Welcome to another episode of Monday Career Confidante! Today’s conversation dives deep into the world of neurodiversity in the job search, with a special focus on resumes, interview preparation, and career coaching for individuals on the autism spectrum or with ADHD. Host Marie Zimenoff sits down with Melissa Kelly, an accomplished resume writer and career coach, who shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, and how those experiences have shaped her unique approach to helping neurodivergent clients succeed in their careers. Melissa talks candidly about the challenges she faced in school and the workforce, from social struggles and misunderstandings to navigating workplace dynamics. Now, she leverages her background to break down barriers, provide practical strategies, and offer structured, empathetic support to others facing similar hurdles. Whether you’re a job seeker, a career professional, or just curious about the neurodiverse experience in the modern workforce, this episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and insights on creating environments where everyone can thrive. Tune in and discover how small shifts in process, empathy, and structure can make a big difference for neurodivergent professionals—and why Melissa believes these adjustments can benefit us all.
Interviews don’t always go as planned, and job seekers often face unexpected questions, curveballs, or even technical difficulties that can throw them off track. In this episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff welcomes Kathleen Dohoney, a career management specialist and former corporate recruiter advisor with deep expertise in job search strategy, interview coaching, and career transitions. Listen in as Kathleen shares expert strategies to help career professionals coach their clients through unpredictable interview moments. Learn how to prepare beyond the script, develop adaptability, and turn challenges into opportunities. Discover actionable techniques for maintaining composure under pressure, responding to difficult questions with poise, and recovering from unexpected twists without losing momentum. As a Certified Interview and Compensation Negotiation Coach, Resume Writer, Transition Coach, Digital Brand Coach, and Career Strategist, Kathleen brings a wealth of insights to the table. Whether it’s handling an off-topic question, managing a high-pressure panel interview, or regaining control after a misstep, this episode will equip you with the tools to guide your clients to interview success—no matter what surprises come their way. Don’t miss this valuable discussion that will enhance your coaching skills and help your clients shine in any interview scenario!
In this episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff chats with Beth Benatti Kennedy, a leadership and executive coach specializing in resilience. Beth, author of "Rethinking Resilience: 99 Ways to Recharge Your Career and Life" and "Career Recharge: Five Strategies to Boost Resilience and Beat Burnout," shares insights on developing resilience beyond its buzzword status. Beth discusses her Bonatti Resiliency Model, focusing on well-being, self-awareness, brand, connection, and innovation. She emphasizes the critical role of personal branding in authentic career presentation and provides practical strategies like the "Friday Five" for maintaining professional relationships. The episode also introduces the concept of "Ikigai," exploring how starting small, accepting oneself, building connections, finding joy in little things, and living in the moment contribute to resilience. If you're navigating career transitions or seeking to boost your resilience, this episode offers actionable strategies and inspiring insights. Tune in to learn how resilience can empower your career and personal growth.
In this episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff delves into the role of AI in modern job searches. She covers how tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity can aid in analyzing job descriptions, market research, and refining interview strategies. Marie emphasizes AI as a supportive copilot, enhancing, but not replacing, the essential human touch in personal branding. She also discusses navigating AI's ethical considerations and potential biases to ensure effective use. This episode is a must-listen for career services providers and job seekers ready to leverage AI's advantages in their career pursuits. Tune in to learn how AI can help you achieve success in today's job market.
The number of applications is up for nearly every job opening. Ageism persists despite an aging workforce. Listen in as we outline how these trends impact your job search and what you can do to succeed in today's job market.
In this episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff explores innovative strategies for leveraging social media in job searching. Marie shifts the focus from traditional job hunting to mastering online networking and relationship-building, crucial for today's job market. Listeners will discover: How to identify the most effective social media platforms for their industry. Techniques for engaging with communities online, using LinkedIn, Facebook, and Reddit to connect with thought leaders and potential employers. The importance of authentic networking in existing industry conversations. Insights into AI recruitment tools and the significance of a strong online presence. Marie highlights the dynamic nature of job searching, likening it to marketing: repetitive, strategic, and requiring persistence. She also introduces a course for career services providers on social media job search strategies, designed to enhance their support for clients. Tune in to learn how to transform social media from a passive tool into an active component of your job search strategy. Whether you're a job seeker or a career services professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the digital hiring landscape.
In this episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff delves into the multifaceted landscape of today's career trends and offers invaluable insights for job seekers and career services providers alike. With a thoughtful approach to the evolving career environment, Marie explores the impacts of economic structures on employment, the rise of free agents, and the tools necessary to take charge of one's career path. Marie covers a spectrum of topics, beginning with current job market trends that highlight a skills mismatch and the so-called "great talent stagnation." She discusses the nuances of industries experiencing growth, such as healthcare and transportation, and the opportunities they present for job seekers looking to pivot. Understanding the challenges faced by specific demographics, Marie evaluates trends affecting Gen Z and millennials, including financial insecurity, the importance of ethical alignment with employers, and the increasing desire for activism in the workplace. She also examines the evolving role of technology in recruiting and the implications of remote work culture in small and medium-sized businesses. Listeners will gain insights into navigating layoffs, understanding automated recruitment processes, and the strategic use of tools like LinkedIn to enhance visibility and connections in a competitive job market. In addition, Marie underscores the importance of maintaining emotional fitness and a healthy perspective in the face of career uncertainties. Whether you're a recent graduate, mid-career professional, or career coach, this episode provides essential knowledge on current career trends and practical advice to advance your path in a rapidly changing work environment. Tune in to discover how to effectively navigate these trends and leverage them for career growth and resilience.
In this episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff delves into transforming a LinkedIn profile from generic to standout. As the job market evolves, having a polished online presence is more crucial than ever. Marie shares expert advice on crafting an impactful headline within the 220-character limit, using keywords strategically, and creating a story-driven "About" section that engages readers and recruiters alike. Listeners will learn how to revamp their profiles with actionable tips, such as integrating accomplishments into job descriptions and maximizing skill endorsements. Marie discusses the importance of personal branding, ensuring your profile not only appears in searches but also captivates and compels hiring managers. This episode is essential for professionals seeking to elevate their online presence, whether you're job hunting, networking, or maintaining your professional image. Tune in to discover how to make your LinkedIn profile a powerful tool in achieving your career ambitions with targeted, strategic changes.
In this insightful episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff guides listeners through the complexities of job interviews, offering strategic advice for preparation and salary negotiation. As a career expert, Marie shares practical tools and techniques for enhancing interview performance to advance career success. Marie discusses the importance of thorough interview preparation, focusing on aligning your skills with the job description and employing AI tools like ChatGPT to anticipate interview questions. She explains how to craft impactful stories using the context-action-result method to highlight your competencies effectively. Listeners will discover methods to bring presence to interviews, particularly in virtual settings, by maintaining focus, projecting confidence, and fostering genuine connections with interviewers. When it comes to salary negotiations, Marie provides strategies to engage in these discussions confidently. She offers tips on addressing salary questions, setting realistic expectations, and exploring negotiation for additional benefits. Marie also emphasizes the importance of understanding that compensation extends beyond salary, encouraging listeners to approach negotiations collaboratively to secure favorable terms. This episode is essential for job seekers seeking to excel in interviews and negotiate a comprehensive compensation package. Tune in to learn how to present yourself as the ideal candidate and secure your next career opportunity.
LinkedIn promotes that it is the best place for professional networking and a leader in business lead generation. So why aren't you getting the results you want? Discover how to navigate LinkedIn pitfalls and maximize your professional potential. On this episode of Career Confidante radio, host Marie Zimenoff welcomes personal branding strategist and LinkedIn expert Nelson Emilio. Nelson shares invaluable insights on common blunders hindering career growth and offers practical strategies for success. Whether you're a small business owner looking for leads, a coach seeking to enhance client outcomes, or a job seeker aiming for career advancement, this episode equips you with the tools to propel your journey forward. Don't miss out on this transformative discussion!
Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes for each open position today. How do you make your resume stand out? In this episode of Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff interviews guest Amelia Brooke on the power of storytelling in resumes (or CVs where Amelia's located in the UK) and LinkedIn profiles. Amelia shares her journey from working in manufacturing to becoming a recruiter and now a career coach and writer. Marie and Amelia discuss the importance of storytelling in resumes and how it can differentiate you from your peers in today's competitive job market. They also delve into the art of prioritizing stories to make sure your message resonates instantly with the recruiter and hiring manager. Listen in to uncover the secrets to using storytelling to transform your career documents and stand out from the crowd, even if you're making a career transition. If you're a career services provider, join us for the Career Thought Leaders Symposium in Lisbon, where Amelia and Marie are presenting a 3-hour workshop to help professional resume writers take their resume writing from bland to bold. Learn more here: https://careertl.com/symp24
While most of the time we talk about the problems job seekers face, the majority of career development and advancement happens while we are employed. Join us for insights from Ruth Winden gained as she serves those seeking to advance their careers within an academic institution. Don't wait until you are thrust into job search to start taking steps to improve your career! Listen in and get started today.
What if the addition of two simple words could transform generic resume descriptions into compelling selling points? A critical yet often overlooked aspect of resumes is that they are not just a list of past achievements, but powerful sales documents. Even sales professionals who are adept at selling products may struggle to sell themselves on paper. In this insightful episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff is joined by Claire Davis, founder of Traction Resume and an expert in personal branding and resume writing for medical sales professionals. With a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a recruiter and her personal journey through five layoffs, Claire brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Listeners will get insights from the valuable lessons Claire learned reviewing 16,000+ resumes and experiencing multiple layoffs. They’ll learn what innate strengths you can leverage to get an edge in their job search and on their resumes. Claire’s approach focuses on helping individuals tell their career stories in a way that positions them as unique and indispensable, avoiding the trap of becoming just another commodity in the job market. Don't miss this episode because no matter what job you’re seeking, positioning yourself is key to your job search and advancement. Tune in to learn how to craft a resume that truly sells your skills and sets you up for success in the competitive job market.
When professionals around the globe want to make a mark in their professional and personal life, personal branding offers a powerful process to make it happen. In this episode of Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff welcomes corporate maverick turned quirky brand architect, Lily Naadu Mensah. Listen in for strategies to unleash your unique brand, emphasizing how a strong personal brand can be as memorable and influential as a captivating fragrance, attracting opportunities and setting you apart in any room. Learn how to stand out from your peers by shining in areas that truly matter. We'll explore the nuances of mastering social media to enhance your professional image online, ensuring your digital presence is as compelling as your real-life persona. Listen in to gain the skills to be a confident networker, helping you connect authentically and build valuable relationships that can open doors to new opportunities. Discover the art of visual storytelling and learn how to craft a polished, personal image that genuinely reflects who you are and what you stand for. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or someone just starting out, this show offers invaluable tips and inspiration to help you turn heads and leave a lasting impression. Join us and embark on a journey to redefine your personal brand, where your uniqueness is not just accepted but celebrated. Ready to make your mark? Let's get started!
In this episode of Career Confidante radio, host Marie Zimenoff leads a thought-provoking interview with career development experts Antoinette Oglethorpe and Gary Anello. The discussion centers around the rapidly changing landscape of work and the need for individuals to future-proof their careers by focusing on skills-based planning. Gain valuable insights on aligning personal goals with industry needs, researching in-demand skills, and developing a professional development plan. Antoinette and Gary emphasize the importance of resilience, authentic relationships, and navigating uncertain times. The episode highlights practical tools and techniques for career development, including continuous learning, networking, and leveraging strengths to improve weaknesses. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of career development and gain valuable advice for thriving in today's ever-evolving work environment.
Close to two-thirds (64%) of 18- to 24-year-olds trust career advice on social media. While social media provides a new way to deliver information that's particularly appealing to young workers, following advice on social media can be risky because people often conflate popularity with trustworthiness. How can career services providers, teachers, parents, and others provide engaging and trustworthy information? In this episode of The Career Confidante, host Marie Zimenoff welcomes Jake Richings, the founder of Authentic Engagement, a company dedicated to revolutionizing how we engage young people in careers. This episode is a deep dive into the challenges and strategies of connecting with Gen Z, a generation often misunderstood and stereotyped for their online presence. Jake will shed light on why traditional methods of career engagement are failing with young people and how to create a meaningful change in behavior that leads to GenZ initiating career conversations, developing future-proof skills, and showing interest in diverse industries. Marie and Jake explore why young people seem disengaged from traditional career paths and workplaces and how industries can attract the next generation and make their careers appealing. This episode is a must-listen for educators, employers, parents, and anyone interested in understanding and engaging with Gen Z on a deeper level. Join us to learn how we can inspire and prepare the next generation for the evolving world of work. Tune in for an enlightening discussion filled with insights and innovative strategies.
How can automation transform the way you do business? Unlock secrets to efficiency and growth like never before! In this episode of Career Confidante Radio, join host Marie Zimenoff as we delve into the world of business automation. We'll navigate the crucial steps you need to take before introducing automation to your business, ensuring a seamless transition. Discover how AI tools can revolutionize your approach, driving innovation and efficiency. Marie will shed light on how AI-generated content can consistently attract and convert your ideal clients with the right focus and background, transforming your marketing strategies. Additionally, we'll explore the valuable opportunities that AI creates by freeing up your time, allowing you to focus on consistent business growth and personal development. Tune in to unlock the full potential of AI in your business and stay ahead in today's fast-paced market. Don't miss out on these groundbreaking insights! If you want step-by-step instruction, prompts to best connect AI content to your audience, and more, join us for the Smart Marketer's Playbook on December 13: https://careertl.com/marketingplaybook