It’s not enough in today’s job market to have the experience required for an open position. You have to stand out from the crowd of applicants to even secure an interview. Using your leverage is the best way to stand head and shoulders above others, says Find Your Dream Job guest Ashton McMillan. Leverage could be past work experience, education, or specific results from a previous job or campaign that show your success in the field. The more you know the value you have to offer an employer, the more confidently you will approach an interview, so do your homework and discover what results you have achieved that the potential employer needs in a new hire.&nbsp; About Our Guest: Ashton McMillan (http://linkedin.com/in/ashton-mcmillan) is a recruiter with experience in leadership and financial analysis who specializes in software engineering and technical positions. Resources in This Episode:  Connect with Ashton at www.linkedin.com/in/ashton-mcmillan/ to learn more about his work in talent and recruiting.&nbsp; From our Sponsor: Find Your Dream Job is brought to you by TopResume.(http://macslist.org/topresume) Top Resume has helped more than 400,000 professionals land more interviews and get hired faster. Get a free review of your resume today from one of Top Resume’s expert writers. (http://macslist.org/topresume)  &nbsp;

How to Use Leverage to Get the Job You Want, with Ashton McMillan

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16414&preview=true⁠) 
Networking is one of the most effective ways to find your next job. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Nikki Schutte, most opportunities don’t come from job boards — they come through people you know and the connections they can introduce you to. Referrals won’t guarantee you a job, but they often get your application noticed and can lead to interviews you might not get otherwise.
In this episode, Nikki explains why employers value personal connections, how professional associations can help you grow your network, and why showing up in person makes such a difference. She also shares practical tips for job seekers who feel hesitant about networking, from starting small at local events to focusing on authentic conversations. By building relationships over time, you’ll uncover hidden opportunities and make your job search far more effective.
About Our Guest:
⁠Nikki Schutte⁠ is the executive director of the ⁠Portland Human Resources Management Association⁠.
Resources in This Episode:
⁠Connect with Nikki⁠ on LinkedIn


You Will Find Your Next Job Through Your Network, with Nikki Schutte

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16425&preview=true⁠) 
Whether you realize it or not, you already have a personal brand — it’s your reputation and the value you bring to the marketplace. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Tonjala Eaton explains how to intentionally shape and share that brand to stand out in a crowded job market. She shares why self-reflection is the first step in identifying what you want to be known for and how to define the unique mix of skills and attributes that set you apart. Tonjala also offers guidance on using tools like ChatGPT to explore your strengths, clarify your message, and discover the impact of your work.
You’ll learn how to be intentional about your career goals, focus your job search, and communicate your brand effectively — from your LinkedIn profile to your interviews. Tonjala also explains why having a clear, consistent message helps you attract the right opportunities, avoid burnout, and show employers exactly where you fit. By owning your story and showing up authentically, you’ll build credibility, confidence, and momentum in your job search.
About Our Guest:
⁠Tonjala Eaton⁠ is a career coach who helps her clients move into new careers. 

Resources in This Episode:
⁠Connect with Tonjala⁠ on LinkedIn


How to Use Your Personal Brand In Your Job Search, with Tonjala Eaton

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16430&preview=true⁠)
On Sept. 11, we hosted our third quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with ⁠Willamette University’s Atkinson School of Management⁠. Almost 100 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “⁠The Leadership Skills You Need to Succeed in Oregon’s Tough Job Market⁠.” 
Together, the panelists shared their experiences from higher education, tech recruiting, and executive coaching, offering practical advice for job seekers navigating Oregon’s challenging job market. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with representatives from eight tabling organizations, including educators, professional associations, and career coaches.
About Our Guest
⁠Leah Straley⁠, dean of Graduate Admissions for⁠ Willamette University⁠. 
Panelists
  ⁠Ashley Nixon, Ph.D.⁠, dean for academic affairs and professor of human resources and organizational behavior, ⁠Willamette University⁠⁠Tim Butler⁠, principal sourcer, global talent sourcing,⁠ New Relic, Inc.⁠

  
⁠Dr. Carol Parker Walsh, JD, PhD, ACC⁠, executive coach & leadership consultant, ⁠Carol Parker Walsh Consulting Group⁠




Bonus Episode 86: The Leadership Skills You Need to Succeed in Oregon’s Tough Job Market

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16435&preview=true) 

Many job seekers treat interviews as a series of questions to answer correctly, but doing so can make you blend in instead of stand out. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Kacie Bail explains how to turn an interview into a genuine conversation that builds trust and connection with your interviewer. She shares three practical steps: listen intently, identify conversation threads, and engage naturally with what your interviewer says. By focusing on curiosity and connection, you can show that you’re not only qualified but also someone they’ll enjoy working with.

Kacie also offers simple ways to signal understanding, ask meaningful follow-up questions, and use nonverbal cues like nodding and smiling to build rapport. You’ll learn how to adapt these techniques for both casual and highly structured interviews — and why the goal isn’t perfection, but authenticity. As Kacie reminds us, interviewers may forget your exact answers, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

About Our Guest:

Kacie Bail is a career coach who helps introverts and non-native English speakers get more fulfilling jobs.  

Resources in This Episode:

Connect with Kacie on LinkedIn. 

Visit her website, where you can Get a Free PDF on How to Ace your Interview in 7 Steps.

Sign up for Kacie’s Newsletter.

Check out Kacie’s Career Coaching for Introverts and ESL Community Meetup Group.



Three Steps to Build Connection in a Job Interview, with Kacie Bail

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16441&preview=true⁠) 
Career changes are becoming a natural part of modern work life. But navigating them well can be challenging, especially in uncertain times. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career and leadership consultant Charity McDonald shares her framework for making a successful pivot through the three paths for a career pivot: possibilities, patience, and people.
Charity explains how to expand your options by focusing on your transferable skills, managing expectations when a job search takes longer than planned, and building genuine connections that lead to new opportunities. She also offers tips for reframing rejection, staying patient amid uncertainty, and using LinkedIn to reach hiring managers in a more personal way.
About Our Guest:
⁠Charity McDonald⁠ is an author, speaker, and career and leadership consultant. 

Resources in This Episode:
Connect with Charity on ⁠LinkedIn⁠. 
Check out her new book, ⁠Women, Work & Leadership: Embracing Courage and Boldly Leading From Within⁠



Three Paths for a Career Pivot, with Charity McDonald

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16454&preview=true) 

Job searching can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and the pressure to find your next opportunity. On this episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Samorn Selim, founder of Career Unicorns®, shares a simple but powerful system to help you get your next job without burning out. She explains how to spot the signs of job search fatigue, why clarity is the first step to success, and how to focus on what truly matters instead of trying to do everything at once.

Samorn breaks down her three-part system — clarity, strategy, and consistency — to make the process manageable and effective. You’ll learn how to narrow your focus, structure your search in small, realistic steps, and celebrate progress along the way. Whether you’re sending out endless applications or feeling stuck in a cycle of stop-and-start searching, this episode will help you approach your job search with confidence, balance, and renewed energy.

About Our Guest:

Samorn Selim is the founder of Career Unicorns
Resources in This Episode:

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn
Check out Samorn's gratitude journal, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy | Perfect Gift For Yourself Or Loved Ones


The System to Get Your Next Job Without Burning Out, with Samorn Selim

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16459&preview=true⁠) 

Imposter syndrome can derail even the most seasoned professionals, especially in a tough job market. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, career coach Shannon Grosswiler explains why self-doubt shows up during a job search and how it affects the way people read job descriptions, talk about their accomplishments, and decide whether to apply for roles they’re fully capable of doing. Shannon shares the common patterns she sees — particularly among women — and why so many talented candidates underestimate their experience or hesitate to market themselves with confidence.
Shannon also offers practical steps to rebuild your confidence and keep moving forward, from gathering LinkedIn recommendations to revisiting the moments you’re proud of and leaning on friends who see your strengths clearly. You’ll walk away knowing how to tell your story with more ease, approach applications with a calmer mindset, and keep going even when the market feels tough. If imposter feelings have been creeping in, this episode will help you reconnect with your value and take the next steps in your search.
About Our Guest:
⁠Shannon Grosswiler⁠ coaches executives, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit professionals through career transitions. 
Resources in This Episode:
Connect with ⁠Shannon on LinkedIn⁠.


Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in a Tough Job Market, with Shannon Grosswiler

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16462&preview=true⁠) 
Thinking about a career change can stir up nerves, excitement, and a big “where do I even start?” On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, coach and author Ariane Hunter talks about what’s really happening when something in your work life feels off. She shares why career pivots show up for so many of us — sometimes by choice, sometimes not — and how those quiet nudges can point you toward work that feels better than what you’ve been settling for.
Ariane also explains why it helps to pause, breathe, and let yourself feel what’s coming up before rushing into the next thing. Then she gets practical, with small steps like checking in with people who’ve seen you shine, reconnecting with supportive colleagues, and exploring new options without having it all figured out. If you’re standing at a career crossroads, this episode offers grounded guidance and a reassuring place to begin.
About Our Guest:
⁠Ariane Hunter⁠ is a speaker, an author, and the founder and owner of ⁠Ariane Hunter Consulting⁠.

Resources in This Episode:
Connect with ⁠Ariane on LinkedIn⁠.
Check out Ariane’s book, ⁠Dreaming On Purpose: A Manifesto for Black Women on Taking the Leap, Building Your Dreams, and Being Your Own Boss.⁠




The Art of the Career Pivot, with Ariane Hunter

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16513&preview=true)

Negotiating a job offer shapes far more than your first day on the job. On this week’s episode of Find Your Dream Job, HR expert Marcia Torres shares why your starting salary influences future raises, bonuses, and long-term earning potential — and why employers expect candidates to ask questions, review their offers carefully, and advocate for what they need. Marcia also talks about the value of taking 24 hours to read through an offer, getting clear on your bottom line, and using reliable salary data to understand where you should land in a range.

She then walks through what candidates can negotiate beyond base pay, including job titles, professional development funds, PTO, and other benefits that make up a full compensation package. Marcia offers practical, down-to-earth guidance on how to approach these conversations collaboratively, build rapport with recruiters, and make a thoughtful decision about your next role.

About Our Guest:

Marcia Torres is the founder of Imagen Talent Solutions.
Resources in This Episode:

Connect with Marcia on LinkedIn

Negotiating Your Next Job Offer, with Marcia Torres

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16563&preview=true) 

On Nov. 12, we hosted our final quarterly event of 2025 in partnership with B Local PDX. More than 200 people gathered for networking and a panel discussion, “Meaningful Careers in Portland: Align Your Job with Your Values.” In this recording of our conversation, you’ll hear grounded, hopeful advice for navigating a tough job market and finding work that feels meaningful. 

Our panelists talk about staying motivated, managing burnout, and taking steady, realistic steps toward roles that reflect your values. They share practical strategies such as volunteering, networking, and informational interviews that will help you build connections and find opportunities across Portland’s B Corps, nonprofits, government agencies, and values-aligned for-profits.

About Our Guests:

Wesley Griffin, executive director of B Local PDX

Panelists

Charles McGee, director of operations, Workplace Change

Brandi Oldham, MHR, founder, Talent Career Coaching

Nicole Stein, director of social impact and sustainability, Killian Pacific

Bonus Episode 87: Meaningful Careers in Portland: Align Your Job with Your Values

Mac’s List is the premier career development resource for connecting passionate, creative professionals to meaningful and socially impactful work in Oregon and SW Washington.

How to Use Leverage to Get the Job You Want, with Ashton McMillan

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