3 Things I Looked For When Interviewing People At Microsoft | Ep #808

This is an Audio Edition episode—originally published on YouTube and optimized for audio listening.Does networking feel overwhelming? Let’s fix that. In today’s market, 40–80% of roles are filled through referrals, not online applications. But building and maintaining those relationships is hard. In this video, I’ll walk you through how to automate your entire job search networking system using n8n and ChatGPT. You’ll learn how to auto-track every connection, generate personalized follow-up reminders, and use AI to create summaries and next steps…All based on the exact system that helped me land roles at Google, Microsoft, and Twitter after getting 0 replies from 300 job applications.You’ll also get a free copy of my networking tracker template, n8n automation workflow, and all of the ChatGPT prompts I used. This automation isn't just theory. It's part of the system we use with our job search coaching clients. Whether you’re pivoting careers, bouncing back from a layoff, trying to break into big tech, or anything in between, this is a step-by-step job search strategy that works.📥 *FREE NETWORKING TEMPLATE, n8n TEMPLATE, & COPY/PASTE PROMPTS*Hit the link below to grab free copies of my Google Sheet Networking Tracking, an n8n template you can upload, and the exact prompts I used in this video:→ https://AustinBelcak.com/Network🚀 *READY TO LAND MORE INTERVIEWS & OFFERS?*Our client Rodrigo was feeling “lost” in his job search. We helped him build out a networking system that led to multiple referral-driven interview processes and THREE job offers in today’s market. Our client see:💰 Average Raise: $44,000+ ⏱️ Avg. Time To Offer: ~3.5 Months🧭 Complete Career Clarity⭐ Satisfaction Rating: 9.5 / 10🤝 End-To-End Job Search Support✅ 3X+ ROI GuaranteeIf you want to learn more, hit the link below to see how we can map this to your search on a free 30 minute Career Clarity Call:*BOOK HERE:* https://cultivatedculture.com/coaching​👋 *LET’S BE FRIENDS*Follow along for more job search content:*LinkedIn:* https://linkedin.com/in/abelcak*Newsletter:* https://cultivatedculture.com/newsletter*Website:* https://cultivatedculture.comNote On AI Use: AI isn't meant to be a replacement for you. If you're simply copying and pasting outputs, you're not going to see the benefits. Instead, you need to view AI as a supplement that saves you energy via automation, amplifies your critical thinking as a brainstorm partner, etc. Use it to remove 80% of the tedious baseline work so you save 100% of your energy for the high ROI actions that move the needle.#jobsearch #AI #networking #careers #n8n #ChatGPTWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Thanks for listening!

Austin shares his thoughts on why you need to go beyond just getting the knowledge if you want to change careers.Time Stamped Show Notes:[0:25] - Why you need to go beyond just getting the knowledge[1:35] - Companies need to know what value you will bring to the table[2:50] - Find ways to build your own experienceWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone’s professional email in seconds.Connect with Austin for daily job search content:Cultivated CultureLinkedInTwitterThanks for listening!

Austin shares an effective strategy and a real-life success story of how you can turn your non-traditional background into an advantage!Time Stamped Show Notes:[0:25] - How to turn a non-traditional background into an advantage[1:08] - The truth about non-traditional backgrounds[2:16] - How does your experience bring value?[3:20] - Show them how you’ve bridged any potential knowledge gaps[4:08] - How one of Austin’s clients used this strategy to his advantageWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone’s professional email in seconds.Connect with Austin for daily job search content:Cultivated CultureLinkedInTwitterThanks for listening!

This is an Audio Edition episode—originally published on YouTube and optimized for audio listening.Feeling completely stuck in your career and unsure what path to take next? You’re not alone — most professionals waste weeks overthinking, taking quizzes, and researching job titles, only to end up more confused. In this video, I’ll show you a ChatGPT career clarity prompt that helps you find the right career path, job titles, and action plan in under 10 minutes. You’ll learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT Dictation Mode to build your own career clarity assessment, uncover personalized roles that fit your skills, and generate a step-by-step plan for breaking through career confusion.Whether you’re exploring a career change, debating between multiple job options, or just trying to figure out what’s next, this AI-powered career clarity framework will help you get unstuck fast and move forward with confidence.📥 *FREE CLARITY PROMPT EXAMPLES*Hit the link below to grab copy-and-paste examples for each part of my clarity prompt formula:→ https://AustinBelcak.com/Clarity🚀 *READY TO LAND MORE INTERVIEWS & OFFERS?*Our client Davin struggled to find clarity and didn't understand how to get into any jobs that felt like a fit. We partnered up and helped him land multiple value-aligned offers. We use this system with all of our clients to drive:💰 Average Raise: $44,000+ ⏱️ Avg. Time To Offer: ~3.5 Months🧭 Complete Career Clarity⭐ Satisfaction Rating: 9.5 / 10🤝 End-To-End Job Search Support✅ 3X+ ROI GuaranteeIf you want to learn more, hit the link below to see how we can map this to your search on a free 30 minute Career Clarity Call:*BOOK HERE:* https://cultivatedculture.com/coaching​👋 *LET’S BE FRIENDS*Follow along for more job search content:*LinkedIn:* https://linkedin.com/in/abelcak*Newsletter:* https://cultivatedculture.com/newsletter*Website:* https://cultivatedculture.comNote On AI Use: AI isn't meant to be a replacement for you. If you're simply copying and pasting outputs, you're not going to see the benefits. Instead, you need to view AI as a supplement that saves you energy via automation, amplifies your critical thinking as a brainstorm partner, etc. Use it to remove 80% of the tedious baseline work so you save 100% of your energy for the high ROI actions that move the needle.Want To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone’s professional email in seconds.Thanks for listening!

Austin shares one piece of advice that will help you turn rejections into future job offers.Time Stamped Show Notes:[0:25] - One Trick To Help You Turn Rejections Into Job Offers[1:00] - Don’t cut off contact[2:16] - Why you should maintain the relationship[3:23] - What to do if you’ve been rejected[6:47] - How Austin used this technique to land his job at MicrosoftResources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:MailScoop.ioWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone’s professional email in seconds.Connect with Austin for daily job search content:Cultivated CultureLinkedInTwitterThanks for listening!

Austin shares the 5-step process he uses to validate all of his products, and you can use the same process to create your own profitable side hustle!Time Stamped Show Notes:[0:25] - 5 steps for creating a profitable side hustle[1:40] - Brainstorm your offer and niche down[3:48] - Come up with your specific offering[4:54] - List everyone you can think of who might be interested[5:47] - Ask for feedback[8:22] - RecapWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone’s professional email in seconds.Connect with Austin for daily job search content:Cultivated CultureLinkedInTwitterThanks for listening!

This is an Audio Edition episode—originally published on YouTube and optimized for audio listening.Your LinkedIn headshot might be the reason you’re not getting job interviews. Recruiters spend more time looking at profile pictures than any other part of your LinkedIn profile. And those images give them a first impression that lasts. In this video, I’ll show you how to use Google AI's image model to instantly turn an ordinary selfie into a professional, photorealistic LinkedIn headshot (no expensive photographer required). You’ll learn how to adjust lighting, backgrounds, and wardrobe using AI tools to create a recruiter-ready profile picture that boosts credibility, trust, and helps you land more interviews.Note: When using AI to edit your headshot, the goal is to maintain the authenticity of the picture. You should be confident that the final product looks and feels like “you.” Too many edits will make the picture feel too “AI” and can make the picture look less like the real you, both of which will hurt more than they help.📥 *FREE HEADSHOT PROMPT EXAMPLES*Hit the link below to grab examples for each part of my prompt formula along with an example of a fully fleshed out prompt for optimizing resume bullets (for free):→ https://AustinBelcak.com/Headshot🛠️ *VIDEO RESOURCES*Google AI Studio: https://aistudio.google.com/prompts/new_chatPhotofeeler: https://photofeeler.com🚀 *READY TO LAND MORE INTERVIEWS & OFFERS?*Our client Becky was struggling to gain traction in her job search. We revamped her LinkedIn profile and she “started getting multiple messages from recruiters every week.” That eventually led to an Operations role at Masterclass.Our coaching program pairs cutting edge AI workflows with highly personalized 1:1 coaching to drive:💰 Average Raise: $44,000+ ⏱️ Avg. Time To Offer: ~3.5 Months🧭 Complete Career Clarity⭐ Satisfaction Rating: 9.5 / 10🤝 End-To-End Job Search Support✅ 3X+ ROI GuaranteeIf you want to learn more, hit the link below to see how we can map this to your search on a free 30 minute Career Clarity Call:*BOOK HERE:* https://cultivatedculture.com/coaching​👋 *LET’S BE FRIENDS*Follow along for more job search content:*LinkedIn:* https://linkedin.com/in/abelcak*Newsletter:* https://cultivatedculture.com/newsletter*Website:* https://cultivatedculture.comNote On AI Use: AI isn't meant to be a replacement for you. If you're simply copying and pasting outputs, you're not going to see the benefits. Instead, you need to view AI as a supplement that saves you energy via automation, amplifies your critical thinking as a brainstorm partner, etc. Use it to remove 80% of the tedious baseline work so you save 100% of your energy for the high ROI actions that move the needle.#jobsearch #AI #linkedin #Gemini #NanoBananaWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write atte

Austin shares his answer to the question “What if a company steals my Value Validation Project ideas?”Time Stamped Show Notes:[0:25] - What happens if a company steals my VVP  ideas?[1:19] - Why VVPs are so valuable[2:22] - What does the math say?[6:29] - It’s hard, but hang in thereResources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:CultivatedCulture.com/ValueWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone’s professional email in seconds.Connect with Austin for daily job search content:Cultivated CultureLinkedInTwitterThanks for listening!

Austin shares the 3 things he looked for when looking for people to hire at Microsoft. Make sure you’re doing these 3 key things before and during your interview!Time Stamped Show Notes:[0:25] - 3 Things Austin Looked For When Interviewing People At Microsoft[1:25] - Giving specific answers vs. giving general answers[3:52] - Do they have a side hustle?[6:00] - What kind of questions do they ask?Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:CultivatedCulture.com/InterviewsWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone’s professional email in seconds.Connect with Austin for daily job search content:Cultivated CultureLinkedInTwitterThanks for listening!

This is an Audio Edition episode—originally published on YouTube and optimized for audio listening.Most people use ChatGPT the wrong way in their job search which costs them interviews and offers. Generic prompts like “update my resume” or “write me a cover letter” lead to generic, cookie-cutter results that recruiters ignore. In this video, I reveal the best ChatGPT prompt formula (C.R.A.E.) that transforms how you write resumes, craft cover letters, prepare for interviews, and send LinkedIn networking messages. By learning this simple AI prompt framework, you’ll save time, get personalized outputs, and dramatically improve your chances of landing more job offers.📥 *FREE PROMPT FORMULA EXAMPLES*Hit the link below to grab examples for each part of my prompt formula along with an example of a fully fleshed out prompt for optimizing resume bullets (for free):→ https://AustinBelcak.com/Prompt🚀 *READY TO LAND MORE INTERVIEWS & OFFERS?*David was a client of ours struggling to make a vertical leap. We partnered with him to secure a multi-level promotion with a $50k raise and a fully remote position.Our coaching program pairs cutting edge AI workflows (like the one in this video) with highly personalized 1:1 coaching to drive:💰 Average Raise: $44,000+ ⏱️ Avg. Time To Offer: ~3.5 Months🧭 Complete Career Clarity⭐ Satisfaction Rating: 9.5 / 10🤝 End-To-End Job Search Support✅ 3X+ ROI GuaranteeIf you want to learn more, hit the link below to see how we can map this to your search on a free 30 minute Career Clarity Call:*BOOK HERE:* https://cultivatedculture.com/coaching​👋 *LET’S BE FRIENDS*Follow along for more job search content:*LinkedIn:* https://linkedin.com/in/abelcak*Newsletter:* https://cultivatedculture.com/newsletter*Website:* https://cultivatedculture.comNote On AI Use: AI isn't meant to be a replacement for you. If you're simply copying and pasting outputs, you're not going to see the benefits. Instead, you need to view AI as a supplement that saves you energy via automation, amplifies your critical thinking as a brainstorm partner, etc. Use it to remove 80% of the tedious baseline work so you save 100% of your energy for the high ROI actions that move the needle.#jobsearch #dreamjob #ChatGPT #AI #careersWant To Level Up Your Job Search?Click here to learn more about 1:1 career coaching to help you land your dream job without applying online.Check out Austin’s courses and, as a thank you for listening to the show, use the code PODCAST to get 5% off any digital course:The Interview Preparation System - Austin’s proven, all-in-one process for turning your next job interview into a job offer.Value Validation Project Starter Kit - Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP that will blow hiring managers away and set you apart from the competition.No Experience, No Problem - Austin’s proven framework for building the skills and experience you need to break into a new industry (even if you have *zero* experience right now).Try Austin’s Job Search ToolsResyBuild.io - Build a beautiful, job-winning resume in minutes.ResyMatch.io - Score your resume vs. your target job description and get feedback.ResyBullet.io - Learn how to write attention grabbing resume bullets.Mailscoop.io - Find anyone’s professional email in seconds.Connect with Austin for daily job search content:Cultivated CultureLinkedInTwitterThanks for listening!