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

In this special episode, Patricia shares deeply personal insights into her faith journey, discussing the impact of prayer during tough times and how a leap of faith profoundly transformed her career. Addressing recent global and local tragedies, this segment aims to offer comfort and perspective through a spiritual lens.

Tune in further for a replay of a popular discussion on overcoming job interview nerves and mistakes.

01:11 The Power of Prayer

02:11 Personal Testimony and Career Journey

03:46 Faith and Business: Finding the Balance

19:16 Introduction to Viral Episode

19:49 Job Interview Obstacles: Overcoming Nerves and Anxiety

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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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Unsure whether or not you're actually being seen at work? In this episode, learn how to recognize when your boss is not advocating for your growth and what steps you can take to advocate for yourself. Highlight the importance of being clear on your career goals, communicating expectations with your boss, and using persuasive communication and marketing principles to make your achievements visible. Also emphasized here is the importance of managing up, understanding interpersonal dynamics, and creating a frictionless advocacy process to ensure your career progression.

00:22 Identifying Red Flags: Signs Your Boss Isn't Advocating for You

01:38 Building Visibility & Managing Expectations

06:21 Effective Communication: Making Your Wins Visible

09:09 Overcoming Resistance: Addressing Hesitations

12:46 Practical Tips: Elevator Pitches and Branding 

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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, discuss how to pursue career growth without damaging professional relationships. Learn strategies for transitioning between roles while maintaining healthy connections, and understand the importance of focusing on people rather than the organization. Tune in further to cover key principles such as expressing your intent to stay in touch, scheduling follow-ups, and providing value through strategic preparation.

00:54 Balancing Growth and Relationships

01:42 Setting Expectations for Career Advancement

02:23 Navigating Transitions with Grace, Focusing on What Matters

08:41 Practical Tips for Smooth Transitions

10:24 Investing in Your Future 

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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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Ever thought of mastering your career growth?

In this episode featuring Bryttani Graddick, learn strategies for becoming irreplaceable in your career amid the challenges posed by AI and globalization. Tune in to uncover her flywheel system comprising education, experience, engagement, and excellence, designed to help HR professionals and other career-focused individuals achieve sustained career growth. And lastly, know how to recognize the signs that it's time to elevate one's career, and the importance of internal versus external changes.

00:39 Recognizing the Need to Become Irreplaceable

03:59 Identifying Root Issues in Your Career

05:55 The Importance of Internal and External Changes

08:19 The HR Efficiency Pyramid

18:37 The Four E's Flywheel System

Bryttani Graddick is an HR Leadership Career Coach with a heart for serving others. As CEO & Founder of Talented Teams Consulting, LLC, she educates and empowers HR professionals to build their careers on purpose. She started her HR career as an unpaid intern and currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer in the credit union industry. In her executive role, she leads human resources and training/development.

As a lifelong learner, she understands the importance of building skills and abilities to prepare yourself for a fruitful career and positively impact those around you. Currently serving as an Instructor and Education Partner for SHRM, Bryttani believes in continuously building your skills to reach new heights personally and professionally.

When she’s not spending time with her husband, three kids, and family, she dedicates her time to helping other HR leaders fast-track their journeys to build more impact, influence, and income!

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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, consider the importance establishing a solid foundation before diving into a job search, especially for mid to senior-level professionals. Key elements are presented, such as gaining clarity on your target role and developing a unique brand. Learn the pitfalls of outdated job search methods and highlight the need for networking and relationship building. Additionally, dive into insights for avoiding over-optimization, staying high level, and overcoming perfectionism to ensure strategic progress during the job search and career transition process. 

00:00 Setting the Foundation for a Successful Job Search

00:51 Understanding the Importance of Branding

05:05 Four Key Strategies for Job Search Success

08:22 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Your Job Search

16:38 The Role of Feedback and Taking Action

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

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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You got the job you always wanted—so why, to some degree, do you feel unhappy?

In this episode, explore reasons behind this shift including interpersonal challenges, unmet expectations, and changes in job scope or management. Gain insights on whether to stay in the current role or seek a new position, emphasizing personal growth and self-coaching as strategies to overcome perceived challenges.

Lastly, tune in for advice on addressing resume concerns and reframing negative experiences as opportunities for development. 

00:32 The Honeymoon Phase and Reality Check

01:18 Exploring the Option to Stay

02:18 Reflecting on Job Search and Values

05:25 Understanding Environmental and Perception Issues

09:23 Self-Coaching, Perspective Shifts, 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, explore the concept of cognitive dissonance and its impact on decision-making and motivation. Understand how conflicting beliefs, values, and actions can lead to mental discomfort, procrastination, and inaction.

Learn why our brains often opt for the path of least resistance, and discover strategies for intentionally aligning actions with decisions to overcome internal conflicts.  

00:52 Understanding Cognitive Dissonance 

03:52 Intentional Choices and Overcoming Procrastination

05:00 Real-Life Scenarios and Solutions

09:27 Moving Toward Desire, Not Away from Fear

_________________________________________________________________

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, founder and CEO of Mac's List, Mac Prichard, joins the show to discuss the importance of networking for career advancement. He emphasizes that job seekers should always maintain a strong professional network, even while employed, due to the likelihood of changing jobs several times throughout their careers.

Learn about the hidden job market, and how many positions are filled through referrals rather than job boards. Discover key strategies for effective networking, including joining professional associations, attending conferences, volunteering, and engaging on LinkedIn.

00:30 The Importance of Networking

02:03 Understanding the Hidden Job Market

03:25 Networking Strategies and Tips

09:48 The Power of Volunteering

13:21 Attending Conferences for Networking

15:20 Taking Charge of Your Career

Mac is the Founder and CEO of Mac’s List, the Pacific Northwest’s go-to resource for job seekers who want meaningful, well-matched work. He’s dedicated to helping people find rewarding careers through practical advice, local job listings, and expert insights.

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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Explore the intricate link between work and personal identity in this segment, emphasizing how losing or changing a job can impact one's sense of self. Learn practical activities and reminders to help separate your identity from your job roles, equipping you with the confidence and tools needed to navigate job transitions.

Tune further to learn how to properly reflect on personal growth moments and internal validation, as well as leveraging freedom and agency during career transitions, and taking intentional time for self-reflection and skill development. 

01:04 Separating Work from Identity 

02:17 Rebuilding and Recognizing Your Value Beyond the Job

03:10 The Toolkit: Taking Your Skills With You

06:27 Strengthening Self-Confidence and Identity

09:30 Learning and Growing During Transitions

_________________________________________________________________

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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Struggling with leading with heart? Explore how leaders can maintain authority while leading with empathy in this episode. Learn the importance of striking a balance between being empathetic and making logical business decisions.

Key topics include understanding the emotional impact of business decisions, the role of trust and transparency, and practical strategies to incorporate empathy without compromising authority. Tune in further for real-life examples and actionable insights to help you navigate complex emotional dynamics in workplace settings as a leader.

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