Careering with Cameron

WRKdefined Podcast Network

Welcome to the Careering with Cameron podcast, your home for all things career strategy and job search success! Hosted by Kevin Cameron, this is the safe place for you to ask all the "dumb questions" about finding a job. What to Expect: Are you finishing college or graduate school and just starting your career? Are you a bright, data-driven individual in a STEM field (Science, Tech, Engineering, or Math) who may struggle with people skills? If you're wondering "what's next," you are in the right place. Kevin's goal is to give you a clear, step-by-step roadmap for your career journey. We'll walk through the often-confusing process of finding a job so you can feel ready and empowered. The ultimate goal is not just to apply for positions, but to find meaningful work that aligns with your passion. Meet Your Host: Kevin Cameron brings over 20 years of experience as a recruiter and is an ICF-certified professional coach. Having been "on the other side of the desk" for two decades, he's bringing the inside scoop to help you: Think like a recruiter so you can land the job you want. Get actionable advice and best practices for resume writing, interview questions, negotiating offers, and more. You don't have to navigate this career search alone! New episodes drop every Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media @careeringwithcameron_ on Instagram!

  1. 4D AGO

    Why 80% of Jobs Are Never Posted (And How to Land Them)

    70–80% of jobs are never posted - filled through networking. We break down how to reach out without triggering the "I need a job" response that shuts contacts down. Three outreach templates, the psychology behind them, and the mistakes costing job seekers replies. Join our FREE Talent-Connect Community Space Job searching takes more out of you than most people expect. It can feel isolating, and it's easy to lose your footing when you're navigating it without support. That's exactly why we built this space. Join here - https://www.talent-connect.net/freecirclesignup Key Takeaways Be specific - broad messaging makes it harder for people to help.  Ask for 15 minutes, not a job.  Remove pressure and make saying yes easy.  Your subject line must signal the connection in five seconds.  Three referrals beat one - multiple touchpoints is your cheat code around ATS. Episode Highlights The Alumni Connection — shared experiences build trust faster than a cold message.  The Ben Franklin Effect — asking an expert for advice positions you as curious, not desperate.  The Direct Referral — why one isn't enough and how three makes hiring managers take notice.  Do's and Don'ts — follow-up timing and why reaching business leads over HR changes everything. Timestamps 00:00 Why most jobs are never posted  01:48 "I need a job" email vs. real connection  07:31 Template 1: The Alumni Connection  16:47 Template 2: The Ben Franklin Effect  21:30 Template 3: The Direct Referral  25:36 Bypassing ATS with referrals  26:42 Do's and Don'ts If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    39 min
  2. APR 29

    How To Land Your First Job (Or Internship)

    Is your student stuck at the start line of their career? In this episode, Kevin Cameron sits down with Steven Rothberg, founder of CollegeRecruiter.com — a job search platform helping over a million students and recent grads find great careers every month. Steven shares why your first boss matters more than your job title, how AI is reshaping the student job search, and the one framework that helps you figure out what you actually want to do. Whether you're a student, a parent of one, or someone starting fresh — this one is packed with practical, honest advice you won't find in a classroom. Key Takeaways Your first boss matters more than your first company. A great manager will develop you faster than any prestigious job title. Use AI in your job search — employers are now seeing it as a feature, not a cheat. It helps you communicate your value more clearly. Try CIV Analysis: map out your Competencies, Interests and Values. The overlap points you toward the right career path. Stop asking "what do I want to do for the rest of my life." Ask: where do I want to be at 25? Think in steps, not decades. Build your LinkedIn early. Employers are watching — so are you. Research your future manager before you accept. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Kevin Cameron introduces Steven Rothberg and CollegeRecruiter.com  01:37 – How College Recruiter works and who it serves  03:08 – Why employers care more about critical thinking than your major or GPA  05:14 – How AI has transformed the student job search in just 5 years  07:21 – Why using AI is now a hiring signal, not a red flag  12:49 – How to find your first internship or job when you don't know where to start  14:10 – Why your first boss is the most important career decision you'll make  16:30 – How to use LinkedIn to research your future manager before accepting a job  20:55 – Resources for students with criminal records navigating the job market  24:55 – The CIV framework: Competencies, Interests and Values explained  27:40 – Stop planning your whole career — just plan the next 3 years  29:11 – Steven shares his "why" and what drives College Recruiter's mission Connect With Steven Rothberg Website: www.collegerecruiter.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevenrothberg Email: steven@collegerecruiter.com If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review. Visit Talent Connect:  Website: www.talent-connect.net  LinkedIn: Talent-Connect Kevin's  LinkedIn: Kevin Cameron PCC Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/ 601425

    34 min
  3. APR 22

    What Recruiters Really See When You Apply with AI ft. Christine Treski

    What really happens after you hit "apply"?  In this episode, Kevin Cameron pulls back the curtain on the hiring process with insider Christine Treski, Managing Director at DoubleStar - a recruitment consulting firm working with companies across the country. If you've ever wondered whether recruiters can spot an AI-written resume, whether cover letters still matter, or how to actually stand out when hundreds of applications land at once, this one's for you. Christine shares what it's really like on the other side of the desk right now — from AI flooding inboxes with generic resumes to the very human art of building a network that works for you long term. Key Takeaways Recruiters can spot AI-generated resumes quickly. Use AI as a tool for keyword optimisation and ideas - not to write your resume for you. Results-based data on your resume outperforms responsibility-based descriptions. Your network is your most underused asset - build it before you need it. Taking care of yourself during the job search isn't optional, it's strategy. Episode Highlights Up to 60% of Fortune 500 companies are now using AI somewhere in their hiring process. ATS platforms like Greenhouse use natural language processing to filter resumes - results beat responsibilities every time. Skills-based hiring is being researched but hasn't yet gone mainstream. Cover letters: mostly skipped, but still useful when you have a referral or human contact. Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: Meet Christine Treski & DoubleStar  02:47 — What hiring teams are saying about AI right now  04:00 — The flood of generic applications recruiters are dealing with  06:40 — How to use AI on your resume without getting flagged  07:58 — ATS and natural language processing explained  09:18 — Is skills-based hiring actually happening yet?  11:38 — How to use AI conversationally to reinvent your career  19:00 — The candidate experience and recruiter burnout  22:46 — Transparency: should companies disclose when AI is involved?  27:46 — How DoubleStar plugs into the recruitment process  29:44 — Are recruiters still reading cover letters?  31:56 — Christine's final advice: lean on your network  34:16 — Christine's "why" Connect With Christine Treski Website: https://www.doublestarinc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-treski/recent-activity/all/ If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review. Visit Talent Connect: Website: www.talent-connect.net LinkedIn: Talent-Connect Kevin's LinkedIn: Kevin Cameron PCC Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    37 min
  4. FEB 18

    How To Stand Out After Your Interview

    In this episode of Careering with Cameron, host Kevin Cameron dives into the "great follow up," sharing essential protocols to help you stand out after an interview. Kevin Cameron explains how to transform a standard thank you into a strategic reminder of your value by addressing company "pain points" and building a memorable connection. Key Takeaways The most effective follow up is personalized, referencing specific moments or jokes from the conversation to ensure you aren't forgotten among other candidates. While email is the standard for fast-moving roles, Kevin Cameron highlights the unique impact of a handwritten thank you note for building long-term rapport. Consistency is vital, so aim to send your initial note within 24 hours while maintaining a professional peer-to-peer tone throughout the process. Episode Highlights Kevin Cameron shares his "secret sauce" for following up when you haven't heard back, including the use of newsworthy articles and resources to add value even before you are hired. He also discusses how to handle rejection with grace, explaining why being a "gracious second-place finisher" can often lead to future job offers or referrals. Timestamps 00:27 - The importance of specific interview recall  03:07 - Handwritten notes versus professional emails  05:39 - Moving beyond the "thank you for your time" cliché  08:58 - Timeline for following up on consulting vs direct hire roles  13:04 - Strategies for befriending recruiters and seeking feedback If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market!

    21 min
  5. FEB 11

    Here's how to Scale the Science Career Ladder

    In this episode of Careering With Cameron, host Kevin Cameron dives into the essential differences between undergraduate and graduate-level cover letters. For advanced degree holders and postdocs, a cover letter is no longer just an introduction; it is a vital demonstration of scientific communication skills and technical expertise. Kevin Cameron explains how to transition from simply listing tasks to highlighting the measurable research impact of your work. Key Takeaways The graduate cover letter must bridge the gap between complex data and real-world solutions by focusing on research impact rather than just techniques.  Kevin Cameron suggests a dual-path strategy: focusing on funding and teaching for academia, or business science and product pipelines for industry.  Use the Talent Account method to map your specific lab skills and instrumentation experience directly to the job description to gain a competitive advantage. Episode Highlights Learn how to structure a four-paragraph letter that moves from high-level engagement with a company’s recent patents to a "Problem-Action-Result" story that proves your technical problem-solving abilities.  Kevin Cameron also warns against the "passive voice" trap, urging candidates to use leadership-driven language like "pioneer" or "lead".  Finally, discover why cleaning up academic jargon is crucial when interviewing with HR professionals who may not be experts in your specific scientific field. Timestamps 00:26 Differences for graduate students and postdocs  02:31 The Dual-Path Strategy for academia vs. industry  04:58 Using the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) technique  07:46 Avoiding jargon and the pitfalls of passive voice  12:16 Page length guidelines and networking tips If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    16 min
  6. FEB 4

    Why 45% of Internship Applications Get Rejected

    In this episode of Careering With Cameron, host Kevin Cameron dives deep into the essential, yet often misunderstood, world of cover letters for undergrads and first-time job seekers. Kevin Cameron explains why 45% of employers view a missing cover letter as a total dealbreaker and reveals how to use this document as a powerful writing sample to showcase your personality beyond AI-generated templates. You will learn Kevin Cameron’s signature "T-Account" method to align your unique stories with company pain points. He also shares critical advice on researching hiring managers, why you must stop using "To Whom It May Concern," and how to keep your formatting professional and concise. Key Takeaways The cover letter serves as a critical writing sample to prove you can communicate effectively without relying 100% on AI.  Utilising a T-Account helps you match your specific experiences to the required skills listed in a job description. Finding a specific name for your letter is essential in a modern job search. Episode Highlights Kevin Cameron discusses the shift from fax machines to modern digital applications.  He breaks down the anatomy of a perfect first paragraph using recent company news to stand out.  The episode concludes with formatting essentials, including the one-page rule and why headshots are usually a mistake for interns. Timestamps 00:39 Who this episode is for  02:23 The 45% dealbreaker statistic  03:08 Why your letter isn't a resume recap  05:18 How to build a T-Account  07:09 Researching the hiring manager  08:11 The anatomy of the first paragraph  11:01 Formatting and the one-page rule  11:41 The headshot debate If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    17 min
  7. JAN 14

    The Digital First Impression In a Job Search Explained with Kevin Cameron

    In this episode, Kevin Cameron breaks down what the "handshake" really looks like in today's job market and why first impressions are no longer physical, but digital. This conversation explores how AI is reshaping job applications, screening processes, and how candidates can stay competitive without sounding robotic. "The handshake of 2026 is no longer just a polished résumé, it's how your information is discovered, interpreted, and trusted." Kevin Cameron explains how job seekers can use AI as a strategic advantage while still keeping a strong human voice, avoiding common pitfalls, and understanding what employers' systems are actually looking for. Key takeaways This episode explains why specificity matters more than volume in job searching, how to define a clear mission for your AI tools, why human review is non-negotiable, and how interview data can guide smarter career decisions. Episode highlights Kevin Cameron introduces the concept of the modern digital handshake, explains how AI agents match candidates to roles, shares real-world examples of AI misuse, and outlines how to monitor interview success rather than application volume. He also discusses pipeline hiring, personal branding, and the importance of keeping your online presence current. Timestamps 00:00 What the modern "handshake" really means 01:10 AI and the changing application process 03:10 Defining your AI agent's mission 05:30 Building a machine-readable career profile 07:30 Choosing the right AI tools 09:00 Human guardrails and personalization 10:15 Tracking interview success metrics 13:20 Pipeline hiring and online visibility If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    20 min
  8. JAN 7

    Mastering The New Year Career Transition with Kevin Cameron

    In this episode of Careering With Cameron, Kevin discusses how to successfully transition into the new year by maximizing the unique "downtime" between December and January. He explores why many people fail at their resolutions and provides a blueprint for career search success, emphasizing that "activity almost solves everything" when it comes to finding your next role. Kevin Cameron shares actionable tips on avoiding the "Monday trap," leveraging LinkedIn for networking, and utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your professional capabilities. Whether you are a student looking for an internship or a professional navigating outplacement, this episode offers the strategy needed to launch into 2026 with confidence. Key Takeaways Consistency is the hardest but most vital part of the process; it is much harder to restart than to stay engaged. Don't wait for a specific Monday or the 1st of the month to begin your goals; start as soon as you have a plan. Prioritize your three hardest tasks at the start of the week to create an "emotional lift" and clear your desk for easier projects. Episode Highlights The importance of self-care and finding exercise or hobbies you actually enjoy to sustain your energy. How to use the holiday season to reconnect with your network via LinkedIn while the "pace is faster" for responses. Improving your skills through webinars and online courses to "identify and brush up" on data or coding. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the transition between December and January 04:30 – Why you should avoid the "January 1st" goal-setting trap 08:15 – Using LinkedIn and networking during the holiday downtime 12:45 – Managing the "hardest tasks" first to gain momentum 18:20 – Leveraging AI and ChatGPT to boost job search productivity If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

    15 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Careering with Cameron podcast, your home for all things career strategy and job search success! Hosted by Kevin Cameron, this is the safe place for you to ask all the "dumb questions" about finding a job. What to Expect: Are you finishing college or graduate school and just starting your career? Are you a bright, data-driven individual in a STEM field (Science, Tech, Engineering, or Math) who may struggle with people skills? If you're wondering "what's next," you are in the right place. Kevin's goal is to give you a clear, step-by-step roadmap for your career journey. We'll walk through the often-confusing process of finding a job so you can feel ready and empowered. The ultimate goal is not just to apply for positions, but to find meaningful work that aligns with your passion. Meet Your Host: Kevin Cameron brings over 20 years of experience as a recruiter and is an ICF-certified professional coach. Having been "on the other side of the desk" for two decades, he's bringing the inside scoop to help you: Think like a recruiter so you can land the job you want. Get actionable advice and best practices for resume writing, interview questions, negotiating offers, and more. You don't have to navigate this career search alone! New episodes drop every Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media @careeringwithcameron_ on Instagram!