Pathway to the Boardroom: Becoming a Director (Ep 249)

The job market in 2024 remains complex and competitive, especially for experienced professionals. Whether you’re in the US or Australia, senior-level roles are becoming harder to land, and even seasoned executives find themselves in uncharted territory.In the US, the labor market has shown signs of slowing growth. While the unemployment rate has remained relatively low, many companies are opting for cautious hiring practices, particularly for higher-level positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sectors such as finance and technology have seen a reduction in the number of open executive roles as organizations focus on cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies.Australia faces similar challenges. Experienced professionals are navigating a job market that is still feeling the effects of recent economic shifts. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that while job vacancies remain, many organizations are tightening budgets, particularly for senior management and leadership positions. As companies restructure or downsize, professionals with decades of experience are increasingly finding themselves in a crowded job market, vying for fewer opportunities.In this environment, many seasoned professionals are asking, “How do I stand out?” As a career coach specializing in job searching and career advancement for experienced professionals, I’ve heard this question countless times. Having coached executives, managers, and directors navigating these uncertain times, I’ve come to understand the specific challenges they face. In my latest podcast episode, I answer the most common and pressing questions from corporate professionals and offer actionable advice to help them regain control of their job search and career trajectory.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:01:26 Importance of Cognitive Assessments01:58 Returning to the Webinar Questions06:40 Group Coaching Insights10:06 Career Advancement Strategies14:31 Handling Overqualification Feedback17:36 Competing Against Preferred Candidates23:32 Explaining Employment Gaps28:16 Referee Fatigue28:56 The Importance of Educating Referees29:28 Nurturing Relationships with Referees30:07 Handling Early Reference Checks31:27 Requests for Proposals and Presentations31:45 Dealing with Unsuccessful Interviews32:36 The Role of NDAs in Job Applications35:20 Writing Resumes for Bots38:27 The Referral Process for Recruiters41:21 Building Trust in Interviews42:51 Managing Job Hunting Stress46:48 Balancing Job Hunting with Other Commitments50:45 Group Coaching and Final...

This a Rebroadcast of Episode 143.If you’ve been actively searching for a new job or advancing your career, chances are you’ve encountered psychometric tests as part of the recruitment process. Yet, many professionals remain unclear about what these assessments are, how they work, and whether they should prepare for them.Knowing how psychometric assessments can reveal insights about your skills, strengths, and career drivers can be a game-changer. In this episode of The Job Hunting Podcast, we interview an expert, Paula Baetu, is a Chief Science Officer and Operations Director of TalentPredix, to explore what psychometric tests entail, how to leverage them to your advantage, and why they matter in recruitment and career development. Click here to Find Your Talents and Watch Your Career GrowRead 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:02:43 Introducing Paola and Psychometric Testing04:49 Paola's Career Journey14:57 Understanding Psychometric Testing26:52 The Importance of Diverse Roles in Teams27:28 Culture Add vs. Culture Fit in Hiring27:47 Navigating Job Rejections and Respecting Competition29:02 Graduate Recruitment and Assessment Centers30:31 The Value of Psychometric Tests32:03 Using Talent Predicts for Career Development33:53 The Role of Psychometrics in Recruitment46:33 Cultural Influences on Psychometric Results50:27 Preparing for Psychometric Tests53:23 Concluding Thoughts and Future DirectionsLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 77 - What Are Employers Looking for in Assessment Tests During the Recruitment Process?About 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 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. Watch the Episodes on...

In this week’s podcast episode, I tackle some of the most pressing questions that job seekers are grappling with in today’s market. Drawing on my experience as a career coach and former corporate executive, I offer practical advice and strategies to help you navigate these challenges effectively. But first, let’s revisit the current job market which is the backdrop for some of the key questions I address in this episode.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:02:38 Addressing Job Hunting Questions06:24 Networking and Building Professional Relationships10:57 Career Transitions and Upskilling14:03 Navigating Job Applications and Recruiter Interactions23:44 Networking Strategies During Career Transitions27:13 LinkedIn Workshops and Networking Strategies28:01 Following Up After an Interview28:26 Importance of Interview Preparation31:13 Managing Job Search Anxiety and Financial Concerns35:48 Writing Effective Cover Letters38:52 Navigating Recruiter Interactions44:44 Understanding Recruitment and Selection Processes49:21 Final Thoughts and Program DetailsLinks mentioned in this episode:The Job Hunting Made Simple ProgramEpisode 246 - The Guide to Changing Careers in Your 40s and BeyondEpisode 103 - How to make successful career transitions - with Donna BurrEpisode 60 - Switching Sectors, Industries, and Countries - Karen James Shares Her Story and TipsAbout 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;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@renatabernarde?sub_confirmation=1" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In today’s hyper-competitive job market, your resume is your personal marketing tool. Therefore, choosing a good template is quite a challenge for many professionals. Especially due to the fact that the first "thing" looking at your resume most often is a bot, not the human eye. Most employers now rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through countless resumes, which means the template you choose can significantly impact whether or not your application ever gets seen by human eyes. As a career coach with years of experience helping professionals apply for jobs and advance their careers, I’ve encountered countless resumes that looked great on the surface but were fundamentally flawed in terms of ATS compatibility. To investigate whether freely available resume templates are up to the task, I conducted an in-depth analysis of some of the most popular sources for free resume templates online. The results were enlightening—and in some cases, alarming.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 Free Resume Templates00:54 Personal Updates and Episode Plans01:39 Understanding Recruiter Compensation02:33 Types of Recruiters and Their Motivations06:40 The Impact of Recruiter Compensation on Job Seekers09:58 LinkedIn Profiles: Common Mistakes and Best Practices12:32 Personal Insights on Goal Setting and Job Searching15:18 Analyzing Popular Resume Templates33:22 Creating Professional Banners34:43 Exploring Canva Resume Templates42:17 The Pitfalls of Reddit Advice45:25 Evaluating Indeed's Resume Templates47:02 The Harvard Resume Template52:34 Final Thoughts and Best PracticesLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 226 - This Recruiter Wants You to Rethink Your Salary Expectation, with Kyle SamuelsEpisode 157 - Behavioral Interview Questions: Why They Dont Always Work and What to Do About It - with Lou AdlerEpisode 225 - Inside the Recruiter's Mind: Decoding the Recruitment Playbook to Land Your Next RoleMicrosoft Resumes<a href="https://www.canva.com/resumes/" rel="noopener...

Job hunting while employed can be a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, you want to find a new opportunity that better aligns with your career goals, but on the other, you must maintain discretion and continue to perform in your current role. This blog and episode 253 of The Job Hunting Podcast provide essential strategies to help you navigate this process successfully, ensuring a smooth career move.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: Job Hunting While Employed00:56 Life Happens During Job Hunting01:29 Personal Thoughts and Movie Marathon03:06 Superpowers: Luck and Persuasion11:04 Main Topic: Job Hunting While Employed12:19 Practical Tips for Discreet Job Hunting18:57 Managing Energy and Time for Job Search22:00 Choosing References and Handling Discovery32:45 Conclusion and Upcoming MasterclassLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 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,&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:LinkedInInstagramFacebookX /...

Recent incidents involving leadership communication failures, such as the global IT disruption caused by CrowdStrike and the mishandling of security by the U.S. Secret Service, offer valuable lessons for corporate professionals on the importance of crisis communication.In July 2024, CrowdStrike—a leading cybersecurity firm—released a faulty software update that triggered widespread system crashes on Windows devices globally. This incident disrupted vital sectors including healthcare, finance, and transportation, leading to significant operational chaos. Despite the technical nature of the issue, CrowdStrike's leadership struggled to effectively communicate the situation, which amplified public concern and shook confidence in the company's ability to manage crises.Similarly, the U.S. Secret Service faced severe criticism following their response to a security breach in July 2024 during a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump. The mishandling of communication in the aftermath, coupled with delayed and unclear public statements, eroded trust and led to calls for leadership changes within the agency.These examples underscore the critical need for leaders to be prepared with clear, empathetic, and confident communication strategies during crises. Whether it's handling the pressure of a job interview or navigating a major organizational crisis, the ability to communicate effectively during tough times is a skill that can set you apart as a leader. This blog will explore essential strategies for mastering crisis communication, helping you advance your career and make informed decisions during critical moments. 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 Effective Communication00:52 Reflecting on the Podcast's Journey01:42 Navigating the Job Market07:19 Dealing with Illness While Working15:19 Case Studies of Communication Failures27:57 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership40:22 Practical Tips for Crisis Communication46:22 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks mentioned in this episode:Episode 145 - The Importance of Grit in Job Hunting and Career Success - With James BrookAbout the host,&nbsp;Renata BernardeHello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of&nbsp;The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach,...

Whether we are navigating the corporate professional landscape or preparing for the Olympic games, the principles of goal setting remain critical to achieving success. Drawing inspiration from the world's greatest athletes and backed by research, this blog and episode 250 of The Job Hunting Podcast explores how setting clear, ambitious goals can propel you towards your career aspirations. Whether you're aiming for a new role, planning a significant career change, or seeking advancement in your current position, the strategies discussed are designed to help you succeed.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:01:09 The Power of Goal Setting08:26 Dealing with Sadness During Job Search18:16 Financial Market Challenges and Opportunities24:51 Understanding Goal Setting Theory28:20 The Importance of Clear and Specific Goals28:47 Building and Maintaining Your Reputation29:23 Navigating Career Changes with Clarity29:55 The Challenge of Setting Attainable Goals30:41 Understanding Recruitment Timelines33:06 Commitment to Your Goals34:55 The Role of Feedback in Goal Setting35:42 Task Complexity in Job Searching38:34 Lessons from Olympic Athletes43:10 Applying Olympic Strategies to Your Career49:28 The Current Job Market and Goal Setting52:35 Engaging with the Community54:38 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewLinks mentioned in this episode:"Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman"Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It" by Roman KrznaricAbout 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...

This a Rebroadcast of Episode 056.Marion Macleod is a non-executive director with over 25 years’ board experience. Coming from a STEMM background she has had creative, corporate, and business careers – and sees herself as someone who brings a number of perspectives to the table.&nbsp; She brings a reflective diversity of thinking that supports the strategic consideration of risk-managed opportunities. An avid interest in current affairs also provides a deep understanding of the current perspective.&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:09:00 – Zoom dynamics and etiquette27:21 – Marion's career 37:58 – The pre-requisites to be considered for a non-executive board position41:09 – Misconceptions about the role of board directors44:12 – How to begin your career as a board director47:26 – Government boards49:35 – Board director job applications59:52 – Networking 60:00 – Final words Links mentioned in this episode:Alan Robert Kohler AM is an Australian financial journalist and newspaper editorAustralian Institute of Company DirectorsEpisode 202 - Navigating the Path to Board Directorship: A Conversation with Expert Helga SvendsenEpisode 111 - Portfolio Career: An Alternative Path to C-Level Jobs, with Julia CooksonEpisode 104 - Want to Become a Board Director? - with Moana Weir (Part 1)Episode 105 - Understanding the Role of Chairperson - with Moana Weir (Part 2)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...

What are the best practices for succeeding in your job search? A Career Coach answers 12 pressing questions from job seekers.The year 2024 has proven to be a challenging landscape for job seekers, particularly those aiming for corporate roles. As the global economy fluctuates, elections affecting the political landscape, wars putting pressure on government expenditures, and industries adapt to new technologies and work models, professionals must navigate an array of obstacles to secure their next position. This podcast episode and blog explore some of the challenges corporate job seekers are facing in 2024 and provides insights into how they can overcome these hurdles.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:01:54 AI in Professional Headshots10:33 Navigating Job Titles and Salary Negotiations17:34 Addressing Age Discrimination in Job Hunting22:37 Customizing Your Resume for Job Applications29:14 Building a Network Without Asking for Jobs32:37 Building Your Professional Network34:18 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile38:36 Navigating the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)44:13 Leveraging Internal Contacts for Promotions46:39 Handling Gaps in Work History48:26 Understanding Job Titles and Descriptions51:54 Current Job Market Challenges55:03 Recognizing and Avoiding Job Scams59:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks mentioned in this episode:LinkedIn Article About Going Back to Full-Time Office WorkAndrew Seaman's LinkedIn ProfileAbout 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...

Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on ProfessionalsAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has often been perceived as a condition affecting children. However, many adults are now being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This delayed diagnosis can have profound implications for their careers, from understanding their unique strengths and challenges to implementing effective management strategies. In this podcast episode and blog, we discuss the impact of adult ADHD diagnosis on corporate professionals and offer insights into how they can navigate their careers successfully.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 Overwhelm02:21 Discovering ADHD03:40 Challenges of ADHD Diagnosis04:30 Personal Journey with ADHD07:55 ADHD in Professional Life11:09 Coaching Strategies for ADHD17:58 Disclosure of ADHD at Work22:36 Correlation Between Depression and Career Choices24:08 Strategies for Managing ADHD in Professional Settings25:14 Breaking Down Tasks and Time Management26:52 Motivation and Dopamine Rewards29:01 Day-to-Day Business and ADHD31:33 Supporting Neurodiverse Employees34:55 Future Trends in ADHD Awareness38:21 Improving Recruitment for Neurodiverse Candidates42:43 Final ThoughtsLinks mentioned in this episode:Skye Waterson Website (Unconventional Organization)Other Workplace Diversity EpisodesAbout 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...