The Job Hunt Insider

Ep.10 – Shelli K. Spence - Your Experience Isn’t Enough Anymore

You Spent Years Building Credibility — But Does Anyone Outside Your Company Know It? Guest: Shelli K. Spence, Positioning Executives for Their Next Move Industry Focus: Corporate Executives, Directors, Senior Managers Episode Summary: On this episode of The Job Hunt Insider, we’re discussing something most professionals don’t think about until it’s too late: career visibility. My guest is Shelli Spence, a career strategist who helps executives position themselves for their next opportunity before they need it. You will hear lots of great advice and learn about her Optimize, Attract, and Convert Framework. If you’ve spent years building credibility behind closed doors, this conversation will show you how to make sure the right people actually know you exist. About Shelli: After building a successful career in senior leadership roles and serving as an Army Intelligence veteran, Shelli now teaches professionals how to turn their experience into a powerful personal brand that attracts opportunities. You can connect with Shelli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellikspence [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellikspence] Check out Shelli’s website: Shelli’s Socials LinkedIn™ Coaching · Simplified Social Media https://shellionsocial.com/ [https://shellionsocial.com/] Sign up for her Executive Brand Newsletter: https://shellionsocial.com/brief [https://shellionsocial.com/brief] About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. He now has more than 13 years of experience as a job transition coach. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/] Check out The Job Hunt Insider website for more information: https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon (link on jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]). It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. -------------------------------- **Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**If [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**If] you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. Support The Job Hunt Insider by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider] Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]

Ep.9 – Katie Helbling - Cleared Jobs: What It Takes To Get In The Door

Cleared Jobs: What It Takes To Get In The Door Guest: Katie Helbling, ClearanceJobs.com [http://ClearanceJobs.com] Industry: Security Clearance Jobs Episode Summary: In this episode, Rick speaks with Katie Helbling about one of the biggest barriers job seekers face when trying to break into the defense and intelligence industries: security clearances. Katie explains how the clearance process really works, who controls sponsorship, and why individuals can’t apply for a clearance on their own. She breaks down the differences between clearance levels, what “active” status means, and what happens after you’re sponsored — including the SF-86, background investigation, and adjudication process. The conversation also covers common reasons for denial, timelines, reciprocity between agencies, and practical steps job seekers can take now to position themselves for cleared opportunities. About Katie: Katie Helbling is the Content Marketing Manager at ClearanceJobs, where she focuses on helping cleared professionals—particularly those transitioning from military service—understand the national security job market and successfully navigate their next career step. She works closely with recruiters, hiring managers, and cleared candidates across the defense and intelligence community to translate what employers are really looking for into practical, actionable guidance for job seekers. Before joining ClearanceJobs, Katie supported several defense contractors working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community (IC), contributing to staffing, human resources, and marketing efforts. You can connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-h737784/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-h737784/] ClearanceJobs is committed to connecting security-cleared professionals and employers in a secure and private career network to fill jobs that safeguard our nation. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/78232/ [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/78232/] Watch this video to see what ClearanceJobs is all about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4b4tmpYHGU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4b4tmpYHGU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4b4tmpYHGU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4b4tmpYHGU] Links Mentioned In The Episode: Standard Form 86 – Questionnaire for National Security: https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86/ [https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86/] https://www.clearancejobs.com/ [https://www.clearancejobs.com/] https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs [https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs] https://news.clearancejobs.com/ [https://news.clearancejobs.com/] https://about.clearancejobs.com/ [https://about.clearancejobs.com/] (click on Resources) https://about.clearancejobs.com/employers/recruiting-resources/2026compensationreport [https://about.clearancejobs.com/employers/recruiting-resources/2026compensationreport] https://www.clearancejobsblog.com/ [https://www.clearancejobsblog.com/] https://clearedjobs.net/guides/security-clearance-timeline [https://clearedjobs.net/guides/security-clearance-timeline] Security Clearance Insecurity Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mhm1UsZWKs7AkGMR926pH [https://open.spotify.com/show/0mhm1UsZWKs7AkGMR926pH] Security Clearance Careers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1oDnWxWoKyRNNsapSWG37w [https://open.spotify.com/show/1oDnWxWoKyRNNsapSWG37w] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ClearanceJobs [https://www.youtube.com/@ClearanceJobs] About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/]. Check out the website: https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon, https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book [https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book]. It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. -------------------------------- Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider] If you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearchStrategy #InterviewTips #HiringManagerInsights #RecruiterAdvice #CareerGrowth #JobHunt #JobHuntingTips #CareerCoaching #Interview #CareerChange #JobHunting #JobHuntAdvice Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]

Ep.8 – Claire McGuire - Stop Blending In

Stop Blending In: Your Unique Talents Can Take You Further Than You Think Guest: Claire McGuire, Talent Acquisition Manager with Financial Growth Partners (FGP) Industry: Financial Services Episode Summary: In this episode of The Job Hunt Insider, Rick speaks with Claire McGuire about breaking into financial services and why confidence, authenticity, and networking can dramatically change a job seeker’s trajectory. Drawing from her experience working inside banking and now recruiting for the industry, Claire shares what financial services careers look like, who tends to thrive, and how career changers can successfully pivot — even without a finance background. She also discusses transferable skills, common candidate mistakes, the role of preparation, and the realities of the first year in the field. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the power of referrals and relationship-building, offering practical insight into how job seekers can stand out and explore opportunities in a career path that rewards individuality and initiative. About Claire: Claire McGuire is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Financial Growth Partners. She brings a unique blend of both recruiting expertise and real-world banking experience, having built her career in credit and commercial banking roles before moving into talent acquisition. Now, she helps talented professionals break into and grow within the financial services industry. A proud Central Pennsylvania native and Christopher Newport University alumni, “Go Captains!,” Claire is passionate about opening doors and building strong teams. And when she’s off the clock, you’ll find her with her family and her dog, Thunder—named after the AC/DC song, “Thunderstruck.” You can connect with Claire on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-mcguire-pa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-mcguire-pa/] Financial Growth Partners (FGP) helps shape a career that’s truly yours, powered by the freedom to lead, the support to excel, and the chance to change lives every single day. https://www.yourfgp.com/ [https://www.yourfgp.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourfgp/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourfgp/] The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon, https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book [https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book]. It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/]. Check out the website: https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] -------------------------------- Listen on major podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, and more! -------------------------------- ** Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider] ** If you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearchStrategy #InterviewTips #HiringManagerInsights #RecruiterAdvice #CareerGrowth #JobHunt #CareerCoaching #Interview #CareerChange #JobHunting #JobHuntAdvice Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]

Ep.7 – Rick Boyer - Never Ask ‘Which Resume?’ Again

Guest: Rick Boyer: Job Transition Coach, Podcast Host, Author Industry: The Job Hunt Insider: Never Ask ‘Which Resume?’ Again: How to Organize Your Job Search Episode Summary: This episode of The Job Hunt Insider focuses on job application tracking from chapter 4 of Rick's new book. Staying organized during your job search can make a major difference in how confidently you handle recruiter calls and interviews. Here, Rick discusses a simple system for tracking job applications so you always know which resume you sent, when you applied, and what role you applied for. Using a basic spreadsheet, consistent resume file names, and a logical folder structure, job seekers can keep track of multiple applications—even across the same company—and quickly reference the right information when a recruiter reaches out. Rick also explains how to prepare for unexpected calls and why saving job postings and linking documents to your tracker can prevent confusion later in the hiring process. A few minutes of organization today can save you stress tomorrow and help you present yourself as a professional, prepared candidate. Examples From the Episode: Spreadsheet headings:Date Applied | Company | Position Title | Job ID or Reference Number | Resume Version | Cover Letter | Application Method | Status | Follow-Up Date | Notes A lot of people save their resume with names like:     - resume_final.pdf     - resume_updated_v3.pdf Instead, use a consistent naming pattern. Something like:     - John_Smith_BetaTech_ SeniorMarketingManager _09-09-25.pdf The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon.  https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book [https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book]. It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/]. Check out the website: https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] -------------------------------- Listen on major podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, and more! -------------------------------- The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. **Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**If [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**If] you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearchStrategy #InterviewTips #HiringManagerInsights #RecruiterAdvice #CareerGrowth #JobHunt #CareerCoaching #Interview #CareerChange #JobHunting #JobHuntAdvice Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]

Ep.6 – Rick Boyer - Never Name a Price

Guest: Rick Boyer: Job Transition Coach, Podcast Host, Author Industry: The Job Hunt Insider: Salary Negotiation Episode Summary: This episode of The Job Hunt Insider focuses on salary negotiation. From chapter 6 of his new book, host Rick Boyer tackles one of the most stressful moments in the job search, and reframes it as a professional, collaborative conversation rather than a confrontation. Drawing on firsthand experience as a hiring manager, recruiter partner, and job seeker, Rick explains why knowing your true salary range before the conversation is critical, why you should never disclose that range to an employer, and how ethical employers are often aligned with candidates in wanting fair, sustainable compensation. Through practical guidance and a real-world story, the episode shows how clarity, preparation, and confidence can transform fear into leverage, helping job seekers make better long-term career decisions—even when walking away is the right choice. From the episode: A Practical Takeaway You Can Apply Today Before your next salary negotiation: -            Calculate your true minimum—no shortcuts. -            Research the market to understand a realistic maximum. -            Commit to keeping your range private. -            Practice framing salary as a collaboration, not a demand. -            Decide in advance what “walking away” looks like—so fear doesn’t make the decision for you. The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon.  https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book [https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book]. It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/]. Check out the website: https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] -------------------------------- Listen on major podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, and more! -------------------------------- **Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**If [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**If] you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights.https://community.pmi.org/profile/siddharthsinha [https://community.pmi.org/profile/siddharthsinha]https://community.pmi.org/profile/siddharthsinha [https://community.pmi.org/profile/siddharthsinha] #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearchStrategy #InterviewTips #HiringManagerInsights #RecruiterAdvice #CareerGrowth #JobHunt #CareerCoaching #Interview #CareerChange #JobHunting #JobHuntAdvice Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]