Destination: Dream Job

76 | How to Navigate Job Boards, Unlock the Hidden Job Market & Build Powerful Career Connections with Mac Pritchard

Join me this week as I interview Mac Pritchard, founder and CEO of Mac’s List, author, and host of the top-ranked career advice podcast Find Your Dream Job. Mac shares insights from his decades of experience in the job board industry, revealing the truth behind how job boards really work and why you shouldn’t rely on them alone to land your next job. Discover the power of networking, referrals, and understanding employers’ pain points to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Learn practical strategies to navigate both the visible and hidden job markets and how treating your job search like a research project can dramatically increase your chances of success. If you want actionable career advice on mastering job boards, building authentic connections, and accessing unadvertised job opportunities, this episode is a must-listen.   Connect with Mac: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macprichard/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmacprichard%2F&user_uuid=FGBCTJU7IRVVDU2H&stage=1&hmac=8485bd9bf966782a34331d0f3ec547e37afcd350b7d38e098bac53f7c34d5fa1] Website: macslist.org [http://macslist.org/] Podcast: macslist.org/podcasts [http://macslist.org/podcasts]

75 | How AI is Revolutionizing Your Job Search: Insider Tips on ATS, Resume Writing & Interview Prep with Javier Vinsome

In this episode, career and diversity advisor Javier Vinsome joins us to unpack the real impact of AI on your job search.   With over a decade of experience supporting accountants and internationally educated professionals, Javier dives deep into how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use AI to screen resumes and why you need to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT smartly to beat the bots.   Discover how to use AI without losing your authentic voice, avoid common pitfalls like AI-generated errors or over-embellishment, and safeguard your personal info while crafting resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn content.   Plus, get expert advice on using AI to prepare for interviews with tailored questions and answers that actually work.   If you’re confused about whether AI is friend or foe in today’s job market, this episode breaks down what you need to know to stay competitive and land your dream job.   Connect with Javier: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvinsome/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvinsome/] CRIEC: https://criec.ca/ [https://criec.ca/]   Connect with Steph: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/]

74 | Breaking Barriers: How Immigrants Can Leverage Their Skills for Career Success with Mher Mardoyan

It’s no secret that job hunting is a full-time job in itself, but for immigrants, it often feels like an uphill battle.   This week on the Destination Dream Job Podcast, I spoke with Mher Mardoyan, Career Coach [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/] about the challenges immigrants face in the job market.   One of the biggest hurdles? The constant demand for “Canadian experience,” and the tendency to undervalue international experience.   In this episode, we talked about: 🔑 The importance of recognizing the value of global experience and how employers can do better in supporting immigrants.   💼 Practical tips for job seekers, including the seven steps to job search success and how to stay positive during the process.   🌐 Leveraging LinkedIn and networking to build authentic relationships and increase your chances of landing your dream job.   If you're struggling to navigate the job search, especially with the added pressure of being an immigrant, this episode is for you!   Tune in now to hear more about Mher’s advice and insights.   Connect with Mher:

73 | How Authenticity & Storytelling Sets you Apart in a Competitive Job Market with Brad Minton

Authenticity and storytelling sets you apart in a competitive job market.   This week on the Destination Dream Job podcast, I was joined by Brad W. Minton [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/], a career development expert who specializes in helping young professionals and job seekers navigate the challenges of personal branding and career growth.   This episode had so many great nuggets, it was hard to choose my top 3, but here they are:   ✅ Embrace Your Story Brad and I talked about how your story is what makes you truly stand out. Focus on the "why" behind your career choices, as it's the thread that connects all your experiences and shows employers what you bring to the table.   ✅ Recognize Your Strengths Reflect on past experiences where you excelled. Identifying your "in the zone" moments helps you understand what strengths you should leverage in your career and how to present them effectively on your resume.   ✅ Don't Let Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back If you don’t confidently share your achievements, someone else will. Building your personal brand is key to standing out in a crowded job market.   Listen to the full episode for more insights on how you can turn your unique story into a powerful personal brand that resonates with employers!   Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-w-minton/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fbrad-w-minton%2F&user_uuid=FGBCTJU7IRVVDU2H&stage=1&hmac=144a4e6818b49b59f4310093372039945a96fed4a708635dbb11629f9be3c37e] https://www.instagram.com/minttobecareer/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fminttobecareer%2F&user_uuid=FGBCTJU7IRVVDU2H&stage=1&hmac=3850ff6217a0893e01d5639637d9f1c312e160f1e8381fbae9ac7926c061f0fc]   Connect with Steph: www.destinationdreamjob.com [http://www.destinationdreamjob.com] www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies [http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies]

72 | Networking Doesn't Have to Be Awkward: How to Build Genuine Connections with Michelle Schafer

Struggling with Networking? You're Not Alone.  Let’s be real – networking can feel cringy. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of rejection hold many people back. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be awkward or salesy! Here are the top takeaways from my recent conversation with Michelle about overcoming networking struggles: * Shift your mindset: Networking isn't about pushing sales. It's about having genuine conversations. * Prepare in advance: Know who you want to talk to, what you want to learn, and how you’ll talk about yourself. * Focus on curiosity: Approach networking with a mindset of learning, not just pitching. * Be authentic: People appreciate real, meaningful conversations – that’s how connections happen. I’m embracing these principles myself in both my career and business growth. It’s about creating value first, not asking for favors.   Connect with Michelle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmichelleschafercoaching%2F&user_uuid=FGBCTJU7IRVVDU2H&stage=1&hmac=cc5d7cd457f5ce023aadc70f8ad39419ce09559e367ff1326abbefb16c7f0d47] Get a free chapter of Michelle's book:https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fmschafercoaching.ca%2Fcultivatingcareergrowth%2F&user_uuid=FGBCTJU7IRVVDU2H&stage=1&hmac=740f50e022dce0dd7297721c21f79a9c8e015d28011478d3ae1cacb9b86e02c1] Connect with Steph: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/] Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com [http://www.destinationdreamjob.com]