Master the Job Search
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsMaster the Job Search is hosted by Kelly Phelan, a Career Strategist and former Business School Professor. The show offers guidance to high achievers with advanced degrees interested in taking control of their careers and obtaining jobs they love. The show focuses on all aspects of the job search process, including evaluating job postings, tailoring applications, writing winning resumes and cover letters, standing out (for all the right reasons!) in job interviews, and successfully transitioning to a new role and/or organization. Episodes cover related professional development topics such as determining the best direction for your career, building your professional brand and reputation, and creating a long-term strategic plan for success. Kelly has over 20 years’ experience working in the career and professional development space. She is an accomplished teacher, trainer, and mentor who has helped thousands of students and professional clients obtain the jobs and career advancement they desire. Interested in learning more? Visit www.masterthejobsearch.com
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Episodes
How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Job Search Success
February 23, 2022 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.83 MBThere are a number of things you can do to optimize your LinkedIn profile, especially if you are in the midst of a job search. This episode covers how to tackle your profile picture, banner image, education, experience, recommendations and accomplishments. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Their Careers and Obtain a Job They Love? Click here to get your copy: https://masterthejobsearch.com/subscribe/ Visit the episode website for the ...
Get Noticed! How to Write an Excellent LinkedIn Profile Summary
February 15, 2022 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.94 MBHave you taken the time to write a LinkedIn About section? Your LinkedIn About section is valuable real estate. It’s one of the first things people see because it resides right under your name and headline. If you aren’t putting in the effort to make it compelling, you are missing an opportunity. This episode addresses the Dos and a few Don’t to ensure your About section gets all the right attention. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control o...
LinkedIn 101: How to Create an Effective LinkedIn Profile in 2022
February 08, 2022 14:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBDo you know how to create an effective LinkedIn profile in 2022? Even LinkedIn veterans often fail to incorporate some of the most basic principles, making them appear like novices on the LinkedIn platform. This episode explains how to search for an incorporate keywords into your LinkedIn profile, crafting a strong headline, and customizing your profile URL. Tune in to hear these and many more helpful hints. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Co...
3 Ways to Clean Up Your Digital Footprint + Start Using LinkedIn
February 01, 2022 14:00 - 11 minutes - 8.13 MBBefore you start your next job search, it is critical that you clean up your digital footprint and start using LinkedIn. Research has shown upwards of 75% of employers research candidates online after receiving a job application. And more than 70% of employers have decided not to hire a candidate based on something they found during an online search. This episode provides 3 ways to clean up your digital footprint and gives you insight into how to start using LinkedIn. Have you grabbed yo...
Does a Graduate Degree Result in Better Job Offers? Maybe. Maybe Not.
January 25, 2022 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MBDuring economic downturns, many people consider a graduate degree in the hope of receiving better job offers. But does a graduate degree really result in better job offers? Sometimes. But there is no guarantee. This episode dives into why a graduate degree may hurt your job search, as well as the potential benefits a graduate degree may offer. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Their Careers and Obtain a Job They Love? Click here to ge...
What is Adaptability Quotient and Why is it Important in a Job Search?
January 18, 2022 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.8 MBCompanies want to hire individuals with a high adaptability quotient because they need employees who can not only survive, but thrive, in challenging and ever-changing situations. As a result, the adaptability quotient has bypassed IQ and EQ (emotional intelligence) as the primary means of evaluating job applicants. Candidates who are curious, willing to learn, and unlearn, in other words, challenge what they know and embrace an alternative mindset, are quickly becoming the most in-demand ...
The Best New Year's Resolutions for 2022 to Find a New Job
January 11, 2022 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.56 MBIs your New Year’s Resolution for 2022 to find a new job? After two years of pandemic job losses, the Great Resignation, and the typical employment turnover, lots of people are looking to find a new job this year. If finding a new job or developing your career or professional reputation is your focus for 2022, check out 5 of the Best New Year’s Resolutions for 2022. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Their Careers and Obtain a Job They...
6 Disastrous Job Application Mistakes and How to Easily Fix Them
December 07, 2021 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.06 MBAre you submitting job applications but not getting invitations for interviews? A job search can be quite a tedious process. It often takes longer than we expect. And we don't always get the attention we think we deserve. To help you speed up your job search process, here are 6 mistakes you may be making and how to easily fix them to get better attention from potential employers. If this episode sparks any other questions I might be able to answer, please let me know. Feel free to contac...
Want a New Job in 2022? 5 Convincing Reasons to Start Job Hunting Now
November 30, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.85 MBIf you want a new job in 2022, start job hunting now. Traditionally, January and February are the most popular hiring months. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until the New Year to start applying. This episode gives you 5 convincing reasons to start job hunting now if you want a new job in 2022. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Their Careers and Obtain a Job They Love? Click here to get your copy: https://masterthejobsearch.co...
3 Tips to Beat Burnout and Successfully Attain Work-Life Balance
November 23, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.4 MBFeeling burntout? Struggling to maintain work-life balance? Thanksgiving is a great chance to take a day off. But what about the rest of the year? Do you avoid taking your vacation days? Do you work long hours, nights, and weekends? Or can you say you have a sense of work-life balance? This episode provides three strategies to help you overcome burnout and work towards a reasonable level of work-life balance. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take...
4 Simple Ways to Tactfully Decline a Job Promotion
November 16, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.9 MBEveryone wants a promotion, right? Most people would rather take a promotion they're completely unprepared and unqualified for it, rather than turn it down. Just because the overwhelming majority of people are fixated on getting a promotion, not everyone is. There are plenty of reasons to shun a promotion opportunity. If you are offered a promotion you don’t want, here are a few things to consider and how to turn it down gracefully. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achieve...
Why Taking a Step Back Could Catapult Your Future Career Prospects
November 09, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.21 MBAre you always looking for the next step forward in your career? Would you consider moving laterally? Perhaps taking a step backward? Even taking a demotion? To a large extent, many of us are always chasing the next big promotion, but progress, particularly in your career is not always a smooth, constant journey forward. Sometimes it is necessary to take a step back with the expectation that it will actually move your career forward in the future. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Fac...
How to Supercharge Your Career Using the 1% Margin Gains Rule
November 02, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 8.07 MBCareers don’t just happen. You need to take a proactive approach. Working a job isn’t enough. As James Clear says in his book, Atomic Habits, “a 1% improvement every day for a year results in you being 37 times better at the end of those 365 days.” Working IN your job is likely to improve your career a little bit. But purposefully working ON your career will generate more long-term and useful benefits. You don’t have to work a lot on your career. You just have to put in small efforts. ...
3 Tips to Effectively Tell the Story of your Career Change
October 26, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.57 MBAre you considering a career change? Perhaps to a different industry? Many people would like to make a career pivot but are unsure how to take their previous experience and demonstrate they can do a job that seems “unrelated.” When pivoting or making a major career change it's important to acknowledge your past experiences and accomplishments and apply those to what you would like to do moving forward. This episode addresses how to take your personal narrative and incorporate the story of...
How to Successfully Negotiate Work From Home Arrangements
October 19, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.28 MBPrior to the pandemic, only about 3.5% of Americans worked remotely halftime or more. But now that so many people spent the past year and a half working remotely, there is more and more interest in doing so. Research has shown roughly a third of workers prefer jobs that are at least hybrid. And 27% would like roles that do not require them to go into the office at all. If you are interested in negotiating work-from-home arrangements, here are several tips for how to do so. Have you grab...
Remote Work: 3 Ways to Keep Engaged and Productive
October 12, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.44 MBRemote work has been with us for a year and a half now. Some companies are realizing the benefits to WFH (work from home) or even WFA (work from anywhere) and trying to effectively evolve their remote and hybrid models. In the meantime, many employees are struggling to remain connected to their colleagues and showcase their productivity to their supervisors. Here are 3 ways to showcase your productivity and value through your work, while simultaneously getting to know your colleagues bett...
3 Ways to Engage With Colleagues During the Great Resignation
October 05, 2021 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.85 MBA lot of people feel totally disconnected from their colleagues and peers right now. Remote work arrangements, high turnover, and general chaos in workplace operations due to a revolving door of new hires and swift departures are to blame. This episode describes three ways to help you re-establish your own standing within the organisation and help mentor new hires in a way that stimulates cohesion. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Th...
Employee Burnout 2021: Improving Employee Morale With a Free Week Off
September 28, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.7 MBRecently, several companies gave their employees additional paid time off in an effort to curb employee burnout and boost morale. Nike, LinkedIn, Bumble, and Hootsuite, all closed their doors for a week and told employees to go home, rest, and “de-stress.” Will this help these organizations sidestep the Great Resignation? Here are some things to consider about these initiatives whether you are a current employee or thinking about applying for a position with one of these companies. Have ...
Want to Land a New Job or Promotion? Start Your Brag Book Today
September 21, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.04 MBWhether you are a young professional or someone much more seasoned, you should have a brag book. A brag book is similar to a portfolio, but it isn’t a resume. Your brag book goes beyond your resume to the next level to demonstrate the impact of your work and other people’s opinions about your work. A brag book is essentially a collection of evidence to support you during a job interview, when applying for a promotion or in an annual review meeting. If you don’t yet have a brag book this e...
Self-Promotion is Not Nasty, It's Necessary For Your Career
September 14, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.45 MBPeople often hesitate to promote themselves. But if you are going to develop a unique personal brand that you can use professionally, self-promotion must be part of your strategy. We often think of promoting ourselves as a vice. We're supposed to be humble and unassuming. We aren’t supposed to sing our own praises. But in truth, the people who can demonstrate their value and worth are the ones who are most successful. And the best way to do that is through self-promotion. This episode inc...
How to Easily Craft a Personal Origin Story That Captivates
September 07, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.2 MBWhen you first meet someone, how do you introduce yourself? Whether at a dinner party, in a job interview, or meeting your future in-laws, many people struggle with this task. Your origin story or personal narrative sets the tone for how people see you. It is worth taking the time to thoughtfully construct your personal narrative because you will use it over and over again, in both social and professional situations. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know t...
Boomerang Employees: You Can't Go Home Again? Or Welcome Home?
August 31, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.59 MBIs it possible to get a job with a former employer after resigning? Absolutely. In fact, some big names have done it. Steve Jobs was forced out of Apple in 1985 and returned 12 years later and saved the company from bankruptcy. Basketball player, LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami, only to return a few short years later. Steve Jobs and LeBron James are perhaps two of the best known examples of boomerang employees. Just like a boomerang leaves and returns to it’s place of...
Survive the Great Resignation and Launch Your Revenge Job Search
August 25, 2021 02:00 - 8 minutes - 6.09 MBRecently, 2021 was deemed the year of the “Great Resignation” because people are expected to quit their jobs in record numbers. Forced return to the office policies, salary cuts, and overall job dissatisfaction, are some of the major contributing factors. But buyer beware; this mass exodus may have longer-term consequences than many employees realize. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Their Careers and Obtain a Job They Love? Click he...
Avoid This Mistake When Resigning Or Go Back On The Job Market
August 17, 2021 14:00 - 8 minutes - 6.02 MBIf you are about to submit your resignation letter, this episode is for you. There is one major mistake many individuals make when quitting. To save yourself a lot of time, effort and frustration, heed this advice. Otherwise, you are almost guaranteed to end up back on the job market within a year. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Their Careers and Obtain a Job They Love? Click here to get your copy: https://masterthejobsearch.co...
6 Important Keys to Quitting a Job and Maintaining a Good Reputation
August 10, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.24 MBAfter careful consideration, you’ve decided to quit your job. What next? When resigning, you don't want to leave in a sudden or chaotic manner. Your departure should be carefully thought out and planned. This episode addresses the six key things you should do in preparation for your last day on the job to ensure you leave on good terms and with a stellar reputation. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Their Careers and Obtain a Job They...
Dreaming of Quitting Your Job? How to Know It Is Time To Resign
August 03, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.26 MBDo you dream of quitting your job? If you are considering resigning and looking for something else, you are not alone. Most people stay in a job too long due to indecision. But the truth is, if you are toying with the idea of leaving your job, it is probably time to make a move. If you need some more evidence before making a decision, this episode provides several indicators to look for that signal the time to start your job search and plan your exit has arrived. Have you grabbed your c...
8 Questions to Ask Yourself if You Already Hate Your New Job
July 27, 2021 14:00 - 8 minutes - 6.06 MBFor many people, a new job is a new beginning. Unfortunately, not every new job works out. This happens more often than you think. At the moment, new job disappointments or mismatches are happening more and more frequently. Today's episode covers 8 questions to ask yourself when you start a new job and quickly realise you hate it. Have you grabbed your copy of the 4 Facts High Achievers Need to Know to Take Control of Their Careers and Obtain a Job They Love? Click here to get your copy:...
How to Uncover the Hidden Company Culture to Be a Successful New Hire
July 20, 2021 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.54 MBWhen starting a new position, it is important to uncover the “hidden” company culture so that you can transition successfully. Very seldom does new hire training provide a comprehensive orientation to the company culture. Every company has ingrained cultural rules that are second nature to employees, but because they are habitual and well-known, they often forget to inform new hires about them. This episode four things to focus on when beginning a new position to make your transition and ...
5 Signs of Good Company Culture to Look for During a Job Interview
July 13, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.15 MBCongratulations! After spending hours putting together the perfect resume and cover letter you have been invited for a job interview for a position that really excites you. A job interview should be a two-way street. The company is interested in learning about you. But it is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company, specifically the company culture. This episodes covers the 5 signs to look for during a job interview that indicate good company culture. Have you grabbed ...
3 Ways to Research Corporate Culture to Find a Job You Love
July 07, 2021 01:00 - 11 minutes - 7.99 MBIf you are looking for a new job, you first need to identify companies that fit with your lifestyle. Many people think they can make concessions and compromises, but there are going to be non-negotiables. If you know a company cannot give you the non-negotiables that are important to you, there is very little use in applying. Often, people accept jobs without considering their non-negotiables and 3 months or 6 months down the line they realise those compromises just aren’t worth it. They e...
How Corporate Culture Impacts Mental Health and Happy Workplaces
June 29, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.77 MBEarlier this month, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open citing mental health reasons. The French Open issued her a $15,000 fine and said she would incur harsher penalties if she continued to avoid the press conferences. Being punished for failing to fulfill a part of her job which results in a mental health difficulty is not something we are really OK with these days. Over the past year, particularly as a result of the pandemic, there has been a lot of focus on mental health. We are...
How to Make a Successful Career Transition Without Starting Over
June 22, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.31 MBI am working with a lot of clients right now who are looking to pivot their careers. While some are looking to change jobs, others hope to obtain positions in an entirely different industry. If you want a job in a different industry, how do you sell yourself to employers? It’s hard to claim expertise in a sector you’ve never worked in before. But you can take your current skills and augment them. If you're looking to quickly build some expertise in a new field this episode suggests a few ...
Job Hopping Can Be Good, Bad, And Sometimes a Little Ugly
June 16, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.94 MBLots of job seekers are concerned that if they have a string of jobs they only stay in for a short period of time, it’s going to reflect poorly on them when they go to look for a new position. While there are plenty of people who job hop consistently, there are just as many employees who fail to launch. They stay in position or with a company for too long. Jobs do have an expiration date. There is a point at which you can remain in a position for too long and risk becoming under-employed. ...
Writing Your Retirement Resume to Set the Stage for Your Career
June 08, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.57 MBDo you feel like the years are passing you by without the career progress you'd like to see? This episode talks about how to write your retirement resume to help you create a career plan. The Eulogy Exercise, a common activity in MBA programs and Leadership courses, as well as the book Deep Work by Cal Newport are discussed. Visit the episode website for the full show notes: https://masterthejobsearch.com/6
Do You Have a Degree in Hand But No Real Plan?
June 01, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.45 MBAs Benjamin Franklin said, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Do you have a plan for your career? Or is it more of a blank slate? When you pursued your degree, did you know what you planned to do with it? Or did you get it because it sounded like a good idea? And what about your experiences? Have you made a thoughtful and concerted effort to gain experiences you are lacking? This episode covers the two essential types of experiences you need to have in order to become a well-rounde...
4. If You Want a Promotion, "Head Down, Bum Up" is Terrible Advice
May 25, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.44 MBHave you ever heard the expression “head down, bum up”? If you are interested in obtaining a promotion this is the worst possible advice you can follow. Many people believe focusing on their work is the best way to get their next promotion, pay raise, or recognition. Yes, hard work is important. But it will only get you so far. If you have aspirations of working your way up the career ladder, there are a few important steps you need to follow to position yourself correctly. Visit the epis...
3. Does Your MBA Only Have a 5 Year Shelf Life?
May 18, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.76 MBA report issued by the World Economic Forum in 2020 stated that the half-life of a learned skill is about five years. This means that five years from now your current skill set will only be worth half as much as it is today. For someone who got their MBA 10 years ago does that mean their degree is only worth 25%? Maybe. But then again, someone who earned an MBA 10 years ago has probably learned a lot from working during the last decade. Nevertheless, this does raise the question of the nee...
2. Are You Suffering from More Bitterness Ahead (MBA) Syndrome?
April 25, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 6.18 MBFor some of you the Global Financial Crisis may have greatly impacted your career and life. For others, the GFC may have simply been a blip on your radar because you were in elementary school. Regardless of your situation 12+ years ago, there were a number of lessons learned during that time that are relevant to what's going on today. In late 2008, Time magazine published an article titled “Why MBA means More Bitterness Ahead.” That title always stuck with me. I can see from some of the M...
1. Are MBAs Polluting Companies as One Pundit Says?
April 25, 2021 07:00 - 7 minutes - 5.26 MBThere are a lot of people who are fans of the MBA and tout its merits. However, there are also plenty of critics who don't really appreciate it. One of the most vocal opponents of the MBA has been Elon Musk. You may have heard some of the comments he's made. He never shies away from sharing his opinion and has made it known he has a less than favourable one about MBAs. In the past Musk has said things like MBA graduates “may be good at powerpoint presentations but they don't know how thing...
0. Introducing Master the Job Search
April 25, 2021 07:00 - 1 minute - 1.18 MBAre you an MBA graduate who pursued your degree in an effort to enhance your skills and advance your career? Have you seen a return on your MBA investment? Or do you feel a bit stuck in your career? If you’d like to harness your MBA to take your career to the next level, this show is for you. This podcast will provide you with tips related to all aspects of the job search process. It will provide insight on how to: ● evaluate job postings, ● appropriately tailor applications to ...