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

Regardless of your age, you could face discrimination in your job search. Is ageism illegal? Yes, but that doesn’t mean it no longer exists. The good news is there are practical steps you can take to overcome the stereotypes about older workers. Updating your technical skills should be your first priority, says Find Your Dream Job guest Debbie Lipton. Ditch the AOL email address, update your LinkedIn profile, and use online training sites for specific skills. Debbie also recommends showing how you can work well with colleagues of any age, and why you want the job you’re applying for.  About Our Guest:  Debbie Lipton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deblipton/) is the founder and owner of Lipton Career Management. Before starting her company, she worked as a career counselor, hiring manager, trainer, and staffing specialist.  Resources in This Episode: If you need help learning how to be a better job candidate, visit One-Stop Career Center. (https://www.careeronestop.org//) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream J

If you’re looking for a job, self-awareness is the most important thing you bring to an interview with a hiring manager. Knowing what you know is important. But even more important, says Find Your Dream Job guest Tia Coachman, is knowing what you don’t know. Tia says you have to be willing to share what your limitations are and what you need to learn in order to reach new levels. Admitting what you don’t know shows a potential employer that you are teachable and that you have the humility necessary to do the work required to level up to higher responsibilities.  About Our Guest: Tia B. Coachman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbcoachman/) is the Founder/Principal Consultant of Affirma Consultancy which provides bespoke HR Advisory and Executive Search services. Resources in This Episode: If your company needs assistance with HR, learn more about the services Tia’s company offers at www.affirmaconsultancy.com/. (https://www.affirmaconsultancy.com/) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by T

If your job search is taking longer than expected, you may notice some unpleasant symptoms like anxiety and sleeplessness. These things, in turn, can lead to poor decision making. And poor decision making can lead to a hiring manager noticing your stress levels and wondering if you can do the job. If you find yourself in a downward spiral, Find Your Dream Job guest Chase Sterling says you can change it by developing a healthy daily routine. Chase also shares how mindfulness and gratitude can be key ways to lower your stress and anxiety. About Our Guest: Chase Sterling (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasesterling/) is the Founder of HHP Cultures, whose mission is to improve the world by improving workplaces. Resources in This Episode: For a healthier workplace, check out Chase’s website for HHP Cultures, hhpcultures.com/. (https://hhpcultures.com/) 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 m

COVID-19 has put a damper on in-person networking events. But networking is still a crucial component of finding your next position. Have you ever considered all the ways LinkedIn can be used for networking? If not, you’re missing a huge opportunity, says Find Your Dream Job guest Ana Lokotkova. Ana says we need to look at LinkedIn as more of a social media platform than just a place to drop your resume and leave. She shares how to create a plan to help you reach out to others and the importance of developing a creative profile and headline.   About Our Guest: Ana Lokotkova (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alokotkova/) is an international career advisor, speaker, and LinkedIn branding trainer.  Resources in This Episode: If you need help preparing for your next job, get more resources at Ana’s website, https://www.cvlabs.ca/. (https://www.cvlabs.ca/) 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

If your job search has been going on for longer than you expected, you might find yourself discouraged. It can be demoralizing to go to interview after interview and never be offered the job. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Heather Back (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherback/) and I talk about her two-year-long job search and how she finally landed a job. Heather shares the changes she made in her job search strategy, which included finding new networking opportunities after moving to a new city and narrowing down the exact type of position she wanted. Learn more about Heather’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

A diverse workplace is something that should be a priority for each of us, and many employers state their commitment to providing one. But finding those companies that attract and maintain a diverse workforce can be challenging. How do you know if the employer interviewing you is dedicated to diversity? You begin, says Find Your Dream Job guest Marcus Carter, by asking specific questions about their diversity programming. In addition, Marcus suggests analyzing your future career trajectory and your own tolerance levels for inequity.  About Our Guest: Marcus Carter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusacarter2/) is a senior recruiter at Instrument. It’s a creative agency, engineering firm, and consultancy.  Resources in This Episode: To learn more about the mission of Free Geek, visit freegeek.org. (https://www.freegeek.org/) 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

We all know that we need to network when we’re job hunting. But do we just ignore those important contacts the rest of the time? That would be a critical mistake, according to Find Your Dream Job guest Lauren Francis. Lauren says you need to stay in touch with your network even when your career is secure. This can be as simple as commenting on an article they write on LinkedIn or attending a webinar their company puts on. Sending an email to check-in is an easy way to stay fresh on the minds of your connections and to show you care about their well-being.  About Our Guest: Lauren Francis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenfrancis/)is the president and founder of Mulberry Talent Partners, a professional staffing, recruiting, and executive search firm in Portland Oregon. Resources in This Episode: Visit mulberrytalent.com (https://mulberrytalent.com/) for more information on their bi-weekly job workshop series.  From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topre

Job seekers know that networking is the foundation of a successful job search. So, what do you do when a global pandemic stops all in-person networking? You research the company you want to work at and you figure out what you can offer them, says Find Your Dream Job guest Kenneth Johnson. We also need to be more patient than ever and understand that it may take longer for people to get back to us. Kenneth reminds us that the people on the other side of our networking may be needing extra support and that we should find ways to help them, even if it’s on a volunteer basis.  About Our Guest: Kenneth Johnson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kljohnsoninfo/) is the president of East Coast Executives. It’s a top diversity recruitment firm. He’s also a Forbes career coach and the host of The Career Seekers Show. (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=career+seekers+show) Resources in This Episode: If your company is moving toward a more diversified employee base, check out the help Kenneth offers, at https://w

If you’re a job seeker trying to figure out how to make authentic connections with hiring managers during a global pandemic, you aren’t alone. Virtual interviews make it more difficult than ever to build rapport with prospective employers. But Find Your Dream Job guest Mark Mohammadpour says that since 90% of human communication is non-verbal, you can build that rapport through simple things like eye contact, body language, and posture. Mark also shares the importance of preparing and practicing before the interview to build your self-confidence. About Our Guest: Mark Mohammadpour (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmohammadpour/)is a strategic communications executive, certified personal trainer, and health coach. Mark also hosts the podcast, Chasing the Sun. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chasing-sun-fitness-health-wellness-mark-mohammadpour/id1446325272) Resources in This Episode: Do long days in the office or weeks of travel leave you with little time for fitness? Tune in to Mark’s podcast, Chasin

If you’re job hunting, it’s likely because you ended up in the wrong job, to begin with. How do you ensure that it doesn’t happen again? You stop applying for jobs, says Find Your Dream Job guest Nick Corcodilos. Instead, you go after specific companies. And because every company needs profitability, you need to show hiring managers how you can increase their bottom line or save on costs. Nick also suggests learning enough about the company that you can show them how your specific skills apply to their specific needs.  About Our Guest:  Nick Corcodilos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcorcodilos/) is the host of asktheheadhunter.com (https://www.asktheheadhunter.com), where he has answered more than 50,000 questions from job seekers and employers.  Resources in This Episode: Get your own copy of Nick’s book, “Fearless Job Hunting: Overcoming the Daunting Obstacles that Stop Other Job Hunters Dead in Their Tracks.” (https://www.asktheheadhunter.com/store/fjh/books.htm) And be sure to use the discount code “

If you’re considering switching career fields, you’ve probably experienced the insecurity and fear that come along with not only changing jobs but entering a whole new sector. If you’ve been in your field for many years or perhaps even decades, the switch can be even harder. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Michelle Bence (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrence) and I talk about how she overcame her fears of leaving the field of journalism after 25 years. Michelle also shares her surprise and delight at how transferable many of her skills were, and how she used some of those skills in the interview process itself. Learn more about Michelle’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

Are you ready to leave the company-centered job space behind to find an employer that puts its employees first? Finding a position where you feel deeply valued and truly connected to all your coworkers can be difficult, but Find Your Dream Job guest Katie Augsburger says it is possible. The first step is to be able to articulate your personal values. Secondly, Katie recommends asking questions about the company’s retention and growth policies and practices, and finally, being willing to read the employee handbook for evidence of policies that support marginalized communities.  About Our Guest: Katie Augsburger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieaugsburger/) is the founding partner and employee experience strategist for Future Work Design. She has been creating and implementing successful human resources programs for over 15 years. Resources in This Episode: If you’re ready to transition your company to an employee-first model, Katie and her team can help. Learn more about what they offer at www.futurework.d

With double-digit unemployment due to Covid-19, should you even look for work right now? Even in unprecedented times like these, the job market doesn’t come to a complete halt. Find Your Dream Job guest Pattie Sinacole says that if you’re sitting on the sidelines, you are actively missing opportunities. If you’re ready to get serious about your next career move, Pattie recommends creating a strong LinkedIn profile, building your personal and professional networks, and surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family.  About Our Guest: Patricia Hunt Sinacole (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciahsinacole/) is the CEO and Founder of First Beacon Group LLC (www.firstbeacongroup.com), (https://firstbeacongroup.com/) a Human Resources (HR) consulting firm that provides HR services to a wide variety of companies across New England. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Pattie on LinkedIn to see more of the content she shares there. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciahsinacole) To follow Pattie’s week

Choosing the industry you want to pursue in your career is one of the most important decisions you will make, but it can also be one of the toughest. How do you narrow your choices if you aren’t sure what you want to do? One of the most helpful ways, says Find Your Dream Job guest Meg Gerry, is trial and error. You have to try things to know if they’re a good fit. Meg also suggests having conversations with people currently working in the field you are considering. And finally, personality and career assessments can help you get clear on the skills you offer and what you need in a work environment.  About Our Guest: Meg Gerry (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gerry-academic-career-advising/) is a Certified Career Services Provider (NCDA), a Global Career Development Facilitator (CCE), a Certified College Counselor, and an academic advisor with a master's degree in academic advising. Resources in This Episode: Meg’s podcast, All Things College and Career, (https://atcandc.com/) provides interviews with exper

Does imposter syndrome hold you back from pursuing your dream job? It’s a common issue that affects approximately 75% of us at least once in our careers. If you feel like a fraud when discussing your job skills, there are concrete ways to overcome it, says Find Your Dream Job guest Lisa Orbe-Austin. Applying to jobs that you aren’t 100% qualified for and having others who can speak to your strengths are great ways to boost your confidence. Lisa also shares the importance of having a structure for your job search, and how to use your network, even if you’re hesitant to ask others for help.  About Our Guest: Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaorbeaustin/) is a licensed psychologist and executive coach, with a focus on career advancement, leadership development, and job transitions. Resources in This Episode: If you need step-by-step help managing imposter syndrome, get a copy of Lisa’s book, “Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life.”(https://www

Long-distance job searching can present unique challenges, from figuring out what your new city has to offer to meeting the people who can potentially help you in your search. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Elizabeth Lattanner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-shappell/) and I discuss her move from Washington DC to Portland, and how she leveraged her network in DC to begin building a network 2,000  miles away. Elizabeth also shares how she used the power of informational interviews to find the companies she wanted to work for. Learn more about Elizabeth’’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

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we look for work. But how long will those changes last, and what do they mean for the future of job search? According to Find Your Dream Job guest John Sullivan, the changes are permanent and you need to be prepared to adjust your strategy. John shares how to show potential employers that you are capable of handling crises, as well as proving to hiring managers that you have the up-to-date skills needed to work from home and even lead a team remotely.  About Our Guest: John Sullivan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-john-sullivan/) is a human resources expert, author, and speaker. He also teaches at San Francisco State University. Resources in This Episode: If you need help finding a job in the current climate, visit John’s website at www.drjohnsullivan.com. (http://www.drjohnsullivan.com) 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 a

If you’ve stopped looking for work because of the current pandemic, you might be surprised to learn that many employers are still hiring. There is, however, a lot of uncertainty in the economy, says Find Your Dream Job guest Biron Clark, so you need to go into a job search focusing on the here and now rather than the long-term. Biron suggests completing 1 or 2 high-impact activities every day instead of spending all day on the computer filling out applications. It’s also a great time to pursue fully-remote positions if that’s something you’re interested in.  About Our Guest: Biron Clark (https://www.linkedin.com/in/biron/) is a former executive recruiter and the founder of CareerSidekick.com.(https://careersidekick.com/) His advice is read by more than one million people per month. Resources in This Episode: For more articles on finding your dream job, head over to Biron’s website at  CareerSidekick.com. (https://careersidekick.com/) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume. (h

Conducting a job search in a stay-at-home world requires a vastly different skill set than many of us are accustomed to, says Find Your Dream Job guest Toni Patterson. Video interviews have replaced face-to-face meetings, and technology know-how is now a requirement, not just an added benefit. It’s important to prepare a space to conduct your video meetings, and Toni recommends paying close attention to the background and lighting. Body language is still important, even over video, so be sure that you understand how to maintain eye contact through your computer or phone.  About Our Guest: Toni Patterson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-patterson-0a5a74126/)is a career coach who helps smart, driven women get the salaries, promotions, and jobs they want.  Resources in This Episode: Updating your LinkedIn profile is a great way to stand out to employers. Get your copy of Toni’s resource, The Ten Easy Ways to Update Your LinkedIn Profile So That The Jobs Find You, (https://toniapatterson.lpages.co/linkedin-pr

When you’re looking for that perfect job fit, you need more than just a network. You need a group of people who know you, your needs, and your personal values. Find Your Dream Job guest Soumary Vongrassamy says you need friends who will remind you of what’s really important and who will help you ask tough questions about the job. Once you find your dream job, Soumary says it is of the utmost importance that you “pay it forward,” creating that inner circle for others and helping them through the job search process. About Our Guest: Soumary Vongrassamy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumary/) is a specialist in equity and conflict resolution with the Multnomah County government in Portland, Oregon. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Soumary at (https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumary/). Nail every behavioral interview question in your next interview by learning how to prepare for them. Download 100 Behavioral Interview Questions You Need to Know. (http://www.macslist.org/questions) Learn more about your ad