. She suggests keeping a “brag book” to record achievements, feedback, and metrics so you’re ready to confidently show up in your applications and interviews. Tailor each resume, highlight your strongest wins up top, and ask hiring managers about their challenges so you can show how your results meet their needs. Listen now to learn how to share your wins and stand out. About Our Guest: Ashlie Journet is a recruiter and HR p

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16634&preview=true⁠)  When someone asks, “What are you looking for?” it can feel like a simple question, but your answer can shape your entire job search. Many candidates struggle to articulate that answer. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, executive and life coach Jennifer Schwartz explains why knowing where you want to go makes it easier to focus your energy and make clear decisions. Jennifer talks about how imposter syndrome, fear and other people’s expectations can cloud what you truly want. She offers ways to define your next role, from making a personal list of priorities to framing your goals around what you want to do to looking for evidence that your ideal job exists. This conversation will help you trust yourself and move toward work that fits your life today. About Our Guest: ⁠Jennifer Schwartz⁠ is an executive and life coach.  Resources in This Episode: ⁠Connect with Jennifer⁠ on LinkedIn. Le

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16642&preview=true)  Job seekers often wonder what recruiters are really looking for. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, former recruiter Claire Martin shares what happens behind the scenes when employers review applications. Claire is the director of employer engagement at Willamette University and has spent more than a decade recruiting and hiring. She explains how recruiters still read resumes, why research matters in interviews and how follow-up fits into the process. Claire also shares hiring secrets you can use right away. Learn how small details on your resume and LinkedIn profile shape first impressions, how to cultivate connections with an organization and when AI can help or hurt your search. Claire’s advice will help you show up as yourself and stand out in the hiring process. About Our Guest: Claire Martin is the director of employer engagement at Willamette University. Resources in This Epi

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16628&preview=true) Knowing you want a change in your work life is one thing. Knowing what you want next is another. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Sara Stowe talks about how clarity can shape a stronger, more focused job search. Through her work at True Terpenes and Portland Workforce Alliance, Sara supports professionals and students  as they explore what meaningful, satisfying work looks like for them. Sara shares why rushing toward the next opportunity can lead to frustration, how to spot “bright and shiny” distractions and why values matter more than perks. She also explains how to build a list of priorities, sort your negotiables from your non-negotiables and use your skills to explore new paths. If you’re unsure about your next step, this conversation will help you make thoughtful choices about what comes next. About Our Guest: Sara Stowe is the vice president of people and culture

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

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 of

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 in

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 f

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

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

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 decis

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 Brand

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 Gu

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 calme

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16454&preview=true)  Job searching can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and the pressure to find your next opportunity. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Samorn Selim, founder of Career Unicorns®, shares a simple but powerful system to help you get your next job without burning out. She explains how to spot the signs of job search fatigue, why clarity is the first step to success, and how to focus on what truly matters instead of trying to do everything at once. Samorn breaks down her three-part system — clarity, strategy, and consistency — to make the process manageable and effective. You’ll learn how to narrow your focus, structure your search in small, realistic steps, and celebrate progress along the way. Whether you’re sending out endless applications or feeling stuck in a cycle of stop-and-start searching, this episode will help you approach your job search wit