Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

You’ve updated your resume, figured out what lights you up, and held informational interviews. But you might still be missing an important piece in your job search: taking advantage of your alumni network. Find Your Dream Job guest Tiffany Waddell Tate offers a reminder that you have access to people across all sectors and locations simply because of where you were educated. Tiffany suggests using LinkedIn or the Career Services Office at your alma mater to connect with others from your school, and always remember to give back as much, or more, than you ask for. 

Tiffany Waddell Tate (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanywaddelltate/) is the CEO and founder of Career Maven Consulting. (https://www.careermavenconsulting.com/) It’s a career coaching and talent development firm.

• If you’re ready to create a resume that gets noticed, take a look at Tiffany’s mini-course, The Resume Cure. (https://careermavenacademy.teachable.com/p/the-resume-cure)

• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

   

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Due to COVID-19, companies are now hiring for more virtual positions than ever before. But how do you prepare to find one of these virtual jobs? Your first step is to figure out what lights you up, according to Find Your Dream Job guest Amanda Nachman. Amanda says passionate people are more likely to snag one of the few jobs available in this economy. She also shares specific ways to build your network, not only while seeking your next job but as a daily practice. And lastly, make sure your background for virtual interviews is clean, and that you’re dressed professionally. 

Amanda Nachman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandanachman/) is the author of the new book, “#Qualified: You Are More Impressive Than You Realize.” (https://www.amazon.com/QUALIFIED-More-Impressive-Than-Realize/dp/1950367339) Amanda also hosts the podcast, Find Your Passion Career. (https://findyourpassioncareer.com/podcast/)

• Want tips on how to feel more qualified in your job search? Follow Amanda on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amandanachman/)and grab a copy of her new book, “#Qualified: You Are More Impressive than You Realize.” ((https://www.amazon.com/QUALIFIED-More-Impressive-Than-Realize/dp/1950367339))

• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

   

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Finding your next position involves more than just salary negotiations and seeking out a great company culture. A good job will allow you to be the same person at work as you are at home. But how do you find an employer like that? It all starts with research and self-awareness, says Find Your Dream Job guest Shelli Romero. Take some time to figure out the legacy you want to leave and the values that matter most to you. Then research employers and set up informational interviews with the companies that seem to be a good fit with your personal values. 

Shelli Romero (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelli-romero-mpa-opmcp-6532162/)  is the president of Rose City Chica. It’s a career coaching firm that focuses on women, people of color, and GLBTQ communities.

• If you need expert help finding your next job, connect with Shelli on LinkedIn, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelli-romero-mpa-opmcp-6532162/) and mention you heard her on Find Your Dream Job. 

• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

   

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Too many job seekers don’t use their LinkedIn page to its full potential. Instead of treating it like another place to show your resume, Find Your Dream Job guest Justin Nguyen says you need to see your LinkedIn account as a way to connect with the companies you want to work for. Each section of your LinkedIn page serves a purpose, from your photo to the copy you add. Justin also shares a specific strategy for making connections with the employers you’re interested in.

Justin Nguyen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingcgu/) is the founder of GetChoGrindUp. It's a movement to help students navigate college. Justin also hosts the podcast, Declassified College. (https://getchogrindup.com/podcasts/)

• If you’re a college student who needs career education in a fun and informative format, be sure to listen to Justin’s podcast, Declassified College. (https://getchogrindup.com/podcasts/)

• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

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As a job seeker, your first inclination is probably to start sending out resumes as quickly as possible. But what if you adopted a different strategy? What if, instead of submitting dozens of applications, you volunteered in your community or took on contract work doing the things you love and are good at? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Meghan Sinnott (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghansinnott/)tells us how she used volunteering to build up her self-confidence and skill set, and how strong connections brought her next job to her instead of her having to look for it. Learn more about Meghan’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series. (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories)

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Do you approach your job search with an “I could” attitude? If your response to job openings is, “I could do that,” it’s time to change your strategy because hiring managers aren’t looking for someone who “could” do the job, says Find Your Dream Job guest Mandy Allen. They want someone who has done the job or is excited about doing it. Mandy suggests looking for the common thread in your past work experience, both paid and volunteer. What is the thing you can’t help but do? That thing is likely your natural gifting or passion, so head into the job search process with that unique skillset in mind. 

Mandy Allen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandygallen/) is the talent and culture manager at AHA Strategy and Creative Agency. It’s an independent women-owned agency in Vancouver, Washington. 

• Mandy welcomes connections through Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ahapdx/?hl=en) and on her LinkedIn. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandygallen/)

• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

   

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Are you unhappy in your current job and considering a career change? How can you know whether you should change careers or just switch jobs within the same field? Find Your Dream Job guest Cynthia Pong says you need to know why you want to make a change before starting over. You begin by asking questions about why you’re unhappy and what your career goals are. Cynthia recommends making small pivots unless you’re paralyzed and feeling miserable in your job. If that’s the case, Cynthia says to go ahead and make any change and course-correct later. 

Cynthia Pong (https://www.linkedin.com/in/embracechangenyc/)is a feminist career strategist, speaker, and author. Cynthia is on a mission to help women of color to get the money, power, and respect they deserve.

• Check out all the free resources Cynthia offers on her site, embracechange.nyc/covid-19-career-guide-women-of-color-job-seekers (https://embracechange.nyc/covid-19-career-guide-women-of-color-job-seekers)
• If you need help making a career change, grab a copy of Cynthia’s new book, “Don't Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color.” (https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Stay-Your-Lane-Career/dp/1735336300)

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All too often, we see layoffs as a problem instead of an opportunity. Yes, you likely need a steady income, but if you take any job you can find, you’re going to be unhappy down the road. How can you spend the layoff time productively? Find Your Dream Job guest Simone Morris says you start by getting in the driver’s seat of your career. Find gig work to put food on the table and then get serious about figuring out who you are, what you want, and where you want to be. Simone says you need to be proactive in developing relationships, learning new skills, and building your personal brand.

Simone Morris (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/) is a speaker, author, and coach. She helps job seekers with career planning, partnerships, and branding.

• Learn more about the career services Simone offers by visiting her website at www.connectwithsimone.com.(http://www.connectwithsimone.com/)
• If you’re ready to be in the driver’s seat of your career, tune in to Simone’s podcast, The  Power of Owning Your Career. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-owning-your-career-podcast/id1447297703)

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If you’re looking for a job you will love and where you can make a difference, you need a custom resume and cover letter for every application you turn in. Find Your Dream Job guest Monica Haut says custom application materials begin with the specific company name, the keywords used in the job listing, and the unique skills you bring to the table. Monica also stresses the importance of keeping the resume concise, with plenty of white space. Custom applications give you the greatest opportunity to find your dream job. 

Monica Haut (https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-haut-4735449/) is the human resources manager at  Hopworks Urban Brewery. (http://www.hopworksbeer.com) It’s a family-owned and operated company that employs more than 100 people across the Pacific Northwest. 

• Learn more about Hopworks Urban Brewery at www.hopworksbeer.com. (http://www.hopworksbeer.com)

• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

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Do you wake up every morning dreading going to work? Not because of a bad boss or work environment, but because you aren’t fulfilled in the work you do? If so, Find Your Dream Job guest, Anuja Sinha, says it may be time to reinvent yourself. Reinventing yourself is a deeper process than merely switching jobs, says Anuja. It’s about figuring out who you are and what you want. Your job impacts your entire life, so why stay in a position that is draining you? Anuja recommends taking the time necessary to discover your purpose and finding a job that suits that purpose. And if you do it right, you’ll never have to do it again. 

Anuja Sinha (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuja-sinha/) is the human resources generalist at Boys & Girls Aid. (https://www.boysandgirlsaid.org/) It’s a foster and adoption agency that has built lifelong connections in Oregon since 1885. 

• For more information on the services offered by Boys and Girls Aid, visit their website at boysandgirlsaid.org. (https://www.boysandgirlsaid.org/)

• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

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