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

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

By Patricia Ortega | Christian | Career Coach | Brand StrategistBusinessReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf-ImprovementCareers
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The Uncommon Career: Job Search & Career Coaching for Mid-career Women episodes

  • 110. How to Structure and Draft Your Tell Me About Yourself Response

     

    Listen in for an in-depth guide to crafting a compelling answer to the common interview question, 'Tell me about yourself.' Learn the two-pronged approach to organizing your response: chronologically, from the initial spark of interest to the desired job, and structurally, from big picture to detailed anecdotes.

    Learn vital elements such as repeated name mention, sparking interest, aligning with the big picture, sharing career highlights like a movie trailer, and addressing potential questions and concerns. Lastly, the importance of ending with a memorable encompassing thought and positioning oneself within the hiring company.

    (Free template included below for download)

     

    We'll Talk About:
    • 00:28 Understanding the 'Tell Me About Yourself' Question

    • 01:01 Drafting Your Response: Step-by-Step Guide

    • 01:26 Organizing Your Response: Chronological and Big Picture

    • 03:00 Starting Strong: Introduce Yourself

    • 06:51 Crafting Your Career Story Preview

    • 10:16 Addressing Questions, Desires, and Concerns

    • 12:58 Concluding Your Response: Encompassing Thought and Positioning

       

      _________________________________________________________________

      Referenced Materials
      • Read and Listen to Episode #108 Here
      • Download the Template: Draft Your Tell Me About Yourself Response

      • Complementary Episodes
        • Read and Listen to Episode #106 Here
        • Read and Listen to Episode #114 Here
        • ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

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

          Create a clear brand & job search strategy that cuts 3 months off your search:
          https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive

           

           

          Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

          https://theuncommoncareer.com/process

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

          https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

          .

          .

          .

          .

          .

          .

          _____________________

          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.

           

           

           

           

           

           

          .

          23 min
        • 109. LinkedIn Action Steps to Get Seen & Hired Faster, with Giselle Moratin (2 of 3)

           

          This episode features Patricia Ortega with career expert Giselle Moratin in discussing essential tips for job seekers to enhance their LinkedIn profiles. Highlighting the significance of visibility settings, strategic keyword usage, and showcasing your portfolio and volunteer work, the discussion emphasizes the impact of a well-curated LinkedIn presence. Avoiding negative posts about recruiters or employers and focusing on professional branding are also covered.

          Learn to underscore the importance of storytelling through a compelling 'About' section and encourages the use of tools like video resumes and Loom videos to stand out in the job market. 

           

          Timestamps
          • 01:12 Standing Out in Today's Job Market

          • 02:28 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

          • 05:36 The Importance of Volunteering

          • 08:36 Personal Branding and Communication Skills

          • 15:06 Common LinkedIn Mistakes to Avoid

          • 21:56 The Power of a Video Resume 

             

            About Giselle

            Since 2002, Giselle has been driven by a love of guiding individuals through career transitions. It began with volunteering as a mentor at the Jobs Partnership of Florida, and in 2004, this passion led her to a Career Advisor role at DeVry University.


            While working in this capacity, Giselle pursued an MBA and subsequently spent the next two decades teaching career development principles. Now, with extensive experience in career development she helps educators in transitioning to corporate careers.

              

            Connect with Giselle
            • Connect with Giselle on LinkedIn:

              https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellemoratin/

              ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

              STEP 1: LEARN THE STRATEGY

              📥 Start with the Job Search Podcast Roadmap - the most popular episodes for every stage of your search:

              https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap

              📥 Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

              https://theuncommoncareer.com/process

               

              STEP 2: LET'S CONNECT

              💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional resources:

              https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/

              💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Leave a voice memo:

              https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask

               

              STEP 3: GET FOCUSED SUPPORT

              Ready for strategic support in your job search? Apply for coaching:

              https://theuncommoncareer.com/call

              Or start with The Career Brand & Strategy Intensive:

              https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive

               

               

               

               

               

              .

              .

              .

              .

              .

              .

              _____________________

              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, biblical worldview. She believe excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. She believes we are made in Christ, for His glory, and her aim is to help you land a role you feel you were quite literally "created for". Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

               

               

               

               

               

               

              .

               

              36 min
            • 108. 3 Steps to Strategize Your "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Response

               

              Delve into creating a compelling 'tell me about yourself' response to make a strong first impression in job interviews. Cover the importance of identifying the core problem you solve for potential employers and aligning your career history with the company's needs. Learn how to form a strategic response that highlights your strengths, accomplishments, and relevance to the job.

              Additionally, tune in for tips on anticipating and addressing hiring managers' questions and concerns to build trust and demonstrate your fit for the role. 

               

              We'll Talk About:
              • 00:56 Strategizing Your First Impression
              • 01:33 Targeting the Core Problem
              • 03:18 Identifying Key Goals and Outcomes
              • 03:50 Crafting Compelling Career Stories
              • 05:28 Anticipating Employer Questions and Concerns
              • 09:46 Addressing Ageism and Showcasing Your Value
              •  

                _________________________________________________________________

                Complementary Episodes
                • Listen to Episode #110 Here
                • ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

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

                  Create a clear brand & job search strategy that cuts 3 months off your search:
                  https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive

                   

                   

                  Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

                  https://theuncommoncareer.com/process

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

                  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                  .

                  .

                  .

                  .

                  .

                  .

                  _____________________

                  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.

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                  .

                  15 min
                • 107. High Pressure Work Environments: How to Manage, Diagnose and Respond to Them

                   

                  In this episode, Julianna and Patricia discuss handling high-pressure work environments. They explore external and internal pressures, offering insights on diagnosing burnout and finding solutions.

                  Tune in for advice on proactive communication with supervisors to manage expectations and workload redistribution. Highlighting healthy and unhealthy pressure and providing practical tips for maintaining well-being and sustainable work habits.

                   

                  This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.

                   

                  We'll talk about:
                  • 01:22 Diagnosing Burnout and Crisis
                  • 02:48 External vs. Internal Pressures
                  • 05:45 Strategies for Managing High Pressure
                  • 13:42 The Importance of Communication and Development
                  • 21:17 Recognizing Healthy vs. Unhealthy Pressure
                  •  

                    Elevated Leadership

                    Elevated Leadership is available on both The Uncommon Career Podcast and The Daring to Succeed Podcast.

                    Listen to the Daring to Succeed Podcast to get to know Julianna: https://www.jyycoaching.com/podcast/

                    Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliannayauyorgan/

                     

                    __________________________________________

                    Connect with Me
                    • Connect with me on LinkedIn

                    • From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist

                    • Click here to learn about coaching

                      34 min
                    • 106. The Confidence Killer: Why Smart People Freeze in Interviews

                       

                      In this episode, delve into the psychology of interview anxiety and provide actionable strategies to overcome it. Learn the common pitfalls of 'what if' thinking and how it impacts performance. Learn how to shift your focus from self-doubt to positive action, emphasizing perception, preparation, and brand development.

                      Discover how to acknowledge, articulate, internalize, and own your value for interview success. Additional tips include grounding techniques to manage in-the-moment nerves. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to job searching, this episode aims to build both your confidence and competence for your next interview.

                       

                      We'll Talk About:
                      • 00:20 Personal Experience with Interview Anxiety
                      • 02:43 The Impact of 'What If' Questions & Anxiety Control
                      • 06:56 Preparation and Confidence Building
                      • 09:58 Perception and Its Influence on Performance
                      • 11:46 Developing Your Personal Brand
                      •  

                        _________________________________________________________________

                        Complementary Episodes
                        • Read and Listen to Episode #110 Here
                        • Read and Listen to Episode #114 Here
                        • ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

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

                          Create a clear brand & job search strategy that cuts 3 months off your search:
                          https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive

                           

                           

                          Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

                          https://theuncommoncareer.com/process

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

                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                          .

                          .

                          .

                          .

                          .

                          .

                          _____________________

                          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.

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                          .

                          17 min
                        • 105. Making Networking Easy: How to Build Organic Relationships, with Giselle Moratin (1 of 3)

                           

                          Patricia Ortega welcomes career coach Giselle Moratin to discuss her journey from hospitality to career advising. Giselle shares her passion for helping educators transition to corporate roles and offers valuable networking strategies. 

                          In this episode, learn the importance of starting with familiar contacts, leveraging association board members, and maintaining connections through thank-you notes and resume sharing. 

                          Touch and learn keys to overcoming networking fears, the law of reciprocity, and strategic positioning to uncover hidden job opportunities.

                           

                          Timestamps
                          • 00:37 Guest Introduction: Giselle's Journey to Career Coaching

                          • 05:44 The Modern Approach to Networking

                          • 10:07 Effective Networking Strategies and Tips

                          • 15:52 The Power of Personal Connections

                             

                            About Giselle

                            Since 2002, Giselle has been driven by a love of guiding individuals through career transitions. It began with volunteering as a mentor at the Jobs Partnership of Florida, and in 2004, this passion led her to a Career Advisor role at DeVry University.


                            While working in this capacity, Giselle pursued an MBA and subsequently spent the next two decades teaching career development principles. Now, with extensive experience in career development she helps educators in transitioning to corporate careers.

                              

                            Connect with Giselle
                            • Connect with Giselle on LinkedIn:

                              https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellemoratin/

                                 _________________________________________________________________

                              Connect with Me
                              • Connect with me on LinkedIn
                              • From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist

                              • Click here to learn about coaching

                                33 min
                              • 104. You've Applied to 100+ Jobs and... Nothing. Troubleshooting Your Job Search

                                 

                                In this episode, learn the critical mindset shift needed for an effective job search in today's challenging market. Explore the importance of focusing on controllable factors and identifying opportunities in any economic downturn.

                                Key strategies include effective networking, targeted applications, and communication skills during interviews. Practical tips cover how to optimize your resume, LinkedIn profile, and how to frame conversations to demonstrate value to potential employers.

                                For those seeking personalized support, the episode offers insights into how a structured approach can streamline your job search process.

                                 

                                We'll Talk About:
                                • 01:21 Controlling What You Can
                                • 03:03 Finding Opportunities in a Downturn
                                • 04:52 Building and Reviewing Your Job Search Pipeline
                                • 06:21 Networking Strategies
                                • 09:03 Application Tips and Tricks
                                • 14:16 Acing the Interview 
                                •  

                                  _________________________________________________________________

                                  Connect with Me
                                  • Connect with me on LinkedIn

                                  • From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist

                                  • Click here to learn about coaching

                                     

                                    23 min
                                  • 103. Are You Burning Out? Assess and Prevent Work/Job Search Burnout

                                     

                                    In this enlightening episode, delve deep into the complexities of burnout, debunk common myths, and explore its various forms with burnout expert Lydia. Providing a comprehensive overview of burnout's 'big three' symptoms—exhaustion, lack of confidence, and cynicism. Learn the impact of burnout on job searches, the signs of entering crisis mode, and the differences between internal and external causes.

                                    Lydia introduces practical strategies like job crafting and the importance of mental detachment, alongside a holistic approach that emphasizes work-life balance. Tune in to learn how to navigate burnout, reclaim your energy, and enhance your overall well-being. 

                                     

                                    Timestamps
                                    • 00:52 Understanding Burnout: The Big Three

                                    • 02:48 Common Signs and Types of Burnout

                                    • 09:49 Internal vs. External Factors of Burnout

                                    • 15:45 Job Crafting: Making Your Current Job Better

                                    • 20:56 Holistic Approach to Burnout

                                    • 23:34 Mental Detachment and Work-Life Boundaries

                                       

                                      About Lydia

                                      Lydia Johnson, MS, is a dual-certified coach with a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology—the study of careers and work. An expert in evidence-based tools and psychological research, she helps professionals improve their lives at work with proven strategies.

                                      Lydia’s mission is to support ultra-busy professionals who are tired of constant stress in building fulfilling and sustainable careers. She empowers them to create success on their own terms—leaving space for themselves, their passions, and their families.

                                       

                                      Connect with Lydia:
                                      • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiafjohnson/
                                      • Website: https://thriveculturecoaching.com/
                                      •    _________________________________________________________________

                                        Connect with Me
                                        • Connect with me on LinkedIn:

                                        • From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist

                                        • Click here to learn about coaching

                                          36 min
                                        • 102. Three Career Essentials You Need to Succeed in Today’s Job Market, with Jamila Brown

                                           

                                          In this episode, Patricia and Jamila discusses the importance of personal branding, emphasizing the compounding effect of investing in oneself. They highlight the shift in the job market dynamics and how individuals can use this to their advantage to stand out. Learn strategies for optimizing resumes and LinkedIn profiles to attract opportunities and impress hiring managers.

                                           

                                          Timestamps
                                          • 01:50 Avoiding the Commodity Trap
                                          • 07:45 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Success
                                          • 15:09 Anticipating Employer Needs
                                          • 28:20 The Importance of Believing in Your Value
                                          • 32:17 Investing in Yourself for Long-Term Benefits
                                          •  
                                            About Jamila Brown

                                            Jamila is a former athlete and collegiate coach turned corporate professional and now coach/consultant, with a mission to empower professionals to take control of their careers. As a servant leader, Jamila is passionate about sharing career hacks that can change the trajectory of careers and compensation, enabling individuals to confidently draft and execute their personal blueprints.

                                            With expertise in leadership development, team building, investment research, content design, and a proven track record as a Regional Director of Operations, Jamila has partnered with some of the world's largest retailers, including Champs Sports, Walmart Inc., Ross Stores Inc., and Dollar General. Additionally, Jamila has consulted with numerous organizations and individuals on branding, content, and leadership development, including through the 5 Minute Career Hack.

                                             

                                            Jamila is eager to continue learning from others’ career journeys while sharing the invaluable lessons gathered throughout their personal and professional experiences.

                                             

                                            Jamila's First Guest Episode:

                                            https://www.theuncommoncareer.com/blog/podcast94-defining-your-value-and-career-confidence

                                             

                                            Connect with Jamila on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/jamilabrownlinkedin

                                             

                                            ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

                                            STEP 1: LEARN THE STRATEGY

                                            📥 Start with the Job Search Podcast Roadmap - the most popular episodes for every stage of your search:

                                            https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap

                                            📥 Learn our 5-step job search strategy:

                                            https://theuncommoncareer.com/process

                                             

                                            STEP 2: LET'S CONNECT

                                            💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional resources:

                                            https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/

                                            💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Leave a voice memo:

                                            https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask

                                             

                                            STEP 3: GET FOCUSED SUPPORT

                                            Ready for strategic support in your job search? Apply for coaching:

                                            https://theuncommoncareer.com/call

                                            Or start with The Career Brand & Strategy Intensive:

                                            https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                            .

                                            .

                                            .

                                            .

                                            .

                                            .

                                            _____________________

                                            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, biblical worldview. She believe excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. She believes we are made in Christ, for His glory, and her aim is to help you land a role you feel you were quite literally "created for". Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                            .

                                            37 min
                                          • 101. Office Politics: When You're Close to the Boss's Boss

                                             

                                            Julianna and Patricia dive into managing complex relationships within workplace hierarchies. They discuss the delicate dynamics of having a strong connection with a boss's boss while maintaining trust and communication with your direct manager.

                                            Tips include setting boundaries on how publicly the relationship is displayed, being mindful of assumptions, and strategies for fostering open communication. Learn how to assess workplace culture and motives to ensure ethical behavior as well as to cover steps to take if the situation escalates into conflict.

                                             

                                            This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.

                                             

                                            We'll talk about:
                                            • 00:39 Navigating Relationships with Your Boss's Boss
                                            • 02:53 Understanding Your Boss's Perspective
                                            • 03:56 Effective Communication Strategies
                                            • 06:46 Balancing Relationships and Avoiding Favoritism
                                            • 13:33 Handling Escalating Situations
                                            •  

                                              Elevated Leadership

                                              Elevated Leadership is available on both The Uncommon Career Podcast and The Daring to Succeed Podcast.

                                              Listen to the Daring to Succeed Podcast to get to know Julianna: https://www.jyycoaching.com/podcast/

                                              Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliannayauyorgan/

                                               

                                              __________________________________________

                                              Connect with Me
                                              • Connect with me on LinkedIn

                                              • From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist

                                              • Click here to learn about coaching

                                                22 min

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

                                              From the publisher's feed

                                              Are you tweaking your resume… again? Position your brand message and eliminate your job search blind spots to land roles and compensation that reflect your actual value. 

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