Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

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 University



Tim 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






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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


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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


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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


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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


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