The Uncommon Career Podcast: Job Search & Transformative Career Coaching

Patricia Ortega | Transformational Career Coach | Career Counselor
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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"

  1. 6D AGO

    141. Spot The Hinge That Turns Your Job Search On and Gets You Back in The Game

    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 things stall, why motivation dips, and how small but intentional shifts reignite genuine confidence. If the goal is to move from “going through the motions” to feeling fully back in the game, this episode gives you the roadmap.   You’ll learn: ✔︎ The three checkpoints that reveal job search issues ✔︎ Where your search is getting stuck ✔︎ What “the hinge” looks like and how to find yours ✔︎ How one action can create momentum that leads to the offer ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 👋  WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our best guidance for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 90 Days to the Right Offer: https://theuncommoncareer.com/90   🔍 Learn about our start-to-finish brand development and job search program: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me anything and get featured on the podcast:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call                 .

    20 min

  2. DEC 2

    140. How to Stand Out When 500+ People Apply: 3 Surprising Job Search Advantages No One Sees

    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 voice or value, and why applying to fewer roles (more intentionally) leads to better results. If you’ve been applying, getting little traction, and feeling stuck or discouraged, this episode will help you see what’s really going on, and what to do differently next.   I'll share: ✔︎ Why the job market isn’t the reason you’re stuck ✔︎ How to use AI without sounding generic or replaceable ✔︎ The small shift that makes employers actually notice you   If you want to move your job search forward with more clarity and less second-guessing, this conversation will help you recalibrate. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 👋  WELCOME TO THE UNCOMMON CAREER!  Here's a few ways we can get to know each other: 📥 Podcast Roadmap - our best guidance for every stage of your search:  https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmap 📥 90 Days to the Right Offer: https://theuncommoncareer.com/90   🔍 Learn about our start-to-finish brand development and job search program: https://theuncommoncareer.com/approach   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn to get targeted resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/ 💬 Ask me your question or get featured on the podcast: https://theuncommoncareer.com/ask 📆 Ready to talk through your specific job search? Book a call here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/call                 .

    25 min

  3. NOV 25

    139. Women, Work, and Voice: Unlearning Silence to Grow Your Career, with Elaine Lin Hering

    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 aligned and fulfilling life. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she offers practical advice for overcoming self-doubt, utilizing our unique talents, and creating a life that's truly yours.   Timestamps 01:14 The Burden of Expectations & Breaking Free from the Past 07:41 Rediscovering Your Voice, the Power of Self-Expression 14:56 The Journey to Unlearn Silence 27:37 Navigating Life's Uncertainties & Embracing Possibilities Amidst Challenges 30:06 Reevaluating Career Paths & The Importance of Market Awareness 31:55 Balancing Gratitude and Ambition, Exploring New Opportunities 40:10 Strategic Silence and Intentional Choices   About Elaine Lin Hering Elaine Lin Hering is a speaker, facilitator, and former Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She has worked on six continents and facilitated executive education at Harvard, Dartmouth, Tufts, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. She has served as the Advanced Training Director for the Harvard Mediation Program and a Managing Partner for a global leadership development firm. She has worked with coal miners at BHP Billiton, micro-finance organizers in East Africa, mental health professionals in China, and senior leadership at the US Department of Commerce. Her clients include American Express, Chevron, Google, Nike, Novartis, PayPal, Pixar, and the Red Cross. She was named a Thinkers50 global management thinker to watch and is the author of the USA Today Bestselling book Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully (Penguin). Connect with Elaine Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn Subscribe to Elaine's Newsletter    _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching

    52 min

  4. NOV 18

    138. The 30 Second Interview Fix That Gets Job Offers

    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 industries, experiences, skills, and unique qualifications. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for thorough preparation for responses, particularly the 'tell me about yourself' answer, and offers guidance for ensuring these answers highlight relevant strengths confidently and clearly.    We'll Talk About: 00:00 The 30-Second Interview Game Changer 01:51 Identifying Your Strengths 04:03 Crafting Your 'Tell Me About Yourself' Response 05:06 Practice Until You Can't Get It Wrong 06:04 Taking Action: Preparing for Your Interview 06:51 Final Thoughts and Next Steps   _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching _________________________________________________________________ Referenced Materials Episode #110: How to Structure and Draft Your Tell Me About Yourself Response

    8 min

  5. NOV 11

    137. Procrastinating in Your Job Search? How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Start Getting Closer to The Offer

    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 identifying and overcoming stuck points, ultimately aiming to guide listeners towards achieving their optimal performance.   We'll Talk About: 00:33 Understanding the Feeling of Being Stuck 02:10 The Loop of Learning and Procrastination 04:08 Signs of Being Stuck 08:24 The Coaching Process and Overcoming Stuckness 29:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   __________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching\ Connect with Julianna: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Newsletter signup⁠

    33 min

  6. NOV 4

    136. Clarity and Resume/Cover Letter Inspiration for Your Job Search - Tips from Successful Candidates

    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 'chaos applying,' understanding the true meaning of authenticity, and the importance of tailoring resumes to solve hiring managers' problems.    We'll Talk About: 00:27 The Importance of Clarity in Job Search 02:58 Crafting an Authentic Cover Letter 05:33 Tailoring Your Resume for the Reader 08:48 Avoiding Common Resume Pitfalls   _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching

    15 min

  7. OCT 28

    135. Leaving Law & Tenure: Redefining Success with Faith and an Entrepreneur Mentality w/Janine Esbrand

    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.    Timestamps 01:08 Janine's Journey from Law to Coaching 05:49 Patricia's Academic Background and Career Shift 09:54 Navigating Identity and Career Changes 23:43 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skills 25:19 Being the CEO of Your Career 26:58 Navigating Challenges and Mindset Shifts   About Janine Esbrand Janine Esbrand is a career strategist & executive coach helping high-achieving professionals step into impactful leadership roles with clarity, intention, and strategy. A former corporate lawyer, she draws on a decade of legal experience and her Career Change Maker™ framework to guide emerging leaders toward roles that align with their strengths, values, and long-term goals—unlocking both personal fulfillment and organizational impact.  Connect with Janine Check out The Career Change Maker Connect with Janine on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Career Navigator    _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching

    41 min

  8. OCT 21

    134. Why Networking Beats Applications - And How to Get Started

    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: 00:31 The Pitfalls of Blind Applications 02:44 Effective Networking Strategies 03:34 Overcoming Networking Hesitations 04:22 Common Networking Mistakes 07:51 Taking Action: Your Next Steps   _________________________________________________________________ Connect with Me Connect with me on LinkedIn From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist Click here to learn about coaching

    12 min
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5
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

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"

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