The Uncommon Career: Job Search & Career Coaching with Christian Values

  Few things are more confusing than seeing a recruiter or hiring leader view your LinkedIn profile… and then hearing absolutely nothing. That spike of excitement followed by silence can leave you wondering what went wrong. The truth is, LinkedIn isn’t just about what you want to say – it’s about how quickly someone scanning your profile can decide to stay, scroll, or move on. Every section creates micro-decisions. From your headline to your About section to your activity, small signals shape whether someone feels confident enough to take the next step. When your profile is built from your perspective instead of theirs, interest quietly drops off. But when it’s built from their lens momentum builds, and in this episode, I'll tell you exactly how.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why profile views don’t automatically lead to outreach ✔ The three goals your LinkedIn profile should be built around ✔ Where recruiters make silent “micro-decisions” as they scroll ✔ How perspective shifts change everything about your messaging ✔ The exact points where interest is most often lost   Link mentioned in this episode: Learn about The Career & Brand Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive    ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ STEP 1: LEARN THE STRATEGY 📥 Start with the Job Search Podcast Roadmap - the most popular episodes for every stage of your search: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Learn our 5-step job search strategy: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   STEP 2: LET'S CONNECT 💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Leave a voice memo: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask   STEP 3: GET FOCUSED SUPPORT Ready for strategic support in your job search? Apply for coaching: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call Or start with The Career Brand & Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive           . . . . . . _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian, biblical worldview. She believe excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. She believes we are made in Christ, for His glory, and her aim is to help you land a role you feel you were quite literally "created for". Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.              

  Momentum in a job search can feel strong one week and completely gone the next. One rejection, one quiet stretch, or one unanswered message can suddenly turn confidence into doubt. Let's explore why the mind jumps so quickly from a single experience to sweeping conclusions—and how that mental shortcut quietly derails your otherwise solid searches. What feels like “proof” that something isn’t working is often just one data point given too much power. When that happens, decisions start getting reactive, confidence collapses, and the process begins to feel hopeless far faster than it should. Once you learn how to spot this trap early, it'll be much easier to stay steady, focused, and forward-moving—even when results haven’t shown up yet.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why one bad week can override months of preparation ✔ How the brain turns single data points into false certainty ✔ What hopelessness actually signals in the job search ✔ How to prevent emotional whiplash from derailing momentum ✔ Why early discouragement often has nothing to do with final outcomes   Links in this episode: Download our five step process here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process Find a time for your Career Audit here:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/audit   Links mentioned in this episode: Learn about our process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   Learn about The Career & Brand Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive    ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ STEP 1: LEARN THE STRATEGY 📥 Start with the Job Search Podcast Roadmap - the most popular episodes for every stage of your search: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Learn our 5-step job search strategy: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   STEP 2: LET'S CONNECT 💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Leave a voice memo: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask   STEP 3: GET FOCUSED SUPPORT Ready for strategic support in your job search? Apply for coaching: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call Or start with The Career Brand & Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive           . . . . . . _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian, biblical worldview. She believe excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. She believes we are made in Christ, for His glory, and her aim is to help you land a role you feel you were quite literally "created for". Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.             .

  High-stakes interviews can quietly shift from a conversation into a performance. When that happens, answers start to feel one-sided, rehearsed, or strangely disconnected – like words are coming out, but real connection isn’t landing. This topic explores why that shift happens and how pressure, self-protection, and over-control interfere with presence in the moment. Staying present isn’t about saying the perfect thing or proving worth. It’s about creating enough internal calm to truly listen, adjust, and respond in real time. When presence replaces performance, interviews become conversations again—and that’s when clarity, confidence, and connection show up naturally.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why interviews can start to feel like monologues instead of conversations ✔ How self-protection quietly blocks real connection ✔ The link between anxiety, control, and communication breakdowns ✔ What presence actually looks like in a high-pressure interview ✔ How staying regulated helps your message land and resonate   Link mentioned in this episode: Book a call to talk about your specific situation and whether coaching is a good fit: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call      ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ STEP 1: LEARN THE STRATEGY 📥 Start with the Job Search Podcast Roadmap - the most popular episodes for every stage of your search: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Learn our 5-step job search strategy: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   STEP 2: LET'S CONNECT 💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Leave a voice memo: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask   STEP 3: GET FOCUSED SUPPORT Ready for strategic support in your job search? Apply for coaching: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call Or start with The Career Brand & Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive           . . . . . . _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian, biblical worldview. She believe excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. She believes we are made in Christ, for His glory, and her aim is to help you land a role you feel you were quite literally "created for". Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.             .

  Ever get an interview for a role you don't actually want? In this conversation, we'll explore why attention so often drifts toward what’s available instead of what’s intentional – and how that pattern quietly pulls professionals away from their best-fit roles. What looks like momentum on the surface can sometimes be a form of relief, distraction, or energy conservation rather than true progress. This is a field-notes look at what happens psychologically when fear, urgency, and “better than nothing” thinking creep into the job search. Once those patterns become visible, it becomes much easier for you to step out of reaction mode and make decisions that actually support long-term satisfaction and alignment.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why “available” roles can feel more compelling than ideal ones ✔ The hidden psychology behind applying to jobs you don’t really want ✔ How short-term relief can masquerade as productivity ✔ Why attention naturally drifts away from intentional career goals ✔ How to reclaim focus and stop settling before you’ve truly explored your options   Links mentioned in this episode: Learn about our process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/90   Book a call to talk about your specific situation and whether coaching is a good fit: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call    ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ STEP 1: LEARN THE STRATEGY 📥 Start with the Job Search Podcast Roadmap - the most popular episodes for every stage of your search: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Learn our 5-step job search strategy: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   STEP 2: LET'S CONNECT 💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Leave a voice memo: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask   STEP 3: GET FOCUSED SUPPORT Ready for strategic support in your job search? Apply for coaching: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call Or start with The Career Brand & Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive           . . . . . . _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian, biblical worldview. She believe excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. She believes we are made in Christ, for His glory, and her aim is to help you land a role you feel you were quite literally "created for". Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.             .

  If you walk into interviews prepared but still find yourself rambling, freezing, or circling the same point, this episode explains what’s really going on. Today, we'll break down why this happens most often to capable, experienced professionals—and why it’s not a confidence flaw or a communication problem. We'll explore the gap between preparation and pressure, and how belief in your preparation gets tested in real-time. When your mind and body don’t fully trust that your preparation will hold up, clarity slips. Once you understand that dynamic, it becomes much easier to communicate naturally, concisely, and with confidence.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why rambling and blanking out come from the same root cause ✔ What pressure reveals about your interview preparation ✔ How belief in your answers is built—not forced ✔ Why mock interviews work when they’re designed correctly ✔ What actually helps your communication click under pressure   Link mentioned in this episode: Learn about our process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/90   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ STEP 1: LEARN THE STRATEGY 📥 Start with the Job Search Podcast Roadmap - the most popular episodes for every stage of your search: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Learn our 5-step job search strategy: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   STEP 2: LET'S CONNECT 💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Leave a voice memo: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask   STEP 3: GET FOCUSED SUPPORT Ready for strategic support in your job search? Apply for coaching: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call Or start with The Career Brand & Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive           . . . . . . _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. She operates from a Christian, biblical worldview. She believe excellence and integrity can coexist, and you don’t have to exaggerate or compromise who you are to compete at a high level. She believes we are made in Christ, for His glory, and her aim is to help you land a role you feel you were quite literally "created for". Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.             .

  If you know you’re capable but suddenly feel less confident in the job search, this episode explains why that disconnect happens - and why it’s not a personal failure. Things have changed, with more factors (AI tools, psychometrics, etc.) helping to make decisions along the way. The goal today is to understand how your story is interpreted and to show up calmer, clearer, and more compelling, without trying to be someone you’re not.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why feeling capable but unsure can be a signal and not a weakness ✔ How the assumption trap can impact your resume  ✔ What helps recruiters during screening calls ✔ How psychometrics can influence hiring decisions behind the scenes ✔ Three ways to set yourself apart in an AI-forward hiring process   Links mentioned in this episode: Download your Job Search Podcast Roadmap here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap    Book a call to talk about your specific situation and whether coaching is a good fit: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call    What should we talk about next? Leave me a voice message at https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

  Do you feel like the job search is more competitive than ever - even for roles you know you’re qualified for? A lot is changing, from a flood of tech-enabled applications to today's topic, AI tools that are layered into applicant tracking systems. These tools are helping more candidates to be considered, but how can you make sure you are sharing your experience in a way that makes it easy to see the connection, even when more candidates are in the room? We'll talk about why clarity, relevance, and consistency matter more than just keywords. Understanding how candidates are scored, ranked, and resurfaced helps you stop competing blindly and start positioning yourself more intentionally.   You’ll learn: ✔ What hiring systems look for beyond keywords and job titles ✔ Why clarity and consistency now outweigh broad experience ✔ The three most important actions to take to stay competitive going forward ✔ Why past applicants and former employees can now be resurfaced more easily   Links mentioned in this episode: Learn about our process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/90   Learn about The Career & Brand Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive    ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

  If the job market feels unfamiliar or "new" to you right now, you're not wrong. Today’s conversation unpacks the shift happening beneath the surface of hiring and how you can think about your materials to bring your best foot forward.  More importantly, this episode reframes the moment we’re in. When the market shifts, opportunity opens first for those who understand the change early. This is about learning how to position yourself clearly, intentionally, and strategically so you can stay ahead of the curve.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why today’s job market feels so different than it did just a few years ago ✔ How AI is changing what hiring systems look for beyond keywords ✔ What “clarity” really means in the modern job search ✔ Why consistency across your resume, LinkedIn, and story matters   Links from this episode: Learn about our process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/90   Learn about The Career & Brand Strategy Intensive: https://theuncommoncareer.com/intensive          ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

  If the job search keeps dragging on because things never feel quite “ready,” this episode puts a name to what’s happening; perfectionism. Today’s conversation breaks down how perfectionism quietly stalls momentum by pulling attention into small details while the bigger goal slips further away. We'll walk through the cycle perfectionism creates, how it shows up in resumes, interviews, and decision-making, and why it feels productive—even when it’s not. More importantly, this episode helps you identify where perfectionism is coming from and what kind of shift actually gets you moving again. The goal isn’t to do things perfectly, but to act decisively, preserve energy, and focus on what truly drives results.   You’ll learn: ✔ The perfectionism cycle that quietly kills job-search momentum ✔ How to recognize when “refining” turns into avoidance ✔ The three different scenarios perfectionism usually falls into ✔ Why decisiveness creates clarity faster than over-research ✔ How to choose the right support to break the cycle and move forward   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

  In this episode, Patricia interviews Mitch Matthews, a coach, speaker, creator, and host of the top 1% podcast 'Dream Think Do.' Mitch shares his journey from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, discussing his process called the Authority Bridge. He elaborates on the challenges of transitioning from a successful career to starting a new business and offers valuable advice on how to make that shift gradually. This segment covers the importance of continued learning, the value of coaching, and how to manage the fear of failure.    Timestamps 00:39 Mitch's Journey from Professional to Entrepreneur 06:22 The Entrepreneurial Bug and Overcoming Fear 12:02 The Six-Figure Sequence and Scientific Method Coaching 16:58 The Authority Bridge: A Step-by-Step Process 24:16 Encouragement and Final Thoughts   About Mitch Matthews Mitch Matthews is a success coach, keynote speaker, and the creator of the top 1% podcast DREAM THINK DO. Through the podcast and his coaching - Mitch helps high-achieving leaders and entrepreneurs dream bigger, think better, and do more of what they were put on the planet to do. He’s been honored to interview some of the most influential thinkers on the planet - from bestselling authors like Brendon Burchard, Michael Hyatt, and Jamie Kern Lima to Oscar winners, elite athletes, and world-class entrepreneurs. As a speaker and elite success coach, Mitch has also spent two decades working with leaders from organizations like NIKE, NASA, Disney, and United Airlines - helping leaders clarify their purpose and lead with impact. Mitch is also the creator of The Authority BridgeTM - a high-touch coaching experience that helps seasoned professionals build a coaching and speaking business that’s aligned, strategic, and legacy-worthy. Mitch lives a highly-caffeinated life in Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife Melissa and they have two wildly creative sons. Connect with Mitch Attend the Workshop! 👉 Make Time for Your Next Chapter (Use Code UNCOMMON) Connect with Mitch on LinkedIn Subscribe to 4 Things   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .  

  If your interviews usually go well but the offers keep falling just out of reach, this episode pinpoints what’s missing. Today’s conversation explores why strong qualifications and polished answers aren’t always enough—and how elevating your career stories from tactical to strategic changes how employers see your potential. We'll break down how to move beyond listing actions and results and instead communicate how you think, plan, and lead. Using a clear, practical framework, this episode shows how strategic storytelling helps hiring leaders trust not just what you’ve done, but what you’ll do next. When employers understand your thinking, your interviews stop blending in and start influencing decisions.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why traditional STAR stories often fail to create differentiation ✔ How to reveal your strategic thinking—not just your past actions ✔ Four shifts that instantly elevate your interview responses ✔ How to show future potential, not just past performance ✔ What makes employers trust your outcomes aren’t a one-time fluke   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

  If communicating goals to your team ever feels harder than it should, this segment offers a cleaner, more human approach. Our conversation today breaks down how leaders can move beyond beautiful but forgettable presentations and instead deliver messages that actually land, motivate, and drive action. This episode explores how clarity, intention, and structure transform goal-setting from a one-time announcement into an experience your team understands and rallies behind. Through a practical framework shared by leadership advisor Rebecca Gutner, you'll be walked through how to connect company vision to team priorities, individual contribution, and ongoing momentum—without over-explaining or overwhelming your audience.   You’ll learn: ✔ Why most goal presentations fail to create true buy-in ✔ How to connect company vision to individual motivation ✔ The role clarity plays in helping teams take ownership ✔ What to include so goals turn into action—not confusion ✔ How to keep teams engaged beyond the kickoff meeting   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ About Rebecca Gutner: Rebecca Gutner is the Founder and Chief Executive Advisor of Luminary Leadership Advisors. With more than two decades of experience across technology, marketing, and non-profit sectors, she brings deep expertise as a certified executive coach and business advisor. Her work spans start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, guiding professionals to develop leadership approaches that are both strategic and authentic.  Rebecca specializes in coaching executives in revenue-driven roles where growth, performance, and team development intersect. Her approach combines proven management frameworks and coaching methodologies to strengthen strategic clarity, influence, and communication—ultimately driving measurable business results. Connect with: Rebecca on LinkedIn 📂 Download Luminary's Communication Guide Here   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

  If the job search feels confusing when rejections come with zero feedback, this episode unlocks to what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Today’s conversation breaks down the two paths professionals most commonly find themselves on and explains how to tell which one you’re on. Often, the solution isn’t about doing more, but about recognizing whether a simple tune-up is needed or if the foundation itself needs attention. Clarity around direction, value, and communication changes everything - from how employers respond, to how confident you feel showing up. When the mystery lifts, momentum follows, and decisions start to feel easier, cleaner, and more aligned.   You’ll learn: ✔ The common symptoms that signal a lack of clarity in your search ✔ Why slowing down briefly can lead to faster, stronger results ✔ The early signs that confirm you’re finally on the right track   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

Our conversation today walks you through the turning point, the "hinge, "that shifts a search from exhaustion and second-guessing into clarity, momentum, and real traction again. Through a story that mirrors what so many professionals experience, this episode explores how awareness, presence, and one focused action can completely change the pace and direction of your search. This space is all about helping you understand where things stall, why motivation dips, and how small but intentional shifts reignite genuine confidence. If the goal is to move from “going through the motions” to feeling fully back in the game, this episode gives you the roadmap.   You’ll learn: ✔︎ The three checkpoints that reveal job search issues ✔︎ Where your search is getting stuck ✔︎ What “the hinge” looks like and how to find yours ✔︎ How one action can create momentum that leads to the offer   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

  If the job market feels overwhelming right now, you’re not imagining it. Layoffs, hundreds of applicants, AI tools everywhere...it’s enough to make you wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you need to start over. In this episode, I’m walking you through three opportunities hiding inside today’s competitive job market. We’ll talk about why competition isn’t actually the biggest problem, how to use AI without losing your voice or value, and why applying to fewer roles (more intentionally) leads to better results. If you’ve been applying, getting little traction, and feeling stuck or discouraged, this episode will help you see what’s really going on, and what to do differently next.   I'll share: ✔︎ Why the job market isn’t the reason you’re stuck ✔︎ How to use AI without sounding generic or replaceable ✔︎ The small shift that makes employers actually notice you   If you want to move your job search forward with more clarity and less second-guessing, this conversation will help you recalibrate.   ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process   🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call     _____________________ Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.               .

  In this episode, explore the concept of unlearning silence with Elaine Lin Herring, a faculty member at Harvard Law and a bestselling author. Elaine discusses her book 'Unlearning Silence' and shares the toll of societal and personal expectations on our lives, particularly for women and immigrants. She delves into the importance of finding one's voice, understanding personal needs, and making intentional choices for a more aligned and fulfilling life. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she offers practical advice for overcoming self-doubt, utilizing our unique talents, and creating a life that's truly yours.   Timestamps 01:14 The Burden of Expectations & Breaking Free from the Past 07:41 Rediscovering Your Voice, the Power of Self-Expression 14:56 The Journey to Unlearn Silence 27:37 Navigating Life's Uncertainties & Embracing Possibilities Amidst Challenges 30:06 Reevaluating Career Paths & The Importance of Market Awareness 31:55 Balancing Gratitude and Ambition, Exploring New Opportunities 40:10 Strategic Silence and Intentional Choices   About Elaine Lin Hering Elaine Lin Hering is a speaker, facilitator, and former Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She has worked on six continents and facilitated executive education at Harvard, Dartmouth, Tufts, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. She has served as the Advanced Training Director for the Harvard Mediation Program and a Managing Partner for a global leadership development firm. She has worked with coal miners at BHP Billiton, micro-finance organizers in East Africa, mental health professionals in China, and senior leadership at the US Department of Commerce. Her clients include American Express, Chevron, Google, Nike, Novartis, PayPal, Pixar, and the Red Cross. She was named a Thinkers50 global management thinker to watch and is the author of the USA Today Bestselling book Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully (Penguin). Connect with Elaine Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn Subscribe to Elaine's Newsletter    _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching

  In this episode, Patricia highlights the critical importance of small details in job interviews and how mastering those can significantly affect the outcome. She shares a personal anecdote demonstrating how a simple 30-second oversight can have lasting consequences and applies this lesson to interview preparation. Patricia provides actionable advice on how to identify and leverage personal strengths by reflecting on past industries, experiences, skills, and unique qualifications. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for thorough preparation for responses, particularly the 'tell me about yourself' answer, and offers guidance for ensuring these answers highlight relevant strengths confidently and clearly.    We'll Talk About: 00:00 The 30-Second Interview Game Changer 01:51 Identifying Your Strengths 04:03 Crafting Your 'Tell Me About Yourself' Response 05:06 Practice Until You Can't Get It Wrong 06:04 Taking Action: Preparing for Your Interview 06:51 Final Thoughts and Next Steps   _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching _________________________________________________________________ Referenced Materials Episode #110: How to Structure and Draft Your Tell Me About Yourself Response

  In this episode, Julianna and Patricia delve into the sensations and realities of feeling stuck, especially in one's career. They discuss common signs and symptoms of this stuckness, including the physical and mental manifestations during coaching sessions. The conversation covers the impact of procrastination, the power of coaching, and the importance of finding the right coach for your needs. Practical advice is offered on identifying and overcoming stuck points, ultimately aiming to guide listeners towards achieving their optimal performance.   We'll Talk About: 00:33 Understanding the Feeling of Being Stuck 02:10 The Loop of Learning and Procrastination 04:08 Signs of Being Stuck 08:24 The Coaching Process and Overcoming Stuckness 29:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   __________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching\ Connect with Julianna: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Newsletter signup⁠

  In this episode, Patricia shares valuable advice on job searching, focusing on the importance of clarity, creating effective resumes, and writing authentic cover letters. The episode emphasizes learning from recent job seekers' experiences, the necessity of slowing down the application process to refine materials, and the significance of aligning resumes and cover letters with employer needs. Key highlights include avoiding 'chaos applying,' understanding the true meaning of authenticity, and the importance of tailoring resumes to solve hiring managers' problems.    We'll Talk About: 00:27 The Importance of Clarity in Job Search 02:58 Crafting an Authentic Cover Letter 05:33 Tailoring Your Resume for the Reader 08:48 Avoiding Common Resume Pitfalls   _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching  

  In this episode, join career coaches Janine and Patricia have an insightful coffee chat about their personal journeys of leaving law and tenure to embrace new careers. They share the importance of redefining success, the challenges faced during transitions, and the strategies they've learned. The conversation touches on entrepreneurship, mindset, and the unexpected growth that comes with making a significant career change.    Timestamps 01:08 Janine's Journey from Law to Coaching 05:49 Patricia's Academic Background and Career Shift 09:54 Navigating Identity and Career Changes 23:43 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skills 25:19 Being the CEO of Your Career 26:58 Navigating Challenges and Mindset Shifts   About Janine Esbrand Janine Esbrand is a career strategist & executive coach helping high-achieving professionals step into impactful leadership roles with clarity, intention, and strategy. A former corporate lawyer, she draws on a decade of legal experience and her Career Change Maker™ framework to guide emerging leaders toward roles that align with their strengths, values, and long-term goals—unlocking both personal fulfillment and organizational impact.  Connect with Janine Check out The Career Change Maker Connect with Janine on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Career Navigator    _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching