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

You don’t have to be nervous about interview questions if you know what to expect. But how can you predict what the hiring manager will ask? It’s simple, says Find Your Dream Job guest Max Chan. Most positions have common questions that are asked in every interview, so prepare for those ahead of time by studying the job ad. Then, have some general career success stories that you can pull out and tweak to answer any questions you don’t have an answer prepared for.  About Our Guest: Max Chan (http://linkedin.com/in/chan-max) is a career coach, podcaster, and founder of Chan With A Plan (https://chanwithaplan.com/) Resources in This Episode: Are you ready to stop searching for your dream job and start working it? Find out how Max can help you by visiting chanwithaplan.com. (https://chanwithaplan.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 and get hired faster. Get a free

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” It may be a cliche, but when interviewing for a job, it’s true. Those first few minutes make a lasting impression in the hiring manager’s mind, so you have to use them to your advantage. Find Your Dream Job guest Priscilla Weninger Bulcha says you need to connect your experience and vision with the position. Share the reasons you’re excited about the job and how you see yourself growing in the role in the future.  About Our Guest: Priscilla Weninger Bulcha (http://linkedin.com/in/pweninger) is a human capital management consultant and Latinx career coach based in Austin, Texas. Resources in This Episode: If you’re a BIPOC young professional trying to figure out your next career move, be sure to check out Priscilla’s podcast, Early Career Moves Podcast (https://ecmpodcast.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 inter

You’ve been offered a job and you’re seriously considering accepting but the salary isn’t quite what you had hoped for. Do you just accept? Or do you negotiate? Research shows that if you’re a woman, you likely won’t negotiate. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Tejal Wagadia, women fear repercussions of negotiating salary. But employers expect it, so you need to learn to do it well. Be the first to bring up benefits, know what your non-negotiables are, and remember, the worst the employer can do is say no.  About Our Guest: Tejal Wagadia (http://linkedin.com/in/tejalwagadia) is a LinkedIn Top Voice and an award-winning talent leader. Tejal helps people learn what recruiters want through her blog, LinkedIn articles, and social media posts. Resources in This Episode: Subscribe to Tejal’s newsletter, Caffeinated Careers (https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6888999202198822912/) for regular articles geared toward job seekers and recruiters.  From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by Top

Not many people enjoy networking, but what if it looked different than you imagine? What if, instead of walking into a large gathering, it looked like taking someone to lunch? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Jake Neilson (http://linkedin.com/in/jakeneilson) shares how regular lunch dates with someone in a company he wanted to pursue led to the job of his dreams. He also talks about the value of perseverance, and how kindness has led to others reaching out to help him. Learn more about Jake’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

You’re ready to make a change in your career but you’re not sure of the exact direction you want to take. Your vision should lead to opportunities to better your position over time. If you don’t know where to begin, Find Your Dream Job guest Sonja Price suggests utilizing a career coach. The right coach can help you determine your path and get clarity on what your goals are. If it’s time for the next step in your career, the right career coach can help you get there.  About Our Guest: Sonja Price (http://linkedin.com/in/sonjaprice) is a top career strategist, salary advisor, and leadership expert. Resources in This Episode: “Increase Your Income” Masterclass Discover How To Increase Your Income By $20,000 to $100,000 or MORE Per YEAR!... By Making ONE Simple Change To Your Career! Watch this short 14-minute FREE Masterclass to learn more. www.DynamoCareers.com (http://www.dynamocareers.com/) Dynamo Careers Website + Other Resources  Explore free articles and career guides that can help professionals under

You feel unhappy at work but you aren't sure what to do about it. Should you look for a new job, or change careers entirely? Find Your Dream Job guest Al Dea says you begin by figuring out what’s causing the unhappiness. Dig down into the nitty-gritty details of what you don’t like about your job. Then, think about what would be a happy workday for you. Are there changes you can make at your current job to make those things a reality? Al suggests not worrying about the ultimate outcome but rather focusing on each little step toward happiness along the way.  About Our Guest: Al Dea (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aldea1/) is a talent development advisor, author, and speaker. Al is also the founder of Betterwork Labs (https://betterworklabs.com/) and the host of The MBA Insider (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mba-insider/id1504586425) podcast.  Resources in This Episode: Are you ready to build the performance of your team? Find out how Al can help you by visiting betterworklabs.com/ (https://betterworkla

You need a job and you need it now. So it can be frustrating when you apply for positions, maybe even have interviews, and then don’t hear anything back. What do you do? Find Your Dream Job guest Brenda Abdilla is here to tell us how to reach out to hiring managers in a way that shows you’re on their team. Brenda shares the chaos that some companies are facing due to the labor shortage and why that delays hiring practices. She also gives specific questions to ask so that you know how long you can expect the hiring process to take.  About Our Guest: Brenda Abdilla (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaabdilla/) is an executive and career coach. Brenda is also the author of Outsmarting Crazytown: A Business Novel About How Derailed Professionals Can Get Back on Track (https://managementmomentum.net/outsmarting-crazy-town). Resources in This Episode: Are you ready for a career change? Find out how Brenda can help you by visiting managementmomentum.net/our-services (https://managementmomentum.net/our-services).

Gaps on a resume are no longer the red flag they used to be; the COVID pandemic has made gaps more common. But how do you talk about your gaps? Find Your Dream Job guest Esther Leonard says you have to be honest. Share (as much as you feel comfortable) about why you have the gap, but also any skills you built during your absence from the workforce. Esther advises continuing to network and build your confidence that you are the right person for the role you want.  About Our Guest: Esther Leonard (https://www.linkedin.com/in/estheryvetteleonard/) is a career coach and talent recruitment professional. Esther also hosts Beyond Her Grind (https://www.beyondhergrind.com/). It’s a weekly podcast that gets into the root of what motivates women of color to want more in their careers. Resources in This Episode: Book a session with Esther to get your career kick-started on the right path by visiting www.estherthecareercoach.com/services (http://www.estherthecareercoach.com/services). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dre

Do you ever leave an interview feeling like the hiring manager knows nothing about you? That’s a response we hear often. How can you answer common interview questions while leaving an impression on the interviewer? Find Your Dream Job guest Madeline Mann says you begin by choosing stories and accomplishments that are relevant to the role you’re interviewing for. Next, Madeline advises showing how this role is perfect for you, based on your experience and purpose. Finally, make sure each of your answers displays your character and your desire to make a difference for this particular company.  About Our Guest: Madeline Mann (https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinemann/) is an HR and recruiting leader whose career coaching programs have helped thousands. Madeline also hosts the award-winning YouTube channel, Self Made Millennial (https://www.youtube.com/c/SelfMadeMillennial). Resources in This Episode: Register for Madeline’s free 5-day class, Upgrade Your Career, by visiting www.selfmadeway.com/webinar-opt-in (

Searching for your next job can lead to discouragement and even despair. Where do you find the motivation to keep moving forward when you feel like it’s too hard? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Clarke Hylton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkehylton/) and I discuss the steps he took to overcome inertia and discouragement during his own job search. Clarke says the first step is figuring out what it is you really want to do. And from there, networking is the fastest way to the job you want. Learn more about Clarke’s career history in this installment of our Success Stories series (https://www.macslist.org/success-stories/starting-fresh-in-a-new-city-clarke-hyltons-job-search-success-story). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve been called in for an interview. That’s great news! Now, it’s time to prepare. Do you know how to get ready for a job interview? Find Your Dream Job guest Thaddeus B. Dunn says it starts with researching the company. Know what the company values and who the interviewer will be. Study the job description and use points from it to highlight your skills and successes. Prepare questions that will allow you to build rapport with the hiring manager, and practice asking and answering questions with a trusted friend or coach.  About Our Guest: Thaddeus B. Dunn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaddeusdunn/) is the founder of Right Fit Recruiting (https://rightfitrecruiting.net/). Thaddeus’s company serves healthcare organizations, nonprofits, financial institutions, and government agencies. Resources in This Episode: Learn more about Thaddeus and his company by visiting the website at rightfitrecruiting.net/ (https://rightfitrecruiting.net). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.

Merely mentioning the words “applicant tracking system” can strike fear in the heart of a job seeker. We tend to fear what we aren’t familiar with and when our livelihood is on the line, it’s easy to understand why. But rather than fear them, Find Your Dream Job guest Matt Warzel says you need to learn how to benefit from them. When approached correctly, an ATS can help you get in front of a hiring manager more quickly, and allow you to showcase your skills prior to an interview. Matt shares the exact method he uses with clients to get the best results when applying through an ATS.  About Our Guest: Matt Warzel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjwcareers/) is a certified resume writer and the president of MJW Careers (https://mjwcareers.com/). Matt’s company helps you find your next job faster and with a better salary. Resources in This Episode: For more insight into how managers and recruiters think, follow Matt’s blog and sign up for his newsletter at jobstickers.com (https://mjwcareers.com/news/). From our

If the thought of walking into a ballroom filled with hundreds of people makes you nervous, you’re not alone. But networking isn’t about the number of people you meet. Find Your Dream Job guest Bob Gerst reminds us that networking is a give and take relationship; not a Rolodex filled with names. Bob says quality networking doesn't just happen, it takes effort. And the more you do it, the easier it gets, so practice is key. Bob also shares how setting networking goals and doing prep work can make the process more beneficial for both parties.  About Our Guest: Bob Gerst (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgerst/) is a human resources executive and a career coach who helps job changers find jobs quicker. Resources in This Episode: If you need help with your next career transition, find out how Bob can help you by visiting bobgerst.com/#Coaching (https://bobgerst.com/#Coaching). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 40

Have you skipped applying for a job you would love because you don’t have 100% of the qualifications in the job description? Before you eliminate yourself, Find Your Dream Job guest Jonaed Iqbal says you need to consider what you do have to offer. Share stories of how you’ve used your skills in past positions, including volunteer work. And make the interview a two-way street, engaging the hiring manager in conversation, while sharing your passions and how you will use them to meet the demands of the job. About Our Guest: Jonaed Iqbal (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonaed/) is the founder of NoDegree.com (https://www.nodegree.com/). It’s a career website for those without college degrees, and also hosts The NoDegree Podcast (https://link.chtbl.com/TheNoDegreePodcast). Resources in This Episode: Lacking a degree doesn't mean you can’t have the job of your dreams. Find out how you can have a fulfilling career and life by visiting Jonaed’s website at NoDegree.com (https://www.nodegree.com/). From our Sponsor:

It’s natural to withdraw from others when you’re jobless, but that’s not the best way to help yourself through a time of uncertainty and it certainly isn’t the best way to find your next position. Networking is more important than ever when you’re looking for a job and on this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Doug Hunter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhunterdigital/) and I talk about how he continued to build his network as part of his job search. Doug also shares how he dealt with the rejection inherent to any job search. Learn more about Doug’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 a recent college graduate who’s ready to enter the job market? If so, it is essential that you learn to market yourself and your skills to potential employers. The best way to begin, according to Find Your Dream Job guest Dr. Ciera Graham, is practicing for interviews. Take the time to rehearse answers to common interview questions to build your confidence. Dr. Graham also recommends doing an honest assessment of your skills and sharing with prospective employers some of your previous accomplishments.  About Our Guest: Dr. Ciera Graham (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcieragraham/), a higher education administrator, writes regularly about career issues, and runs a coaching business for women and millennials. Resources in This Episode: If you’re a female or a millennial ready for your next career step, find out more about how Dr. Graham can help you. Visit her website at cieragraham.com.(https://cieragraham.com/) From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.or

Every employer says, “Tell me about yourself.” If you don’t prepare your answer before the interview, you miss an opportunity to share how your story connects with the position you’re applying for. Find Your Dream Job guest Dan Hahn suggests diving deep into the role and what it requires, and then wording your personal story to line up with the needs of the company. Share personal anecdotes that show how your mission relates to the mission of the employer, and how that mission has inspired your career journey.  About Our Guest: Dan Hahn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hahn-b521a25/) is the owner of A Portland Career (https://www.aportlandcareer.com/). Dan helps his clients get unstuck and find new careers and better jobs. Resources in This Episode: If you’re ready to begin a career transition, let Dan help you. Find out more by visiting his website at aportlandcareer.com (https://www.aportlandcareer.com/). From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresum

For working moms looking for their next career opportunity, it can be difficult to balance parenthood, volunteer work, and their home life with the hours required to job hunt. Is there any way to make it easier? Find Your Dream Job guest Mona Johnson says yes. And it starts with saying no. Say no to the things that aren’t top priorities for this season. Say yes to consistency and good time management. Mona adds the important reminder to ask for help. Others want to help you, but you have to be willing to let them know what you need. About Our Guest: Mona Johnson(https://www.linkedin.com/in/mona-johnson/) is a career coach at Merit America (https://www.meritamerica.org/). It’s a nonprofit that provides a path to skilled careers in technology for adults without bachelor’s degrees. Resources in This Episode: Are you ready to build a career that matches your potential? Find out how Merit America can help you achieve your career goals at meritamerica.org. (https://www.meritamerica.org/) From our Sponsor: Find

Seventy-seven million adults have a criminal record, and while discrimination is illegal, employers do have the right to ask about your background. If you’re ready to rejoin the workforce after a criminal conviction, Find Your Dream Job guest Ty Reed suggests only disclosing if asked directly, but being 100% honest. Be prepared to describe how you have turned your life around, using specific examples. Ty also offers the reminder that while it may take time, you absolutely can get the job of your dreams after a criminal conviction, so don’t give up. About Our Guest: Ty Reed (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyreedmba/) is the founder of Recovery Career Services (https://www.recoveryandwork.org/)It’s a nonprofit that helps anyone who wants to return to employment and put the past behind them. Resources in This Episode: If you have a criminal record and need help getting back in the workforce, Ty would love to help you. Find out more by visiting his website at www.recoveryandwork.org.(www.recoveryandwork.org)

Rejection is a part of the job search that we don’t like to talk about. No matter who you are, it stings to be rejected, especially when you thought it was a perfect fit. How do you get past those initial feelings of not being good enough? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Emma Holland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacholland/) and I discuss how she dealt with rejection and eventually found her dream job by refusing to give up. Emma also shares her experience using a career coach and how the support of this coach helped her overcome the obstacles she faced. Learn more about Emma’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series. (https://www.macslist.org/success-stories) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices