If you are preparing to return to work after some time as a stay at home parent, you may feel unsure about where to begin. How do you explain the gap in your resume while also showing what you’ve accomplished during that time? Find Your Dream Job podcast guest Stephanie Smith says a smart job search strategy starts with getting your career documents in order. Stephanie also stresses the importance of using online tools like LinkedIn to help you stay in touch with industry leaders. And you should never underestimate the value of connecting with others through parenting groups or volunteer opportunities. Parenthood is a powerful experience that brings people together and those relationships can help you not only personally, but also professionally. About Our Guest: Stephanie Smith (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieannesmith/) is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Livelipath (https://livelipath.com/#/index). It’s a software company that customizes your resume and cover letter for any job application. Prior to Livelipath, Stephanie created the concierge career services firm, Career Muse. And she ran multi-million dollar recruiting programs for Amazon and other Fortune 500 clients. Resources in This Episode: Stephanie’s company, Livelipath, provides customized resumes and cover letters to help you get back to work with documents tailored to the job you want. If you have been out of the workforce for a significant period of time, there are several resources available to help you. Companies like Power to Fly (https://powertofly.com/), The Mom Project (https://themomproject.com/), and iRelaunch (https://www.irelaunch.com/) serve parents who are returning to the workforce. Jobscan is an online tool that optimizes keywords and customizes your resume for greater chances of landing an interview. Visit www.jobscan.co/dreamjob for a 10% discount. You can avoid the resume pitfalls we consistently see job seekers make with my resource: Don't Make These 8 Killer Resume Mistakes (https://www.macslist.org/podcast-cta-dont-make-8-killer-resume-mistakes). In this guide, I’ll show you how to avoid the most common errors and get employers to take a second look at your resume. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the biggest challenges older job seekers face is connecting with younger hiring managers. Too many older workers look for jobs with the wrong employers and are not clear about the value of their experience. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Ruth Winden, says that if you have trouble working with younger hiring managers, you can fix it. Ruth encourages older workers to begin by focusing their job search on companies that hire people from multiple generations. She also says it’s important for older workers to emphasize management experience and any evergreen skills they have. As an older worker, it’s up to you to find ways to connect with younger hiring managers and to be prepared for your next interview. About Our Guest: Ruth Winden (www.linkedin.com/in/ruthwinden) is a career coach for professionals in their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. She helps older workers overcome age bias and land new jobs with clarity, focus, and confidence. Ruth is also the author of the forthcoming book, “101 Ways to Overcome Ageism in the Workplace.” Resources in This Episode: If you’ve hit 50, 55, or 60 and you wonder where the time went, it’s not too late to follow your dreams and make a difference. On her blog, Older Yet Bolder (olderyetbolder.com/), Ruth shares articles and resources to help you figure out what’s next. Not knowing what to do next isn’t an excuse to give up at any age. Ruth offers personalized coaching for those who aren’t ready to contemplate retirement but who desire to continue working and interacting. Visit olderyetbolder.com/start-here I have created a free resource for those of you worried about facing negative stereotypes that employers have about older workers. It’s called How to Fight Ageism in a Job Interview. Download your free copy today at macslist.org/fightageism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many reasons why you might stay in a job you hate. You may be worried about what others will think or perhaps you feel that you’ve invested too much time in the position to walk away. Quitting can be good for your career, however. It can be one of the tools you use to carve out the career and life you want. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Lynn Marie Morski, says that quitting your job can improve not only your career, but also your health and your relationships. In order to quit well, you need to understand the difference between quitting and giving up. Lynn Marie tells us how to quit in a thoughtful, strategic way. About Our Guest: Lynn Marie Morski (www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-marie-morski-md-esq/) is a physician, attorney, and speaker. She’s also a lifelong quitter. Lynn Marie is on a mission to help people carve out a successful life through strategic quitting. And she’s the author of “Quitting by Design.” Resources in This Episode: Major life change almost always requires quitting one thing to start another. Lynn Marie’s book, “Quitting by Design” (www.amazon.com/Quitting-Design-Lynn-Marie-Morski/dp/1641825375), is a step-by-step guide to quitting successfully and transforming your life. Lynn Marie’s podcast, Quit Happens (https://quittingbydesign.com/quit-happens-podcast/), provides listeners with concrete action steps to help them quit their way to success. 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. Download it today at macslist.org/focus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have the skills and passion for a position that doesn’t yet exist, there are some specific steps you can take while you wait for that position to be created. Networking to build relationships, volunteering to keep your experience current, and finding a group of people who share your vision will allow you to be patient while you wait. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Julie Magers and I talk about how she worked to create a position that didn’t yet exist. It required patience, staying engaged in her profession, and building relationships every step of the way. Two years later, she is still loving the dream job she created for herself. Learn more about Julie’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I work at OHSU’s Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry as their one and only Family Support Specialist. In fact, I am one of two total employees filling this role in the entire University! In this role, I am developing strategies to enhance and elevate the inclusion of Family and Young Adult Support Specialists across Oregon, specifically in two programs: the Emergency Department Diversion (EDD) Pilot Program and the Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA). People in these positions have lived experiences with navigating the systems of care that serve youth living with mental health conditions and/or developmental or intellectual disabilities. We help by walking beside the family, sharing what we have learned through experience, providing emotional and educational support, and helping them learn to advocate for their needs to be met. We also help to “translate” the communication among families, youth and their health/education/insurance providers in order to promote collaborative approaches to serving the child and family’s needs. How long did it take you to find this job? I was searching for this particular role for about eight months. How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? Because this is a somewhat newly emerging workforce, my best tactics and strategies to find this position included networking, serving in volunteer roles on advisory councils, researching the agencies and organizations that hire Family, Young Adult, and Peer Support Specialists, and being ready to submit my application as soon as the most favorable position was announced. What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge? I had been working as a Family Support Specialist at a local non-profit with a focus on mental health and developed one of the field operations for the EDD Pilot Program in that county. I was very interested in serving in a role to improve the support, training and inclusion of this workforce in all of the program sites across the state, but that position didn’t really exist. I think the most difficult part of this journey was being patient and waiting for the systems serving children and families to create the position. To overcome that challenge, I remained “plugged into” the work in any way possible and stayed in touch with industry leaders in the field. What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? Do what you have to do to have the income you need to pay your bills, while simultaneously pursuing your dream job! Why do you love your job? I have the honor to walk beside families who are in crisis with their children, spun around in a system of care (our mental health system) that does not readily guide them in getting their children access to critically needed care. When I was in a similar situation, I had a mentor who helped me learn how these systems work so that I could make them work for my daughter – now I get to pay it forward and share that knowledge with others. I also have the privilege to work with mental health service providers and bridge the communication with their clients, promoting family and youth driven care. Everyone wins when all parties are able to collaborate for the best possible outcomes for children and youth experiencing emotional and behavioral health-related challenges. Learn more about Julie on LinkedIn and her company website, or follow her on Twitter!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every job search requires references. You need people who can attest to the work you’ve done and the skills you possess. But did you know that many employers have a policy against giving references? There is also the possibility that you may have to handle a bad reference. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Vicki Lind, says that you need a strategy for dealing with references. The best reference is someone who supervised you closely and is a fan of your work. Once you choose your references, you need to coach them and keep in close contact with them. About Our Guest: Vicki Lind (linkedin.com/in/vickilind) is a career counselor and job search coach. She’s also the founder and owner of Vicki Lind and Associates (aportlandcareer.com). Vicki and her team help clients find the sweet spot where meaning meets money. And she’s the co-author of “Landing a Job Worth Having.” It’s a new book full of tips on how to use job boards, tailor your resume, and interview for your next job. Resources in This Episode: If you need help changing careers, finding a new position, writing a stellar resume, or achieving higher job satisfaction, Vicki and her colleagues are ready to help. Visit her website at aportlandcareer.com/services/ for more information. Vicki and her team spent a year doing research for her newest book, “Landing a Job Worth Having.” This book is full of tips from experts along with motivating stories to help you find the spot where meaning meets money. Visit aportlandcareer.com/books/ If you wait for employers to bring up salary, you’re wasting your time and energy. My new guide, How to Talk About Money in an Interview, shows you how to do salary research before meeting with a hiring manager. Learn how to be more comfortable talking about money and possibly get a higher salary. Download your free copy today; go to macslist.org/moneytalk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have the desire to work in local government, you may wonder what you can do to have the best shot at an open position. Some of these positions receive hundreds of applications and the hiring process can be grueling. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Serilda Summers-McGee, says that relationships matter more than ever when pursuing a local government job. She tells us that the first relationship you build should be with a recruiter. You also need to understand how the local hiring process works and be ready to face stringent deadlines. If you want to serve your local city or town, learn how to stand out from the crowd and what you can do now to help your chances of getting the job you want later. About Our Guest: Serilda Summers-McGee (linkedin.com/in/serilda-summers-mcgee-mba-m-ed-8222964/) is the chief human resources officer for the City of Portland. She has more than 15 years of experience in human capital management with expertise in a range of HR disciplines. She’s also the author of Change The WorkGame: Building and Sustaining a Diverse Workforce. Resources in This Episode: Serilda’s book, Change The WorkGame: Building and Sustaining a Diverse Workforce, contains strategies that will help any employer establish and maintain a diverse workforce throughout all strata of their business. Read more about Serilda’s work on the City of Portland website (www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/26588). Your presence online is critical in order for employers to find you. Learn how to use your social media to make a favorable impression with a free resource from Mac’s List. Visit maclist.org/wow to download “How to Wow and Woo Employers Online.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your job hunt is going well, and you’ve interviewed for several different positions. You are offered one of the positions and you accept, only to receive a more lucrative offer, or one that’s a better fit for you. How do you tell that hiring manager that you’re going in a different direction? Or, let’s say you have been offered a job but the salary or benefits don’t meet your requirements. How do you turn down the offer without burning the bridge with that employer? Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, LaKiesha Tomlin, says that as long as you handle the rejection with professionalism, you should be able to move on and even apply for jobs at those same companies in the future if a great opportunity becomes available. About Our Guest: LaKiesha Tomlin (linkedin.com/in/lakieshatomlin/) is a career coach for talented leaders in science, technology, and engineering. She’s also a mechanical engineer who has worked as a manager in the aviation and technology industries. LaKiesha’s company, Thriving Ambition (thrivingambition.com/), helps clients improve employee engagement and retention, grow careers, and build five-star networks. Her work has been cited in Forbes, Self Magazine, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Resources in This Episode: Feel more satisfied with your career. Know that your skills, knowledge, and experience are truly being utilized and appreciated. Plus, learn how you could earn twice as much as you are currently earning, by visiting Thriving Ambition (thrivingambition.com/) to sign up for LaKiesha’s course, Dream Job (thrivingambition.com/network), which will be opening again in early 2019. Do you find yourself applying for any job that you think you could do? Before you send out your next application, get clear about your own goals. Stop chasing every lead. I’ve got a resource that can help. It's called Finding Focus in Your Job Search. Download your copy today at macslist.org/focus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever considered the fact that hiring managers have bosses too? They have to answer to a CEO or shareholders for the person they hire, which means you need to put yourself in their shoes when you go into an interview. Find out what problems the company is facing and what keeps that hiring manager up at night. Once you have that information, you can show them how you can solve those problems for them. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Joel Quass, says that telling a hiring manager what you can do isn’t enough; you have to demonstrate it through stories and past experience. Joel also shares how paying attention to your surroundings can help you make connections with the hiring manager. About Our Guest: Joel Quass (www.linkedin.com/in/joelquass/) is an expert in job interviews, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles. He’s also a manager with more than 35 years of experience. Spending more than 3 decades on the “other side of the desk” taught Joel that people don’t know how to be interviewed anymore. He built his website, Six-Second Resumes (six-second-resumes.com/), to provide resources for job seekers that will help them land their dream job. Joel is also a published author and a podcast host (six-second-resumes.com/podcast/). Resources in This Episode: Learn how to package your personal brand and use it to find jobs in Joel’s book, “Write This Down, You’ll Need it Later.” If you are a manager, Joel’s book, “Good Management is Not Firefighting”, will show you how helping your staff perform at their peak brings success to the whole company. On his website, Six-Second Resumes (six-second-resumes.com), Joel teaches interview skills, helps with career growth, and provides writing services for resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. 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, the free Mac’s List resource that will give you a solid foundation for any question an interviewer may ask. Visit macslist.org/questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In years past, it was common to work for the same company from entry-level until retirement. But those days are long gone. There are no longer obvious ladders to climb or well-trodden paths to follow. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Bev Jones, says that if you want to be successful in your career, you have to behave like a CEO. This includes realizing that job hunting is a numbers game, and there will be losses on the way to the wins. Bev also shares how a mindset shift can help you bring new energy to your current job, and how to motivate yourself to do the things you don’t enjoy. About Our Guest: Bev Jones (www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-jones-coach-author/) is the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO: 50 Indispensable Tips to Help You Stay Afloat, Bounce Back, and Get Ahead at Work”. She also hosts the NPR.org podcast, Jazzed About Work (www.npr.org/podcasts/524588388/jazzed-about-work). Bev helps professionals enhance performance, address career challenges, and continue to grow. She regularly writes and speaks about leadership, communication, and strategy. Resources in This Episode: For more ideas on how to be fully engaged in your current job, listen to Bev’s podcast, Jazzed About Work (www.npr.org/podcasts/524588388/jazzed-about-work). Bev’s book, “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO: 50 Indispensable Tips to Help You Stay Afloat, Bounce Back, and Get Ahead at Work” offers practical ways to handle difficult situations in your workplace. If you wish you had more podcasts like this one to listen to, I have good news for you: there are dozens of great career-focused podcasts out there. But they can be hard to find if you don’t already know about them. That’s why I created a guide to the “Top Career Podcasts of 2018.” Download your free copy today by visiting www.topcareerpodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome in a job search is leaving your job for a new one after only a few months of being there. Will the new hiring manager see you as a flight risk? How can you overcome the appearance of being a job-hopper? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Andrew Peters (www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-peters-6170929/) shares the strategies he used when leaving his job after only 10 months. Andrew and I also talk about how to use your network, including people you may not know very well, to get your resume in front of the hiring manager and how to build relationships so that you have connections to draw upon in the future. Learn more about Andrew’s path to career satisfaction below in this installment of our Success Stories (www.macslist.org/stories) series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? At different times, I’ve called myself a lobbyist, an advocate, and a policy professional. I started my career working with large philanthropic clients in health and health care, transitioned to a narrower focus on state law and policy for several years, and now am returning to work in philanthropy. I recently joined the team at Arabella Advisors, a certified B corporation that works with philanthropic clients to create social change across many sectors, including health, environment, human rights, education, and more. My role as a consultant at Arabella is to work with clients who are interested in making investments in advocacy and policy change. How long did it take you to find this job? It took me about about two months of searching to find this particular job posting, and then another three months to go through the interview process. How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? I am based in D.C., and I subscribed to a service called Brad Traverse Job Listings, which is an amazing site for government affairs, policy, communications, and government positions. Most of them are in D.C, but there are listings from all over the country. This is the second job I have found from Brad’s service. The job had also been listed on Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and a couple other places. After applying, I mapped my connections to Arabella Advisors on LinkedIn. I saw that two of my former colleagues were connected to people that had worked at Arabella, so I asked them for a connection to those people. I spoke with one former employee to get a sense of the organization, and a former colleague passed my resume to a current employee. What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge? One of the hardest parts of this search is that I had only been with my former job for about 9 months. It can be difficult to explain a short period of employment to prospective employers. There are lots of guidelines out there about how long you need to be at a job before it “looks good enough” on your resume to leave, many of which I had to ignore. I was honest in my interviews about my reasons for wanting to leave and my intention to find a better employment match. I praised my former employer in interviews, just noting that the role I had was not for me. Another challenge for me was being realistic with myself about the jobs for which I could solidly demonstrate expertise. Sometimes, you’ll look at a job description, tick through the qualifications, and, whether or not you have the experience to back it up, you’ll think, “yeah, of course I could do this.” That’s a rationalization trap I have fallen into and it has led to a lot of rejection. This time, I tried to put myself in the hiring manager’s shoes and ask whether my resume and cover letter spoke directly to the experience they were asking for. I admit that trying to get into a recruiter’s head might be a recipe for disaster, but thinking hard about whether a job was really a good fit is an important step. What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? Make sure your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile are all perfect: good design, concise bullets, no typos, and quality content that speaks to the position(s). Even with a perfect package, job-searching is a stressful and painful process. With each job I applied for I started to imagine what it was going to be like and what I’d do once I got it. I got emotionally invested, and I think that’s pretty natural. But that also means it hurt more when I didn’t get the job. It’s really easy to let your sense of self-worth get run down by rejections, especially if the process takes months or even years. My advice, even though it’s difficult, is to stay confident in your talent and abilities. Why do you love your job? I am a week into work at Arabella, and so far I really appreciate the passion that my colleagues bring to their work. They’re deeply professional and very motivated to help clients achieve positive social change. It’s exciting, and feels like a great fit. Want to learn more about Andrew? Connect with him on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the word “networking” brings to mind an event held in a hotel ballroom consisting of meeting new people and shaking hand after hand, it's time to change your mindset. Do large events and small talk with strangers make you uncomfortable? If so, you might be an introvert. Learning how to engage with a variety of people in a genuine and sincere way can help introverts (and everyone else) build the strong connections to help further your job search. Today’s guest on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Tammy Gooler Loeb, says you need to think of networking as research and look for the types of interactions that make you feel more comfortable. About Our Guest: Tammy Gooler Loeb (www.linkedin.com/in/tammygoolerloeb/) is a career and executive coach who focuses on job search strategies, workplace communication, and leadership development. Tammy is passionate about helping people find professional meaning and satisfaction. Through personal coaching, she helps her clients clarify their professional goals and take a more focused approach to achieve success. Resources in This Episode: For helpful articles and information about Tammy’s career coaching services, visit her website at tammygoolerloeb.com. Tammy’s new podcast, “Work from the Inside Out,” (tammygoolerloeb.com/podcasts/) focuses on people who have made significant transitions to a more meaningful and satisfying work situation.  Your presence online is critical in order for employers to find you. Learn how to use your social media to make a favorable impression; visit maclist.org/wow to download “How to Wow and Woo Employers Online,” a free resource from Mac’s List. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine that you are a candidate for a great job. You put together the perfect application, you nail the interview, and it looks like the job is yours on a silver platter. But in your thank you note, you misspell the name of the hiring manager. That simple mistake can mean that the phone call you’re waiting for, offering you the job, never comes. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Donna Svei, says that even the most experienced professional can make writing mistakes. Donna shares how to avoid these mistakes, the best way to present yourself when crafting a resume, and whether or not you need a cover letter. About Our Guest: Donna Svei (https://www.linkedin.com/company/donna-svei-executive-resume-writer/about/) is an executive resume writer and a former retained search consultant. She has read over 100,000 resumes in her career and seen the same mistakes over and over, even in the resumes of top CEO’s. Her company, Avid Careerist (https://avidcareerist.com/), helps clients craft interview-winning Resources in this episode: Visit Donna’s website, Avid Careerist (https://avidcareerist.com/), for several sample resumes, along with helpful articles, for job seekers to get an idea of what a professionally written resume looks like. If you tend to make writing mistakes, it could be helpful to work with an editor. Donna suggests online tools such as Grammarly (https://app.grammarly.com/) or opt for personal support with Editorr (https://www.editorr.com/). Avoid the resume pitfalls we consistently see job seekers make with my free resource, "Don't Make These 8 Killer Resume Mistakes." In this guide, I’ll show you how to avoid the most common errors and get employers to take a second look at your resume. Download it today at macslist.org/resumemistakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people never apply for jobs. Rather, they are approached by recruiters or called by employers about jobs that don’t get advertised. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Laura Gassner Otting, says this doesn’t happen by accident. These people have learned how to use networking differently than most of us. If you would like to have opportunities come calling at your door, listen in as Laura shares how connecting with others can bring your own opportunities. About Our Guest: Laura Gassner Otting (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragassnerotting/) is a professional keynote speaker and author. She inspires audiences to push past doubt and indecision. She’s also is an expert in leadership, executive recruitment, and career change. Laura previously served in Bill Clinton’s White House, worked for a nonprofit search firm, and helped grow the startup ExecSearches.com. Her new book, “Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life,” will be out in April of 2019. Resources in this episode: Visit Laura’s website (https://lauragassnerotting.com/), where she helps readers align what they do with who they are in order to achieve their limitless potential. On her site, you can watch her TEDx talk, read helpful articles, and learn more about Laura’s books and speaking. Laura’s first book, “Mission Driven: Moving from Profit to Purpose,” helps job seekers learn how to take advantage of all the opportunities available in the nonprofit sector. Her new book, “Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life,” will be out in April of 2019 and is now available for preorder. Your presence online is critical in order for employers to find you. Learn how to use your social media to make a favorable impression, visit maclist.org/wow to download "How to Wow and Woo Employers Online," a free resource from Mac’s List. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not enough to get an interview; you need to turn that interview into a job offer. There are several things you can do to close the deal, including preparing for the most common questions employers ask, drawing an employer out about the needs of the company, and sharing how you will meet those needs after you begin work. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Jan Melnik, shares her top strategies for clinching a job offer and her #1 secret strategy for standing out before and after a job interview. Learn how to show your value and why a specific call to action gives you a better chance of getting the job offer. About Our Guest: Jan Melnik (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmelnik/) is a master resume writer and career strategist who teaches job seekers how to go from interviewee to employee. Jan is the author of “Executive’s Pocket Guide to ROI Resumes and Job Search” and is a frequent keynote speaker at industry conferences nationwide. She also makes regular appearances on both radio and television. Her company, Absolute Advantage (https://www.janmelnik.com/index.html), provides job seekers the absolute advantage when it comes to job search, resume and LinkedIn writing, and career management. Resources in this Episode: For help in creating a resume that demonstrates your value to potential employers, be sure to check out Jan’s book, “Executive’s Guide to ROI Resumes and Job Search.” If you are a job seeker looking for specific help in your search, you must read and implement Jan’s 3-part series on job search strategies: https://www.janmelnik.com/strategies.html  If you wait for employers to bring up salary, you’re wasting your time and energy. My new guide, How to Talk About Money in an Interview, shows you how to do salary research before meeting with a hiring manager. Learn how to be more comfortable talking about money and possibly get a higher salary. Get your free copy today at https://www.macslist.org/moneytalk. We want to hear from you! Please share your feedback about our show in a short listener survey and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Visit macslist.org/findyourdreamjobsurvey and complete by November 20, 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can be discouraging to face dead ends and disappointment during your job search but knowing your skill set and being clear about your goals can take you all the way from defeat to your dream job. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Becca McCulloch (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcculloch-954810a/) and I talk about how to build rapport during an interview, how trusting your instincts can help you know when a job is the right fit, and how learning to go with your gut can help you make difficult career decisions. Learn more about Becca’s career journey below in this installment of our Success Stories series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I am the Membership Coordinator at the Portland Business Alliance; the regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as being the assistant to the Chief Operating Officer. I wear many hats, including events assistant; in my role, I head a few of the committees within the Alliance, draw and negotiate trades with area businesses, and even get to utilize  my OLCC license to pour wine at our evening networking events. How long did it take you to find this job? Upon finding this particular job on Mac’s List, the process was very quick.  But the entire job searching process was a months-long, hair-pulling, should-I/shouldn’t-I, sleepless-nights endeavor. How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? Knowing that things like Craigslist tend to lead to dead ends, I tried to mostly go with referrals from friends, which included applying for, interviewing for, being offered, accepting, and then backing out of a job in Minnesota when I realized I could not stand the thought of NOT living in Portland. I had checked out Mac’s List in past job search efforts but had never gone forward with applying for positions. This time, I couldn’t wait to check my inbox each Tuesday, knowing that that special gem might just be a click away. When the position at the Portland Business Alliance came through, my experience and skill set matched well enough that I applied. Within a few hours I had an interview set for the next Monday. I met my current boss, and was given the offer the next day.  A completely rewarding 4-day process! What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge? The most difficult part of any job search, I think, is hitting dead ends. Not receiving a response from an application you have submitted can feel defeating; worse is interviewing somewhere you feel like you’d be perfect, only to not be offered the position. There is a lot of picking yourself back up, and being confident in the process – and hopefully learning from it along the way. What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? Definitely go with your gut, but also be open minded. If someone had told me I would not only be working full time as the “membership coordinator” for the Chamber of Commerce, but loving my job as well, I would not have believed them. Sometimes you have to take chances, and I am proof that can land you in an awesome position. Why do you love your job? I get to travel all over the city for our various networking events (150+ per year) , I go to venues and businesses which I would never otherwise have cause to go to – from attorney and architecture firms, to theaters and golf courses, and everything in between. I love meeting all of our great members, and learning more about this wonderful city we live in.  Plus, my coworkers are fabulous, and they make me laugh every single day.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Job seekers who customize their resume for each individual job application have a huge advantage over those who rely on using a single generic resume. It takes less time than you might think to customize your resume and it’s not at all complicated. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Louise Kursmark, says that you have to be a great candidate on paper before you can be a great candidate in person. By using simple methods that include a yellow highlighter and a printer, you can customize your resume to make it stand out in the onslaught of resumes an employer receives for every job posting. About Our Guest: Louise Kursmark (https://www.louisekursmark.com/) is a 6-time “Best Resume” award winner and the first person worldwide to win the prestigious Master Resume Writer credential. While Louise feels strongly about customizing your resume for every application, she is also adamant about the need to network. Louise is a prolific author with more than 20 books published, including her latest, “Modernize Your Resume” and “Modernize Your Job Search Letters.” (https://www.louisekursmark.com/books-by-louise-kursmark/) Resources in This Episode: Read all about the latest trends in resume writing and career management in Louise Kursmark’s newest books, “Modernize Your Resume” and “Modernize Your Job Search Letters.” (https://www.louisekursmark.com/books-by-louise-kursmark/) Visit Louise’s website to learn more about how to tell your story, both for your next job, and your future: https://www.louisekursmark.com/  You can avoid making the resume pitfalls we consistently see jobseekers make with my resource: Don't Make These 8 Killer Resume Mistakes. In this guide, I’ll show you how to avoid the most common errors and get employers to take a second look at your resume. Download it today at macslist.org/resumemistakes. We want to hear from you! Please share your feedback about our show in a short listener survey and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Visit macslist.org/findyourdreamjobsurvey and complete by November 20, 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is critical to make a great first impression when job hunting. As soon as you walk in the door, you are being judged on your looks, speech, and behavior. However, being on your best behavior is only one aspect of making a great first impression. You also have to be aware of anything that may come up in a Google search of your name. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Merryn Roberts-Huntley, says that you need to pay attention to how others see you online. She also shares tips on body language, clothing, grooming, and the one place that all headhunters and hiring managers visit when checking out candidates online. About Our Guest:  Merryn Roberts-Huntley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/merryn-roberts-huntley/) knows how to help you land your dream career. With 17 years of business experience and 10 years of career coaching, many companies and young professionals call Merryn their secret weapon. Merryn founded Made To Hire (https://www.madetohire.com/) to help people reach their career goals faster. Her first book, Made to Hire; Market Yourself for the Career You Want, will be out in late 2018. Resources in this Episode: For tips on how to create and manage your brand, make fantastic first impressions, succeed in interviews and negotiate offers, look for Merryn’s brand new book, Made to Hire; Market Yourself for the Career You Want, releasing in Fall 2018. Visit https://www.madetohire.com/the-book/ to learn more and reserve your copy. Visit Merryn’s website, Made To Hire (https://www.madetohire.com), to sign up for her email list and while you’re there, check out all the valuable resources she has for job seekers.  Merryn's top 10 list for making a good first impression:  Clothing and accessories.   Grooming and makeup. Posture. Energy. Eye contact. Handshake. Questions. Manners. Being present. Being on time. 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, the free Mac’s List resource that will give you a solid foundation for any question an interviewer may ask. Visit macslist.org/questions. We want to hear from you! Please share your feedback about our show in a short listener survey and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Visit macslist.org/findyourdreamjobsurvey and complete by November 20, 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you nervous about making a good impression and standing out in an upcoming job interview? You don’t have to be! Scientific research shows that you can become the hiring manager’s friend, form a connection, and win over any interviewer with just a few simple steps. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Dr. CK Bray, says that by preparing ahead of time, you can overcome your fears and anxieties and learn how to form a bond with the hiring manager, doubling your chances at getting an offer. About Our Guest: Dr. CK Bray Dr. CK Bray (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drckbray/) is CEO and founder of the Adaption Institute (https://www.adaptioninstitute.com/), where they provide science-based solutions for organizations experiencing change. CK is also a career development expert. His first book “Best Job Ever,” was a USA Today bestseller. He hosts the podcast Career Revolution. Every week, CK shares advice on how to look for work, get promoted, and deal with being fired or laid off. Resources in this Episode: Dr. Bray’s best-selling book, Best Job Ever, will help you define your goals and dreams, and find ways to make them happen to help you find or create your best job ever.  Check out Career Revolution (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/career-revolution-dr-ck-bray-place-to-fix-change-or/id858358683), Dr. Bray’s podcast focused on helping listeners cultivate a career and life that provides purpose and fulfillment.  Learn more about Dr. CK Bray and his personal work at drckbray.com. 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, the free Mac’s List resource that will give you a solid foundation for any question an interviewer may ask. Visit macslist.org/questions. We want to hear from you! Please share your feedback about our show in a short listener survey and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Visit macslist.org/findyourdreamjobsurvey and complete by November 20, 2018. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you want to work in the nonprofit sector and still make money? There’s a common misconception that working for nonprofits means you have to give up a competitive salary in exchange for mission-driven work. Our guest this week on the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Catalina Rojas, says that you don’t have to choose between a nonprofit job and competitive pay. By doing your research, knowing your worth, and advocating for yourself, you can have a fulfilling job and the compensation you want. About Our Guest: Catalina Rojas Catalina Rojas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/catalina-rojas-912b9a2/) is the host of the Social Change Career Podcast. Catalina is an expert on nonprofit salary negotiation. She says if you choose to work for a nonprofit, that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for a good salary. Catalina emphasizes the importance of being prepared and knowing what you want before sitting down to salary negotiations. Her advice is practical, actionable, and much of it applies to private sector jobs, too. Resources in this Episode: Listen to Catalina’s podcast, the Social Change Career Podcast, to hear how professionals in the social change field are changing the world while making a living and learn how to align your own passion with your purpose. Visit: https://pcdnetwork.org/the-social-change-career-podcast/  For global social change resources, visit the Peace and Collaborative Development Network: https://pcdnetwork.org/. Knowing the average salary of the position you’re going after will make you a stronger negotiator. You can find the true salary for positions in your area using online tools that compile this data. Catalina recommends Glassdoor.com. Learn how to negotiate for the salary you deserve. Download our free guide, “How to Talk About Money in an Interview,” at macslist.org/moneytalk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up to 80 percent of jobs are never posted online. So how are these positions filled? Through networking. Networking is essential to landing a fulfilling job you love, but most people feel icky doing it. Today’s Find Your Dream Job guest, Halelly Azulay (https://www.linkedin.com/in/talentgrow), shares what good networking looks like and how it can help you find your next role. Halelly says that networking is all about authenticity and service to others. Giving without thinking of receiving will build a strong community upon mutual respect, and those relationships will help you land your dream job. About our guest: Halelly Azulay Halelly is CEO at TalentGrow (https://www.talentgrow.com), a consulting company that develops leaders and teams. She’s an expert in leadership, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and authentic networking. In her weekly podcast, Talent Grow Show, Halelly shares practical, tactical tips on how to overcome the ick factor in networking and find your next job as a result. Resources in this Episode: Learn more about Halelly’s work improving leadership and teams by visiting www.TalentGrow.com. Halelly has written two books: “Employee Development on a Shoestring” and “Strength to Strength: How Working From Your Strengths Can Help You Lead a More Fulfilling Life” for leaders wanting to strengthen their teams. Listen to Halelly’s weekly podcast, Talent Grow Show (https://www.talentgrow.com), for tips on networking and authentic relationship building. Halelly has a special offer just for listeners of the Find Your Dream Job podcast. Go to talentgrow.com/dreamjob for a free guide on Ten Ways to Become a More Engaging Communicator. Halelly encourages Find Your Dream Job listeners to learn how to build your network in just five minutes a day from the most networked man in Silicon Valley, Adam Rifkin. Read Adam's best tips in this Forbes article from 2013: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelsimmons/2013/08/22/how-the-worlds-top-relationship-builder-makes-introductions/#54186d7a38fd. Your presence online is critical in order for employers to find you. Learn how to use your social media to leave a good impression with my free online course. Go to maclist.org/wow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you’re a recent college graduate, it can feel daunting to search for a job without previous experience in your field. The good news is, all you need to find a great job are: a good network, special skills that set you apart, and knowing how to use those skills. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Drake MacFarlane and I talk about how he used his strengths and interests to pinpoint and highlight his unique skills to land his dream job at Columbia Sportswear - and get promoted there within his first year of employment. Learn more about Drake’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I am the new fraud analyst in Columbia Sportswear’s eCommerce department. I build statistical models to predict cyber fraud risk and make financial projections incorporating those results. Additionally, I do data analysis and reporting on eCommerce key performance indicators (KPIs). In other words, I stare at numbers all day—and like it! Since I’m bilingual, I also work with the French-speaking customer service representatives in the department. How long did it take you to find this job? It took me about ten weeks after graduating from Lewis & Clark College. How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? My job search was two-pronged: plenty of applying for jobs found on Glassdoor and Indeed, as well as a series of informational interviews with contacts I had made. Although I found my current role from a posting on Indeed, most of my potential job opportunities came from contacting those in my network. What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge? The hardest part was facing rejection after making it through several rounds of interviews. It’s certainly disheartening and has happened to me a few times. I overcame this challenge by pounding the pavement. After each rejection, I’d send out at least three job applications and contact someone in my network. Rolling with the punches helped immensely and kept me on track, in addition to copious amounts of caffeine from coffee shops around town. What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? Job searching is a numbers game in the end. Although some strategies are more optimal than others in finding a job, it is simply about getting as many tailored and effective resumes out there as possible. I advise against spamming every company’s HR inbox with cookie-cutter resumes–but you should set a quota goal for each day and hit it. Whether that means you send three customized resumes out a day or to have two informational interviews a week, what matters is that you keep racking up those numbers. Eventually something will bite. Why do you love your job? First, I get to actually put to good use all the math classes I’ve taken over the years. I am afforded the opportunity to solve difficult problems through mathematical models I build with a ‘fail-fast’ mindset. If something works, great. If not, I scrap it and do something new. In addition, I’m able to put my mind to not just answering financial questions, but also towards predicting and deterring the actions of fraudsters and hackers. Finally, I’m lucky enough to have supportive colleagues and a great mentor within my department. The Columbia corporate culture is supportive towards personal career growth and collaborative success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a job seeker, what is the first thing you do when looking for your next job or career move? Do you get online, find jobs you might be interested in, and then go through the online application process? If so, you might be shocked to learn that you have a better chance of getting into Harvard than you do of finding a job you love through an online system. On this episode of the Find Your Dream Job podcast, career expert Austin Belcak tells you how to get around the online application system, how to build relationships with people on the inside, and how to find your own personal champion within a company.   About Our Guest: Austin Belcak Austin Belcak (https://www.linkedin.com/in/abelcak/) is the founder of Cultivated Culture (https://cultivatedculture.com/) and is an expert on how to find jobs in unconventional ways. He shares highly effective strategies for landing amazing jobs without traditional experience, without connections, and without applying online.   Resources in this Episode: Austin shares a detailed breakdown of his entire job process as his flagship course. Check out Austin's Dream Job System: https://cultivatedculture.com/macslist/  Rapid Resume Revamp (https://cultivatedculture.com/?s=rapid+resume+revamp) helps you create a resume that will help you build a relationship with the employer and beat applicant tracking systems. Get in touch with anyone with Hunter (https://hunter.io/): the easiest way to find someone's corporate email address. Austin has provided several free courses for Find Your Dream Job listeners. Visit https://cultivatedculture.com/macslist/. Need help getting clear about your goals? Check out Finding Focus in Your Job Search, a free resource from Mac’s List. Download it at maclist.org/focus.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When preparing for a negotiation, especially about money, people are often told that their feelings don’t matter. We are warned to not get emotional at the negotiating table. Women are seen as emotional while men are seen as rational thinkers and therefore better negotiators. But are your feelings truly a weakness when it comes to negotiations? On this episode of the Find Your Dream Job podcast, Jamie Lee helps us understand why we should pay attention to our feelings and why emotion has a place in business conversations. About Our Guest: Jamie Lee Jamie Lee (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie/) is a leadership and negotiation coach. She has led hundreds of workshops on negotiation, self-advocacy, and transformative leadership. Her clients include leading organizations in technology, finance, and diplomacy. She also hosts the weekly podcast, Born to Thrive (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/born-to-thrive-with-jamie-lee/id1357660344?mt=2). Resources Shared in This Episode: Jamie’s free webinar series: Bolder, Braver, and Better Paid (https://sg429-a09a41.pages.infusionsoft.net/). Recommended Reading: Jamie encourages our listeners to check out this book written by psychiatrist turned negotiation trainer, Mark Goulston, “Just Listen,” (https://www.amazon.com/Just-Listen-Discover-Getting-Absolutely/dp/0814436471). More from our guest: To learn more about Jamie and access her free resources, go to jamieleecoach.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you think it’s a best practice to never call or write a hiring manager? Or that you should only apply for jobs where you meet 80% of qualifications? How about the notion that you must tell a hiring manager what you earned at your last job? Our guest Clark Finnical debunks these jobs search myths and unlocks the keys to finding more career satisfaction. About Our Guest: Clark Finnical Clark Finnical is the author of “Job Hunting Secrets (from someone who's been there)”: https://amzn.to/2MPx1PN. Clark worked in the corporate world for 30 years. And he knows firsthand what it’s like to look for a job. He’s done five successful searches himself. Clark is passionate about dispelling myths that put a job seeker at a disadvantage. He shares his career advice in frequent articles for LinkedIn. He also volunteers as a career coach. Resources Shared in This Episode: Get Clark’s book: “Job Hunting Secrets (from someone who's been there)”: https://amzn.to/2MPx1PN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're in the midst of a long job search, it can feel like you've exhausted every possible avenue to find a new job. Consider taking a closer look at your LinkedIn profile and connections, and revising your cover letter to find more success in your job search. On this bonus episode of the Find Your Dream Job podcast, I chat with Zerline Hughes Spruill, who is the Managing Director of Communications at the Advancement Project in Washington, DC about she used LinkedIn as a platform to grow her professional brand and attract attention from potential employers, and how she used her cover letter to refine her job search. Learn more about Zerline's career history below, in a Q&A featured as a part of our Success Stories series.   What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I am Managing Director of Communications for Advancement Project. I manage the strategic communications and outreach for a mid-size nonprofit that is dedicated to racial justice, particularly as it relates to voting rights, immigration and education. How long did it take you to find this job? Though I wasn’t actively looking for full-time employment, the process from start to finish took two months during the summer. How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? LinkedIn really works! I wasn’t looking for a job, but heard with regular updates to LinkedIn, including weekly posts, comments and keeping your profile updated, that other users will notice you. This was the case with a headhunter who apparently found me on LinkedIn. What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge? Because I wasn’t actively searching, there was no difficulty in the hunt. However, being patient over the two-month period with the one employer was difficult. As a contractor, I was squeamish about taking on new contracts in the event I was, in fact hired. But I understood that the process was going to take time because the organization wanted the right person for this leadership role; it was summer and staff wasn’t readily available for panel interviews and they didn’t want to rush into such a big decision. What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? When working with a search firm, ask them questions. Let them truly guide you by asking for their input on your resume, cover letter, interview input. They want you to succeed as much as you do yourself. Why do you love your job? I love my job because after only two weeks, I feel valued, appreciated and needed. I also love my job because I know what I’m doing – what we’re doing – makes a difference. Finally, I love my job because they hosted a staff retreat where staff really got to “retreat,” and relax, and team-build. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you find yourself experiencing doubts about your current job position, look for warning signs that it’s not worth sticking it out. A toxic workplace culture, stagnant company growth, no room for career development and other indicators can be clear signs that it’s time to move on. Our guest expert Jessica Hernandez shares how to overcome obstacles as you face a career change. About Our Guest: Jessica Hernandez Jessica Hernandez is an executive resume writer and President and CEO of Great Resumes Fast. Resources Shared in This Episode: Go to https://www.greatresumesfast.com/ Fifteen Keys To Get Your Resume Through Applicant Tracking Software Systems: https://www.greatresumesfast.com/macslist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, the Mac’s List team marks a major milestone. This month marks the third anniversary of the Find Your Dream Job podcast. We’ve now recorded more than 160 weekly shows. Add the more than 50 bonus episodes, and that makes more than 200 podcast programs. To mark the occasion, the Mac’s List team gathered in the podcast studio to share their favorite career lessons learned and most impactful job seeker advice they’ve discovered along the way. Here’s a few of the big takeaways the team shares: Why taking action and making a commitment is an important first step How to ask your network about your strengths The importance of having focus in your job search Why you should always write a cover letter How to pay it forward and keep your career development moving even when you’re not actively job-hunting Listen in to this bonus episode as the Mac’s List team celebrates how the podcast has grown and looks forward to what’s next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In order to find a job where you will thrive, it’s essential to determine if the company’s work culture is the right fit for you. Do you thrive in structured work environments or do you need to work remotely? During the interview process, ask tactical, specific questions about the company’s culture and determine if it fits your needs. Dorianne St Fluer, HR practitioner and diversity/inclusion enthusiast joins us to examine how to identify if a company’s culture is a good fit before you accept a job offer. About Our Guest: Dorianne St Fleur Dorianne is a HR practitioner, Diversity & Inclusion enthusiast and career and salary strategist based in New York City. She is also the creator of the online career coaching boutique, Your Career Girl as well as the host of the weekly career podcast called, Deeper than Work. Dorianne coaches, speaks and podcasts about how women of color can leverage their unique strengths to decrease the leadership gap in Tech and Finance. Resources in this Episode: New tool: Keep in mind these 7 warning signs before you accept a job offer, from Fast Company: https://www.fastcompany.com/40585779/7-warning-signs-that-you-shouldnt-accept-a-job-offer Listener question: Alex Franklin, Portland, OR, is passionate about politics and frequently uses social media to discuss political issues. He asks, is it okay to be politically active when looking for work? More from our guest: Go to yourcareergirl.com Subscribe to Dorianne’s podcast, The Deeper Than Work Podcast: https://yourcareergirl.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a common phrase when you’re looking for a job, “keep your options open.” However, keeping all of your options open and applying everywhere is typically not the best approach. Career coach Caroline Adams reveal why it’s in your best interest to be strategic, intentional, and laser-focused with your job search. About Our Guest: Caroline Adams Caroline is a career coach, writer, and business owner, helping millennial women design careers with purpose. Before becoming a coach, Caroline had a 20-year corporate career focused on organizational change. She began as a management consultant at Accenture and ended up as a Director of Anti-Money Laundering at Citibank, making some pretty cool pivots along the way. What she’s always loved most is helping people define their careers. She’s made it her mission to help people grow, contribute, and ultimately get wherever they want to go. Resources in this Episode: New tool: Explore two new tools from LinkedIn that can help you make new connections ‒ Find Nearby (https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/75689?trk=tos-email-2017?trk=li_corpblog_TOS_Privacy) and QR codes (https://blog.linkedin.com/2018/june/27/turn-your-offline-conversations-into-onine-connections-with-linkedin). Listener question: Wayne Cramer, Las Vegas, NV “Is there any advantage to being one of the first people to apply for a job? When a new job listing pops up on LinkedIn or Craigslist, I sometimes feel the urge to apply as soon as possible. Does getting your application in early make any impact?” More from our guest: Visit Caroline Adam’s website: https://carolineadamscoaching.com/ Ask Caroline about any of your job search challenges - https://carolineadamscoaching.com/ask-me-anything Additional blog resources: 4 Steps to Take Back Your Life and Design a Career With Purpose (https://carolineadamscoaching.com/subscribe) The Right Way to Plan Your Career: A Roadmap: https://carolineadamscoaching.com/blog/the-right-way-to-plan-your-career-a-roadmap-for-millennial-women The Golden Rule of Career Change and Advancement (https://carolineadamscoaching.com/blog/millennial-women-golden-rule-career-change-advancement) Exponentially Increase Your Career Options With This Simple Improv Trick (https://carolineadamscoaching.com/blog/millennial-women-yes-and-career-options) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every interview typically includes the classic opening line: "Tell me about yourself." Your answer to this introductory question can be a gamechanger. Career coach and job search strategist Kerri Twigg shares why your response needs to be prepared in advance to ensure that it’s conversational, enjoyable, and strategic. About Our Guest: Kerri Twigg Kerri Twigg is a Certified Resume Strategist with more than 15 years experience as a consultant and workshop facilitator. She holds an M.Ed in Humane Education and works with clients in industries that don't harm people, animals or the environment. Resources in this Episode: New tool: The Verge interviewed social psychologist Heidi Grant about why it’s so important to ask for help when you’re struggling: https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2018/6/22/17475134/heidi-grant-reinforcements-help-social-psychology Listener question: Shiva Acharya from Albuquerque, New Mexico recently graduated from college and is frustrated by the number of entry-level jobs that require 2-5+ years experience. Shiva wonders if employers will still consider him despite his lack of experience. More from our guest: Get Kerri Twigg’s full guide on how to answer the question Tell Me About Yourself in five simple steps: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tell-me-yourself-preparation-tips-kerri-twigg-m-ed-crs-/ Visit Kerri’s website: http://www.career-stories.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With today’s competitive job market, submitting your resume online to recruiters can sometimes feel like throwing it into a black hole. However, there’s a better way to highlight your skills, select strategic keywords, and build a better resume that will attract recruiters who are hiring. Tarunum Khan, certified career strategist shares how to get started. About Our Guest: Taranum Khan Taranum Khan, Ph. D is a Certified Career Strategist and Ambassador, Career Professionals of Canada. In 2017 she received the nomination for Award of Excellence as an "Outstanding Career Professional.” Her passion is creating a positive impact on career and academic journey of the lives she touches, locally and globally. Every conversation with her is uplifting and inspiring as she inverts the focus for you to rediscover the strengths within you! Resources in this Episode: New tool: False expectations can be holding you back from finding your next career. The Ladders shares 8 unrealistic expectations that smart people ignore: https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/8-unrealistic-expectations-smart-people-ignore Listener question: Terry Williamson from Eugene, Oregon asks “Here's my job search pet peeve: When you're applying for a job online and they ask you to upload a resume. But then they also ask you to re-enter all of the information from your resume into separate ‘work history’ fields. Why do companies do this?” More from our guest: Connect with Taranum on LinkedIn (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taranumkhan) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/TaranumNKhan). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Job searching can feel difficult if you’re approaching it alone. One way to go farther in your job search is to team up with friends, coworkers, and mentors to lighten the load, get their advice, and make your job search journey more bearable. On this bonus episode of the Find Your Dream Job podcast, I chat with Mariana Lindsay (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-lindsay-2582a71a/) who is the the urban rural connection coordinator at the American Leadership Forum of Oregon. Learn more about Mariana’s career and get her job search advice in her Q&A below, part of the Mac’s List Success Stories series. What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I’m coordinator of American Leadership Forum (http://www.alforegon.org/) (ALF) of Oregon’s new Urban Rural Connection Program. At a time when our communities and nation feel acutely divided, ALF is leading dialogue and helping foster collaboration across differences. Throughout the 30-year history of ALF Oregon, the urban-rural divide has been a part of every class and it is an issue that affects each of our local communities. Through gathering community partners, funding, and staff capacity to bring together a diverse cohort of leaders to explore what’s causing the divide and what solutions can be generated, ALF works to better understand how the divide is defined, how it impacts communities, and when the divide is used as a weapon or as a tool. How long did it take you to find this job? 2.5 months How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? I previously spent nearly 5 years at the Center for Women’s Leadership (CWL) in Portland, and served as interim Executive Director during my last year. Once we announced new Executive Director, Traci Rossi, I felt comfortable scheduling coffee with colleagues to discuss my job search and what opportunities might be available. It’s easy to get stuck in a professional bubble, so having those conversations re-opened my perspective on the types of positions and sectors available. I’ve always been a believer in reaching out to people who I’ve worked with and learned from to get their best thinking and advice. And, on the flip side, I believe in trying to always be open and ready to return the favor when they reach out. There is so much that can be learned, accomplished, and built through relationships. I think we often times are discouraged from reaching out to learn from others (see: fake it till you make it), but we can’t be perfect at everything and by asking for partnership, we give another person the chance to shine and teach. ALF Executive Director, Kendall Clawson, has been a mentor and friend for 7 years, and we’d collaborated on projects and shared more time over coffee than I can count. Our history meant we’d developed a good sense of each other’s passions and professional backgrounds. She approached me about the new Urban Rural project and it being a fit for my skillset. I applied, and was fortunate enough to get the job, partly in thanks to some of my professional contacts (including the former CWL Board Chair Martha Pellegrino) who were ALF Senior Fellows and were generous enough to vouch for me. What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge? Above is the short and sweet version, but it doesn’t encompass the parts of the job search that weren’t slam dunks: applying for jobs that I didn’t get, contemplating moving to another job market, and the self-doubt of starting a new chapter. You can’t pursue it all, no matter how much you want to. There are only so many hours in the day, and not every job is right for you. Sifting through job announcements and figuring out which ones really fit my professional experience, values, and ambitions was time-consuming and often exhausting. I tried to go on a run most days and check in with friends – the time to reflect internally on a run and externally through friends helped me distill where I should be putting my energy. During the in-between time, I pursued contract work, which helped me stay active in my professional networks and eased my financial concerns. What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? It’s hard to know which meeting, application, or random conversation will be the door that opens to the next career chapter. So be present where you are and with who you’re with in the moment. Job-seeking is usually a stressful season, so it’s easy for the mind to drift to the long to-do list and the seemingly omnipresent worries, but you can only be in one place at a time and you want to get the most out of the now. Why do you love your job? I love the daily chance to collaborate with leaders across regions and sectors who believe in an Oregon that thrives because diversity is welcomed, communities are heard and supported, equity is paramount, and the state is bursting with thoughtful innovation. My job affords me the chance to think deeply, feel passionately, and work with people who inspire me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might think that every job posting is a list of facts about the position. That’s a mistake, according to Justin Dux, CareerCloud Radio podcast host. If you learn to read between the lines you can become a more competitive candidate and stand out from dozens of other applicants. About Our Guest: Justin Dux Justin Dux hosts CareerCloud Radio, a podcast for job seekers that began in 2007. He regularly interviews job hunting experts who offer useful and actionable tips. And he is proud graduate of the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota. Resources in this Episode: New tool: Vermont is offering $10,000 to remote workers who move to the state: https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/vermont-is-offering-remote-workers-10000-to-move-to-its-state Listener question: Leonard Bryan from West Linn, Oregon asks: “A lot of people talk about finding an employer that offers a good work-life balance. How do you define work-life balance? What is your advice for finding employers who match your definition?” More from our guest: Go to careercloud.com Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justindux/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a network is essential to finding a career in today’s competitive online job market. Today, the Mac’s List team explores how to build your network strategically with guest expert Sara Holtz. Find out how to develop a strategy for expanding your network and learn why the casual approach of asking your colleague for a chat over coffee may not be the best move. About Our Guest: Sara Holtz Sara Holtz is passionate about helping women succeed in the workplace. Sara launched the Advice to My Younger Me podcast to serve as a "virtual mentor" to help younger women navigate a sometimes confusing workplace. In each episode, Sara and her guest, another successful women who has "been there, learned this," provide clear, practical career advice. Sara comes to this podcast after a very accomplished career as a business lawyer, senior executive at Fortune 500 companies and as a nationally-recognized expert helping women lawyers achieve career success. She is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School. Resources in this Episode: New tool: Get the book, “The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success” (https://amzn.to/2JXoPbO) by Nicholas Lore. Listener question: This week’s question comes from Jenna Paulson, a resident of Portland, Oregon. Jenna asks if hiring managers will knock her for being unemployed, despite it not being her fault. Her company’s unexpected downsizing is the reason for her unemployment. More from our guest: Visit Sara’s website to check out her podcast, Advice to My Younger Me: http://tomyyounger.me/ Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-holtz-688909/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re looking for a new job opportunity, you may be weighing out the possibility of taking an internship. But you shouldn’t underestimate the value of internships. Internships can unlock new opportunities, forge new relationships, and create lifelong connections. Find out how to stand out as an intern and stay connected after your internship ends with insights from career expert Kirk Baumann. About Our Guest: Kirk Baumann Kirk Baumann is an experienced talent acquisition leader, connecting people to their purpose. As a career and leadership expert recognized globally, Kirk has helped launch thousands of careers for young leaders and thrives on building lasting relationships. Named one of the 100 Most Social HR Experts on Twitter by The Huffington Post, Kirk is the founder and author of the award-winning career advice blog, Campus to Career. Kirks advice has been featured in Business News Daily, Mashable, and US News & World Report. Resources in this Episode: New tool: “The Pay Gap Is Way Too Entrenched To Be Solved By Women Alone” (https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-pay-gap-is-way-too-entrenched-to-be-solved-by-women-alone/) from Fivethirtyeight. Listener question: Colleen Smyth from Gresham, Oregon asks: “I know it's important to ask the hiring manager good questions in an interview. How many questions do you think is appropriate? In my last interview, I felt like I was asking too many questions and the interviewer was getting annoyed.” More from our guest: Get Kirk’s advice on Acing the 400 Hour Interview (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/acing-400hr-interview-kirk-baumann/) Read 4 Little Ways to Stand Out as Intern (https://campus-to-career.com/2017/07/25/4-little-ways-to-stand-out-as-an-intern/) From Campus to Career. Visit campus-to-career.com to read Kirk’s latest blog posts. Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbaumann/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re feeling disconnected from your career, it may be because you’re not following your calling. This week’s guest expert Lisa Zigarmi says following your calling is key to unlocking a successful, rewarding and happier career. Find out how to identify your calling and and how it can help your job search. About Our Guest: Lisa Zigarmi Lisa Zigarmi is a leadership coach and growth accelerator. She partners with executives and entrepreneurs who want to relate more deeply, decide more efficiently and think with more creativity. Lisa helps her clients build leadership capacity by applying positive psychology, leadership science, and mindfulness practices. She regularly contributes to Forbes and her corporate clients include: Johnson & Johnson, Salesforce, Genentech and VMware. Resources in this Episode: New tool: Use this career roadmap from Rasmussen College to plot out your motivations, interests, goals and more (http://www.rasmussen.edu/career-center/career-research-hub/what-career-is-right-for-me/) and determine the best career path for you. Listener question: Daniel Willis, from New York state, recently finished getting his master’s degree. But he’s realized he longer wants to pursue a career in this field. He asks how he can explain this drastic change in career direction to prospective employers. More from our guest: Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazigarmi/ Visit Lisazigarmi.com to find out more about Lisa’s upcoming projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode of the Find Your Dream Job podcast, I chat with Lori Aoki, physician recruiter at The Vancouver Clinic. Lori learned a lot from a year-long job search after moving to a new city. Though the search was discouraging at times, she found ways to build resilience while improving her networking strategy and her application materials. Then, when she was ready to move into a new role, her network came out to help, putting her in contact with a new organization where she gets to use the job search lessons she learned to recruit staff for The Vancouver Clinic. What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I joined The Vancouver Clinic in April 2017 as a Provider Recruiter. How long did it take you to find this job? Not long; the job found me! The process took about three weeks from the time I heard about the job, applied, interviewed and was hired. How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? A friend of mine told me about the position and recommended me to the hiring manager.  It proves to me that networking really works. It’s often who you know and not what you know that leads to success in the job market. What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge? When I first moved to Portland in 2013 it took me a year to find a job. I got a lot of leads from Mac’s List, I attended the networking events Mac’s List hosted, and read whatever I could about job hunting in Portland. I went on several first interviews, but didn’t have the right skill set to make it to the final round. I got a lot of practice with writing cover letters, tuning up my resume and interviewing, which was extremely valuable. Job searching can be downright depressing when you keep getting rejection letters. I read somewhere that 25% of people who are hired end up quitting in the first year. That’s what happened in my situation: I had been a finalist for the Physician Liaison job with Adventist Health, but I wasn’t hired. I continued to check the website for openings and saw that six months after I didn’t get the job, it was posted again. I applied a second time for the same job and got hired. I got a promotion while I was with Adventist Health that ended up not being a good fit. Once I recognized this, I put the word out to my network of colleagues and friends that I was looking for a new position and landed my current job. What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? Be resilient. Acknowledge that job hunting is hard. Learn from every stage of the job search process. Get support from friends and family. Why do you love your job? I hire people for a living and match them to their dream job. That feels really great. I’m also hiring people who are going to impact the future of my organization. It’s challenging to find the right skillset and cultural fit, but when it happens, it’s awesome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentors can make an incredible difference in your career. A mentor can make introductions, give you advice, and provide you with a trusted reference. Our guest expert this week is Marci Alboher, vice president of Encore.org. Discover why mentors matter, how to find mentors and why you should be one yourself. About Our Guest: Marci Alboher Marci Alboher(https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcialboher/), a Vice President at Encore.org(https://encore.org/), is one of the nation’s leading authorities on career issues and workplace trends. A former blogger and columnist for The New York Times, her latest book is “The Encore Career Handbook: How to Make a Living and a Difference in the Second Half of Life.” (https://amzn.to/2HGMg73) Marci serves on the board of directors of Girls Write Now and as a mentor editor for The OpEd Project. Marci lives in NYC, with her husband Jay and their French bulldog Sinatra. Resources in this Episode: New tool: Online classroom Udacity has teamed up with Google to provide 12 free courses to job seekers across the globe. Explore the available courses:  https://blog.udacity.com/2018/06/udacity-launches-free-career-courses.html Listener question: Madeline Johnson from Eugene, Oregon knows that it’s all about who you know but feels awkward name-dropping in an interview. We explore how to talk about your connections authentically. More from our guest: Get Marci’s book:https://amzn.to/2HGMg73 Connect with Marci on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcialboher/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may think that your most important tool for finding a new job is your resume, your cover letter or your references but that’s not the case. Our guest expert Nella Barkley shares how you can make a big difference in your job search by knowing your own skills, defining your goals and by actively advocating for yourself with clear evidence of your demonstrated achievements. Ask yourself what you can point to as impressive accomplishments and how to emphasize those achievements in the job interview. About Our Guest: Nella Barkley Nella Barkley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nella-gray-barkley-a405b5122/)  is the president and co-founder of the Crystal-Barkley Corporation (http://www.careerlife.com/) which helps people find their own personal career and life paths. She is a sought-after mentor, public speaker and coach. Her counsel is sought by Fortune 500 corporations, career changers, and international media.Nella is also the author of two books: “The Crystal-Barkley Guide to Taking Charge of Your Career” (https://amzn.to/2Mvejdq)  and “How to Help Your Child Land the Right Job: (Without Being a Pain in the Neck).” (https://amzn.to/2ygbWrY) Resources in this Episode: New Tool: If you’re introverted, don’t discount your abilities to connect with people on a deeper level. Read this guide on: “Why introverts might actually be better networkers” (https://work.qz.com/1277113/networking-events-why-introverts-might-actually-be-better-at-them/) by author David Burkas on Quartz.   Listener Question: Shelly Milos from Beaverton, Oregon asks: I’ve planned and paid for a vacation with my husband this summer. I’ve also FINALLY started getting interviews and don’t know when to bring up my trip with my potential employer. When’s the best time to bring this up and still get hired?     More from Nella Barkley: Nella’s company offers regular online seminars for professionals. Check out her Life/Work Design programs here. (https://bestworkinc.com/life-work-design/)     Visit bestworkinc.com (https://bestworkinc.com/) Connect with Nella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nella-gray-barkley-a405b5122/ Read Nella’s books: “The Crystal-Barkley Guide to Taking Charge of Your Career”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freelance work is trending, and it doesn't have to be an exhausting, feast-or-famine career. Rethink short-term gigs by learning more about portfolio careers. About Our Guest: Anne Pryor Anne Pryor (https://www.linkedin.com/in/annepryor/) is a globally recognized online brand strategist and top 10 LinkedIn trainer. She helps clients stand out, get found, and make meaningful connections for great jobs and profitable business. Anne had written more than 10,000 LinkedIn profiles and trained 100,000 people. Learn more about Anne on her website, annepryor.com (https://annepryor.com/). Resources in this Episode: New Tool: Shortly, even the CEO will be outsourced to an online labor marketplace (https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/05/shortly-even-the-ceo-will-be-outsourced-to-an-online-labor-marketplace/?ncid=rss) from TechCrunch. Listener Question: Kathy Rees of Portland, Ore. asks, “Is it better to list (or not list) some part time jobs that I have had since I was laid off in July? I do not want to look like someone who jumps from job to job.” More from Anne Pryor: Visit Anne’s website: www.annepryor.com (https://annepryor.com/). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s world, applying for a job online means you’re bound to face some fierce competition. In some cases, you may be competing with an internal candidate. And in other instances, you may be competing with recruiters working for the hiring manager. Any number of online job postings may attract hundreds of applicants. How do you stand out from the crowd? Get expert insights from talent recruiter and owner of PDX Career Coach, Christine LaPorte. About Our Guest: Christine LaPorte Christine LaPorte has been a talent recruiter for Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Rejuvenation and R/GA. Today, as the owner of PDX Career Coach, Christine gives creative professionals the tools and strategies they need to connect with hiring managers and get competitive salaries. Resources in this Episode: New Tool: Mango (http://mangoconnects.com) is a networking app that helps you navigate LinkedIn to deepen and grow your professional connections. Listener Question: Germaine Couldis from the Bay Area has worked for the same company since she graduated from high school. Fifteen years later, she’s ready to move on but is worried her lack of a bachelor’s degree will limit her job prospects. More from Christine LaPorte: Go to pdxcareercoach.com (https://www.pdxcareercoach.com/) to connect with Christine and learn her story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who has gone through a job search can tell you that rejection is par for the course. Even the most skilled professionals have failed more than once. And even perfect candidates can lose out on a job because of something outside of their control. One of the keys to a successful job search is to maintain positivity and perspective in the face of regular rejection. To do this, you need to be vulnerable, share your feelings, and lean on your support network to maintain your confidence and keep moving forward toward bigger and better things. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, we welcomed our first African female guest, author and career coach Añuli Ola-Olaniyi! Añuli explains how to manage failure in your job search and turn rejection into a learning opportunity. About Our Guest: Añuli Ola-Olaniyi Añuli Ola-Olaniyi is the founder of HEIR (http://heir.com.ng/), a social enterprise created to help young women build capacity and learn career skills. Añuli hosts the Hire Me Bootcamp (http://nigerianwomentrustfund.org/hire-me-bootcamp-iii/), a training platform for millennials. She is certified in project management, HR, and digital skills. And she regularly speaks, facilitates and writes about jobs and careers. Resources in this Episode:   New Tool: Inspiration for workers over 50 in a new report: 10 Advantages of Retaining and Hiring Older Workers: Lessons from NYC Small Businesses (https://www.mailman.columbia.edu/research/age-smart-employer/advantages-older-workers) from Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.   Listener Question: New college grad Kendra wrote in from Walla Walla, Wash. to ask if she should hide her tattoos during job interviews.    More from Añuli Ola-Olaniyi: Follow along as Añuli grows her business on Twitter at @heirwoman and @anuli Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Dalrymple moved to Portland from a small, tight-knit community in Napa, California. When she first moved to the Pacific Northwest, she missed that built-in network of connections. But from attending networking events, volunteering with local organizations and conducting informational interviews, Julie was able to build a solid network of contacts who opened up new opportunities for her career. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job; I talked with Julie Dalrymple about how volunteering opened up new possibilities for her career and helped her secure a job she loves. You can read more about Julie Dalrymple’s job search below in her essay for our Success Stories series. What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? I am the marketing & communications manager for Classic Wines Auction (http://www.classicwinesauction.com/) in Portland. We are a small but mighty organization that produces food and wine events to raise funds for local nonprofit organizations. My job involves creating and implementing the marketing and communications strategy, promoting our events via traditional and digital marketing methods, social media, and community outreach. I do a lot of hands-on graphic and web design as well. How long did it take you to find this job? The entire process from the first interview to joining the organization took about six weeks. However, it took several years of searching for the right job. I have a significant background in nonprofit marketing but had a difficult time getting my foot in the door after I moved to Portland in 2014. How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? As many others will attest, networking is such a powerful force in the job market. When I moved here three years ago, I focused on cultivating connections by going to events, volunteering, and meeting new people through introductions from friends. Several people alerted me to this particular job opening because it was so well suited to my skills, experience and interests (of course, I had already seen it on Mac’s List). Before applying and interviewing, I researched, followed their social media, reviewed their website thoroughly, and read anything I could find in the media. My prior experience and volunteerism also helped with this position, as I was familiar with the unique nonprofit model of the organization. What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge? In the case of my longer-term search for the right job, the most difficult part was dealing with rejection. When I first moved to Portland, I interviewed for a number of organizations and seemed to always be the “runner-up.” I had to learn to not take these rejections personally. It’s hard not to doubt your worth when you don’t get that job offer, but a lot is happening behind the scenes that you may not know, and any number of factors can contribute to the final decision. Also, with every job application comes a good deal of vulnerability and energy. It can be difficult to jump through all the hoops of a job search – to put yourself out there – and not know if the effort will pay off. Many organizations require detailed projects, plans and personal analysis toward the end of the process, which can be exhausting. But it can also be the key to a life-changing career move (and you can learn a lot about yourself).   What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? Find a way to get local, hands-on experience in your desired industry. And, if you’re new to an area, explore the region, meet people, volunteer and find new connections. I volunteered a lot when I moved here – as a tour guide at the Pittock Mansion (http://www.pittockmansion.org/) (which introduced me to new friends and helped me get acquainted with the city), as a committee member for the American Cancer Society’s annual gala (http://www.portlandhopeball.com/) (which provided valuable insight into the Portland nonprofit and event scene), and as a marketing consultant for other small nonprofits (which opened new doors). I can’t stress enough the value of volunteering. It was critical in building my foundation here in Portland. Why do you love your job? The people, the mission, the work… and the wine. The people you work with make all the difference, and I’m grateful for great colleagues and an awesome boss. CWA is making a difference in the community, by serving worthy charitable organizations and bringing people together through wine, food and philanthropy.  I’m excited to come into the office every day and do such great work. I’ve always loved creating memorable experiences for people, especially for a good cause, and I’m glad to be a part of an organization that shares that value. Want to learn more about Julie? Connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedalrymple/)!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connecting salary and success can be a losing game. Don’t equate the amount of money you make with how happy you are in life. Instead, know that your self-worth is more than your paycheck. And when you do negotiate for salary, focus on understanding the market value of your skills and ask for the pay that compensates the type of work you do. About Our Guest: Lauren McGoodwin Lauren McGoodwin is the founder and CEO of Career Contessa (http://www.careercontessa.com/), a career site for women. Previously, Lauren was a tech recruiter at Hulu and wrote her masters thesis on millennial women and career resources. Career Contessa launched in 2013 and now helps more than one million people with career development each year. Resources in this Episode: New Tool: How do Applicant Tracking Systems work? This article from Jobscan outlines four features of the most common ATS software. Read Taleo: 4 Ways the Most Popular ATS Ranks Your Job Application. (https://www.jobscan.co/blog/taleo-popular-ats-ranks-job-applications/) Listener Question: Doug Boxford of Anaheim, Calif. asked for tips about controlling his nerves during a job interview. More from Lauren McGoodwin: Check out the new Productivity Powerhouse (https://careercontessa.lpages.co/productivity-powerhouse-waitlist/) course from Career Contessa. Get Lauren’s script for asking for a raise. (http://www.careercontessa.com/advice/gimme-raise-mini-resource/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when you know you need to move forward in your career, but you need some direction? Many people end up in career paths that aren’t a great fit for their natural talents and passions. If you’re looking for a better job fit, start to observe yourself at work, name your strengths, and rewrite your career story to show off your enthusiasm and ability. Portland-based career coach Mary Blalock joins us on this episode of Find Your Dream Job to share tips, tricks, and resources to learn about your strengths and find your best job fit. About Our Guest: Mary Blalock Mary Blalock (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryblalock/) is a Portland-based career coach and co-founder of Ladies' Night PDX (http://ladiespdx.com/). She helps women advance in their careers through coaching, classes, and events. Previously, Mary was a recruiter and worked with Amazon, Microsoft, Nike, Adidas, and many more. Learn more on Mary’s website (http://maryblalock.com/). Resources in this Episode: New Tool: Landit (https://landit.com), an online platform offering resources for professional women to guide their careers. Read more about how Landit started in this Forbes article, How This Founder Is Creating A Career Playbook For Women (https://www.forbes.com/sites/elanagross/2018/02/01/how-this-founder-is-creating-a-career-playbook-for-women/#6d21014a5590). Listener Question: Corey Wade of Portland, Ore. has a broad, general skill set. He asks for advice on how to show employers the value he offers as a generalist. More from Mary Blalock: Get Mary’s free guide, “Ladies' Badass Salary Negotiation Cheatsheet.” (http://maryblalock.com/salary)   More resources mentioned on this episode: Where Are the Boss Ladies (https://www.wherearethebossladies.com/boss-list) is an awesome crowdsourced list of women-owned and women-led creative companies. Austin Kleon’s (https://austinkleon.com/) book “Steal Like An Artist” has good advice on creative journaling to inspire your brag sheet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each new job on your resume presents new opportunities, new challenges and new setbacks. In this episode of Find Your Dream Job, we discuss the best ways to capitalize on your first few months in a new position with human resources executive and business coach Joey Price. We also dive into the six steps you can take to turn career setbacks into personal growth. About Our Guest: Joey Price Joey Price is an award-winning human resources executive, business coach, and professor. He’s the founder of Jumpstart:HR, a consulting practice for small businesses and startups. Joey Is also the host of Business, Life, and Coffee (www.businesslifeandcoffee.com), a weekly podcast, and the author of “Never Miss The Mark: Career Search Strategies Provided by HR Pros.”  Resources in this Episode: New Tool: Explore transformative resilience in your career with The 6 Steps to Turning Setbacks Into Advantages from The New York Times: www.nytimes.com/2018/01/30/smarter-living/six-stages-of-setbacks-help-growth.html  Listener Question: How do you hone skills to build the career you went to school for when your job has ventured into new territory? That’s the question of the week from Alex of Madison, Wisconsin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s holding you back from the pay raises, promotions, and new work opportunities you really want? For many of us, it’s about a fear of being shot down when we ask for it. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, our guest Kate White encourages you to raise your hand at work. Ask your boss “what’s missing?” Volunteer for new projects. Document your accomplishments and build a case for the compensation you deserve. About Our Guest: Kate White Kate White (www.linkedin.com/in/katemwhite/) is the former editor-in-chief of five national magazines, including Cosmopolitan. She’s also The New York Times bestselling author of several career books, including “The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success.” And Kate is also the bestselling author of 12 mysteries and thrillers! Resources in this Episode: New Tool: Top 8 Tools You Need to Use For Salary Research from The Job Network: www.thejobnetwork.com/top-8-tools-salary-research-012017/ Listener Question: Brooke Jacobs of Redmond, Oregon asks: "Is it OK to ask for a salary review shortly after starting a new job that is more demanding than advertised?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve heard it again and again: it’s all about who you know. Especially in a job search, experts encourage everyone to reach out to their friends and professional connections to find work opportunities through word of mouth. That’s the Hidden Job Market. But what does it look like in action? Doug Wells (https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-wells-ba51696/) lays it out for us. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job; Doug explains how he reached out to his network with curiosity and openness to find new opportunities, including the job he landed, and loves, as a Director of Organizational Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org/). Doug says it’s important to be patient, and discusses the pros and cons of being interested in everything. Listen to find out how he gained focus without losing variety in his career.   Read more about Doug’s job search in a post he wrote for the Mac’s List Success Stories series: https://www.macslist.org/success-stories/patient-relentless-doug-wells-job-search-success-story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices