Have you ever wondered how to strategically plan your career to meet the demands of the ever-changing job market? Pete Newsome Invites expert guest, Sonja Price from Dynamo Careers, to unveil her top insights on this topic that could be a game-changer for your professional journey. Underlining the importance of developing a career roadmap, Sonja urges all professionals to align their passion with market requirements for a successful career.

As they venture into the conversation, Sonja emphasizes the significance of having a robust network in your career journey. She talks about combating ageism in the job market and highlights the necessity of having a professional development plan. They also touch on the topic of self-responsibility in career planning, and how mentors and sponsors can help navigate through career transitions and ensure longevity in roles.

As they wrap up their insightful discussion, Sonja and Pete discuss the pros and cons of job hopping, the importance of building a career network, and the impact of a household name on a resume. Offering a wealth of knowledge, Sonja's expert advice will equip you with a roadmap to navigate your career journey, regardless of the stage you're in. So buckle up and get ready for some valuable insights that could revolutionize your professional life!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of landing your first job with no experience to back you up? 

Our host Pete Newsome is your guide in navigating this intimidating journey. Join us as we explore the power of the keyword "entry-level" in your job search and how to make your resume sparkle, despite your lack of work experience. 

We'll discuss how to capitalize on your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and voluntary work to present yourself as a promising candidate. Plus, he lets you in on the secret of a master resume, which you can tweak for each job application to align your skills with the job description.

But we don't stop there. The podcast carries on to the other side, the interview. How do you make a lasting impression even after the interview? Learn how a simple follow-up email or thank you note can make you unforgettable to prospective employers. Discover the potential of LinkedIn networking and how you can use your connections to reach out to potential employers. This episode contains practical advice and valuable tips that can simplify the job search process. 

So why wait? Hit the play button to get you closer to your first job!

Have you ever wondered why some colleagues climb the ladder faster than others? What are they doing differently? Join Pete and Ricky on today's episode of the finding career zen podcast as they share strategies for taking charge of your own career growth and standing out in the job market, especially in an era marked by layoffs. They'll discuss conducting self-assessments, developing skills, and strategizing transitions into new roles. Your career plan should be as dynamic as you are, constantly evolving and adapting.

Shining a spotlight on the importance of mentorship and networking, Pete and Ricky will guide you through the process of finding your perfect mentor and effective networking to build meaningful connections. LinkedIn and Twitter are your allies in this professional networking journey. Remember, it's not just about adding contacts, but about nurturing genuine relationships. It's a game changer once you realize the role of these platforms in career development.

Finally, they will explore the necessity of expanding your skills and leveraging your network to get noticed. We live in an age where continuous learning is imperative, and there are plenty of resources to help you stay ahead of the curve. Pete and Ricky discuss how to advance in your workplace, not just by ticking off your job description, but by going the extra mile. Pay attention to who gets promoted and why, take initiative, and don't hesitate to communicate with your boss. Let's redefine success, on your own terms. Tune in and let's give your career the boost it deserves.

On today’s episode of the Finding Career Zen podcast, Pete is joined by HR professional Ricky Baez to talk all about cover letters. Are they antiquated and unnecessary, or should job candidates take the time to write one when applying for a new position? Pete has a strong opinion on the subject, and his goal throughout the episode is to convince both Ricky and our listeners that a cover letter is absolutely worth the extra effort.  

Is Pete successful in persuading Ricky on the value of cover letters? Tune in to find out and hear why Pete believes all job seekers should use one! For more information on how to write a cover letter, check out our letters & templates. 

Should you use a staffing agency when looking for a job? The short answer: absolutely. But if you aren’t convinced quite yet, check out today’s episode of the Finding Career Zen podcast where Pete answers this question at length. He’s here to explain how recruiters work for the job candidates and encourage everyone to take advantage of the free help.

Whether you are just beginning or already deep into your job search, tune in to this episode and learn more about staffing agencies and why it's in your best interest to utilize one. 

On this episode of the Finding Career Zen podcast, Pete and Ricky run through the most important factors to consider when deciding between job offers. As a candidate, you need to think above and beyond salary and total compensation and start looking at the organization’s culture. Is it an environment where you want to work?

As discussed throughout the episode, Pete and Ricky agree that there's no one-size-fits-all answer to any of these considerations. Only once you fully understand the benefits, perks, culture, and other variables should you look to decide. 

Wondering what the number one thing is to consider when deciding? Tune in to find out!

On today’s episode of Finding Career Zen, special guest Pete Warhurst joins the podcast to share his story. Pete’s career journey is both unique and inspiring, from working at a gas station, to becoming a paramedic, to selling the EMS software he designed, to creating the nationally-recognized moving and storage company PODS. Pete Warhurst has truly done it all, and he’s not done yet! Coming out of retirement for a second time, he is now in the process of building Red Rover Moving & Storage – an innovative company with undeniable potential for success.

Tune into this episode to hear his story and learn more about his journey to success.

Inquiring about becoming a franchisee? Check out redrovers.com or give them a call at 833-733-7683!

Advice for entrepreneurs: 

• We all have these great ideas that come along. The challenge is picking out the right one. 
• You've got to have the guts to go for it. Have that fortitude to keep moving along.
• Surround yourself with people smarter than you. With a lot of highly-skilled talent, you can hire the right people to provide guidance and help you navigate challenges.
• Work ethic is contagious. Set the example, culture and expectations and you'll get where you need to.
• Success is a product of risk and effort. You don't start off at the top, you have to climb the mountain. Nobody is going to do it for you. 
• Success doesn't happen overnight. You are going to have bad days. You grow and improve by dealing with adversity, not by running from it. 

You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression, so get ready to take some notes! Pete and Ricky are here to share everything you need to know about making your first day of work great on today’s episode of the Finding Career Zen podcast.

From arrival to departure, Pete and Ricky run through everything you should know before your first day to ensure it runs smoothly. Knowing what to expect, like how to dress, where to park, and even what you’ll do for lunch, can guarantee you make a successful first impression and feel confident doing so.

Are you nervous about your first day of work? We can help! Tune into this episode for some great advice to calm those nerves, and check out our things to consider before your first day of work checklist to make sure you are ready to go. Good luck!

Advice for making a great first impression:

• Don't assume anything. Anytime you walk into a new situation, you're bound to have questions. The best way to alleviate those doubts is by asking about what to expect. It's natural to be nervous. Both sides want your first day to go as smoothly as possible.
• Ask for an employee handbook in advance. This is a great thing to review in advance if the company will provide it to you. Reading through it will arm you with as much info as possible going in on the first day.
• Your first day is not the time to showcase your skills unless you're asked. It's the time to listen, ask questions, and really take in what the culture has to offer. Don't feel the need to perform early on, no one's expecting that of you. Go in looking to learn and absorb as much information as you can.
• It's better to show up overdressed than underdressed. You never want to show up underdressed in a professional setting, and you definitely don't want to stand out in the wrong way. Remember that every environment has its own culture and expectations for dress code.
• Take a test run before your first day. If you’re in person, make the drive ahead of time (and at the same time!) and find out where to park to ensure you arrive at least 20 minutes early. If you’re virtual, make sure all of your technology works in advance and show up 2 minutes early on Zoom.
• Be eager, be hungry, and be willing to be coachable. Don't let your ego get the best of you, you will have so much to learn about your new organization. Create a foundation to have a solid career with the company and don’t get hung up on what’s in your job description. If you want to stand out, you must go above and beyond.

On today's episode of the Finding Career Zen podcast, Pete and Ricky are here to discuss everything you need to know about quitting your job. Is it necessary to give two weeks' notice? Does anyone really check references? Is there a right and wrong way to tell your boss? These questions and more are answered by Pete and Ricky, who also reveal the real reason you should be quitting your job on professional terms.

Are you considering quitting your job? Tune in to this episode for some great advice on how to approach the situation, and check out our sample resignation letters & templates!

Advice for quitting your job in a professional way:

• Always offer at least two weeks’ notice. Give the courtesy of 14 days for the organization to find a replacement or to make the necessary adjustments. The higher up you go in an organization, the bigger the notice you should give. 
• Mean it when you offer it. Plan to work as hard in those final two weeks as you did in your first two. It's hard but it's doable. You have to suck it up and grind it out. 
• Go out in a professional manner. Think about what's best for your career and go out with courtesy and grace. It will serve you well over time. Always protect your professional reputation and do it for your own self-interest. 
• The people who experience your departure will remember it, good or bad. Always be in a position where you don't have to avoid someone that you run into in public because of how you left the situation. Don't burn any bridges because references will be checked. 
• When initiating the conversation, go with what's comfortable for you. The more personal the better. Write your resignation letter, have it prepared, and then have the convo live so it's not drawn out.
• Don't offer criticism unless there's some benefit to it. Make sure it's not just for the sake of taking shots at someone or something. Feedback is valuable and really appreciated a lot of times when something can be done about it. 

On this episode of the Finding Career Zen podcast, special guest Margaret McAfee is here to share her journey to becoming an influencer. 

After college, Margaret spent a year in the retail industry before joining Pete at 4 Corner Resources as a recruiter. During those 7 years, Margaret’s determination and success were undeniable as she quickly moved up the ladder, first into sales and then into management. But Margaret’s life outside of work was also changing and after her third child she made the decision to move up north with her family full-time and become a stay-at-home mom.

When COVID hit shortly after, Margaret began to post about the renovations they were doing to their new home, publicly displaying the same work ethic that previously brought her professional success. One thing led to another as she gained a following on social media, having an opportunity to partner with brands while developing a reputation as a sought-after designer. Now, Margaret is taking things to an entirely new level by launching a new business, McAfee Home Designs. If history is any indication, we look forward to the success we know will follow!

For anyone interested in design or content creation, be sure to tune in to hear Margaret’s story and some excellent advice for how you can get started!

Advice for aspiring content creators:

• Put yourself out there. Don't hesitate or wait, and don't try to be perfect or great early. You have to evolve and put in the time. Figure out how to turn your passions into a career.
• Your age is not a limit, but experience, confidence, and knowledge are. You have to earn your credibility, it's not handed to you. Get out there and explore what you like and what you're passionate about. 
•  Be willing to put yourself out there publicly. Don't be afraid and avoid creating content for other people, put it out there because it's for you. If you're interested in it, whatever that thing is, there's probably a pretty big audience out there. Someone may learn something. 
• You have to grind. Put content out there for yourself because you like it, not because someone else did it. Don't try to emulate what someone else has done. It takes a lot of time and effort, and it's not as glamorous as it looks. 
• Be open to change and evolution because you never know where it could take you. You're creating your own path and essentially entering a new career in this world.