The Uncommon Career: Job Search & Career Coaching for Mid-career Women

If the job market feels overwhelming right now, you’re not imagining it.

Layoffs, hundreds of applicants, AI tools everywhere...it’s enough to make you wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you need to start over.

In this episode, I’m walking you through three opportunities hiding inside today’s competitive job market. We’ll talk about why competition isn’t actually the biggest problem, how to use AI without losing your voice or value, and why applying to fewer roles (more intentionally) leads to better results.

If you’ve been applying, getting little traction, and feeling stuck or discouraged, this episode will help you see what’s really going on, and what to do differently next.

I'll share:

✔︎ Why the job market isn’t the reason you’re stuck

If you want to move your job search forward with more clarity and less second-guessing, this conversation will help you recalibrate.

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

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Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, explore the concept of unlearning silence with Elaine Lin Herring, a faculty member at Harvard Law and a bestselling author. Elaine discusses her book 'Unlearning Silence' and shares the toll of societal and personal expectations on our lives, particularly for women and immigrants. She delves into the importance of finding one's voice, understanding personal needs, and making intentional choices for a more aligned and fulfilling life.

Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she offers practical advice for overcoming self-doubt, utilizing our unique talents, and creating a life that's truly yours.

01:14 The Burden of Expectations & Breaking Free from the Past

07:41 Rediscovering Your Voice, the Power of Self-Expression

14:56 The Journey to Unlearn Silence

27:37 Navigating Life's Uncertainties & Embracing Possibilities Amidst Challenges

30:06 Reevaluating Career Paths & The Importance of Market Awareness

31:55 Balancing Gratitude and Ambition, Exploring New Opportunities

40:10 Strategic Silence and Intentional Choices

Elaine Lin Hering is a speaker, facilitator, and former Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She has worked on six continents and facilitated executive education at Harvard, Dartmouth, Tufts, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. She has served as the Advanced Training Director for the Harvard Mediation Program and a Managing Partner for a global leadership development firm.

She has worked with coal miners at BHP Billiton, micro-finance organizers in East Africa, mental health professionals in China, and senior leadership at the US Department of Commerce. Her clients include American Express, Chevron, Google, Nike, Novartis, PayPal, Pixar, and the Red Cross. She was named a Thinkers50 global management thinker to watch and is the author of the USA Today Bestselling book Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully (Penguin).

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

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.

.

.

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_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, Patricia highlights the critical importance of small details in job interviews and how mastering those can significantly affect the outcome. She shares a personal anecdote demonstrating how a simple 30-second oversight can have lasting consequences and applies this lesson to interview preparation. Patricia provides actionable advice on how to identify and leverage personal strengths by reflecting on past industries, experiences, skills, and unique qualifications. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for thorough preparation for responses, particularly the 'tell me about yourself' answer, and offers guidance for ensuring these answers highlight relevant strengths confidently and clearly. 

00:00 The 30-Second Interview Game Changer

01:51 Identifying Your Strengths

04:03 Crafting Your 'Tell Me About Yourself' Response

05:06 Practice Until You Can't Get It Wrong

06:04 Taking Action: Preparing for Your Interview

06:51 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

.

.

.

.

.

.

_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, Julianna and Patricia delve into the sensations and realities of feeling stuck, especially in one's career. They discuss common signs and symptoms of this stuckness, including the physical and mental manifestations during coaching sessions. The conversation covers the impact of procrastination, the power of coaching, and the importance of finding the right coach for your needs. Practical advice is offered on identifying and overcoming stuck points, ultimately aiming to guide listeners towards achieving their optimal performance.

00:33 Understanding the Feeling of Being Stuck

02:10 The Loop of Learning and Procrastination

04:08 Signs of Being Stuck

08:24 The Coaching Process and Overcoming Stuckness

29:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

.

.

.

.

.

.

_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, Patricia shares valuable advice on job searching, focusing on the importance of clarity, creating effective resumes, and writing authentic cover letters. The episode emphasizes learning from recent job seekers' experiences, the necessity of slowing down the application process to refine materials, and the significance of aligning resumes and cover letters with employer needs. Key highlights include avoiding 'chaos applying,' understanding the true meaning of authenticity, and the importance of tailoring resumes to solve hiring managers' problems. 

00:27 The Importance of Clarity in Job Search

02:58 Crafting an Authentic Cover Letter

05:33 Tailoring Your Resume for the Reader

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

.

.

.

.

.

.

_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, join career coaches Janine and Patricia have an insightful coffee chat about their personal journeys of leaving law and tenure to embrace new careers. They share the importance of redefining success, the challenges faced during transitions, and the strategies they've learned.

The conversation touches on entrepreneurship, mindset, and the unexpected growth that comes with making a significant career change. 

01:08 Janine's Journey from Law to Coaching

05:49 Patricia's Academic Background and Career Shift

09:54 Navigating Identity and Career Changes

23:43 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skills

25:19 Being the CEO of Your Career

26:58 Navigating Challenges and Mindset Shifts

Janine Esbrand is a career strategist & executive coach helping high-achieving professionals step into impactful leadership roles with clarity, intention, and strategy. A former corporate lawyer, she draws on a decade of legal experience and her Career Change Maker™ framework to guide emerging leaders toward roles that align with their strengths, values, and long-term goals—unlocking both personal fulfillment and organizational impact. 

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

.

.

.

.

.

.

_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, focus on the importance of networking in the job search process. Patricia shares insights about the inefficacy of submitting blind application as well as the debunked misconceptions about cold outreach. Lastly, learn how to begin managing hesitation and over-analysis, and the need to approach networking with a genuine connection rather than sales tactics. 

00:31 The Pitfalls of Blind Applications

02:44 Effective Networking Strategies

03:34 Overcoming Networking Hesitations

04:22 Common Networking Mistakes

07:51 Taking Action: Your Next Steps

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

.

.

.

.

.

.

_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, Patricia highlights common resume mistakes made by mid-level professionals, emphasizing the importance of measuring value over word count. Learn keys in transforming detailed job descriptions into value-packed stories that delineate specific outcomes and impacts. Lastly, learn how to translate and focus on results rather than tasks while using quantifiable proof and ensuring every word on the resume is purposeful. 

00:37 Why Resumes Fail

01:54 Crafting a Value-Packed Resume

04:43 Signs Your Resume Needs Improvement

11:38 Steps to Transform Your Resume

18:00 Making Your Resume Stand Out

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

.

.

.

.

.

.

_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, dive into the topic of assertiveness in communication. Highlight the importance of asserting oneself in both personal and professional settings without coming off as aggressive. Explore how individuals can overcome internal barriers and effectively communicate their boundaries and opinions. And lastly, gain insights into reframing their perspectives, using positive language, and building self-confidence to enhance their assertive communication skills.

00:28 Understanding Assertiveness in Communication

02:30 Client Stories and Real-Life Examples

04:42 Overcoming Hesitations and Self-Doubt

10:21 Practical Tips for Assertive Communication  

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

.

.

.

.

.

.

_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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In this episode, tune in for the importance of negotiating your salary and recognizing your value in the workplace. Guest Candyce Hunt shares her own experiences and introduces the VALUE framework (Value documentation, Assert clear boundaries, Loudly communicate, Unapologetically ask, and Evidence) to help you secure the pay you deserve.

Included are key signs to identify if you're undervaluing yourself, as well as practical steps to advocate for better compensation. Make your next step to being properly valued and compensated at work today.

00:45 Identifying the Career Clearance Track

02:59 Candyce's Personal Journey

05:12 Recognizing Limiting Behaviors

13:44 The Value Framework Explained

19:42 Practical Tips for Negotiation

31:25 Final Thoughts and Resources

Candyce is a Career Wellness Coach, Speaker, and Leadership Consultant with nearly 20 years of experience leading teams at Ross, Dollar General, WeWork, and Kohl’s. Her journey began as an 8-year-old choir director in Chicago, sparking a lifelong passion for influence, harmony, and growth. She helps professionals and organizations thrive through career strategy, leadership development, and business consulting. Candyce has partnered with Payscale, LA SHRM, ASHA, and The Vitamin Shoppe to drive impact through coaching and training. Her mission is to help people pivot with confidence and lead with clarity.

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Cut 3 months off your job search in 90 minutes (start here)

Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

Connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know you're from the podcast):

.

.

.

.

.

.

_____________________

Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian worldview. She believes excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

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