Working Smarter, Not Harder: Jontae Grace’s Job Search Success Story

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16293&preview=true)  Most job searches lack direction because people can't answer a fundamental question: What specific work would actually energize you? According to Find Your Dream Job guest Theresa White, career clarity means more than understanding your skills and values — it requires knowing which specific roles genuinely excite you and feel realistic to pursue. Without this clarity, job seekers resort to applying broadly for any available position, leaving their professional networks unable to offer targeted assistance. Theresa identifies three barriers that keep people stuck: analysis paralysis from endless worksheets that never translate into action, the sunk cost fallacy that traps them in unfulfilling careers due to the time and money already invested, and simply not knowing how to move from abstract career advice to concrete next steps. Her Career Clarity Formula centers on distinguishing between skills you're good at and skills that energize you, then using informational interviews to test whether specific roles truly align with what makes you come alive. About Our Guest: Theresa White is the founder of Career Bloom.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Theresa on LinkedIn Career Bloom Coaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16287&preview=true)  Career pivots during uncertain times can lead to unexpected opportunities. Find Your Dream Job guest Mitch Kutin successfully transitioned from fitness gym operations manager to university recruiter, navigating the shift from hands-on physical work to a professional office environment. After experiencing a poor culture fit at one company, Mitch learned that researching an organization's culture matters as much as its role requirements. His successful strategy involved meticulous organization – tracking applications, tailoring resumes for specific positions, and analyzing success rates. Mitch stresses that today's high-volume environment requires persistence and treating rejection as a numbers game. Don't limit yourself geographically, as expanding the search radius significantly increases opportunities. Success comes from thorough company research, customized applications over easy-apply features, and systematic tracking with self-reflection throughout the process. About Our Guest: Mitch Kutin is a recruitment specialist at the University of Oregon.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Mitch on LinkedIn.  To learn more about Mitch Kutin’s job search, visit macslist.org/stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16291&preview=true)  Job searching involves invisible emotional labor that can quietly erode your confidence and self-worth. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Alondra Canizal Hsu, constant rejection and uncertainty cause job seekers to question their value, especially when they don't receive feedback or explanations. BIPOC, first-generation, and immigrant professionals face additional challenges through code-switching and navigating spaces not originally designed for them, often feeling pressure to minimize their cultural identity. The emotional toll manifests as self-doubt about accomplishments, comparison with others on social media, and attributing rejections to personal failings rather than market realities. Alondra recommends building both formal and informal support networks – from family cheerleaders to professional "boards of directors" who can advocate and connect you with opportunities. She emphasizes tracking small wins throughout the process, setting boundaries to protect your mental health, and remembering that ghosting and rejection aren't personal attacks. Managing emotional labor requires acknowledging these feelings as normal, seeking community support, and maintaining perspective on what you can and cannot control in an unpredictable job market. About Our Guest: Alondra Canizal Hsu is a career strategist and the founder of Soluna Career Consulting.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Alondra on LinkedIn and Instagram. Soluna Career Consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16289&preview=true)  Your story is your most powerful job search tool, yet most candidates fail to use it effectively. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Levi Gaytan, job seekers without personal narratives appear formulaic and forgettable to hiring managers. Stories create connections, showing employers why you're applying and how your past experience relates to their needs. Levi's approach uses two frameworks: SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and VRIO (value, rarity, imitability, organization). He says effective stories follow a simple formula: before, action, result, and then why it matters to the employer. Every experience contains transferable skills – parenting demonstrates leadership, driving for Uber shows resourcefulness. Rather than weak language like "supported," use strong action words like "led" and "directed." Success comes from authentic self-reflection and conducting informational interviews to truly understand what employers need, rather than simply matching resume buzzwords to job descriptions. About Our Guest: Levi Gaytan is an HR leader, speaker, and community builder.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Levi on LinkedIn.  Portland Human Resources Management Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16262&preview=true)  Starting a job search without a strategy is like wandering in the dark. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Mher Mardoyan, most job seekers make the mistake of immediately updating their resume and applying online without a clear focus. This "spray and pray" approach leads to zero responses because it lacks intention. Mher's seven-step framework transforms job searching from day one: identify your core values, maintain a positive mindset throughout the marathon-like process, and craft compelling stories that make you memorable. Successful job searching requires treating it like a project with weekly goals and dedicated time blocks. Rather than applying to 50 jobs with generic resumes, focus on fewer opportunities where your skills truly align. The key differentiator? Networking and relationship building – many positions are filled through referrals, not online applications. About Our Guest: Mher Mardoyan is a career coach who helps early to mid-level professionals find jobs faster.  He’s also the host of the Career Advice Podcast, Crack the Hiring Code, Get Hired.  Resources in This Episode: Visit his YouTube channel  Connect with Mher on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16242&preview=true)  A successful job search starts with self-knowledge, not sending out applications. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Aoife O’Brien, many job seekers make the mistake of jumping into similar roles after feeling unhappy at work, only to land in the same situation again. Aoife’s "Know, Show, Grow" framework encourages starting with three core pillars: values – what truly matters to you beyond a paycheck; needs – what keeps you motivated day to day; strengths – what energizes you and comes naturally. Without this foundation, you risk repeating the cycle of unfulfilling jobs. Aoife also recommends showing your value by tying your strengths to real business outcomes from past roles. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on opportunities that align with your authentic self, and submit fewer, better applications. About Our Guest: Aoife O'Brien is the founder of Happier at Work.  Resources in This Episode: Visit her website at happieratwork.ie  Connect with Aoife on LinkedIn.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16240&preview=true) Job searching requires both emotional resilience and strategic efficiency. Find Your Dream Job guest Jontae Grace learned this during his six-month job search after being laid off, including the crushing disappointment of reaching final interviews twice without receiving an offer. His advice: separate your self-worth from your employment status and never stop applying until you have a formal offer. Jontae advocates for using quick apply functions on job boards to save time: what traditionally takes 30-45 minutes per application can be reduced to seconds. He also suggests looking beyond salary to total compensation packages, sharing how one employer's wellness reimbursement program provided $1,500 annually in real value through dollar-for-dollar matching on health and wellness expenses. About Our Guest: Jontae Grace is an employee relations specialist at Do Good Multnomah.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Jontae on LinkedIn.  To learn more about Jontae Grace’s job search, visit macslist.org/stories.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16227&preview=true)  Do you hesitate to share with a hiring manager what other opportunities you’re pursuing? Do you think this will hurt your chances of being hired? Find Your Dream Job guest Carly Richter says it’s actually the opposite. Letting a potential employer know of other possible options is a great way to build rapport. Carly says it builds trust, relieves stress, and helps create a hiring timeline. Carly warns against sharing too much in an interview; answer the questions you are asked without oversharing personal details.  About Our Guest: Carly Richter is a senior recruiter and account manager with HR Annie Recruitment.  Resources in This Episode: Learn more about how Carly can help you in your career by visiting truecallingrecruitment.com. Connect with Carly on LinkedIn. Use promo code DREAMJOB at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at incogni.com/dreamjob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16221&preview=true)  It may not be difficult to find a job, but to find one that is personally and professionally fulfilling can be much harder. How do you approach a job search that ends with a position you love? Find Your Dream Job guest Elona Landau suggests beginning with self-reflection. What are your values? What means the most to you? Follow that with a mindset check. What do you believe about yourself and your ability to perform? And finally, Elena says, clarify your skill set. What can you offer an employer that will solve their problems, and what skills are you continuing to develop to further your career advancement?  About Our Guest: Elona Landau is the principal of the Department of Practical Sunshine. Resources in This Episode: If you’re a manager or director with a growth mindset, or an individual who needs help clarifying and setting goals, learn more about how Elona can help you by visiting practicalsunshine.co. Connect with Elona on LinkedIn. Use promo code DREAMJOB at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at incogni.com/dreamjob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16218&preview=true) Menopause is not merely a personal journey; it also affects your career trajectory. It’s estimated that 25% of women will refuse a promotion due to menopausal symptoms. Find Your Dream Job guest Tatiana Graham says these symptoms can last for 7-10 years and impact the way you show up in interviews. She suggests finding strategies that address your new stage of life, such as taking more notes, writing down your questions, and depending more heavily on your support system. Tatiana also suggests being honest with potential employers about your menopausal journey and understanding the value you bring to a company.  About Our Guest: Tatiana Graham is a certified leadership and transformational coach. Resources in This Episode: Schedule your FREE coaching session with Tatiana by visiting ⁠https://calendly.com/tatianagrahamcoaching/coaching-sessio⁠n.  ⁠Connect with Tatiana⁠ on LinkedIn. Use promo code DREAMJOB at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at ⁠incogni.com/dreamjob⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices