The Uncommon Career: Job Search & Career Coaching for Mid-career Women

  In this episode, discover how to effectively prepare for an interview in just 30 minutes using a simple five-step power prep method. Learn to set the tone with a strong 'tell me about yourself' story, align your strengths with the job requirements, handle gaps confidently, and ask insightful questions to leave a lasting impression. Know the importance of strategic preparation and offers further...

  Understand the depth of the challenges and strategies of leading small teams in this episode. Tune in with Patricia and Julianna as they discuss the importance of focusing on quality over quantity, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining morale when resources are limited. Key topics include the strategic use of AI and outsourcing, renegotiating success criteria with upper management, and fostering a...

  Learn how to approach job interviews with confidence despite lacking certain skills or experience in this episode. Including exploring strategies to pivot your mindset from self-doubt to intellectual potential, and discovering practical techniques for answering tough questions and framing your experience creatively. This guide emphasizes the importance of curiosity, emotional intelligence, and l...

  In this episode, Patricia and Giselle discuss the importance of getting clear on your next career move. Outline how to overcome the top four mistakes when seeking clarity about a new role, share success stories, and provide actionable steps to build your career strategy. Cover the significance of self-reflection, exploring non-traditional career options, networking effectively, and validating yo...

  Learn the importance of voice delivery in interviews and how it can significantly impact your success. Listen in to learn the three keys to refine your voice — knowing what to look for, preparing your approach, and adjusting your tone. By varying pitch, volume, speed, and inflection, you can make your responses more compelling, memorable, and persuasive.   We'll Talk About: 00:21 Preparing for Y...

  In this episode, Patricia and Julianna discuss the importance of planning ahead for your next promotion while settling into a new role. Understand the benefits of focusing on long-term goals rather than just immediate achievements, and how strategic onboarding can smooth your career transition. Tune in to learn the value of leveraging relationships, setting boundaries, understanding organization...

  Listen in for an in-depth guide to crafting a compelling answer to the common interview question, 'Tell me about yourself.' Learn the two-pronged approach to organizing your response: chronologically, from the initial spark of interest to the desired job, and structurally, from big picture to detailed anecdotes. Learn vital elements such as repeated name mention, sparking interest, aligning with...

  This episode features Patricia Ortega with career expert Giselle Moratin in discussing essential tips for job seekers to enhance their LinkedIn profiles. Highlighting the significance of visibility settings, strategic keyword usage, and showcasing your portfolio and volunteer work, the discussion emphasizes the impact of a well-curated LinkedIn presence. Avoiding negative posts about recruiters...

  Delve into creating a compelling 'tell me about yourself' response to make a strong first impression in job interviews. Cover the importance of identifying the core problem you solve for potential employers and aligning your career history with the company's needs. Learn how to form a strategic response that highlights your strengths, accomplishments, and relevance to the job. Additionally, tune...

  In this episode, Julianna and Patricia discuss handling high-pressure work environments. They explore external and internal pressures, offering insights on diagnosing burnout and finding solutions. Tune in for advice on proactive communication with supervisors to manage expectations and workload redistribution. Highlighting healthy and unhealthy pressure and providing practical tips for maintain...

  In this episode, delve into the psychology of interview anxiety and provide actionable strategies to overcome it. Learn the common pitfalls of 'what if' thinking and how it impacts performance. Learn how to shift your focus from self-doubt to positive action, emphasizing perception, preparation, and brand development. Discover how to acknowledge, articulate, internalize, and own your value for i...

  Patricia Ortega welcomes career coach Giselle Moratin to discuss her journey from hospitality to career advising. Giselle shares her passion for helping educators transition to corporate roles and offers valuable networking strategies.  In this episode, learn the importance of starting with familiar contacts, leveraging association board members, and maintaining connections through thank-you not...

  In this episode, learn the critical mindset shift needed for an effective job search in today's challenging market. Explore the importance of focusing on controllable factors and identifying opportunities in any economic downturn. Key strategies include effective networking, targeted applications, and communication skills during interviews. Practical tips cover how to optimize your resume, Linke...

  In this enlightening episode, delve deep into the complexities of burnout, debunk common myths, and explore its various forms with burnout expert Lydia. Providing a comprehensive overview of burnout's 'big three' symptoms—exhaustion, lack of confidence, and cynicism. Learn the impact of burnout on job searches, the signs of entering crisis mode, and the differences between internal and external...

  In this episode, Patricia and Jamila discusses the importance of personal branding, emphasizing the compounding effect of investing in oneself. They highlight the shift in the job market dynamics and how individuals can use this to their advantage to stand out. Learn strategies for optimizing resumes and LinkedIn profiles to attract opportunities and impress hiring managers.   Timestamps 01:50 A...

  Julianna and Patricia dive into managing complex relationships within workplace hierarchies. They discuss the delicate dynamics of having a strong connection with a boss's boss while maintaining trust and communication with your direct manager. Tips include setting boundaries on how publicly the relationship is displayed, being mindful of assumptions, and strategies for fostering open communicat...

  In this milestone 100th episode, dive into essential resume and LinkedIn advice, including the importance of a LinkedIn profile, common resume mistakes to avoid, and actionable tips to make your resume stand out to recruiters and hiring managers. Learn how to replace vague adjectives and adverbs by emphasizing specific accomplishments, tailor your resume for your target role, and more.   We'll T...

  Darren Shearer discusses how to live a Christ-centered work life in secular settings. He explores the influence each employee has on organizational culture and emphasizes the importance of making disciples through one's professional conduct. Shearer introduces concepts from his book 'The Christ Centered Company', highlighting the significance of embedding Christ's mission in everyday work activi...

  Are you struggling to stand out in a sea of job applications? In this episode, Patricia Ortega shares invaluable insights on transforming your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters and hiring managers. With over 75 hours of research, Patricia emphasizes the importance of branding through key elements like your headline, banner image, and about section. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative...

  In this episode, Patricia provides actionable advice on refining your job search strategy by achieving crystal clear clarity. She emphasizes focusing on a single target role, optimizing your branding, and understanding the importance of effective communication over experience. Key steps include aligning your materials with your desired role, exploring company culture and industry fit, and levera...

  Have you ever felt stifled by a micromanager? In this engaging episode, Patricia and Julianna dive deep into the nuances of micromanagement versus structured leadership. They explore how micromanagers often act out of fear and insecurity, leading to a lack of trust and autonomy for their team members. Julianna shares practical strategies for navigating these challenging dynamics, emphasizing the...

  Are you feeling stuck in your job and wondering if it's time to move on? In this episode, host Patricia Ortega explores the signs that indicate it might be time for a career change. With nearly half of employees disengaged at work, Patricia discusses internal nudges like feeling undervalued and unproductive, as well as external factors such as toxic work environments and stagnant teams. She emph...

  In this episode, career strategist Jamila Brown joins the Patricia Ortega to discuss how to define your value as both a human and a professional. Join in exploring the misconception of separating personal and professional lives, which can lead to burnout, and emphasize understanding one's personal value to exude confidence in the workplace. Jamila introduces a 'formula for value' involving confi...

  In this episode, Patricia explores effective strategies for setting actionable goals that align with your organization's objectives, ensuring a win-win scenario. Discover how to prepare for your performance review by collecting metrics and crafting compelling narratives that highlight your contributions. Furthermore, she discusses the importance of engaging your leadership in career conversation...

In this last of the three-part Annual Planning Series, Patricia and Dale focus on strategies to ensure goals stick throughout 2025. They emphasize the importance of writing down goals, displaying them visibly, and involving accountability partners. They also discuss practical tools like time-blocking and using tech to support goal achievement.   Click here to download a checklist of all the ways y...