The Uncommon Career Podcast: Transformative Career Coaching & Job Search Strategies
Navigate your career with The Uncommon Career Podcast. Designed for professionals seeking strategic career moves, this podcast is your compass to success. If you’re a mid-level professional, you’ll have the guidance you need at every phase of your career transition. Hosted by Patricia Ortega, a master’s educated Career Counselor and Transformational Coach, this podcast equips you with laser-focused strategies for your next move. Gain clarity on your career direction, craft a persuasive and influential brand, and harness a competitive edge that sets professionals apart. Patricia’s proven expertise in navigating career crossroads ensures you’re armed with the tools you need to thrive, and expert guests bring practical expertise and insider information. Topics include getting clarity on your career direction; crafting a career story; building career confidence; writing a targeted resume/LinkedIn profile and branding materials; interviewing; and handling negotiations – as well as career growth and advancement strategies. Tune in to The Uncommon Career Podcast for an exclusive look and expert how-to’s of successful career transition and advancement. More information at https://theuncommoncareer.com
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
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 for tips on anticipating and addressing hiring managers' questions and concerns to build trust and demonstrate your fit for the role.
We'll Talk About:
00:56 Strategizing Your First Impression
01:33 Targeting the Core Problem
03:18 Identifying Key Goals and Outcomes
03:50 Crafting Compelling Career Stories
05:28 Anticipating Employer Questions and Concerns
09:46 Addressing Ageism and Showcasing Your Value
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Complementary Episodes
Read and Listen to Episode #110 Here
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From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
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Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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 maintaining well-being and sustainable work habits.
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
We'll talk about:
01:22 Diagnosing Burnout and Crisis
02:48 External vs. Internal Pressures
05:45 Strategies for Managing High Pressure
13:42 The Importance of Communication and Development
21:17 Recognizing Healthy vs. Unhealthy Pressure
Elevated Leadership
Elevated Leadership is available on both The Uncommon Career Podcast and The Daring to Succeed Podcast.
Listen to the Daring to Succeed Podcast to get to know Julianna: https://www.jyycoaching.com/podcast/
Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliannayauyorgan/
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From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
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 interview success. Additional tips include grounding techniques to manage in-the-moment nerves. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to job searching, this episode aims to build both your confidence and competence for your next interview.
We'll Talk About:
00:20 Personal Experience with Interview Anxiety
02:43 The Impact of 'What If' Questions & Anxiety Control
06:56 Preparation and Confidence Building
09:58 Perception and Its Influence on Performance
11:46 Developing Your Personal Brand
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Complementary Episodes
Read and Listen to Episode #110 Here
Read and Listen to Episode #114 Here
_________________________________________________________________
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Connect with me on LinkedIn
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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 notes and resume sharing.
Touch and learn keys to overcoming networking fears, the law of reciprocity, and strategic positioning to uncover hidden job opportunities.
Timestamps
00:37 Guest Introduction: Giselle's Journey to Career Coaching
05:44 The Modern Approach to Networking
10:07 Effective Networking Strategies and Tips
15:52 The Power of Personal Connections
About Giselle
Since 2002, Giselle has been driven by a love of guiding individuals through career transitions. It began with volunteering as a mentor at the Jobs Partnership of Florida, and in 2004, this passion led her to a Career Advisor role at DeVry University.While working in this capacity, Giselle pursued an MBA and subsequently spent the next two decades teaching career development principles. Now, with extensive experience in career development she helps educators in transitioning to corporate careers.
Connect with Giselle
Connect with Giselle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellemoratin/
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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
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
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, LinkedIn profile, and how to frame conversations to demonstrate value to potential employers.
For those seeking personalized support, the episode offers insights into how a structured approach can streamline your job search process.
We'll Talk About:
01:21 Controlling What You Can
03:03 Finding Opportunities in a Downturn
04:52 Building and Reviewing Your Job Search Pipeline
06:21 Networking Strategies
09:03 Application Tips and Tricks
14:16 Acing the Interview
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From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
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Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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 causes.
Lydia introduces practical strategies like job crafting and the importance of mental detachment, alongside a holistic approach that emphasizes work-life balance. Tune in to learn how to navigate burnout, reclaim your energy, and enhance your overall well-being.
Timestamps
00:52 Understanding Burnout: The Big Three
02:48 Common Signs and Types of Burnout
09:49 Internal vs. External Factors of Burnout
15:45 Job Crafting: Making Your Current Job Better
20:56 Holistic Approach to Burnout
23:34 Mental Detachment and Work-Life Boundaries
About Lydia
Lydia Johnson, MS, is a dual-certified coach with a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology—the study of careers and work. An expert in evidence-based tools and psychological research, she helps professionals improve their lives at work with proven strategies.
Lydia’s mission is to support ultra-busy professionals who are tired of constant stress in building fulfilling and sustainable careers. She empowers them to create success on their own terms—leaving space for themselves, their passions, and their families.
Connect with Lydia:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiafjohnson/
Website: https://thriveculturecoaching.com/
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Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: <https://tinyurl.com/mr3x5e4a
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
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 Avoiding the Commodity Trap
07:45 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Success
15:09 Anticipating Employer Needs
28:20 The Importance of Believing in Your Value
32:17 Investing in Yourself for Long-Term Benefits
About Jamila Brown
Jamila is a former athlete and collegiate coach turned corporate professional and now coach/consultant, with a mission to empower professionals to take control of their careers. As a servant leader, Jamila is passionate about sharing career hacks that can change the trajectory of careers and compensation, enabling individuals to confidently draft and execute their personal blueprints.
With expertise in leadership development, team building, investment research, content design, and a proven track record as a Regional Director of Operations, Jamila has partnered with some of the world's largest retailers, including Champs Sports, Walmart Inc., Ross Stores Inc., and Dollar General. Additionally, Jamila has consulted with numerous organizations and individuals on branding, content, and leadership development, including through the 5 Minute Career Hack.
Jamila is eager to continue learning from others’ career journeys while sharing the invaluable lessons gathered throughout their personal and professional experiences.
Jamila's First Guest Episode:
https://www.theuncommoncareer.com/blog/podcast94-defining-your-value-and-career-confidence
Connect with Jamila on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/jamilabrownlinkedin
Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
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Join us for the Transformation Lab:
March 11th-13th
https://www.5minutecareerhack.com/a/2147970521/67NaYMizEnter code PATRICIA for 25% off
Listening after March 13th?
Check the link anyway, as Jamila hosts these events on a recurring basis.
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
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 communication. Learn how to assess workplace culture and motives to ensure ethical behavior as well as to cover steps to take if the situation escalates into conflict.
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
We'll talk about:
00:39 Navigating Relationships with Your Boss's Boss
02:53 Understanding Your Boss's Perspective
03:56 Effective Communication Strategies
06:46 Balancing Relationships and Avoiding Favoritism
13:33 Handling Escalating Situations
Elevated Leadership
Elevated Leadership is available on both The Uncommon Career Podcast and The Daring to Succeed Podcast.
Listen to the Daring to Succeed Podcast to get to know Julianna: https://www.jyycoaching.com/podcast/
Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliannayauyorgan/
__________________________________________
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
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
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 Talk About:
02:14 Three Important Principles
03:58 Tip 1: Remove Adjectives and Adverbs
09:00 Tip 2: Swap Vague Phrases for Specifics
10:12 Tip 3: Use Raw Numbers Over Percentages
12:09 Tip 4: Avoid Wordy Bullets
14:32 Tip 5: Focus on Relevant Career History
17:03 Tip 6: Ensure Breathing Room in Your Resume
19:17 Tip 7: Prioritize Content Over Template
26:29 Tip 8: Avoiding Commoditized Language
28:59 Tip 9: Starting with Your Target Role
32:35 Tip 10: The Importance of a Strong LinkedIn Profile
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From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching
Referenced Materials:
Book your Diagnostic and Power Strategy Hour
Listen to Episode 2: Swap These Three Time-Wasting tasks to Accelerate Your Career Search
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
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 that showcases your unique value proposition and accomplishments, making you irresistible to potential employers. Tune in for practical tips that can elevate your LinkedIn presence and significantly increase your chances of landing that dream job!
Timestamps
00:02:00 - Understanding the Employer's Perspective
00:03:00 - Key Profile Elements: Headline, Banner, About Section
00:03:30 - The Importance of Your Banner Image
00:07:00 - Crafting an Effective Headline
00:10:00 - Writing Your About Section
00:13:00 - Incorporating Accomplishments in Your Profile
00:14:30 - Tips for a Professional Headshot
00:16:00 - Creating a Cohesive Personal Brand
00:16:30 - Next Steps: Writing Your Experience Section
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Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: <https://tinyurl.com/mr3x5e4a
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching