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

If you find yourself avoiding networking events, maybe you need to change your mindset around them. It’s normal to feel nervous when you don’t know anyone who will be there or you feel unsure of what to say or do. Find Your Dream Job guest Linda Van Valkenburgh says that preparation is the key when attending a networking event. Linda also advises putting together a one-pager to distribute rather than your resume, bringing business cards, and thinking through what you want to share before you get there.

About Our Guest:

Linda Van Valkenburgh (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindavan/) is a certified executive career coach. She helps her clients plan, manage, and organize individualized career campaigns. Linda is a frequent speaker at networking and professional groups. She also has presented at the Yale School of Management and the University of Connecticut’s School of Business.

Resources in This Episode:

• Visit Linda’s website (http://www.myexecutivecareercoach.com/) to take a career transition assessment.
• To get your own copy of the one-pager Linda talked about, email Linda at [email protected]

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 (http://www.macslist.org/focus), can help.

Read the transcript of the entire episode at macslist.org/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve found a great job opportunity and you’re excited about the possibilities. It seems like the perfect fit for you. But is sharing your enthusiasm with the hiring manager enough to get you hired? Not always. Sometimes, the fit may be perfect for you but not for the company. How can you approach your job search keeping the company's needs in mind? Find Your Dream Job guest Susanne Aronowitz says you need to show the employer the value you can bring to the position. The more you can connect with the employer, the more likely they will be to see you as the right person for the job.

About Our Guest:

Susanne Aronowitz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannearonowitz/) is certified career coach. She’s helped thousands of lawyers and other professionals achieve career success. A former attorney herself, Susanne helps her clients with career exploration, transition, and growth.

Resources in This Episode:

• For more information on how Susanne can help you achieve your professional goals, visit her website at susannearonowitz.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 (http://www.macslist.org/questions).
• Read the transcript of the entire episode at macslist.org/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know that you need to ask for help when looking for a job. But what do you do when the people you reach out to don’t respond? How can you get people to vouch for your credentials and become your job search champions? Find Your Dream Job guest Lora Poepping says you need to make it as easy as possible for others to help you by having a clear and articulate message about what you’re looking for. It’s also important to show appreciation for the new connections that come from your career champions.

About Our Guest:

Lora Poepping (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorapoepping/) is the founder and president of Plum Coaching and Consulting (https://plumseattle.com/). Lora’s company helps clients around the world with job search, career coaching, resumes, and LinkedIn services. Every member of Plum’s 13-person team has been a recruiter and knows how hiring works.

Resources in This Episode:

• To learn more about the services Lora offers in HR consulting and job search coaching, visit her website, Plum Coaching and Consulting (https://plumseattle.com/).
• 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

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every year, the “Find Your Dream Job” team asks listeners for their feedback on the podcast format, length, and topics. We discovered that 18 percent of listeners are interested in exploring the topic of career change, and 15 percent are interested in discussing job search strategies.  Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s listener survey, your feedback goes a long way towards making the show better! We greatly appreciate your support.

We also received dozens of great questions from listeners about job hunting, networking, and career building. On today’s bonus episode, Mac and Jessica sit down to answer five tactical job search questions from listeners around the country. Listen in to find out how to move up in a company when you are not outgoing, and what’s the best practice for following up after submitting a job application.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve exhausted your personal network and run out of known resources, you may need to reach out to people you do not know online for the next step in your job search or career. But what if they don’t answer you? Find Your Dream Job guest Stacey Lane says that you need to make it easy for the other person to say yes. You do this by getting your ask in quickly without sharing too much backstory, not expecting too much of their time, and only sharing minimal context. Stacey also recommends finding someone whose thought leadership you appreciate so that you have common ground from which to initiate a conversation.

About Our Guest:

Stacey Lane (https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceylane/) is a nationally recognized career coach. She helps people with everything from networking to personal branding. Stacey is known for her candid career guidance. And her advice has appeared in local and national publications.

Resources in This Episode:

• For free templates to help you connect with strangers online, visit Stacey’s website at staceylane.net.
• Your presence online is critical in order for employers to find you. Learn how to use your social media to make a favorable impression by enrolling in our free online course, How to Wow and Woo Employers Online (https://macslist.teachable.com/p/impress-employers-online/?src=podcast).

From our Sponsor: The City of Portland is one of Oregon’s largest employers, and the organization responsible for keeping the city thriving is currently hiring. Visit www.portlandoregon.gov to learn more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before you send out your next job application, you need to research standard salaries for your industry and position. It’s easy to be so determined to land a new job that you don’t stop to consider what your career and financial goals are. Find Your Dream Job guest Anica John says that you need to enter a job search strategically, playing to your strengths and desires rather than settling for any role that you're offered. Anica also shares that talking to people who are hiring for similar positions at other companies can help you calculate an accurate salary range.

About Our Guest:

Anica John (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anicajohn/) is a federal litigator turned serial technology entrepreneur. She’s the founder of Level Up 90 (https://www.levelup90.com/). It’s a professional development platform for women who work in technology.

Resources in This Episode:

• If you’re ready to level up in your tech career and find more fulfillment in your work, visit Anica’s website at levelup90.com.
• If you wait for employers to bring up salary, you’re wasting your time and energy. My guide, How to Talk About Money in an Interview (https://www.macslist.org/cta-how-to-talk-about-money-in-an-interview), shows you how to do salary research before meeting with a hiring manager.

From our Sponsor: The City of Portland is one of Oregon’s largest employers, and the organization responsible for keeping the city thriving is currently hiring. Visit www.portlandoregon.gov to learn more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you realize it or not, you have a personal brand; something you are known for and that represents you in your career space. But if you are in the midst of switching careers, you may need to rebrand yourself. Find Your Dream Job guest Lisa Lewis says that building a new personal brand begins with deepening self-knowledge and self-assessment. Developing authentic relationships with others is key to redirecting  your career goals. Lisa also shares how to tell your story in a way that invites the listener into a real conversation.

About Our Guest:

If there's a job out there, Lisa Lewis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamlewis/) has probably done it. Lisa is a career change coach and the CEO of Lisa Lewis Careers (https://lisalewiscareers.com/). She’s also one of only seven coaches in the world trained and certified in the Pivot Method.

Resources in This Episode:

• For more information on working with Lisa to map out career transitions of your own, visit lisalewiscareers.com/macslist.
• Your presence online is critical in order for employers to find you. Learn how to use your social media to make a favorable impression by enrolling in our free online course, How to Wow and Woo Employers Online (https://macslist.teachable.com/p/impress-employers-online/?src=podcast).

From our Sponsor: The City of Portland is one of Oregon’s largest employers, and the organization responsible for keeping the city thriving is currently hiring. Visit www.portlandoregon.gov to learn more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re returning to work after a long break, you need to prepare long before you start looking for that perfect job. Volunteering in your community is a great way to grow professionally while maintaining your skill set. You also have a chance to meet others who share your interests and values. Find Your Dream Job guest Anneliese Davis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneliesedavis/) shares how she used volunteer work to not only keep her skills sharp but to decide what type of career she wanted. Anneliese tells us that approaching her job search with curiosity allowed her to switch careers and find a job she loves. Learn more about Anneliese’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories) series.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I’m the part-time executive director (and first staff member!) for Rahab’s Sisters (http://rahabs-sisters.org/), a 14-year-old organization providing radical hospitality to marginalized women every Friday night on SE 82nd. We offer a homemade meal and hygiene supplies, but the real story of Rahab’s Sisters is the community our guests and volunteers build together.

How long did it take you to find this job?

My daughter started kindergarten in 2016, so I began to think about going back into the workforce. I kept an eye on what was out there, talked to a few folks, applied for a job or two, but couldn’t seem to get excited about anything until I saw the Rahab’s Sisters posting in April; I started in June.

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

I can honestly say I always skim Mac’s List, even when I’m not actively looking for a job. It has given me a good overview of Portland’s nonprofit sector and I learn about a lot of different organizations. This is the first time I have ever found a position from a job posting and not via my network, so it was different to introduce myself to people who knew nothing about me. I spent a lot of time on my resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile, though, I felt like I was able to accurately represent my skills, experience and values.

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

I moved to Portland in 2013 and decided to be a full-time parent, so the last paid job on my resume was a few years back and in another city. I had been doing a lot of volunteer work here, though, and I decided to list my volunteer leadership roles on my resume (https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-include-volunteer-work-on-your-resume-2063297) in the same way as all my paid positions under the heading “Experience” with dates, key responsibilities and accomplishments. I made it clear I was a volunteer, of course, but it demonstrated that I was an active part of the Portland community.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job seekers?

After I spent an evening volunteering with Rahab’s Sisters, I knew I really wanted this job. So the next day, I wrote a letter to the board sharing what that experience had been like for me and how much I wanted to be part of this work. It felt vulnerable to put myself out there like that and after I hit “send” I wondered how I would be perceived. But I knew if I wasn’t selected for the job, my disappointment would be compounded if I didn’t feel I had given it my all. What have you got to lose if you really go for it?

Why do you love your job?

I knew I would enjoy the intellectual challenge of building out an organization that has been doing good work for a long time. But the real joy and learning for me has been coming to know our community of mainstream and marginalized women. My heart is broken open a million times a night, and I am in awe of our guests’ resilience and our volunteers’ love and dedication.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New college graduates often struggle with networking. They may feel that they have nothing to offer or that they’re wasting time with informational interviews. But good networking leads to career success. Find Your Dream Job guest Shawn Lipton says that the best networkers have a methodical approach to meeting and staying in touch with people. They also network even when they aren’t looking for a job. Shawn tells us why most professionals actually want to meet with new graduates and how to make that initial contact.

About Our Guest:

Shawn Lipton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnlipton/) is a certified master coach. His company, The Trusted Coach (http://thetrustedcoach.com/), has helped thousands of professionals land jobs and develop careers. Shawn also is the author of “50 Proven Networking Tips for Career Development Success” and two other books.

Resources in This Episode:

• Shawn offers strategies on developing your career and landing your ideal job. Find out more at The Trusted Coach (http://thetrustedcoach.com/?section=home).

Nail every behavioral interview question in your next interview by learning how to prepare for them. Download 100 Behavioral Interview Questions You Need to Know (http://www.macslist.org/questions).

From our Sponsor: The City of Portland is one of Oregon’s largest employers, and the organization responsible for keeping the city thriving is currently hiring. Visit www.portlandoregon.gov to learn more

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it ever a good idea to apply for a job when you are overqualified? Perhaps you’ve moved to a new city or you’re trying to get a job at your dream company, and you’re considering taking a smaller role to get your foot in the door. Find Your Dream Job guest Phiona Martin says you can get hired for a job where you're overqualified, but you must be able to answer a hiring manager’s specific concerns about hiring you. Phiona shares the most common questions you will be asked, how to give genuine answers, along with tips on preparing for your interview and writing a great cover letter.

About Our Guest:

Phiona Martin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phiona-martin/) is a registered industrial psychologist. Her work focuses on careers, talent, and leadership. Phiona's key experience has been in the consulting, education and corporate environments. As a thought leadership enthusiast, she provides expert opinions on career development on many media platforms, including her own career advice website.

Resources in This Episode:

• Phiona is passionate about career and professional development. She shares helpful content for standing out in the workplace on her website, phionamartin.com.
• If you’re struggling with how to craft a compelling cover letter, we’ve got a free guide that can help. Download Simple Rules for a Winning Cover Letter (http://www.macslist.org/coverletter).

From our Sponsor: Sneaker School is an online certificate program that lets you explore career paths in the footwear industry and learn from some of the biggest names in the business. Visit sneakerschool.com/mac to start mapping your career in the sneaker world.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.