Fake recruiters. Phony resume "fixes." Learn how to protect yourself from a rising scam that's catching even the smartest job seekers off guard.

Scams targeting job seekers are getting more sophisticated and more personal. In this solo episode, Diana Alt exposes the latest trend in fake recruiter scams designed to exploit your job search anxiety. From LinkedIn messages to fake ATS feedback, she walks through how the scam works, red flags to watch for, and what ethical resume support really looks like.

Whether you've already been targeted or just want to protect yourself, this episode offers practical advice for staying safe and smart during your search.

• How fake recruiters lure job seekers with phony feedback

• The real psychology behind why smart people fall for scams

• Red flags to watch for in resume "optimization" offers

• What ethical resume writers and recruiters actually do

• How to respond and recover if you've already been scammed

⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro – Job seekers are getting scammed 01:27 How the scam works 03:30 The psychology of pricing and urgency 05:52 Why the recruiter's role is so deceptive 07:20 ATS anxiety and fear-based decision making 10:30 Resume critique red flags 13:10 Thin LinkedIn and Fiverr profiles 15:03 Reverse image search and fake headshots 16:33 What to do if you've been targeted 18:29 Ethical practices of real recruiters and resume writers 21:46 Final thoughts – Trust your gut and pause

💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away from your job? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt

Burned out or misaligned at work? Here's how a break could change everything. What if taking a break from your career wasn't a setback, but a strategic step forward? In this episode, Katrina McGhee, career break coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joins Diana to explore how to plan, fund, and return from a career break with clarity and confidence. From burnout to intentional reinvention, Katrina shares powerful insights from her own 20-month break and the 200+ clients she's helped since. If you're craving change but unsure how to make space for it, this episode is your permission slip.

• Katrina's path from actuary to world traveler to career break coach

• How burnout, betrayal, and blossoming reveal the need for a break

• What a "career break" actually looks like (hint: it's not a gap year)

• How to plan, fund, and protect your break

• Strategies for reentering the workforce confidently

⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:22 How Katrina and Diana connected 02:31 Katrina's journey from math major to career break expert 06:03 The misalignment that led to her 20-month break 08:30 Breaking down the "Three B's" model: Burnout, Betrayal, and Blossom 13:40 Understanding self-betrayal and its impact 17:04 Using a break for discovery, not just recovery 20:53 Preventing career jumping vs. intentional pivots 24:37 How the job market shift has changed break dynamics 26:35 Talking about your break without sabotaging your story 30:58 What reentry actually looks like — and how long it takes 36:00 Katrina's job search post-break (and 5 offers in 5 weeks) 40:55 Internal vs. external narratives during reentry 43:38 Common mistakes: rest guilt, reentry panic, and LinkedIn doomscrolling

💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away from your job? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Katrina McGhee 🌐 Website → https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcghee-katrina/

📲 Follow Me On Social Media LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

Want to follow through on your New Year's goals instead of fizzling out by February? Diana breaks down exactly why most resolutions fail and how to turn your intentions into real progress.

In this solo episode, she shares three common mistakes that sabotage follow-through and how to avoid them with a better approach to planning, prioritization, and progress tracking.

Whether you're building healthier habits or launching something new in your business, this episode will help you set goals that actually stick.

• Why resolutions often fail by February

• The "boiling the ocean" trap and how to escape it

• How to select the right goals for your current season

• Turning vague intentions into measurable plans

• The importance of evaluating progress—and celebrating wins

⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:26 Why good intentions fall apart 03:24 Mistake #1: Trying to change everything at once 07:20 Focus vs. quitting – the mindset shift 09:26 Mistake #2: No concrete plan 12:54 Defining what success looks like 14:41 Mistake #3: Not assessing or celebrating progress 17:42 Simple ways to review and reward your efforts 19:56 Final thoughts and encouragement

💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt

In this conversation, Gina and Diana dive deep into the Career Velocity™ system Gina developed after years of experience in executive search and career coaching. Together, they bust outdated job search myths and show why checking all the boxes on a job posting still won't guarantee an interview, let alone a job offer.

You'll learn the difference between being qualified and being compelling, why resumes are not the first step in a successful search, and how a strong unique value proposition (UVP) can change your entire career trajectory. Gina shares advice for leaders and job seekers of all ages, including how Gen Zers can stand out with more than just a degree.

If you're tired of applying online and getting nowhere, this episode will rewire how you approach the search.

⏳ Timestamps: 02:15 Why "qualified" doesn't mean "hired" 05:40 The Career Velocity™ model overview 10:20 How Gina's son leveraged UVP and UMAP as a Gen Z job seeker 16:30 Frameworks that transform informational interviews into strategy 20:15 Ditching the elevator pitch, what to say instead 24:45 Tell your story: The 3/3 method for "Tell me about yourself" 30:00 Using values and motivators to make better job decisions 36:10 Thought leadership beyond LinkedIn 42:00 Metrics that actually matter in a job search 49:00 Navigating the "AI Doom Loop" in 2025 53:00 Lightning round: worst advice, best habits, biggest mindset shifts

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Gina Riley 🌐 Gina Riley Consulting → https://ginarileyconsulting.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/ 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) → https://x.com/atginariley📚 Buy Qualified Isn't Enough on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Qualified-Isnt-Enough-Develop-Interview/dp/B0F7WP4TXV

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #JobSearchTips #ExecutiveCareer #ThoughtLeadership #UMAP #UniqueValueProposition #ResumeTips

Are you actually resting… or just numbing out? As the year winds down and exhaustion sets in, it's easy to blur the line between real rest and quiet avoidance. In this solo episode, Diana breaks down how to tell the difference and why noticing it matters as you move into the new year.

Diana explores why so many of us feel depleted at the end of the year, even when we finally slow down. She explains how rest is intentional and capacity-building, while avoidance is often reactive and numbing even when it looks relaxing on the surface.

You'll hear practical examples of how everyday activities like reading, watching TV, or scrolling can either restore you or drain you, depending on your intention. This episode isn't about judging yourself or fixing your life, it's about noticing what truly fills you up so you can move forward with more clarity and less pressure.

⏳ Timestamps 01:26 Why rest feels urgent at the end of the year 02:28 What real rest actually is 03:28 How avoidance shows up (and why it feels tempting) 05:48 Rest restores, avoidance numbs 06:53 How the same activity can be rest or avoidance 08:55 Why avoidance spikes during the holidays 11:07 Why avoidance isn't a character flaw 11:51 The risk of ending your break more exhausted than you started 13:43 What noticing restoration vs. depletion teaches you 14:32 What's coming next on the podcast

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #BurnoutRecovery #CareerReflection

What does it take to lead 500+ people, grow a thriving program, and still prioritize personal growth? Leslie Weaver has the answers and she's sharing her powerful, practical insights with us today.

In this inspiring conversation, Leslie Weaver, Program Manager of before and after school programs for one of Tennessee's top school districts, shares how she leads with purpose, models growth from the top down, and creates a culture of care and excellence.

We talk about her journey from coaching gymnastics and working in retail, to thriving in education leadership. Leslie reveals how she helps her team feel seen, heard, and supported, even in high-turnover environments. You'll hear how she builds leaders from the inside out, the tools that reignited her spark during burnout, and why "leading yourself well" is the foundation for everything else.

Expect honest stories, real leadership wisdom, and practical strategies, plus how Leslie tackles "time confetti" and keeps her people aligned, inspired, and growing.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:14 Leading 500+ staff and navigating public education systems 03:53 When Leslie first noticed her leadership tendencies 06:13 Career journey: From retail to Girl Scouts to education 09:14 Building more than just child care creating enrichment 10:35 Engaging parents, growing programs, and earning trust 13:20 Reducing turnover and building a mission-driven culture 15:36 Why leading yourself is the foundation for leadership 17:06 Recovering from burnout and the power of modeling behavior 21:27 Goal-setting, reflection, and building intentional habits 23:17 How Leslie stays inspired and focused on growth

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Leslie Weaver 🔗 LinkedIn → http://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliepweaver

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #LeadershipDevelopment #BurnoutRecovery #WomenInLeadership #LeadYourselfFirst #ChildCareLeadership #CliftonStrengths

Laid off? You're not alone. Here's what's actually changed in 25 years and what hasn't.

In this solo episode, Diana shares the powerful story of her first layoff experience in 2000, which just so happened to fall on her 26th birthday, the very same day the Supreme Court ended the Bush v. Gore recount. With vulnerability and wisdom, she reflects on how layoffs felt then, what she sees now as a coach working with professionals every day, and what's stayed consistent despite a changing job market.

You'll hear why layoffs still shake people's sense of identity, how stigma around layoffs has evolved, and why clarity, curiosity, and connection are still the most reliable ways to bounce back faster. If you've ever been laid off (or are worried you might be), this one's for you.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:16 The story of Diana's first layoff 02:30 Early signs of the dot-com bubble wobble 04:19 The emotional toll of being laid off 05:57 Identity, self-worth, and career shakeups 07:27 Shame, fear, and grief in the aftermath 09:00 What actually helps you land faster 10:51 The stigma shift: Layoffs in 2000 vs. 2025 12:34 The rise of layoff visibility, social media, and doomscrolling 14:33 Why psychological pressure feels heavier now

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerResilience #WorkShouldFeelGood #Layoffs #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #MindsetMatters #CareerGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #RecessionReady

Are your high standards helping or hurting you at work? Let's unpack the real cost of perfectionism.

Dr. Greg Chasson joins Diana for an eye-opening conversation on how perfectionism shows up in the workplace and what leaders and individuals can do about it. A licensed clinical psychologist, professor, and expert in OCD and related disorders, Greg breaks down how perfectionism isn't just about wanting things to be "right"it's often a barrier to progress, innovation, and well-being. Whether you're a leader, a team member, or just tired of beating yourself up for not being "perfect," this episode will give you the mindset and practical insight to create a healthier relationship with achievement.

⏳ Timestamps: 04:44 The Seth Godin book blurb story 06:00 Childhood roots of perfectionism 10:13 Compulsive vs. impulsive behavior 12:00 How OCD and perfectionism intersect 15:29 Perfectionism vs. the pursuit of excellence 19:02 Workplace examples of rigid goals 21:46 Cognitive rigidity and burnout 22:58 Strengths and struggles of perfectionists 25:04 Impact on team culture and leadership 30:12 How to overcome perfectionism and reclaim flexibility

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Dr. Greg Chasson 🌐 Website → https://www.gregchasson.com🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregchasson 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/DrChasson/ 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) → https://x.com/GregChasson📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gregorychasson/ 📚 Check out his book Flawed: Why Perfectionism is a Challenge for Management → https://www.amazon.com/Flawed-Why-Perfectionism-Challenge-Management/dp/B0CY3GVD81

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #Perfectionism #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAtWork #OCD #Psychology #PersonalGrowth

Brain tumor, business challenges, and deep clarity. Diana gets real about the chaos that reshaped her 2025.

This first-ever Thanksgiving episode isn't a gratitude list. It's a raw, personal story of what happens when life derails your plans. Diana shares how an unexpected brain tumor and subsequent recovery forced her to rethink support, vulnerability, and her own worth. From discovering who she could count on, to choosing joy and experiences (like Hamilton in NYC), this episode is a masterclass in reclaiming your voice, your energy, and your no white-knuckling required.

If you're navigating burnout, life transitions, or big decisions, this one's for you.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:36 "Pete" the brain tumor and unexpected surgery 03:40 The "three oh sh*t" moments: identity, finances, and support 06:44 Who showed up: surprising support systems 10:55 Lessons in delegation, trust, and rebuilding 11:23 Leading through crisis at The Thing conference 14:29 Choosing joy, rest, and play 17:18 Saying yes to Hamilton and yourself 21:31 Loving yourself more than ever before 22:31 Reflective invitation: what clarity has your chaos given you?

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#WorkShouldFeelGood #ThanksgivingReflection #BrainTumorRecovery #ChoosingYourself #SolopreneurLife #PersonalGrowth #SelfLove #LeadershipJourney

Ever wonder how helpful generative AI really is for job seekers? In this episode of Work Should Feel Good, Diana Alt sits down with executive resume writer and job search advisor Erica Reckamp to unpack Erica's brand-new 2025 research on generative AI resume feedback, this time, from the job seeker's perspective.

You'll hear how Erica's deep background in ghostwriting, storytelling, and executive branding shaped her view on what AI tools get right (and very wrong) about resumes. They also explore how different types of resumes from entry-level to board-level demand different strategies, and why voice, clarity, and persuasion matter more than ever in an AI-powered hiring landscape.

If you've ever felt unsure about using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or resume builders for your job search, this episode is for you.

⏳ Timestamps: 02:15 Erica's origin story: ghostwriting, academia & the resume world 06:30 When your writing superpower becomes your business 10:55 The truth about high-volume resume projects and voice 17:45 Why "job seeker-first" perspective matters in GenAI research 23:40 Persuasion, storytelling & resume success at different career levels 29:10 How Erica's ghostwriting approach translates to resume strategy 36:00 The overlooked risks of copy-paste resume advice 42:50 Tools, tactics, and what AI still can't do (well) 50:00 Final takeaways: be strategic, not generic

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Erica Reckamp 🌐 The Captivators → https://www.thecaptivators.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-reckamp/ 📘 Read the 2025 GenAI Resume Feedback Report → https://www.thecaptivators.com/post/2025-genai-resume-feedback-report

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #ResumeTips #GenerativeAI #JobSearchHelp #ExecutiveResume #JobSearchStrategy #StorytellingInResumes #ResumeWriter