Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16295&preview=true⁠) 
The job market feels tighter than ever, but according to Find Your Dream Job guest Scott Thompson, you can still get hired faster by avoiding common mistakes and making strategic choices that help you stand out from the competition. Scott shares that today's hiring takes nearly two weeks longer than during 2022's peak, with available jobs dropping 40% as quit rates have plummeted to one-third of Great Resignation levels. While healthcare, accounting, and finance continue growing, HR, marketing, and IT have pulled back significantly.
Most job seekers respond by sending more applications, but Scott argues this "spaghetti at the wall" approach backfires. His strategy centers on a powerful statistic: 86% of job seekers land positions through networking and referrals, while only 14% succeed through blind applications. Scott recommends aligning your LinkedIn profile with your resume since recruiters search there first, customizing summaries and cover letters for specific roles, and demonstrating both competence and genuine enthusiasm in interviews by answering two key questions: "Can you do the job?" and "Will you do the job?"
About Our Guest:
⁠Scott Thompson⁠ is the managing director of ⁠Lexicon Solutions⁠.
Resources in This Episode:
⁠Connect with Scott⁠ on LinkedIn
⁠Lexicon Solutions⁠




How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market, with Scott Thompson

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16297&preview=true) 

Making the shift from military service to the civilian workforce isn’t easy. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Angie Condon, one of the biggest challenges is letting go of rank structures and moving from a team-first mindset to advocating for your own career growth. Angie highlights common mistakes veterans make when entering the civilian job market, including not preparing early enough, relying on military hierarchy in corporate settings, and struggling to clearly communicate their value to employers.

Her advice is to start your job search at least a year before leaving the military, take advantage of transition assistance programs, and connect with veteran-focused employee resource groups. Angie also stresses the importance of finding an employer whose values align with your own. Veterans may need to accept an initial step down in responsibility, but their strong leadership skills, reliability, and discipline often set them up for rapid advancement. With the right approach, Angie says, veterans can turn their military experience into a powerful advantage — and often rise more quickly than their civilian peers.

About Our Guest:

Angie Condon is the senior military relations manager at Western Governors University.

Resources in This Episode:
Connect with Angie on LinkedIn

How to Land a Civilian Job After Military Service, with Angie Condon

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16299&preview=true⁠) 
Perfectionism can quietly hold your job search back. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Tanya Romaniuk, one of the biggest challenges is waiting until everything feels “just right” before taking action. Tanya highlights common pitfalls perfectionists face, including overthinking applications, delaying outreach, and letting fear prevent progress. Her advice is to start small, take imperfect actions, and focus on progress over polish.
Tanya suggests flipping the script on your inner critic, practicing interview prep with friends or mentors, and building confidence through experience rather than waiting to feel 100% ready. She also stresses the importance of recognizing when your standards are realistic versus unhelpful. With the right approach, Tanya says that practicing imperfection will build your confidence and skills, and also get you closer to the work that truly fits you.
About Our Guest: 
⁠Tanya Romaniuk⁠ is a career counselor at ⁠Portland State University⁠. 
Resources in This Episode:
⁠Connect with Tanya⁠ on LinkedIn


Practice Imperfection in Your Job Search, with Tanya Romaniuk

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16357&preview=true⁠) 

Generative AI makes it easy to create resumes and cover letters, but it also makes your application sound just like everyone else’s. Find Your Dream Job guest Gina Riley says relying on AI alone won’t help you stand out in today’s market. Instead, she encourages job seekers to focus on storytelling, showing the results you’ve achieved and the unique value you bring to employers.
Gina shares how to use AI wisely, not as a shortcut, but as a support tool for shaping stronger applications and tailoring them to specific roles. She explains why mass applications rarely pay off, why thoughtful customization matters, and why networking and referrals remain important. By building relationships, highlighting results, and positioning yourself as the obvious solution to an employer’s problem, you’ll stand out in ways that AI-generated materials never can.


About Our Guest:
⁠Gina Riley⁠ is an executive career strategist and the author 
Check out Gina’s book, ⁠Qualified Isn't Enough: Develop Your Story. Land the Interview. Win the Job⁠.

Resources in This Episode:

⁠Connect with Gina⁠ on LinkedIn


AI Can’t Make You Stand Out in Your Job Search, with Gina Riley

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16301&preview=true⁠) 

Taking time away from work can feel risky, but Find Your Dream Job guest Katrina McGhee says a career break is often a smart move. She explains why intentional time off — whether planned or unexpected — can help you recover from burnout, realign with your values, or pursue long-delayed life goals. Katrina also shares why employers are increasingly supportive of breaks and how you can position yours as an advantage in your job search.

Katrina recommends starting with a clear purpose statement and designing your break around what you most want from the experience. She covers practical steps, such as setting goals, planning finances, and allowing space for both decompression and reentry. With the right approach, Katrina says, a career break won’t hold you back. It can renew your energy, build your confidence, and set you up for long-term success.

About Our Guest:
⁠Katrina McGhee⁠ is a sabbatical coach who helps professionals turn a career break into a strategic advantage. Check out Katrina’s book, Taking A Career Break For Dummies
Resources in This Episode:⁠Connect with Katrina⁠ on LinkedIn


Why a Career Break Is a Smart Move, with Katrina McGhee

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (⁠https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16359&preview=true⁠) 
Knowing your values is one of the most important steps you can take in your job search. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Dr. Lucas Moe, your values shape not only the kind of work you’ll enjoy but also the environments where you can do your best work. When you’re clear about what matters most, it’s easier to spot opportunities that fit — and just as importantly, to walk away from roles that don’t.
In this episode, Dr. Moe explains how to use the Schwartz Human Value Survey to uncover your top values, why focusing on your top three helps define your non-negotiables, and how self-knowledge can guide better career decisions. He also shares how knowing yourself helps you ask better questions in interviews, make more informed career decisions, and ultimately build a career that feels both meaningful and sustainable.
About Our Guest:
⁠Dr. Lucas Moe⁠ is the associate director for career services at the ⁠University of Washington’s Information School⁠. 
Resources in This Episode:
⁠Connect with Dr. Moe⁠ on LinkedIn


Know Thyself In Your Job Search, with Dr. Lucas Moe

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

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.

Practice Imperfection in Your Job Search, with Tanya Romaniuk

Mac's List

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