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

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16289&preview=true) 

Your story is your most powerful job search tool, yet most candidates fail to use it effectively. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Levi Gaytan, job seekers without personal narratives appear formulaic and forgettable to hiring managers. Stories create connections, showing employers why you're applying and how your past experience relates to their needs. Levi's approach uses two frameworks: SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and VRIO (value, rarity, imitability, organization). He says effective stories follow a simple formula: before, action, result, and then why it matters to the employer. Every experience contains transferable skills – parenting demonstrates leadership, driving for Uber shows resourcefulness. Rather than weak language like "supported," use strong action words like "led" and "directed." Success comes from authentic self-reflection and conducting informational interviews to truly understand what employers need, rather than simply matching resume buzzwords to job descriptions.

About Our Guest:

Levi Gaytan is an HR leader, speaker, and community builder. 

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16262&preview=true) 

Starting a job search without a strategy is like wandering in the dark. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Mher Mardoyan, most job seekers make the mistake of immediately updating their resume and applying online without a clear focus. This "spray and pray" approach leads to zero responses because it lacks intention. Mher's seven-step framework transforms job searching from day one: identify your core values, maintain a positive mindset throughout the marathon-like process, and craft compelling stories that make you memorable. Successful job searching requires treating it like a project with weekly goals and dedicated time blocks. Rather than applying to 50 jobs with generic resumes, focus on fewer opportunities where your skills truly align. The key differentiator? Networking and relationship building – many positions are filled through referrals, not online applications.

About Our Guest:

Mher Mardoyan is a career coach who helps early to mid-level professionals find jobs faster. 

He’s also the host of the Career Advice Podcast, Crack the Hiring Code, Get Hired. 

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16242&preview=true) 

A successful job search starts with self-knowledge, not sending out applications. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Aoife O’Brien, many job seekers make the mistake of jumping into similar roles after feeling unhappy at work, only to land in the same situation again. Aoife’s "Know, Show, Grow" framework encourages starting with three core pillars: values – what truly matters to you beyond a paycheck; needs – what keeps you motivated day to day; strengths – what energizes you and comes naturally. Without this foundation, you risk repeating the cycle of unfulfilling jobs. Aoife also recommends showing your value by tying your strengths to real business outcomes from past roles. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on opportunities that align with your authentic self, and submit fewer, better applications.

About Our Guest:

Aoife O'Brien is the founder of Happier at Work. 

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16240&preview=true)

Job searching requires both emotional resilience and strategic efficiency. Find Your Dream Job guest Jontae Grace learned this during his six-month job search after being laid off, including the crushing disappointment of reaching final interviews twice without receiving an offer. His advice: separate your self-worth from your employment status and never stop applying until you have a formal offer. Jontae advocates for using quick apply functions on job boards to save time: what traditionally takes 30-45 minutes per application can be reduced to seconds. He also suggests looking beyond salary to total compensation packages, sharing how one employer's wellness reimbursement program provided $1,500 annually in real value through dollar-for-dollar matching on health and wellness expenses.

About Our Guest:

Jontae Grace is an employee relations specialist at Do Good Multnomah. 

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16227&preview=true) 

Do you hesitate to share with a hiring manager what other opportunities you’re pursuing? Do you think this will hurt your chances of being hired? Find Your Dream Job guest Carly Richter says it’s actually the opposite. Letting a potential employer know of other possible options is a great way to build rapport. Carly says it builds trust, relieves stress, and helps create a hiring timeline. Carly warns against sharing too much in an interview; answer the questions you are asked without oversharing personal details. 

About Our Guest:

Carly Richter is a senior recruiter and account manager with HR Annie Recruitment. 

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16221&preview=true) 

It may not be difficult to find a job, but to find one that is personally and professionally fulfilling can be much harder. How do you approach a job search that ends with a position you love? Find Your Dream Job guest Elona Landau suggests beginning with self-reflection. What are your values? What means the most to you? Follow that with a mindset check. What do you believe about yourself and your ability to perform? And finally, Elena says, clarify your skill set. What can you offer an employer that will solve their problems, and what skills are you continuing to develop to further your career advancement? 

About Our Guest:

Elona Landau is the principal of the Department of Practical Sunshine.

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16218&preview=true)

Menopause is not merely a personal journey; it also affects your career trajectory. It’s estimated that 25% of women will refuse a promotion due to menopausal symptoms. Find Your Dream Job guest Tatiana Graham says these symptoms can last for 7-10 years and impact the way you show up in interviews. She suggests finding strategies that address your new stage of life, such as taking more notes, writing down your questions, and depending more heavily on your support system. Tatiana also suggests being honest with potential employers about your menopausal journey and understanding the value you bring to a company. 

About Our Guest:

Tatiana Graham is a certified leadership and transformational coach.

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16201&preview=true) 

Finding a new job can be an exhausting process, but it doesn’t have to be. Find Your Dream Job guest Jeremy Cline says there are some simple ways to streamline the process to make it more enjoyable, as well as more efficient. Jeremy suggests setting up templates, creating a set of standard operating procedures for your search, and batching tasks that need to be done. Jeremy also encourages the use of AI technology, such as using ChatGPT to update and tailor application materials. 

About Our Guest:

Jeremy Cline is a career, business, and executive coach who helps you understand your unique talents and values so you can accomplish more. Jeremy also hosts the excellent Change Work Life podcast.

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16161&preview=true)

You need a job and you need it now. So you spend hours staring at a computer screen, stressing over the perfect resume and cover letter, and hitting “quick apply.” But Find Your Dream Job guest Shannon Aniciete says you’re doing yourself and your health a disservice by approaching it this way. Shannon has five tips for managing your wellness while looking for your next position, including organization to relieve stress, celebrating your successes, connecting with others, and doing things that bring you joy. 

About Our Guest:

Shannon Aniciete is the director of business career services for the School of Business at Portland State University. Her team helps students achieve meaningful career outcomes.

Resources in This Episode:

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.

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16158&preview=true) 

Most people plan their careers only a few times in life: when graduating college, during a career change, or due to a move. But according to Find Your Dream Job guest Anne Lapour, you should continue to plan your career on a regular basis. Anne says our personal life changes affect our careers, so as we evolve in life, we evolve in our work, as well. Self-reflection can give you clarity on what matters to you, and research will allow you to develop new skills that you can use to plan your next step. Networking is also a crucial piece and can lead to opportunities you might not have known about otherwise. 

About Our Guest:

Anne Lapour is the executive director of career initiatives for Willamette University, where she oversees career programming, education, and advising.

Resources in This Episode:

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.