Why It’s Important Job Hunters Find Their Niche (Ep 177)

Episode 290 - The Future of Leadership and Work with Stella VoulesThe workplace keeps changing at lightning speed, and professionals face a fundamental challenge: adapt or fall behind. The need to stay ahead of digital transformations, reskill for relevance, and lead with empathy is more urgent than ever. In this episode, I spoke with Stella Voules, a trusted advisor to executives navigating organizational change. With a background in psychology and business, she specializes in helping leaders build digital capability, cultivate a compassionate culture, and prepare for the future of work. Our conversation centered around the skills gap, the rise of consulting careers, and the essential leadership traits needed for success in 2025 and beyond. This blog post serves as a comprehensive summary and reflection on our discussion, offering actionable advice for professionals navigating a rapidly changing career landscape. Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 Introduction and Background02:09 Transforming Workplace Culture05:02 Elements of a Great Workplace07:55 Job Hunting and Workplace Culture10:58 Navigating Disconnects in Values13:57 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture16:52 Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace19:12 Prioritizing Culture Over Compensation22:15 Assessing Company Values25:00 Identifying Red Flags in Organizations28:13 Unique Examples of Great Workplaces31:08 Future Trends in Workplace CultureLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Stella Voules on LinkedInVost&Co websiteEpisode 237 - An Interview with ChatGPT: How to Optimize Your Job Search Using AIEpisode 199 - Job Hunting in the AI Era: Making Your CV Stand OutAbout the host, Renata BernardeHello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach...

Episode 289 - What Job Seekers Need to Know About the Hidden Job Market Today’s job market demands new approaches, particularly for mid-to-late career professionals. Applying online and waiting is no longer enough to secure competitive opportunities. In this episode, I explore a crucial topic for experienced professionals: the hidden job market. This episode is part of our three-part series on advanced job search strategies. In episodes 284 and 286, we have covered how to adapt to economic shifts and how to elevate your professional brand. In this final installment (289), I bring together all those insights to help you navigate the less visible but highly valuable aspects of the job market. Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 Introduction to Advanced Job Search Strategies00:57 Recap of Previous Episodes06:29 Understanding the Hidden Job Market09:15 What is the Hidden Job Market?16:31 Strategies for Tapping into the Hidden Job Market17:28 Reactive Job Search Strategies22:21 Passive Job Search Strategies28:39 Active Job Search Strategies36:15 Combining Job Search Strategies41:04 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysLinks mentioned in this episode:31 Days of ActionEpisode 284 - This Ain’t Your First Recession: How to Navigate Today’s Job Market Like a ProEpisode 286 - If You're Not Showing Up on LinkedIn, You’re Invisible: How Job Hunting Has Changed for Professionals Over 40About the host,&nbsp;Renata BernardeHello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of&nbsp;The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.&nbsp;Watch the Episodes on YouTubeFollow Renata on Social Media:<a...

Episode 288 - How to Job Hunt During the Mid-Year SlowdownIf you're a job seeker heading into the mid-year period, particularly the June–July school holidays, you’ve likely heard the familiar refrain: “No one hires this time of year.” The job boards quiet down, recruiters take leave, and it’s easy to believe your career ambitions should be put on hold. In this continuation of my conversation with leadership expert Michelle Redfern (Click here for Part 1), we unpack what it really means to look for a job during seasonal slowdowns, and why this mid-year window can offer a strategic advantage for experienced professionals. Whether you’ve recently been made redundant, are voluntarily stepping away from a role, or just rethinking your next move, this episode is packed with practical insights for navigating this often-overlooked career season. Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 Conclusion and Next Steps for Job Seekers06:38 Navigating Job Market Slowdowns08:34 Psychological Aspects of Unemployment11:00 Crafting Your Narrative During Job Searches16:48 Preparing for Social Gatherings as an Unemployed Professional23:30 Maximizing Downtime for Career Planning29:41 The Importance of Authentic Networking37:49 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile for Job SearchesLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 287 - Hiring Makes No Sense Anymore: Why Recruitment and Hiring Feel Like a Burden and How Leaders Can Fix ThemMichelle's podcast Lead to Soar podcast, community and corporate servicesEpisode 260 - The Final Stretch: Expert Career Insights for a Sluggish Job MarketEpisode 242 - The Role of Business Intelligence (BQ), Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Social Intelligence (SQ) in Career AdvancementEpisode 121 - Impostor Syndrome and Fear of Success: A Conversation, with Michelle RedfernEpisode 37 - The Missing 33%: The CEO...

Episode 287 - Hiring Makes No Sense Anymore: Why Recruitment and Hiring Feel Like a Burden and How Leaders Can Fix ThemHiring has become a dreaded task for many managers. It feels like a burden rather than an opportunity, especially when organizations are under pressure to restructure, meet operational targets, or operate with reduced budgets. In this of The Job Hunting Podcast (287), I’m sharing part one of a two-part conversation originally recorded for the Lead to Soar podcast, where I was interviewed by Michelle Redfern. Michelle and I explore the realities of hiring from the leader's perspective, especially in the current climate of economic volatility and organizational change. We discuss what makes hiring feel heavy and bureaucratic, and how we can shift the experience to make it more strategic and rewarding. Whether you’re a hiring manager or a job seeker, understanding both sides of the recruitment process is crucial.&nbsp;Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 Introduction to Job Hunting Dynamics10:06 The Burden of Hiring: Insights for Managers12:59 Navigating the Hiring Process: Challenges and Solutions16:07 Understanding Ghost Jobs and Their Impact19:12 The Importance of Workforce Planning21:57 The Role of AI in Hiring: Balancing Technology and Humanity25:12 Creating a Human-Centric Hiring Process28:02 The Importance of Skills Matrix in Hiring30:54 Fostering a Positive Hiring Culture33:50 Conclusion and Next Steps for Job SeekersLinks mentioned in this episode:Michelle's podcast Lead to Soar podcast, community and corporate servicesEpisode 260 - The Final Stretch: Expert Career Insights for a Sluggish Job MarketEpisode 242 - The Role of Business Intelligence (BQ), Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Social Intelligence (SQ) in Career AdvancementEpisode 121 - Impostor Syndrome and Fear of Success: A Conversation, with Michelle RedfernEpisode 37 - The Missing 33%: The CEO Confidant Improving Diversity and Inclusion in the Corporate...

Episode 286 - If You're Not Showing Up on LinkedIn, You’re Invisible: How Job Hunting Has Changed for Professionals Over 40Experienced corporate professionals over 40 face a paradox: they bring extensive expertise, leadership, and resilience, yet they often confront hiring biases. If you’re over 40 and navigating a career change, know this: You don’t need to reinvent yourself. You just need to reposition. You’ve built a career. Let’s make sure it continues to serve you.&nbsp;Here’s what I want you to remember:&nbsp;Your age and experience are assets.&nbsp;A strong resume and LinkedIn profile work together.&nbsp;Telling the right story matters more than sounding impressive.&nbsp;A focused, intentional search beats mass applications.&nbsp;Reconnection is more powerful than cold outreach.&nbsp;This episode (286) is part 2 of my discussion on how to use age as your advantage to help mid-to-senior level professionals navigate career transitions confidently and effectively. The first part is episode 284, in which I analyze the current job market and discuss how to leverage it rather than see it as a barrier to entry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 Introduction to Career Transition for Professionals Over 4010:21 Mindset Shift: Embracing Age as an Advantage18:33 Crafting Effective Resumes and LinkedIn Profiles31:45 The Power of Storytelling in Job Applications37:10 Strategic Job Search: Quality Over Quantity41:58 Networking: Building Connections with ConfidenceLinks mentioned in this episode:Article on LinkedInEpisode 284 - This Ain’t Your First Recession: How to Navigate Today’s Job Market Like a ProEpisode 283 - How to Succeed Without the Perfect BossEpisode 276 - How to Get a Job in 2025About the host,&nbsp;Renata BernardeHello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of&nbsp;<a...

Episode 285 - You May Not Want Another Job — You May Want Your Own BusinessOne of the most interesting shifts post-COVID is the increase in the number of professionals choosing small businesses over large institutions. Many are seeking more autonomy, flexible work arrangements, less bureaucracy, quicker decision-making, and the satisfaction of building something tangible. TJ notes that while corporate skills like management and communication are incredibly valuable, small business operations demand flexibility, problem-solving, and comfort with ambiguity.&nbsp;It’s also true that more professionals today are seeking purposeful careers that allow them to apply their skills in more entrepreneurial environments. As corporate professionals rethink what success means to them, many are finding new energy in small business ventures, whether by starting something of their own or joining a growing company.&nbsp;In this episode of The Job Hunting Podcast, I interviewed TJ Slattery, founder of Crow's Nest Consulting. With a background that includes founding a brewery and advising small business owners across the U.S., TJ shares a wealth of insights for professionals looking to transition from corporate life to the small business world.&nbsp;Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 TJ Slattery's Entrepreneurial Journey03:13 Consulting for Small Business Growth06:06 The Importance of Seeking Help09:09 Understanding Entrepreneurial Hubris12:09 Practical Steps for Aspiring Entrepreneurs20:31 The Humbling Journey of Entrepreneurship23:54 Navigating Failure and Risk in Business26:48 The Importance of Job Market Awareness29:06 Misconceptions in Small Business Hiring31:44 The Dynamic Nature of Small Business Roles36:51 The Value of Experienced Professionals in Small Businesses39:58 Preparing Small Businesses for Sale44:51 Future Trends in Small Business49:04 Conclusion and Call to ActionLinks mentioned in this episode:Crowsnest ConsultingTJ Slattery's LinkedInAbout the host,&nbsp;Renata BernardeHello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of&nbsp;The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an...

Episode 284 - This Ain’t Your First Recession: How to Navigate Today’s Job Market Like a Pro&nbsp;Inflation is slowing. Interest rates remain high. Companies are hiring, but cautiously. For experienced professionals, that mix translates into fewer job openings, more competition, and longer wait times. Meanwhile, the jobs that do exist are being filled differently. Some never even reach job boards.&nbsp;This blog summarizes Episode 284 of The Job Hunting Podcast, in which I discuss the biggest challenges facing mid- to senior-level professionals and offer a strategy playbook for overcoming them. If you’re applying for roles and not hearing back or wondering how to reposition yourself in a slower, more selective market, this is for you.&nbsp;Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 Introduction to Job Market Analysis 202503:57 Current Economic Context and Job Market Trends22:16 Strategies for Job Hunting in 202541:52 Final Thoughts and Next StepsLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 225 - Inside the Recruiter's Mind: Decoding the Recruitment Playbook to Land Your Next RoleArticle in The AgeOther Episodes on Portfolio CareerAbout the host,&nbsp;Renata BernardeHello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of&nbsp;The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.&nbsp;Watch the Episodes on YouTubeFollow Renata on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram<a...

Episode 283 - How to Succeed Without the Perfect BossTraditional models of leadership have focused on influence over others: inspiring teams, delegating tasks, setting strategic direction. But the definition of leadership is expanding to include how we influence and guide ourselves. Self-leadership is about setting our own direction, managing our mindset, and taking proactive ownership of our careers.&nbsp;We are witnessing a pivotal shift in how work is experienced and how careers are built, especially in the corporate sector. With mass layoffs making headlines and a growing number of organizations calling employees back to the office, professionals are facing unprecedented uncertainty. For many, the promise of purposeful work seems to conflict with the rigidity and pressure of corporate environments. Yet amid these complexities, there is a powerful idea gaining traction: self-leadership.&nbsp;In this episode of The Job Hunting Podcast (283), I spoke with Elizabeth Lotardo, a leadership consultant, author, and educator who has worked with companies like Salesforce and Hilton. Her book, Leading Yourself: Finding More Joy, Meaning and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have, and her expertise in employee engagement offer timely and practical guidance for navigating today’s volatile job market. Elizabeth traced the origins of the self-leadership concept to ancient philosophy, yet emphasized that it is now finding new relevance in the corporate world. In 2017, she pioneered the first LinkedIn Learning course on the topic, and interest surged during the pandemic as remote work made self-direction a professional necessity. Her insight is especially relevant now as many organizations reduce headcount, restructure teams, and withdraw flexibility.&nbsp;Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 Introduction and Context Setting04:37 Understanding Self Leadership07:44 The Importance of Self Leadership in Today's Work Environment10:26 Developing Self Leadership Skills13:38 Navigating Career Development and Professional Growth16:27 Job Crafting and Finding Meaning in Work19:49 Dealing with Difficult Work Situations22:40 Maintaining Mental Health and Wellbeing25:32 Identifying Autonomy in Job Roles28:30 Self Leadership Practices and Personal Development31:28 Conclusion and ResourcesLinks mentioned in this episode:Elizabeth Lotardo's websiteElizabeth Lotardo's...

Episode 282 - The New Era of Job Searching: What’s Changed and Why It MattersThe job search process has undergone a radical transformation. Today, AI-driven tools, automation, and evolving hiring trends dictate how professionals land their next roles. For experienced corporate professionals and executives, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. If you are still using traditional job search methods, you may be unknowingly sabotaging your success. In this interview with Garrett Rice, former Apple product manager and co-founder of Callings.ai, we break down how AI is reshaping the hiring process and provide actionable strategies to help you stay ahead.&nbsp;Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 Navigating Job Search Challenges12:32 The Role of AI in Job Seeking22:16 Human Connection in Recruitment30:38 The Controversy of Video Interviews32:31 Preparing for the Future of Job Interviews36:30 Predictions for the Future of Work46:31 Leveraging AI for Job SeekersLinks mentioned in this episode:Learn more about Callings.ai&nbsp;&nbsp;Since recording this episode, Callings.ai created resources specifically for US Federal workers who have lost – or are about to lose - their jobs. Click here to learn more.&nbsp;About the host,&nbsp;Renata BernardeHello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of&nbsp;The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.&nbsp;Watch the Episodes on YouTubeFollow Renata on Social Media:LinkedIn<a href="https://www.instagram.com/renatabernarde.co/" rel="noopener...

Episode 281 - Pessimism is Fashionable but Optimism Wins: Why Positivity is Your Career’s Greatest AssetThere has never been a more crucial time for optimism in the corporate job market. As layoffs continue in various industries, economic uncertainties loom, and AI-driven changes disrupt traditional career paths, job seekers are navigating an increasingly complex landscape. In this article, I argue that a strategic, optimistic mindset is essential for professionals looking to advance their careers or land new roles.&nbsp;&nbsp;In my recent conversation with Victor Perton, Chief Optimism Officer at the Center for Optimism, we explored how optimism shapes leadership, career growth, and resilience. The discussion reinforced a fundamental truth I’ve observed as a career coach: those who cultivate a positive outlook consistently outperform their peers in job searches, interviews, and long-term career progression.&nbsp;Read the full Blog on the WebsiteJob Hunting Made SimpleReset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend31 Days of Action for Job SeekersFind Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career GrowJoin 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe NowLear More About Renata's career coaching and coursesTimestamps to guide your listening:00:00 The Roots of Optimism06:54 Personal Stories of Resilience10:00 The Science of Optimism12:58 Optimism in Leadership and Society15:57 Practical Techniques for Cultivating Optimism19:13 Navigating Job Searches with Optimism22:10 Resilience in the Face of Rejection24:58 The Role of Pessimism in Decision Making28:19 Creating a Positive Environment31:12 Final Thoughts on Optimism and SuccessLinks mentioned in this episode:Victor Perton's PodcastCentre for OptimismVictor Perton's LinkedInAbout the host,&nbsp;Renata BernardeHello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of&nbsp;The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their...