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If you’re in the middle of a job search and feeling frustrated by the lack of responses, this episode is a must-listen. Today, I’m joined by Chris Bond, who candidly shares the data from his six-month job search in 2025. His story sheds light on what’s working, and what’s not, in today’s competitive mid-career job market.

Chris applied for 125 positions and achieved a 50% personalized response rate and a 10% interview rate. These are numbers that far exceed typical job search expectations!

In our conversation, he explains the strategies behind these results, including:

• Why tailoring your applications to targeted roles is more effective than applying everywhere
• How he optimized his resume to pass AI screening tools and land more interviews
• The importance of following up (and how to do it without feeling pushy)
• Why in-person job opportunities turned out to be more successful than remote roles
• How powerful “I help” statements transformed his interview performance.

Chris also emphasizes the importance of being clear about your non-negotiables and how to confidently communicate your value in interviews. His story is a roadmap for mid-career professionals who are tired of spinning their wheels and ready to take a more strategic approach.

Whether you’re actively searching for a new role or simply considering your next move, this episode will help you navigate the complexities of today’s job market with clarity, persistence, and confidence.

Connect with Chris Bond on LinkedIn by clicking here. 

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

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Are you tired of sending out job applications and hearing nothing back? Wondering if you’re overqualified or not qualified enough? If you’re a mid-career professional struggling in today’s competitive and employer-driven job market, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I’m answering some of the most common and most frustrating questions I hear from clients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s navigating a job search or career transition.

You’ll learn how to position yourself for roles you may not meet every qualification for, how to communicate leadership even if you don’t have a management title, and how to know when it’s really time to leave a job that’s no longer working. We’ll also talk about the emotional toll of job searching and how to maintain confidence, even when the rejections pile up.

If you’re ready to make a strategic shift and get results in your job search, this episode offers practical, proven advice to help you regain control and take your next best step forward.

Key Topics Covered:

• ✅ How to stand out in a competitive job market by communicating your value and overcoming common hiring objections
• ✅ Why you don’t need to meet 100% of job qualifications and how to know which jobs are worth applying for
• ✅ Practical strategies for showcasing leadership when you’re not in a formal leadership role
• ✅ The right time to leave a job and how to evaluate the risks and rewards
• ✅ Tools to manage rejection, track your progress, and stay confident during your search
• ✅ How to pivot industries at mid-career by telling a compelling, transferable career story

Resources Mentioned:

Free Download
Why Your Mid-Career Job Search Isn’t Working and What to Do About It

This free guide will help you rethink your job search strategy, boost your confidence, and start getting better results faster. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to download it.

Next Week’s Episode Preview:
Don’t miss a special episode where a former client shares their inspiring job search success story, including how they landed a new role in this tough job market.

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

In 2025’s rapidly shifting workplace, women leaders face a unique set of challenges: staff cutbacks, fewer advancement opportunities, and the persistent shadow of imposter syndrome. For mid-career professionals, the pressure to remain visible, relevant, and confident has never been higher.

In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral sits down with Michelle Myers, a veteran leader at Women’s Leadership Today with over 20 years of experience developing women leaders, to explore how authenticity, adaptability, and strategic personal branding can fuel career growth at any stage.

Michelle demonstrates how continuous learning and mutual adaptation between leader and organization can lead to long-term career success.

Whether you’re navigating leadership visibility in a hybrid workplace, refining your professional brand, or battling the quiet creep of invisibility in your career, Michelle offers practical, actionable strategies to help you shine.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The new leadership reality for women in 2025 and how to adapt to fewer opportunities and shifting workplace dynamics
• Why personal branding matters and how to make it about authenticity and clarity, not ego
• How to conquer imposter syndrome so you can confidently articulate your value
• Visibility tactics that work from optimizing your LinkedIn headline to volunteering for high-profile projects
• Conducting a skills gap analysis to identify the competencies you need for your next role
• The power of feedback and vulnerability in building trust and uncovering blind spots
• How male allies can support women leaders by amplifying their visibility and listening with authenticity
• The ABCV Framework: Authenticity, Brand, Clarity, and Value, the roadmap for sustaining leadership success

Resources & Links:

• Click here to learn more about Michelle’s work at Women's Leadership Today
• Connect with Michelle Myers, MBA, on LinkedIn

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

If you’re a mid-career professional feeling stuck in your job, the thought of “networking” might make you cringe. Maybe it feels transactional, forced, or just plain awkward. But when networking is done “right,” it doesn’t feel like networking at all. In fact, it can be fun and energizing.

In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral shows you how to transform networking from an uncomfortable chore into a natural, ongoing part of your career development. You’ll learn how to approach networking as relationship building, so it feels authentic, valuable, and mutually beneficial.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why networking is really about cultivating genuine, long-term professional relationships
• How to create a unique professional value statement that clearly communicates who you help and how you help them
• Why you should leverage your existing network before trying to meet new people
• The art of the informational interview—and how one powerful question can open unexpected doors
• Why “give before you ask” is the mindset shift that changes everything
• How to use LinkedIn effectively without posting constantly (hint: engagement matters more)
• Why only 4% of LinkedIn users post regularly—and how to stand out through thoughtful interaction

Whether you’re job searching, looking for a promotion, or simply investing in your professional future, these strategies will help you network in a way that feels natural—and works.

Resources & Next Steps:

• Get a LinkedIn Profile Audit for just $50: johnneral.com/resources
• Join the Mid-Career GPS Membership Community for ongoing career development support: johnneral.com/membership

Keywords for SEO: mid-career networking tips, how to network without being awkward, authentic networking strategies, mid-career job search tips, LinkedIn networking for professionals, professional relationship building, networking advice for managers, career clarity mid-career, informational interviews, job search networking strategies

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

Are you tempted by the bold career promises flooding your social media feed like “land your dream job in 30 days” or “double your income using AI”? 

For mid-career professionals navigating job dissatisfaction, these flashy shortcuts can feel like a lifeline. But the truth? Real career growth isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about strategy, self-awareness, and intentional planning.

In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, host John Neral breaks down the dangers of one-size-fits-all job search solutions and why they often fail professionals with 15–25 years of experience. 

You’ll learn:

• Why plug-and-play templates and AI-generated shortcuts don’t serve mid-level professionals
• The three red flags to watch for in career marketing and online job search tools
• What a realistic timeline looks like for a mid-career job search (Hint: It’s 3–6 months, not 30 days.)
• Why your 30s and 40s are critical wealth-building years and how your next career move can set the foundation for future success
• How to use John’s Four F Framework (Fit, Function, Finance, Forward) to gain clarity and make confident career decisions
• What to look for in a career coach or program when you’re ready to move beyond band-aid solutions

This episode is a must-listen if you’re tired of career advice that doesn’t speak to your stage of life, values, and leadership responsibilities. You deserve more than a quick fix. You deserve a strategy tailored to your goals and your experience.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Guide: Why Your Mid-Career Job Search Isn’t Working (And What to Do About It)
• Coaching Options: Email John directly at [email protected]

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

Ever wondered if ChatGPT, or any AI tool, could just write your cover letter for you? You’re not alone. With today’s competitive job market and the pressure to stand out, many mid-career professionals are turning to AI to help speed up their application process. But here’s the truth: while AI can be a helpful tool, it’s not a shortcut to getting hired.

In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral explores five essential strategies to help you use AI effectively without losing your voice. You’ll learn when cover letters still matter, how to use AI to support (not replace) your message, and why authenticity is still the most powerful factor in your job search.

If you're a mid-career professional in your 30s, 40s, or 50s who feels stuck, undervalued, or uncertain about your next step, this episode offers guidance, clarity, and actionable tips to help you move forward.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• When cover letters are still expected and why they matter
• How AI can support your writing, but not be the final voice
• Why overly polished, generic letters can harm your chances
• The difference between amplifying your voice vs. outsourcing it
• How to use AI ethically and transparently in the job search process
• Why self-reflection is still key to creating an effective application

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
🎯 FREE GUIDE + VIDEO: "Why Your Mid-Career Job Search Isn’t Working (and What to Do About It)"
Get your step-by-step guide and 20-minute video to help you build a smarter, more strategic job search. Visit johnneral.com/resources to download it today.

IDEAL FOR:
Mid-career professionals, ages 35–55, who are navigating a challenging job search, exploring new opportunities, or struggling to articulate their value in a competitive market.

KEYWORDS FOR SEO:
AI cover letter writing, ChatGPT job search, mid-career job seekers, cover letter tips, job application help, career clarity, authentic job search, resume and cover letter, using AI for job search, writing help for professionals

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

Are you a mid-career professional wondering what legacy you’re leaving behind at work?

In today’s competitive job market, career clarity and leadership presence matter more than ever. This episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast offers a powerful reflection on how to take ownership of your professional development and grow into the impactful leader you’re meant to be.

Fresh off coaching at the NextUp Rising Stars Conference, John Neral shares key takeaways that will help you lead with intention and purpose—no matter your current title. From setting healthy boundaries to making bold “edge moves” outside your comfort zone, these insights will challenge how you think about your career trajectory and legacy.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your job, unsure of your next move, or ready to lead with greater confidence, this episode gives you practical strategies to grow, influence, and lead more authentically.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why your leadership legacy starts now—not at retirement
• The crucial difference between boundaries and requests (and why it matters)
• How to make "edge moves" that promote growth and stretch your leadership capacity
• What it takes to shift from being a tactical worker to a strategic leader
• Why professional development is your responsibility, not your employer’s
• How to maintain momentum and accountability after a conference or learning event
• The #1 reason how you show up matters more than what you accomplish

Free Resource to Accelerate Your Growth:

👉 Download John’s free guide: “Why Your Mid-Career Job Search Isn’t Working (and What to Do About It)”

Start building a smarter, faster, and more confident job search strategy today:
 johnneral.com/resources

Listen Now If You’re:

• A mid-career professional stuck in a role with no growth
• Ready to step into a more strategic leadership identity
• Tired of waiting for your employer to invest in your development
• Curious about how to make a lasting impact at work

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

If you're a mid-career professional wondering why your LinkedIn profile isn’t attracting recruiters, the issue might be hiding in plain sight—your About section. In this actionable episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral shares a step-by-step guide to transforming your LinkedIn About section to boost visibility, stand out in search results, and attract career opportunities—even in a tough job market.

John walks you through how to write a compelling unique professional value statement, build your strategic career story using SEO keywords, and format your content for maximum readability on desktop and mobile. Plus, learn how to quantify your impact with clear metrics that grab attention from hiring managers and how to add just the right touch of personality to your profile.

You’ll also hear expert tips on how to responsibly use AI writing tools like ChatGPT without sounding robotic and why details like punctuation and tone matter more than ever.

Whether you’re actively job searching or simply want to get noticed more in your current role, this episode will help you turn your LinkedIn About section into a 24/7 career magnet.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to craft a strong "unique professional value statement" that sets you apart
✅ The biggest mistakes mid-career professionals make in their LinkedIn About section
✅ SEO tips to help you show up in recruiter searches
✅ Why formatting matters—and how to structure your About section for readability
✅ How to quantify your achievements to build credibility fast
✅ Smart ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT without sounding like a robot
✅ Why including a personal touch can be a game-changer in attracting attention

Links & Resources:
🔗 Get your LinkedIn Profile Audit for $50 at johnneral.com/resources
📩 Want more help with your job search or career clarity? Join John’s newsletter for exclusive tips by clicking here.
 🎧 Share this episode with a colleague who needs to revamp their LinkedIn profile

Keywords (for SEO):
LinkedIn About section tips, LinkedIn profile optimization, mid-career professionals job search, get noticed by recruiters, optimize LinkedIn for job search, LinkedIn career branding, LinkedIn SEO keywords, AI LinkedIn

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

If you’ve ever cringed at the sound of your own voice during a Zoom call or playback, you’re not alone. But what if your voice was the key to getting promoted, speaking with more confidence, or finally being seen as a leader?

In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, BBC-trained executive voice coach David Pope joins John Neral for a transformative conversation about how your voice impacts your leadership brand, career growth, and personal confidence.

With a client list that includes CEOs, TEDx speakers, and professionals worldwide, David breaks down the science behind vocal perception and how people make snap judgments about your competence and executive presence based on how you sound.

You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to sound more confident in interviews, meetings, and presentations—even if you're feeling nervous inside.

Tune in to learn:

• Why mid-career professionals must pay attention to their voice in today’s competitive job market
• The psychological impact of how we sound—and why it affects hiring and promotion decisions
• How to project authentic gravitas without faking a deeper or “stronger” voice
• The real reason we hate hearing ourselves recorded—and how to get over it
• How vocal variety, pace, and strategic pauses can dramatically increase your impact
• A practical voice training toolkit: posture, diaphragmatic breathing, pitch control, and articulation
• Why slowing down helps you own the room and lead with authority
• A powerful success story of a job seeker who used voice coaching to land her dream role
• How to build a “virtuous circle” of speaking confidence and positive feedback
• The deep connection between your voice, self-worth, and career clarity

Whether you're preparing for a big interview, looking to get promoted, or want to show up with more confidence in your current role, this episode gives you the tools to speak like the leader you already are.

Connect with David Pope

Free Public Speaking Bundle | LinkedIn | W

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

Do you feel like something’s off at work?

Maybe you’ve been left out of meetings, your responsibilities are shrinking, or you're questioning if AI might eventually replace your role.

You're not alone and you're not powerless.

In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, career coach John Neral tackles the rising wave of career insecurity among mid-level professionals. Whether your company is reorganizing, you’ve received a “we need to talk” message, or you're just uneasy in this market, this episode helps you shift from fear to focus.

You’ll learn three practical strategies to regain control of your career—and your confidence—before someone else does.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to spot real warning signs your job may be at risk (and how to avoid overreacting)
• The truth about fear vs. facts and why your feelings might not reflect reality
• How to inventory your professional value with metrics, achievements, and colleague testimonials
• Why your LinkedIn profile and resume must reflect your next move, not your last one
• How to create a “career insurance policy” through intentional networking and skills assessment
• The one powerful networking question that opens unexpected doors: “Who else should I be speaking to?”
• How to reframe job insecurity as an opportunity to pivot into something better aligned with your potential

Next Steps for Mid-Career Professionals:

👉 Visit johnneral.com to explore free resources, digital guides, and the Mid-Career GPS Membership Community for coaching and support. Learn more about joining the membership: johnneral.com/membership

Support the show

Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to:

• Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter
• Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career
• Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community.
  

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.