The Job Doctor - Tessa White

Ryan is a videographer and content creator that is struggling to meet his managers moving target. He wants to know how they can get on the same page, or maybe it’s time to move on? How do you work with an inconsistent manager to create a scenario where you can win? When high level changes in a company are causing you to feel unappreciated, is it time to leave? In this episode, Tessa shares tips on...

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) stealing jobs? Is it a friend or foe for job security? Tessa interviews founder and CEO of CMS Consultants, Cheryl Swirnow. They discuss how AI fits into today’s workplace and how to use it to your advantage. Other topics include job stacking, wellness washing, and how to interview your potential employer.  You can find Cheryl Swirnow at https://www.cms-consultants....

Landon was let go from being a CFO and after much looking for jobs accepted the position of Senior Accountant. (A significant step down) Is it possible that Landon just tanked his career/earning potential/and employment trajectory? It's possible. But not if he follows the advice of The Job Doctor. It might seem counterintuitive, but taking a lesser role after being a CFO can actually be a sma...

Tessa speaks to fellow podcaster and career coach, Erica Sosna. Erica shares the keys to understanding your career choices and using that clarity to seek roles that maximize your potential. They discuss the following topics.  How do you pitch yourself when you’ve had a non-linear career trajectory? What should you focus on when applying to jobs? How do you find your “thriving zone” when searching...

What is the value of college education in today’s world? Is it worth the rapidly increasing cost of tuition? In this episode, Tessa interviews Karin Klein, the author of Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree.  Karin shares her thoughts on the history and future of a college degree, who it benefits, and why young people are often unaware of alternative paths to success.  Karin is...

Even the most dedicated employees can experience personal or familial trials that require their full attention. How do you take extended leave without losing your job?  In this episode, Tessa shares her experience with choosing to take time off to be with a family member. She also shares an interview clip of her son, Zac. While struggling with mental health issues, Zac attempted to take his life....

Tessa dives into the art of navigating workplace conflict with Karin Hurt and David Dye, authors of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." They highlight the common pitfall of avoiding difficult conversations, which are crucial for personal and professional development. David and Karin provide a practical script for initiating these conversations and introduce the four d...

Merit recently left her company after things went downhill following a restructuring. She is happy with her new position but wants to avoid the same thing happening again.  How do you avoid feeling like a cog in the wheel, especially in an industry with a lot of change? What can you do to stay off the chopping block?  As a Customer Success Manager, what is the best way to deal with being the “punc...

In this episode, Tessa interviews fellow career coach, Sam Owens. Sam is the author of I Hate Job Interviews . He shares tips for a successful interview. Practicing your responses How to avoid rambling Addressing being fired from a previous job Being too honest Using the Home Base Model What interviewers really mean by, “Tell me about yourself.” What to include in the first 3 minutes of the interv...

After many negative experiences with previous employers, Jenny is feeling like her current situation may be too good to be true. She wants to know how to keep her past experiences from repeating themselves. How do you keep past negative work experiences from reoccurring and maintain a healthy relationship with your manager? If you really like your manager, how do you know when it’s time to leave y...

Roman was passed over for a job in the final stages of salary negotiation when the company realized he didn’t finish his college degree. He wants to know how to navigate future job opportunities. What is the best approach to landing senior roles without a degree?  Tessa gives tips on job hunting and interviewing without a degree. Interviewing:   Do not lie. Change the conversation from what you’re...

As a young mom in the early stages of her career, Sarah often feels like she is not taken as seriously as her colleagues. She wants to know how to best handle these situations and be treated like an equal part of the team. When you are not given proper respect by colleagues, what can you do?  What are strategies for standing up for yourself without burning bridges? How can you keep colleagues and/...

Elyse, a newly appointed employee, faces the common challenge of lacking a clear job description months into her role. This episode explores proven strategies for navigating undefined roles and achieving success despite the ambiguity. Key Takeaways: Taking Initiative: Tessa advises proactively engaging with other leaders and participating in relevant activities to gain insights into the role'...

Is your career feeling stagnant? Brittany, a senior project manager, shares her concerns about limited growth opportunities at her company. In this episode, Tessa discusses strategies for creating your own upward mobility. Learn how to: Leverage lateral moves to gain a deeper understanding of your company's inner workings. Expand your network to uncover hidden opportunities and gain valuable...

Tessa speaks with her daughter, Hannah, about her pivot from a corporate career to one as an entrepreneur with several sources of income. After a traumatic event within her family, Hannah decided a traditional job wasn’t the right fit. She created a work situation that better suits her personality and provides an optimal work-life balance. Hannah and Tessa discuss what to expect when transitioning...

Jamie is a small business owner that is struggling to keep her gen-z staff engaged.  She wants to know how to best communicate with her staff and how to avoid burnout for both herself and her employees.  What are ways to keep younger employees motivated? Tessa shares helpful strategies for managing a younger generation: 1. Ask employees about their personal goals and what skills they may want to d...

Zac recently suffered a serious injury and is now reentering the workforce with a disability. He wants to know what to expect when applying and interviewing for jobs. Are some industries more likely to hire people with disabilities? At which point during the application process should you disclose that you need accommodations? What is the best way to navigate depression and/or anxiety in the workp...

Anne recently lost a promotion to an outside applicant. She has the experience that should have made the decision an easy yes for her employers and wants to know why she was overlooked.   How do you uncover why you weren’t promoted and what you need to change to be promoted in the future?  Tessa shares her model for having difficult conversations. You can find The GAP Model for Conflict Resolution...

Dorothy Mashburn hosts Tessa on her podcast, Pay Negotiations Made Simple. They discuss a variety of topics related to promotion and pay negotiation. Making the jump from mid-level positions to a director or VP role. Navigating conflict in a way that benefits your career. Encouraging your manager to see you as ready for a promotion. Knowing when to leave a company and when to have difficult conver...

Carrie is a practicing CPA who just received a doctorate in business administration. Despite her new job in operations, she keeps being asked to fill in as a CPA and wants to know how to segue into her new role. How do you define an undefined role and make yourself indispensable to your company?  In this episode, Tessa explains how to create a strategic role that aligns with the needs of your comp...

Tessa shares notes with fellow career coach Allison Peck of " Alli from Corporate. "  Alli specializes in helping people transition to the corporate world and stand out from other applicants. Tessa and Alli discuss a variety of topics:  What is the job market like today?   How do you stand out in a sea of applicants?  Can you use AI when applying for jobs?  What is the best way to make p...

Mistee works in healthcare and her department is being restructured. She needs to decide whether to take severance or stay on and accept a lesser role. Tessa covers a variety of topics related to Mistee’s situation. Relevance of the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act Negotiation potential within a highly structured field such as healthcare Good leverage vs Bad Leverage Potential benefits accept...

Andrew is searching for a job as a strategy consultant after being laid off from his position in corporate finance. He wants to know how to choose a position and company that will best elevate his career and how to be noticed by that company.  How do you stand out in a sea of applicants?  Create an army of people, including family and friends, to find the positions you are seeking. Utilize LinkedI...

In part two of this special episode, Tessa talks with That Career Coach, Kendall Berg.  Kendall shares her tips on networking and brand building.   Human connection is a core pillar of a happy and meaningful life.  While work plays a vital role, it shouldn't come at the expense of the relationships that support us, inspire us, and give our lives lasting value. Work Accomplishments Fade: Proje...

In part one of this special episode, Tessa talks with fellow career coach, Kendall Berg, of That Career Coach . Kendall has years of experience in the corporate world with a background rooted in technology complementing Tessa’s background in HR. Together they offer valuable perspectives on today’s corporate landscape. In this episode, Kendall interviews Tessa. They discuss the “games” played in th...