Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

Job loss can be a great opportunity to examine whether you’re in the right field. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Jenny Mack-Christensen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennymackaben/) tells how she used the time between jobs to affirm that she wanted to stay in marketing. She used informational interviews to explore other career fields, but Jenny says she ultimately decided to level up in her current field rather than make a switch. Learn more about Jenny’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories series (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you had a series of jobs, but they don’t feel like exactly what you want? If you want to find your dream job, you have to get clear on what kind of job would be the perfect fit for you. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Jasmin Huila (https://www.linkedin.com/in/huilaj/) shares why her first positions out of college weren’t the right fit, how she finally made decisions on what she wanted, and the process she used to set specific career goals. Learn more about Jasmin’s career history below in this installment of our Success Stories (https://www.macslist.org/articles/success-stories) series.  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=16651&preview=true) Hiring managers care about what you’ve achieved, not just what you were responsible for. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, recruiter and HR professional Ashlie Journet explains why it’s important to track your wins and talk about your impact. Many people overlook their own wins, so their resumes don’t reflect the results they’ve delivered. Ashlie breaks down what employers look for, like evidence you saved time, cut costs, worked across teams, and solved problems. She suggests keeping a “brag book” to record achievements, feedback, and metrics so you’re ready to confidently show up in your applications and interviews. Tailor each resume, highlight your strongest wins up top, and ask hiring managers about their challenges so you can show how your results meet their needs. Listen now to learn how to share your wins and stand out. About Our Guest: Ashlie Journet is a recruiter and HR professional and runs The Candidate Advocate Resume Writing Services.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Ashlie 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=16634&preview=true⁠)  When someone asks, “What are you looking for?” it can feel like a simple question, but your answer can shape your entire job search. Many candidates struggle to articulate that answer. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, executive and life coach Jennifer Schwartz explains why knowing where you want to go makes it easier to focus your energy and make clear decisions. Jennifer talks about how imposter syndrome, fear and other people’s expectations can cloud what you truly want. She offers ways to define your next role, from making a personal list of priorities to framing your goals around what you want to do to looking for evidence that your ideal job exists. This conversation will help you trust yourself and move toward work that fits your life today. About Our Guest: ⁠Jennifer Schwartz⁠ is an executive and life coach.  Resources in This Episode: ⁠Connect with Jennifer⁠ 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=16642&preview=true)  Job seekers often wonder what recruiters are really looking for. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, former recruiter Claire Martin shares what happens behind the scenes when employers review applications. Claire is the director of employer engagement at Willamette University and has spent more than a decade recruiting and hiring. She explains how recruiters still read resumes, why research matters in interviews and how follow-up fits into the process. Claire also shares hiring secrets you can use right away. Learn how small details on your resume and LinkedIn profile shape first impressions, how to cultivate connections with an organization and when AI can help or hurt your search. Claire’s advice will help you show up as yourself and stand out in the hiring process. About Our Guest: Claire Martin is the director of employer engagement at Willamette University. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Claire on LinkedIn. Willamette Career Center 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=16628&preview=true) Knowing you want a change in your work life is one thing. Knowing what you want next is another. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Sara Stowe talks about how clarity can shape a stronger, more focused job search. Through her work at True Terpenes and Portland Workforce Alliance, Sara supports professionals and students  as they explore what meaningful, satisfying work looks like for them. Sara shares why rushing toward the next opportunity can lead to frustration, how to spot “bright and shiny” distractions and why values matter more than perks. She also explains how to build a list of priorities, sort your negotiables from your non-negotiables and use your skills to explore new paths. If you’re unsure about your next step, this conversation will help you make thoughtful choices about what comes next. About Our Guest: Sara Stowe is the vice president of people and culture at True Terpenes. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Sara on LinkedIn and visit the Portland Workforce Alliance website. 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=16625&preview=true)  Feeling stuck is a common part of a job search. But many people aren’t sure how to move forward when their efforts start to feel stalled. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Diane DeVore talks about why so many candidates lose momentum and how they can find their way forward. Rather than pushing harder or applying to more roles, Diane encourages job seekers to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and get clear on what they want next. Diane also shares ways to bring focus and self-care back to your search. She talks about how to tailor your resume, build connections, and give yourself room to change. You’ll learn how small, steady steps can help you move forward and find work that feels like a stronger fit for you.  About Our Guest: Diane DeVore is the assistant director for career services at Everett Community College. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Diane 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=16622&preview=true)  Relationships matter when you’re looking for work. But many people feel unsure how to approach them in a way that feels natural. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, Matthew Warner reframes networking as something deeply human. Rather than collecting contacts, he talks about building relationships with people you enjoy and respect. Matthew explains how investing in your network over time can create trust, shape hiring decisions and help you find work that’s a strong fit. Matthew also offers advice on how to care for your network over time. He compares relationships to a garden that needs regular care, not bursts of attention when you need something. You’ll learn how small actions, consistency and reciprocity can strengthen your connections throughout your career and why a simple check-in can make a meaningful difference. About Our Guest: Matthew Warner is the chief people and culture officer at Friends of the Children - Portland. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Matthew 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=16558&preview=true)  Standing out in today’s job market takes more than strong credentials. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Cory Steward explains why interviews matter so much when hundreds of qualified candidates apply for the same role. He shares what employers are really looking for, including confidence, curiosity, and a good fit with the team, and why being prepared and personable can leave a lasting impression. Cory also explains why being a little bolder in interviews can help you stand out. Cory offers specific steps to help you show up more confidently in interviews. He explains how to research employers so you feel prepared, ask questions that help you assess whether a role is a good fit, and follow up without overthinking it. He also covers how to manage self-doubt, take thoughtful risks, and know when it’s time to move on. If you want to feel more confident and prepared in interviews, this episode will help you stand out and get hired. About Our Guest: Cory Steward owns and runs the top coaching firm, Get Career Confidence. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Cory 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=16547&preview=true)  Changing careers can feel daunting, especially when fear, guilt, or long-held beliefs about who you should be start to surface. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, guest expert Carissa Kerrissey explains why career pivots are far more common than people realize and how our brain’s natural negativity bias can make change feel harder than it is. Carissa breaks down myths like “I’m too old to start over” and shows how identity, purpose, and shifting values often signal that it’s time to explore a new direction. She also shares practical steps for navigating the inner critic, recognizing the transferable skills you already have, and using your core values to guide your next move. If you’re burned out, feeling stuck, or simply ready for a fresh start, Carissa’s advice offers a clear, encouraging path toward work that fits who you are today. About Our Guest: Carissa Kerrissey is the founder of Future Forward Careers. Carissa’s company helps burned-out teachers and mission-driven professionals reclaim energy, rediscover purpose, and transition into fulfilling work. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Carissa 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=16578&preview=true)  Career pivots rooted in relationships can often lead to meaningful work. On this bonus episode of Find Your Dream Job, Melanie Klym, Northwest River Restoration Director at American Rivers, shares why she loves protecting rivers across the Pacific Northwest. She also reflects on how she knew it was time to leave private engineering consulting and move into the nonprofit sector to expand her impact and better align her work with her values. Melanie talks through the job search habits that have shaped her career path, including informational interviews, volunteering, and working with mentors over time. By reaching out to people she admired, staying curious about different career paths, and building relationships before roles were posted, she found a position that was a strong fit. Her takeaways for job seekers: focus on people, stay engaged in your community, and think of networking as something you do throughout your career — not just during a job search. About Our Guest: Melanie Klym is the Northwest River Restoration Director at American Rivers.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn.  To learn more about Melanie Klym’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=16517&preview=true) It’s easier than ever to apply online, but relying only on job boards can leave you feeling overlooked and unsure of your next step. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, career and leadership coach Swati Parikh shares why conversations remain the most effective way to move your search forward. Swati explains how talking to people helps you learn what employers value, understand whether a role is the right fit, and avoid the discouragement that comes from sending applications into the void. She also demystifies informational interviews, offering guidance on what to ask, how to prepare, and why showing a little vulnerability can actually strengthen your connections. Swati highlights how building relationships can connect you with opportunities you won’t find online. If you’re looking for a more connected, effective job search strategy, this episode shares how talking to people can lead you to the job you want. About Our Guest: Swati Parikh is the founder of Greater Good Careers. It’s a career and leadership coaching business for mission-driven professionals and lawyers. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Swati 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=16513&preview=true) Negotiating a job offer shapes far more than your first day on the job. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, HR expert Marcia Torres shares why your starting salary influences future raises, bonuses, and long-term earning potential — and why employers expect candidates to ask questions, review their offers carefully, and advocate for what they need. Marcia also talks about the value of taking 24 hours to read through an offer, getting clear on your bottom line, and using reliable salary data to understand where you should land in a range. She then walks through what candidates can negotiate beyond base pay, including job titles, professional development funds, PTO, and other benefits that make up a full compensation package. Marcia offers practical, down-to-earth guidance on how to approach these conversations collaboratively, build rapport with recruiters, and make a thoughtful decision about your next role. About Our Guest: Marcia Torres is the founder of Imagen Talent Solutions. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Marcia 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=16563&preview=true)  On Nov. 12, we hosted our final quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with B Local PDX. More than 200 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “Meaningful Careers in Portland: Align Your Job with Your Values.” In this recording of our conversation, you’ll hear grounded, hopeful advice for navigating a tough job market and finding work that feels meaningful.  Our panelists talk about staying motivated, managing burnout, and taking steady, realistic steps toward roles that reflect your values. They share practical strategies such as volunteering, networking, and informational interviews that will help you build connections and find opportunities across Portland’s B Corps, nonprofits, government agencies, and values-aligned for-profits. About Our Guests: Wesley Griffin, executive director of B Local PDX Panelists Charles McGee, director of operations, Workplace Change Brandi Oldham, MHR, founder, Talent Career Coaching Nicole Stein, director of social impact and sustainability, Killian Pacific 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=16462&preview=true)  Thinking about a career change can stir up nerves, excitement, and a big “where do I even start?” On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, coach and author Ariane Hunter talks about what’s really happening when something in your work life feels off. She shares why career pivots show up for so many of us — sometimes by choice, sometimes not — and how those quiet nudges can point you toward work that feels better than what you’ve been settling for. Ariane also explains why it helps to pause, breathe, and let yourself feel what’s coming up before rushing into the next thing. Then she gets practical, with small steps like checking in with people who’ve seen you shine, reconnecting with supportive colleagues, and exploring new options without having it all figured out. If you’re standing at a career crossroads, this episode offers grounded guidance and a reassuring place to begin. About Our Guest: Ariane Hunter is a speaker, an author, and the founder and owner of Ariane Hunter Consulting. Resources in This Episode: Connect with Ariane on LinkedIn. Check out Ariane’s book, Dreaming On Purpose: A Manifesto for Black Women on Taking the Leap, Building Your Dreams, and Being Your Own Boss. 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=16459&preview=true)  Imposter syndrome can derail even the most seasoned professionals, especially in a tough job market. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Shannon Grosswiler explains why self-doubt shows up during a job search and how it affects the way people read job descriptions, talk about their accomplishments, and decide whether to apply for roles they’re fully capable of doing. Shannon shares the common patterns she sees — particularly among women — and why so many talented candidates underestimate their experience or hesitate to market themselves with confidence. Shannon also offers practical steps to rebuild your confidence and keep moving forward, from gathering LinkedIn recommendations to revisiting the moments you’re proud of and leaning on friends who see your strengths clearly. You’ll walk away knowing how to tell your story with more ease, approach applications with a calmer mindset, and keep going even when the market feels tough. If imposter feelings have been creeping in, this episode will help you reconnect with your value and take the next steps in your search. About Our Guest: Shannon Grosswiler coaches executives, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit professionals through career transitions.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Shannon 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=16454&preview=true)  Job searching can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and the pressure to find your next opportunity. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Samorn Selim, founder of Career Unicorns®, shares a simple but powerful system to help you get your next job without burning out. She explains how to spot the signs of job search fatigue, why clarity is the first step to success, and how to focus on what truly matters instead of trying to do everything at once. Samorn breaks down her three-part system — clarity, strategy, and consistency — to make the process manageable and effective. You’ll learn how to narrow your focus, structure your search in small, realistic steps, and celebrate progress along the way. Whether you’re sending out endless applications or feeling stuck in a cycle of stop-and-start searching, this episode will help you approach your job search with confidence, balance, and renewed energy. About Our Guest: Samorn Selim is the founder of Career Unicorns Resources in This Episode: Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn Check out Samorn's gratitude journal, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy | Perfect Gift For Yourself Or Loved Ones 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=16441&preview=true)  Career changes are becoming a natural part of modern work life. But navigating them well can be challenging, especially in uncertain times. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career and leadership consultant Charity McDonald shares her framework for making a successful pivot through the three paths for a career pivot: possibilities, patience, and people. Charity explains how to expand your options by focusing on your transferable skills, managing expectations when a job search takes longer than planned, and building genuine connections that lead to new opportunities. She also offers tips for reframing rejection, staying patient amid uncertainty, and using LinkedIn to reach hiring managers in a more personal way. About Our Guest: Charity McDonald is an author, speaker, and career and leadership consultant.  Resources in This Episode: Connect with Charity on LinkedIn.  Check out her new book, Women, Work & Leadership: Embracing Courage and Boldly Leading From Within 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=16435&preview=true)  Many job seekers treat interviews as a series of questions to answer correctly, but doing so can make you blend in instead of stand out. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Kacie Bail explains how to turn an interview into a genuine conversation that builds trust and connection with your interviewer. She shares three practical steps: listen intently, identify conversation threads, and engage naturally with what your interviewer says. By focusing on curiosity and connection, you can show that you’re not only qualified but also someone they’ll enjoy working with. Kacie also offers simple ways to signal understanding, ask meaningful follow-up questions, and use nonverbal cues like nodding and smiling to build rapport. You’ll learn how to adapt these techniques for both casual and highly structured interviews — and why the goal isn’t perfection, but authenticity. As Kacie reminds us, interviewers may forget your exact answers, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. About Our Guest: Kacie Bail is a career coach who helps introverts and non-native English speakers get more fulfilling jobs.   Resources in This Episode: Connect with Kacie on LinkedIn.  Visit her website, where you can Get a Free PDF on How to Ace your Interview in 7 Steps. Sign up for Kacie’s Newsletter. Check out Kacie’s Career Coaching for Introverts and ESL Community Meetup Group. 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=16430&preview=true) On Sept. 11, we hosted our third quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with Willamette University’s Atkinson School of Management. Almost 100 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “The Leadership Skills You Need to Succeed in Oregon’s Tough Job Market.”  Together, the panelists shared their experiences from higher education, tech recruiting, and executive coaching, offering practical advice for job seekers navigating Oregon’s challenging job market. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with representatives from eight tabling organizations, including educators, professional associations, and career coaches. About Our Guest Leah Straley, dean of Graduate Admissions for Willamette University.  Panelists Ashley Nixon, Ph.D., dean for academic affairs and professor of human resources and organizational behavior, Willamette University Tim Butler, principal sourcer, global talent sourcing, New Relic, Inc. Dr. Carol Parker Walsh, JD, PhD, ACC, executive coach & leadership consultant, Carol Parker Walsh Consulting Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices