The Uncommon Career Podcast: Job Search & Transformative Career Coaching

140. How to Stand Out When 500+ People Apply: 3 Surprising Job Search Advantages No One Sees

 
If the job market feels overwhelming right now, you’re not imagining it.
Layoffs, hundreds of applicants, AI tools everywhere...it’s enough to make you wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you need to start over.
In this episode, I’m walking you through three opportunities hiding inside today’s competitive job market. We’ll talk about why competition isn’t actually the biggest problem, how to use AI without losing your voice or value, and why applying to fewer roles (more intentionally) leads to better results.
If you’ve been applying, getting little traction, and feeling stuck or discouraged, this episode will help you see what’s really going on, and what to do differently next.
 
I'll share:
✔︎ Why the job market isn’t the reason you’re stuck✔︎ How to use AI without sounding generic or replaceable✔︎ The small shift that makes employers actually notice you
 
If you want to move your job search forward with more clarity and less second-guessing, this conversation will help you recalibrate.
 
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER! Here's a few ways we can get to know each other:
📥 Podcast Roadmap - our most popular episodes for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap
📥 Download our 5-step process: https://theuncommoncareer.com/process
 
🔍 Learn about my coaching approach: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach
 
💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/
💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask
📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call
 
 
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Patricia Ortega is known for coaching clients to a strategic, emotionally intelligent approach to job searching that emphasizes clarity over activity, quality over quantity, and positioning over bragging. She helps mid-career professionals rise above crowded applicant pools and land aligned roles faster by combining three core areas: 1) Clear branding and messaging, 2) job search strategy, and 3) Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure. Learn more at https://theuncommoncareer.com.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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139. Women, Work, and Voice: Unlearning Silence to Grow Your Career, with Elaine Lin Hering

 
In this episode, explore the concept of unlearning silence with Elaine Lin Herring, a faculty member at Harvard Law and a bestselling author. Elaine discusses her book 'Unlearning Silence' and shares the toll of societal and personal expectations on our lives, particularly for women and immigrants. She delves into the importance of finding one's voice, understanding personal needs, and making intentional choices for a more aligned and fulfilling life.
Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she offers practical advice for overcoming self-doubt, utilizing our unique talents, and creating a life that's truly yours.
 
Timestamps
01:14 The Burden of Expectations & Breaking Free from the Past
07:41 Rediscovering Your Voice, the Power of Self-Expression
14:56 The Journey to Unlearn Silence
27:37 Navigating Life's Uncertainties & Embracing Possibilities Amidst Challenges
30:06 Reevaluating Career Paths & The Importance of Market Awareness
31:55 Balancing Gratitude and Ambition, Exploring New Opportunities
40:10 Strategic Silence and Intentional Choices
 
About Elaine Lin Hering
Elaine Lin Hering is a speaker, facilitator, and former Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She has worked on six continents and facilitated executive education at Harvard, Dartmouth, Tufts, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. She has served as the Advanced Training Director for the Harvard Mediation Program and a Managing Partner for a global leadership development firm.
She has worked with coal miners at BHP Billiton, micro-finance organizers in East Africa, mental health professionals in China, and senior leadership at the US Department of Commerce. Her clients include American Express, Chevron, Google, Nike, Novartis, PayPal, Pixar, and the Red Cross. She was named a Thinkers50 global management thinker to watch and is the author of the USA Today Bestselling book Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully (Penguin).
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138. The 30 Second Interview Fix That Gets Job Offers

 
In this episode, Patricia highlights the critical importance of small details in job interviews and how mastering those can significantly affect the outcome. She shares a personal anecdote demonstrating how a simple 30-second oversight can have lasting consequences and applies this lesson to interview preparation. Patricia provides actionable advice on how to identify and leverage personal strengths by reflecting on past industries, experiences, skills, and unique qualifications. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for thorough preparation for responses, particularly the 'tell me about yourself' answer, and offers guidance for ensuring these answers highlight relevant strengths confidently and clearly. 
 
We'll Talk About:
00:00 The 30-Second Interview Game Changer
01:51 Identifying Your Strengths
04:03 Crafting Your 'Tell Me About Yourself' Response
05:06 Practice Until You Can't Get It Wrong
06:04 Taking Action: Preparing for Your Interview
06:51 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
 
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Referenced Materials
Episode #110: How to Structure and Draft Your Tell Me About Yourself Response

137. Procrastinating in Your Job Search? How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Start Getting Closer to The Offer

 
In this episode, Julianna and Patricia delve into the sensations and realities of feeling stuck, especially in one's career. They discuss common signs and symptoms of this stuckness, including the physical and mental manifestations during coaching sessions. The conversation covers the impact of procrastination, the power of coaching, and the importance of finding the right coach for your needs. Practical advice is offered on identifying and overcoming stuck points, ultimately aiming to guide listeners towards achieving their optimal performance.
 
We'll Talk About:
00:33 Understanding the Feeling of Being Stuck
02:10 The Loop of Learning and Procrastination
04:08 Signs of Being Stuck
08:24 The Coaching Process and Overcoming Stuckness
29:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
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136. Clarity and Resume/Cover Letter Inspiration for Your Job Search - Tips from Successful Candidates

 
In this episode, Patricia shares valuable advice on job searching, focusing on the importance of clarity, creating effective resumes, and writing authentic cover letters. The episode emphasizes learning from recent job seekers' experiences, the necessity of slowing down the application process to refine materials, and the significance of aligning resumes and cover letters with employer needs. Key highlights include avoiding 'chaos applying,' understanding the true meaning of authenticity, and the importance of tailoring resumes to solve hiring managers' problems. 
 
We'll Talk About:
00:27 The Importance of Clarity in Job Search
02:58 Crafting an Authentic Cover Letter
05:33 Tailoring Your Resume for the Reader
08:48 Avoiding Common Resume Pitfalls
 
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135. Leaving Law & Tenure: Redefining Success with Faith and an Entrepreneur Mentality w/Janine Esbrand

 
In this episode, join career coaches Janine and Patricia have an insightful coffee chat about their personal journeys of leaving law and tenure to embrace new careers. They share the importance of redefining success, the challenges faced during transitions, and the strategies they've learned.
The conversation touches on entrepreneurship, mindset, and the unexpected growth that comes with making a significant career change. 
 
Timestamps
01:08 Janine's Journey from Law to Coaching
05:49 Patricia's Academic Background and Career Shift
09:54 Navigating Identity and Career Changes
23:43 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skills
25:19 Being the CEO of Your Career
26:58 Navigating Challenges and Mindset Shifts
 
About Janine Esbrand
Janine Esbrand is a career strategist & executive coach helping high-achieving professionals step into impactful leadership roles with clarity, intention, and strategy. A former corporate lawyer, she draws on a decade of legal experience and her Career Change Maker™ framework to guide emerging leaders toward roles that align with their strengths, values, and long-term goals—unlocking both personal fulfillment and organizational impact. 
Connect with Janine
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Subscribe to the Career Navigator
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134. Why Networking Beats Applications - And How to Get Started

 
In this episode, focus on the importance of networking in the job search process. Patricia shares insights about the inefficacy of submitting blind application as well as the debunked misconceptions about cold outreach. Lastly, learn how to begin managing hesitation and over-analysis, and the need to approach networking with a genuine connection rather than sales tactics. 
 
We'll Talk About:
00:31 The Pitfalls of Blind Applications
02:44 Effective Networking Strategies
03:34 Overcoming Networking Hesitations
04:22 Common Networking Mistakes
07:51 Taking Action: Your Next Steps
 
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133. The Resume Mistake Every Mid-level Professional Needs to Correct

 
In this episode, Patricia highlights common resume mistakes made by mid-level professionals, emphasizing the importance of measuring value over word count. Learn keys in transforming detailed job descriptions into value-packed stories that delineate specific outcomes and impacts. Lastly, learn how to translate and focus on results rather than tasks while using quantifiable proof and ensuring every word on the resume is purposeful. 
 
We'll Talk About:
00:37 Why Resumes Fail
01:54 Crafting a Value-Packed Resume
04:43 Signs Your Resume Needs Improvement
11:38 Steps to Transform Your Resume
18:00 Making Your Resume Stand Out
 
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132. Make Your Voice Heard: Become Assertive at Work

 
In this episode, dive into the topic of assertiveness in communication. Highlight the importance of asserting oneself in both personal and professional settings without coming off as aggressive. Explore how individuals can overcome internal barriers and effectively communicate their boundaries and opinions. And lastly, gain insights into reframing their perspectives, using positive language, and building self-confidence to enhance their assertive communication skills.
 
We'll Talk About:
00:28 Understanding Assertiveness in Communication
02:30 Client Stories and Real-Life Examples
04:42 Overcoming Hesitations and Self-Doubt
10:21 Practical Tips for Assertive Communication  
 
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131. Are You Severely Underpaid? Using the VALUE Framework to Get Out of the Career Clearance Section, w/Candyce Hunt

 
In this episode, tune in for the importance of negotiating your salary and recognizing your value in the workplace. Guest Candyce Hunt shares her own experiences and introduces the VALUE framework (Value documentation, Assert clear boundaries, Loudly communicate, Unapologetically ask, and Evidence) to help you secure the pay you deserve.
Included are key signs to identify if you're undervaluing yourself, as well as practical steps to advocate for better compensation. Make your next step to being properly valued and compensated at work today.
 
Timestamps
00:45 Identifying the Career Clearance Track
02:59 Candyce's Personal Journey
05:12 Recognizing Limiting Behaviors
13:44 The Value Framework Explained
19:42 Practical Tips for Negotiation
31:25 Final Thoughts and Resources
 
About Candyce Hunt
Candyce is a Career Wellness Coach, Speaker, and Leadership Consultant with nearly 20 years of experience leading teams at Ross, Dollar General, WeWork, and Kohl’s. Her journey began as an 8-year-old choir director in Chicago, sparking a lifelong passion for influence, harmony, and growth. She helps professionals and organizations thrive through career strategy, leadership development, and business consulting. Candyce has partnered with Payscale, LA SHRM, ASHA, and The Vitamin Shoppe to drive impact through coaching and training. Her mission is to help people pivot with confidence and lead with clarity.
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Download the Career Blueprint Here
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From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
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