Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

As a job seeker, what should you expect in the way of communication from the employer? Find Your Dream Job guest Kevin Grossman says you should expect timely communication, whether you’re a candidate for the position or not. And if your candidate experience is not a positive one, but you are offered the position, should you take it? Kevin says, not so fast; you need to consider whether the company as a whole reflects the lack of communication of the hiring process.

About Our Guest:

Kevin Grossman (http://linkedin.com/in/kevinwgrossman) is the president of the Talent Board (https://www.thetalentboard.org/). 

Resources in This Episode:

• Find out the impact your candidate experience has on your business growth and success by visiting thetalentboard.org (https://www.thetalentboard.org/).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

Fear is a common emotion when you’re in a job search. Fear of the unknown, fear of making a mistake, and fear of not meeting an employer’s expectations. What do you do if you’re frozen in fear? Find Your Dream Job guest Connie Steele says you start by asking where the fear is coming from. Is it legitimate? If so, Connie says, you can begin to address any specifics that are in your control. Connie’s best advice is to use rational thinking and not make things out to be what they aren’t. Stop catastrophizing!

About Our Guest:

Connie Steele (http://linkedin.com/in/conniewsteele) is a future of work expert, a career strategist, and the author of Building the Business of You.

Resources in This Episode:

• Wanna know how successful you are in your career? Take Connie’s FREE assessment at www.conniewsteele.com/assessment.
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

The most effective resume is one that is targeted for the specific job you want. Your resume should match the skills, experience, and background the company is looking for. How do you create a resume like this? Find Your Dream Job guest Heather McBride says the first step is understanding how to highlight the skill sets the employer is looking for. Heather also stresses that your resume is not the place to be humble; freely share your accomplishments and experience. 

About Our Guest:

Heather McBride (http://linkedin.com/in/heathermcbride-resume-writer) is a resume writer and a human resources consultant.

Resources in This Episode:

• Ready to crack the Applicant Tracking System code? Get Heather’s FREE keyword worksheet by visiting www.inclarity360.com (http://www.inclarity360.com.).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

Statistics show that more jobs are gained through referrals than in any other way. How do you ensure that your network will refer you for positions that would be a good fit for you? On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Natalie Roger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieroger/) shares how keeping in touch with former colleagues helped her find positions. Natalie is also a big believer in using the LinkedIn community to help find the job that’s right for you. Learn more about Natalie’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories) series. 

Are you feeling demoralized by rejection in your job search? Has the “numbers game” made you feel like a loser? There is a better way to find your next position, and Find Your Dream Job guest Stephanie Mansueto says it’s by being picky. Stop applying for every job you’re qualified for and figure out which jobs you can be competitive for. What skills and experience do you have that take you to the next level of qualification? Stephanie also advises making a list of dream employers and using informational interviews to access the hidden job market. 

About Our Guest:

Stephanie Mansueto (http://linkedin.com/in/stephaniemansueto619) is a corporate recruiter and a job-hunting coach. 

Resources in This Episode:

• Let Stephanie help you figure out what’s standing between you and your next big career move by visiting her website at smcareercoach.com (https://www.smcareercoach.com/).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

If you walk into an interview without knowing your audience, chances are, you give generic answers to specific questions. What is the alternative? Find Your Dream Job guest Kisha Hicks suggests it’s understanding the different levels of interviews and knowing who you’re speaking to. Kisha shares how to prepare for interviews without feeling overwhelmed, how to differentiate between different levels of interviews, and why the self-confidence gained by knowing your audience is the most important thing you can do to excel in any interview. 

About Our Guest:

Kisha Hicks (http://linkedin.com/in/nakisha-hicks-) is a career coach who helps HR professionals shift mindsets, move up in careers and increase earnings exponentially. Kisha also hosts the Morning Mindset podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-morning-mindset-w-kisha-hicks/id1611798615). 

Resources in This Episode:

• Are you ready to push through the fear and self-doubt that plagues you in your career? Tune in to Kisha’s podcast, The Morning Mindset (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-morning-mindset-w-kisha-hicks/id1611798615), for tips and encouragement. 
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

You’re ready to find your dream job, so you’re sending out hundreds of applications every week. But is that the best strategy? Find Your Dream Job guest Mark Allred says no, it’s not. Mark’s advice is to take some time to get clarity on what you have to offer, what your dream job would look like, and which companies can offer you the work environment that meets your top priorities. Once you know the value you can offer the employer and what you need from them, you can go into any interview with more confidence. 

About Our Guest:

Mark Allred (http://linkedin.com/in/markfallred) is the director of talent development and growth for the recruiting firm Reveal Global Intelligence (https://revealglobal.com/). Mark also hosts the Career PROgressions Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-career-progressions-podcast/id1567194117). 

Resources in This Episode:

• Career coaching can be the difference between finding an acceptable job and your dream job. Learn more about how career coaching can help you by visiting Reveal Global Intelligence (https://revealglobal.com/).
• Find out how to build a successful career by hearing from others who have done it on Mark’s podcast, Career PROgressions Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-career-progressions-podcast/id1567194117).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

Are you getting interviews but no offers? Maybe it’s time to change tactics and figure out how to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Find Your Dream Job guest Lena Sernoff says it’s crucial to show what sets you apart. Others may have similar skills, but you have unique passions and experiences. Do your research to discover which of your experiences best speak to the employer’s needs. And get comfortable sharing them by practicing with others or in front of a mirror. 

About Our Guest:

Lena Sernoff (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenasernoff/) is the host of the podcast Girl, You're Hired (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girl-youre-hired-job-interview-tips-podcast/id1596647855). Her show gives you the interview tips you need to land your dream job.

Resources in This Episode:

• If you’re ready to learn how to interview like a pro, check out Lena’s podcast, Girl, You’re Hired (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girl-youre-hired-job-interview-tips-podcast/id1596647855), wherever you listen to Find Your Dream Job!
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

If you go into a job search with low self-confidence, it could affect whether you get a job offer. But the job search process itself can be demoralizing. Find Your Dream Job guest John Tarnoff is here to share how to be more confident by clarifying what you bring to the table. John has four specific questions to ask yourself- what do I do best; what do I love to do; what does the world need; what can I get paid for? Once you have these answers, you can approach any interview with confidence in the value you offer. 

About Our Guest:

John Tarnoff (http://linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff) is a coach, speaker, and author who helps mid and late-career professionals achieve meaningful careers.

Resources in This Episode:

• Are you in a career transition and not sure how to best approach it? John had resources to help you. Find out more by visiting his blog at johntarnoff.com/reimagine-your-career/. (https://johntarnoff.com/reimagine-your-career/)
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

Job loss can be a great opportunity to examine whether you’re in the right field. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Jenny Mack-Christensen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennymackaben/) tells how she used the time between jobs to affirm that she wanted to stay in marketing. She used informational interviews to explore other career fields, but Jenny says she ultimately decided to level up in her current field rather than make a switch. Learn more about Jenny’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories).

If you’re sending out hundreds of resumes every week and getting no interviews, Find Your Dream Job guest Mary Southern has some advice for you. Stop. You have to create unique resumes for each position you apply for. Mary gives advice on how to fill out each section of a resume strategically, as well as how to talk about your career achievements. Storytelling makes you stand out as a candidate, and Mary shares how to tell your story using specific examples of successes you had in past positions. 

About Our Guest:

Mary Southern (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/) is the founder of Resume Assassin (https://www.resumeassassin.com/). Mary’s company creates resumes that show your unique value and help you win interviews.

Resources in This Episode:

• Generic resumes don’t work. If you want to know how to create a unique resume for every job you apply for, Mary can help you. Find out more by visiting her website at Resume Assassin. 
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

One way to stand out above other applicants is by telling a compelling story- your career story. But research shows that only 35% of applicants write a cover letter. Find Your Dream Job guest Scott Clyburn says you need to use that cover letter to create a “greatest hits'' list of your career achievements. Distill your accomplishments down to those that had the most success. Curate your resume to show an employer how your experience will make you an asset to their company. And do enough research to allow you to speak about the company knowledgeably. 

About Our Guest:

Scott Clyburn (http://linkedin.com/in/scottclyburn) is the founder of North Avenue Education (https://northaveeducation.com/). His company offers test preparation, study skills coaching, and academic tutoring. 

Resources in This Episode:

• Is grad school in your future? If so, find out how Scott can help you by visiting his website at North Avenue Education (https://northaveeducation.com/).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

The opposite of not getting a job offer is receiving multiple offers. How do you handle not knowing which offer to accept? And what if you make a decision you regret later? Find Your Dream Job guest Martin McGovern shares what to do if you find yourself in this position. Martin says your first step is to slow down. You don’t have to give an answer immediately. Next, only share what has to be shared. You don’t need to tell a potential employer everything. Martin also suggests not staying at your first position if another offer is the perfect one for you. 

About Our Guest:

Martin McGovern (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinmcgovern/) is a career coach, a podcast host, and the founder of Career Therapy. 

Resources in This Episode:

• Are you ready to get Unstuck in your job search and career? Learn more about how Martin can help you when you visit careertherapy.com/curriculum (https://careertherapy.com/curriculum).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

Self-criticism can be a success killer for a job seeker. It causes you to feel like a failure before you begin and encourages you to hide your true self. How do you overcome this? Find Your Dream Job guest Victoria Hepburn suggests beginning by listing your strengths and weaknesses. Then, assess which of the weaknesses actually need to be addressed and which are simply limiting beliefs. Once you know that, you can practice self-compassion exercises to help you break free from those beliefs. 

About Our Guest:

Victoria Hepburn (http://linkedin.com/in/victoriahepburn) is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and certified coach.

Resources in This Episode:

• Are you struggling with burnout at work? Learn more about Victoria’s battle with burnout and how she overcame it in her book, Pressure Makes Diamonds: Simple Habits for Busy Professionals to Break the Burnout Cycle (https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Makes-Diamonds-Professionals-Burnout-ebook/dp/B08PCQHBZ6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

Have you had a series of jobs, but they don’t feel like exactly what you want? If you want to find your dream job, you have to get clear on what kind of job would be the perfect fit for you. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Jasmin Huila (https://www.linkedin.com/in/huilaj/) shares why her first positions out of college weren’t the right fit, how she finally made decisions on what she wanted, and the process she used to set specific career goals. Learn more about Jasmin’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories) series. 

If you’re a job seeker, you’re likely using LinkedIn to help you find your next position, but are you using it to its full capacity? Find Your Dream Job guest Orlando Haynes says visibility creates opportunity, so the more eyes you get your content in front of, the more connections you can make. Orlando suggests experimenting with text, audio, and video to gain attention. But don’t just share anything; share value. A great way to start is by taking an article written by someone else, adding your well-thought-out comments to it, and sharing that to get comfortable creating content for the platform. 

About Our Guest:

Orlando Haynes (http://linkedin.com/in/orlandohaynes) is a talent acquisition leader, host of the CareerTALKS Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/careertalks-podcast/id1567135916), and co-creator of the Career Accelerator Planner (https://www.amazon.com/Career-Accelerator-Planner-projects-performance/dp/B0B92NT5FH). 

Resources in This Episode:

• Are you a professional ready to grow in your career? Tune in to Orlando’s podcast at CareerTALKS Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/careertalks-podcast/id1567135916).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

Some say the cover letter is dead, but that’s not true, according to Find Your Dream Job guest Nicole Fortner. Nicole says that a well-written cover letter can increase your chances by at least 40%. The key, says Nicole, is using keywords from the job posting and keeping it concise, no more than 3-4 paragraphs. Be sure to prioritize your hard skills and share how you can elevate the company and the role. 

About Our Guest:

Nicole Fortner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolefortner1/) is the founder and CEO of Hire Up Consulting (https://www.hireupconsult.com/).

Resources in This Episode:

• Are you ready to level up in your chosen profession? Find out how Nicole can help you by visiting her website at hireupconsult.com (https://www.hireupconsult.com/).
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

Maybe you have a LinkedIn profile, and you occasionally scroll your homepage on the platform, but there are other things you can do to use LinkedIn to assist you in finding your next job. Find Your Dream Job guest Karen Sharp-Price shares her top tips for using LinkedIn in ways you may not have thought of. It all starts with optimizing your profile, making connections, and using those connections to build a solid network that can help you with your career journey. Karen also suggests using LinkedIn to make a list of the companies you’d like to work for.

About Our Guest:

Karen Sharp-Price (http://linkedin.com/in/karensharpprice) is a certified professional coach who helps you get a career you can love. Karen also hosts the SharpHR Career Corner. It’s a podcast about different career journeys. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sharphr-career-corner/id1498512812)

Resources in This Episode:

• For a healthy dose of help and encouragement in your career journey, tune into Karen’s podcast, SharpHR Career Corner. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sharphr-career-corner/id1498512812)
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)

How do you keep pressing forward when rejection makes you want to quit? Find Your Dream Job guest Larnell Vickers suggests using rejection to do the deeper work of understanding who you are and what you want. Rejection can help you define your value as a person and learn how to better express your work ethic. It can also help you to grow in perseverance and resilience. Larnell also reminds us that our career is a personal journey, and rejection is part of that journey. Learning how to work through it can make your journey stronger and more fulfilling.

About Our Guest:

Larnell Vickers (http://linkedin.com/in/larnell-vickers) is a career coach, executive recruiter, and leadership consultant.

Resources in This Episode:

• Are you ready to power your career forward? Learn how Larnell can help you by visiting the career journey.co (https://www.thecareerjourney.co/)
• From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)
   

Should you wait until you need a new job to explore openings? Absolutely not, according to Shelby Danzer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-danzer/), our guest on this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job. Shelby found her current position by maintaining a list of companies she’d be interested in working at and regularly perusing their job boards. And she highly recommends making your own short list of places you’d love to work. Learn more about Shelby’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories) series.