The Uncommon Career: Job Search & Career Coaching with Christian Values

104. You've Applied to 100+ Jobs and... Nothing. Troubleshooting Your Job Search

 
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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103. Are You Burning Out? Assess and Prevent Work/Job Search Burnout

 
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

102. Three Career Essentials You Need to Succeed in Today’s Job Market, with Jamila Brown

 
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.

101. Office Politics: When You're Close to the Boss's Boss

 
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/
 
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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

100. Ten Resume Success Markers Hiring Managers Look For

 
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 

98. How to Have a Faith-Centered Work Life w/ Darren Shearer

 
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 activities.
Practical tips include treating every interaction as if Jesus is the recipient, maintaining a habit of recognizing spiritual accountability at work, and ensuring trust and emotional and spiritual care for team members.
The episode concludes with advice on practicing mindfulness and resting, all while striving for excellence in one's professional life.
 
Timestamps
00:19 Living a Christ-Centered Work Life
02:05 Mission and Identity in the Workplace
04:54 Practical Habits for a Christ-Centered Work Life
13:48 Trust and Delegation in Leadership
20:21 Balancing Rest and High Performance
25:09 Providing Emotional and Spiritual Care
28:55 Speed Round: Key Takeaways
 
About Darren
Darren Shearer is the founder and director of the Theology of Business Institute, which helps marketplace Christians explore and apply God’s will for business. He has authored three books for marketplace Christians and is the founder and CEO of High Bridge Books & Media, which helps fellow Christ-centered authors and organizations craft, publish, and market messages and stories that glorify God in all spheres of culture. Its imprint, High Bridge Books, has published 190+ books since 2013.
A former Captain in the United States Air Force, Darren earned the United States Air Force Commendation Medal for his meritorious service in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a M.A. in Practical Theology, an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Management, and a B.A. in English. Darren and his wife, Marie, reside in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina (Waynesville, NC) with their three young boys.
  
Connect with Darren
Take the Theology of Business Institute Assessments:  https://www.theologyofbusiness.com/assessments/
Darren’s books are available at: https://www.theologyofbusiness.com/shop/
High Bridge Books: www.HighBridgeBooks.com
Theology of Business: www.TheologyofBusiness.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

97. Get Crystal Clear, Fix the Bottleneck in Your Job Search, and Get Hired Faster

 
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 leveraging foundational values. Further, it highlights the importance of detailed groundwork to avoid prolonged job search frustrations, inviting listeners to join a masterclass on interview strategies. 
 
Timestamps
00:00 Identifying the Real Bottleneck in Your Job Search
00:48 Getting Crystal Clear on Your Job Search
02:01 Narrowing Down to One Role
09:02 Leveraging Clarity for Compelling Branding
13:04 Trusting the Clarity You Built
16:03 The Importance of Values in Your Job Search
 
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Connect with me on LinkedIn: <https://tinyurl.com/mr3x5e4a
and
Register to join me for the Interview Masterclass:
February 13, 2025 at 4PM Pacific/6PM Eastern
https://theuncommoncareer.com/interview

99. Optimizing Your LinkedIn: Hook the Employer with Your LinkedIn Profile

 
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

96. How to Manage a Micromanager (And How to Spot One in an Interview)

 
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 importance of proactive communication and understanding your manager's expectations.
By fostering a supportive environment, you can not only ease the tension but also enhance your professional growth. Tune in for valuable insights on managing micromanagers effectively.
 
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
 
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Understanding Micromanagement
00:01:48 - Micromanager vs. Highly Structured Leader
00:03:43 - Identifying Micromanagement
00:07:34 - Long-Term Consequences of Micromanagement
00:09:30 - Strategies for Managing a Micromanager
00:19:05 - Maintaining Personal Well-Being
00:22:06 - Filtering Feedback from Micromanagers
00:24:08 - Job Searching for a Better Fit
00:27:01 - Asking the Right Questions in Interviews
00:34:04 - Key Takeaways
 
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: <https://tinyurl.com/mr3x5e4a
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

95. It’s time: Signs to Look for a New Job

 
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 emphasizes the importance of recognizing opportunities for growth and the potential for salary increases when switching jobs. Tune in for actionable insights that can help you take control of your career and find fulfillment in your professional life.
 
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction: Are You Stuck in the Wrong Job?
00:01:18 - Internal Signs: Recognizing When It's Time to Move On
00:06:25 - External Factors: Identifying a Toxic Work Environment
00:08:11 - Stagnation: The Risks of an Unmotivated Team
00:12:43 - Top Signs It's Time to Look for a New Job
00:15:44 - Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Career in 2025
 
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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