The Uncommon Career Podcast: Job Search & Transformative Career Coaching
If you’re a mid-career woman in the job search, you need less effort and more strategy. Join me to catch your career blind spots, make internal shifts, and elevate your job search to make real progress. 🙋🏻♀️ Hey there! I’m Patricia. I help mid-career women get to their ideal next role with more intention and less stress. On the podcast, you’ll clarify your career direction, understand strategic branding, and experience the same insight-to-action approach I use in my start-to-finish 1:1 career coaching program. . This podcast is especially for you if you: ✔︎ are in a job search or about to start one ✔︎ know how to work hard but want a smarter strategy ✔︎ want momentum in the search, knowing you left nothing on the table . Here’s what we talk about: 🎙️ Job search strategy for mid-career professionals 🎙️ Career clarity, insights, and decision-making 🎙️ Professional branding (resume, LinkedIn, messaging) 🎙️ Interview preparation and interview strategy 🎙️ The thoughts, patterns and habits that accelerate (or stall) your search 🎙️ What’s working in today’s job market . 🚫 This is not: a podcast about quick-fixes and career hacks. 🚫 It's also not empty "you can be anything" promises. It’s instead a practical, insight-driven space where I help you slow down - just a bit - so you can: ✅ position yourself well in today's market ✅ leverage strategic communications to experience momentum, and ✅ feel the relief - and results - of an approach that truly connects ...all using the same approach I coach my 1:1 clients with in our start-to-finish career coaching program. If you’re a mid-career woman in the job search and you're ready to "slow down to speed up", then you’re in the right place! . 💡 Need a Tour Guide? Start Here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap Download the Podcast Roadmap, for our best episodes to help you at every phase of your search. Happy listening! ~Patricia Ortega, MS 2x Certified Career Coach (BCC/ICF) & Counselor since the 2010 job market downturn. ______________________________ John 5:12 | Love Jesus, love people. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you"
Episodes
If your interviews usually go well but the offers keep falling just out of reach, this episode pinpoints what’s missing. Today’s conversation explores why strong qualifications and polished answers aren’t always enough—and how elevating your career stories from tactical to strategic changes how employers see your potential. We'll break down how to move beyond listing actions and results and instead communicate how you think, plan...
If communicating goals to your team ever feels harder than it should, this segment offers a cleaner, more human approach. Our conversation today breaks down how leaders can move beyond beautiful but forgettable presentations and instead deliver messages that actually land, motivate, and drive action. This episode explores how clarity, intention, and structure transform goal-setting from a one-time announcement into an experience ...
If the job search feels confusing when rejections come with zero feedback, this episode unlocks to what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Today’s conversation breaks down the two paths professionals most commonly find themselves on and explains how to tell which one you’re on. Often, the solution isn’t about doing more, but about recognizing whether a simple tune-up is needed or if the foundation itself needs attention.
C...
Our conversation today walks you through the turning point, the "hinge, "that shifts a search from exhaustion and second-guessing into clarity, momentum, and real traction again. Through a story that mirrors what so many professionals experience, this episode explores how awareness, presence, and one focused action can completely change the pace and direction of your search.
This space is all about helping you understand where thin...
If the job market feels overwhelming right now, you’re not imagining it.
Layoffs, hundreds of applicants, AI tools everywhere...it’s enough to make you wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you need to start over.
In this episode, I’m walking you through three opportunities hiding inside today’s competitive job market. We’ll talk about why competition isn’t actually the biggest problem, how to use AI without losing your vo...
In this episode, explore the concept of unlearning silence with Elaine Lin Herring, a faculty member at Harvard Law and a bestselling author. Elaine discusses her book 'Unlearning Silence' and shares the toll of societal and personal expectations on our lives, particularly for women and immigrants. She delves into the importance of finding one's voice, understanding personal needs, and making intentional choices for a more align...
In this episode, Patricia highlights the critical importance of small details in job interviews and how mastering those can significantly affect the outcome. She shares a personal anecdote demonstrating how a simple 30-second oversight can have lasting consequences and applies this lesson to interview preparation. Patricia provides actionable advice on how to identify and leverage personal strengths by reflecting on past industri...
In this episode, Julianna and Patricia delve into the sensations and realities of feeling stuck, especially in one's career. They discuss common signs and symptoms of this stuckness, including the physical and mental manifestations during coaching sessions. The conversation covers the impact of procrastination, the power of coaching, and the importance of finding the right coach for your needs. Practical advice is offered on iden...
In this episode, Patricia shares valuable advice on job searching, focusing on the importance of clarity, creating effective resumes, and writing authentic cover letters. The episode emphasizes learning from recent job seekers' experiences, the necessity of slowing down the application process to refine materials, and the significance of aligning resumes and cover letters with employer needs. Key highlights include avoiding 'chao...
In this episode, join career coaches Janine and Patricia have an insightful coffee chat about their personal journeys of leaving law and tenure to embrace new careers. They share the importance of redefining success, the challenges faced during transitions, and the strategies they've learned.
The conversation touches on entrepreneurship, mindset, and the unexpected growth that comes with making a significant career change.
Ti...
In this episode, focus on the importance of networking in the job search process. Patricia shares insights about the inefficacy of submitting blind application as well as the debunked misconceptions about cold outreach. Lastly, learn how to begin managing hesitation and over-analysis, and the need to approach networking with a genuine connection rather than sales tactics.
We'll Talk About:
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00:31 The Pitfalls of Blind App...
In this episode, Patricia highlights common resume mistakes made by mid-level professionals, emphasizing the importance of measuring value over word count. Learn keys in transforming detailed job descriptions into value-packed stories that delineate specific outcomes and impacts. Lastly, learn how to translate and focus on results rather than tasks while using quantifiable proof and ensuring every word on the resume is purposeful...
In this episode, dive into the topic of assertiveness in communication. Highlight the importance of asserting oneself in both personal and professional settings without coming off as aggressive. Explore how individuals can overcome internal barriers and effectively communicate their boundaries and opinions. And lastly, gain insights into reframing their perspectives, using positive language, and building self-confidence to enhanc...
In this episode, tune in for the importance of negotiating your salary and recognizing your value in the workplace. Guest Candyce Hunt shares her own experiences and introduces the VALUE framework (Value documentation, Assert clear boundaries, Loudly communicate, Unapologetically ask, and Evidence) to help you secure the pay you deserve.
Included are key signs to identify if you're undervaluing yourself, as well as practical ste...
In this special episode, Patricia shares deeply personal insights into her faith journey, discussing the impact of prayer during tough times and how a leap of faith profoundly transformed her career. Addressing recent global and local tragedies, this segment aims to offer comfort and perspective through a spiritual lens.
Tune in further for a replay of a popular discussion on overcoming job interview nerves and mistakes.
We'll ...
Unsure whether or not you're actually being seen at work? In this episode, learn how to recognize when your boss is not advocating for your growth and what steps you can take to advocate for yourself. Highlight the importance of being clear on your career goals, communicating expectations with your boss, and using persuasive communication and marketing principles to make your achievements visible. Also emphasized here is the impo...
In this episode, discuss how to pursue career growth without damaging professional relationships. Learn strategies for transitioning between roles while maintaining healthy connections, and understand the importance of focusing on people rather than the organization. Tune in further to cover key principles such as expressing your intent to stay in touch, scheduling follow-ups, and providing value through strategic preparation.
...
Ever thought of mastering your career growth?
In this episode featuring Bryttani Graddick, learn strategies for becoming irreplaceable in your career amid the challenges posed by AI and globalization. Tune in to uncover her flywheel system comprising education, experience, engagement, and excellence, designed to help HR professionals and other career-focused individuals achieve sustained career growth. And lastly, know how to re...
In this episode, consider the importance establishing a solid foundation before diving into a job search, especially for mid to senior-level professionals. Key elements are presented, such as gaining clarity on your target role and developing a unique brand. Learn the pitfalls of outdated job search methods and highlight the need for networking and relationship building. Additionally, dive into insights for avoiding over-optimiza...
You got the job you always wanted—so why, to some degree, do you feel unhappy?
In this episode, explore reasons behind this shift including interpersonal challenges, unmet expectations, and changes in job scope or management. Gain insights on whether to stay in the current role or seek a new position, emphasizing personal growth and self-coaching as strategies to overcome perceived challenges.
Lastly, tune in for advice on addres...
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