This week on Careering with Kevin Cameron, we are joined by Todd Roselle, a good friend and founder of Blue Rock Financial Group. Todd shares incredible insight on the financial psychology and planning for career changes. Many clients approach Todd when they are moving towards being "more in control of their time" or simply face unplanned financial situations.

We dive into the critical importance of creating a personalized financial strategy that prepares you for any pivot. Todd emphasizes that money management is a constant thing, and stresses how a little planning can make a big difference in how soon you can leave an uncomfortable work situation. We talk about the biggest fear people have when considering a career transition, which is usually related to money. Todd gives tangible tips for mitigating the stress of job uncertainty and what to do when contemplating a significant professional change.

Key Takeaways

Financial Freedom is about building a buffer and designing your life to provide for your family, not just accumulating wealth.

The biggest financial fear during a career change is uncertainty, which can be overcome by planning for different "what if" scenarios.

Proactively saving into accessible accounts like a brokerage or cash reserve is a great way to be prepared for an unplanned layoff or period of transition.

Retirement Planning often involves coordinating tax strategy, investment allocation, and retirement income streams, especially when transitioning careers later in life.

Episode Highlights

The biggest tip Todd gives people around financial readiness for a job change.

The three buckets of money and where to save your accessible cash reserves.

Why the Affordable Care Act and COBRA are critical components of a career change plan.

The importance of thinking about your money consistently versus constantly.

Why people "get stuck" in their jobs and the role planning plays in finding freedom.

Timestamps

0:15: Why Todd is the perfect guest for a career conversation

2:40: The financial reality of unplanned career changes

6:35: The mindset shift needed for financial control

11:55: The biggest fear clients have when changing jobs

15:00: Where you should be putting your money now for career pivots

18:40: How to treat your savings like a "next door millionaire"

21:10: Health coverage options like COBRA and ACA

25:25: The psychology behind why people stay in jobs they don't love

30:10: How your network is your net worth in job searching

34:50: The two important timelines to remember for investments

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/

Connect with Todd

bluerockfg.com Blue Rock Financial Group - Advisor & Planning Service

In this episode, Kevin Cameron tackles the job search journey, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the end-of-year holiday season. He emphasizes the need for job seekers to maintain a strong level of engagement and actively continue networking, even when things are slowing down. Kevin Cameron highlights that while the process might be slower in November and December, and pick up again in January, candidates should focus on leveraging this unique period. He states that right now it's an opportunity to reframe the search and focus on refining your approach and skills.

Kevin Cameron encourages proactive steps like having your 'elevator pitch' ready and being prepared to talk about your job search strategy, even with friends and family during holiday events. He advises that networking during the holidays can be less pressured, stating, "It seems like a little bit too much, but it's not crazy. And you can notice it in a good time and people that don't want to be that person, okay?".

Key Takeaways

Negotiation is a professional skill you should always try to use, and many people don't negotiate salary, so asking puts you ahead.

The holiday season slows the hiring process but creates unique networking opportunities and less competition, so stay engaged and keep up the momentum.

Use the slower period to improve your elevator pitch, job search strategy, and overall narrative for better positioning in the new year.

Attend holiday events and strategically reconnect with people , making sure to ask how you can help them first before asking for a referral or opportunity. Be aware that hiring slows down, especially after November , and plan for a strong restart in January.

Timestamps

00:00:23 Today we're going to highlight several things that we're going to talk about today.

00:00:46 So, you're considering what to do next with your job search.

00:01:42 Kevin Cameron would encourage you to also share it with somebody else.

00:03:04 So, it's not going to be the fastest thing on earth.

00:03:33 Most people are going through this process when.

00:04:36 I cannot emphasize enough good contacts and good connections.

00:05:32 And that's reconnecting. 00:06:40 That's the one rule that we should emphasize.

00:07:07 Should I take time off for the holidays?

00:07:37 The process will be a little slower.

00:08:08 So, that's what we want to talk about.

00:09:40 So, and this also plays in really well.

00:10:48 Make sure that you understand the terms.

00:11:43 But there's several different things that you can look to.

00:12:47 So, you should always be talking to the next person.

00:13:21 Can you also utilize AI?

00:14:15 So, right now, around the end of November and the end of December.

00:15:08 But that's the next piece.

00:15:37 You need to reconnect to those folks.

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/

In this episode, Kevin Cameron tackles the often nerve-wracking process of negotiating a job offer. He provides listeners with a playbook for confidently navigating salary, benefits, and overall compensation. The key is approaching negotiation as a problem-solving exercise, not a battle, and understanding that negotiation is often expected and not a mistake. Kevin Cameron reminds you that "they're typically going to have some buffer, a little bit of a little bit of a little bit more, more, more charged emotionally than others ." The goal is to get to a place where both parties feel it works well, ideally landing you somewhere in the max band of their salary range.

Key Takeaways

Negotiation is a professional skill you should always try to use, and many people don't negotiate salary, so asking puts you ahead. Know your target number and your "walk away" number before you start. You should aim to negotiate more than just salary; consider benefits, tuition reimbursement, and other pieces of the total compensation package. Have a clear understanding of the full job offer, including the benefits statement, to ensure you're making the right decision. Avoid letting the process become emotional or adversarial; keep it calm and controlled.

Episode Highlights

Understanding the Negotiation Process: Learn how the different layers—the recruiter, the HR generalist, and the hiring manager - are typically involved in negotiation.

Compensation and Benefits: Kevin Cameron details the many items that can be negotiated, including professional development/tuition, sign-on bonuses, PTO, and flexible work arrangements.

The Power of Asking: Discover what stops people from negotiating and why you should absolutely go for it, using your current and future role as leverage.

Timing Your Negotiation: Understand when in the process you should introduce a negotiation and how to manage the back and forth.

Timestamps

00:00:54 We're going to dig into negotiation: Kevin Cameron starts talking about why negotiation is important and why people should do it.

00:01:21 It's a very scary place: Hear how common it is to find the negotiation process intimidating and what the right mindset should be.

00:01:40 The kind of things we do: Learn about the importance of homework and representing yourself in the negotiation.

00:03:40 You're pretty blunt: Discussion around transparency and how being direct in your needs can be an advantage.

00:05:32 First piece of information: Understand the importance of obtaining your total rewards statement and what it details.

00:06:50 You can negotiate: An overview of the various components beyond just salary that are negotiable, such as paid time off and flexible work.

00:10:04 Professional development: Digging deeper into non-salary items like tuition reimbursement and development budgets.

00:14:18 Signing bonus: Insights into what a signing bonus is and the "clawback" clause often associated with it.

00:15:33 The recruiter: Explaining the role of the recruiter (whether third-party or in-house HR) and their position in the negotiation process.

00:20:00 Don't fake it: Advice on maintaining authenticity and avoiding attempts to bluff during negotiation.

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/

This episode of Careering with Cameron focuses on the essential and often uncomfortable process of job hunting, especially for internships, while you are home for the holidays. It's your safe place for asking "dumb" questions about finding a job.

You'll learn the importance of starting your outreach before the holidays and why networking during this time can be incredibly powerful. We cover everything from refining your digital assets like your LinkedIn and resume to successfully navigating the interview process and even discussing compensation.

Key Takeaways: Internship & Job Search Strategy

Start Now (Pre-Holidays): The internship search process begins very soon and needs to happen before you head home, as many hiring decisions are finalized in the January timeframe.

Networking is Key: Utilize connections with friends' parents, alumni, and people in your hometown, as these connections are powerful and often lead to opportunities.

Professional Polish: Ensure you have a professional email address and an updated LinkedIn profile with a headshot, as this is where recruiters are looking.

The Elevator Pitch: Build and rehearse a succinct, memorable elevator pitch to make a strong, positive impression.

Don't Discount Experiences: Diversify your experiences and don't discount internships just because they don't seem perfectly aligned with your intended career track.

Episode Highlights

The importance of having an up-to-date resume and LinkedIn profile.

The role of a personal email address you can maintain forever, unlike a school email.

How to build a powerful and memorable elevator pitch.

Questions you should ask about an intern program to understand your potential development.

The strategy for considering multiple opportunities and comparing the differences in each position.

When is the right time to discuss compensation (not early in the process!).

The value of reaching out to executives and sharing your plan to show you are taking charge of your career.

Timestamps

1:02 - Getting your resume and LinkedIn ready

3:45 - Building a memorable elevator pitch

6:10 - Starting your job search before the holidays

7:30 - The power of alumni and friends' parents for networking

9:05 - Being aggressive and showing interest to employers

11:50 - Interviewing and evaluating multiple opportunities

13:58 - When to negotiate compensation

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/

In this episode of Careering with Cameron , we dive deep into the art of the interview, focusing not just on answering questions, but on asking the right ones. This episode is your ultimate guide if you've ever felt the pressure of wondering what they'll ask or how to truly stand out.

Kevin Cameron shares practical, real-world advice on how to navigate the hiring process from start to finish:

Anticipating Questions: Understanding that many interview questions are related to information already on your resume and the job description.

The Power of Asking: The importance of preparing questions for the interviewer to show curiosity and confidence.

Questions to Consider: Asking about the next steps and timeline , and inquiring about the role, organization, and career path.

What Not to Ask: Avoiding questions about salary, vacation time, or other benefits in the first interview.

Post-Interview Essentials: How to make a memorable exit and follow up effectively.

The Follow-Up Note: The importance of a thank-you note and having each interviewer's email address.

Timing: Sending your follow-up note within 24 hours of the interview is ideal.

Format: Discussing the pros and cons of electronic vs. snail mail. The electronic note is faster and typically preferred.

Handling Tough Situations: Strategies for questions about your previous experience , explaining why you are interviewing , or handling questions about your fit for the role.

The Wrap-Up: A detailed look at the final moments of the interview, including asking when you can expect to hear back.

This isn't a fluffy pep talk; it's a practical playbook to help you walk into your next interview calm, confident, and in control.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Careering with Cameron

01:00 – The importance of asking questions

03:00 – Planning for future opportunities

06:00 – Don't ask about salary or vacation time first

10:00 – Wrapping up the conversation

16:00 – Preparing a thank-you note/email

22:00 – Electronic vs. regular mail follow-up

25:00 – What should be included in the thank you

28:00 – Making a good impression and saying goodbye

If you found this advice valuable, please hit Subscribe or Follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market!

In this episode of Careering with Cameron, host Kevin Cameron dives deep into the art of interviewing — not just how to answer questions, but how to ask the right ones.

If you've ever walked into an interview with that sinking feeling — wondering what they'll ask, how to prepare, or whether you'll freeze up, this episode is your ultimate guide.

Kevin shares practical, real-world advice on:

• How to anticipate interview questions (hint: they're already on your résumé and the job description!)
• Using AI tools to prepare for common interview questions.
• What to ask interviewers to show confidence and curiosity — like "What does success look like in this role?" and "Why is this position open?"
• The STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering behavioural questions.
• The power of personalised follow-up emails and how to write one that stands out.
  Why balancing "I" and "We" in your answers can make or break your chances.
• The small touches (like taking notes and smiling) that make a massive difference.
• This isn't a fluffy pep talk — it's a practical playbook to help you walk into your next interview calm, confident, and in control.
• How to close an interview like a pro — including the exact question to ask before you leave.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Careering with Cameron
01:00 – Why interviews feel intimidating
03:00 – Preparing your own questions
06:00 – What not to ask in a first interview
10:00 – How to follow up and close with confidence
16:00 – Understanding STAR questions and how to answer them
22:00 – "I" vs "We" — how language shapes perception
25:00 – Handling panel interviews and standing out
28:00 – The perfect post-interview follow-up

If you found this advice valuable, please hit Subscribe or Follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode!

Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market!

This episode was edited and produced by The 32 Collective — come say hi on Instagram @the32collective_.

What if your cover letter could open doors before your resume even lands on a desk?

In today's episode, we break down how to craft a cover letter that stands out — one that makes hiring managers excited to talk to you and positions you as the candidate they can't wait to meet. Kevin shares what most people get wrong, why AI-generated templates don't cut it, and how to use your cover letter as a secret networking tool to connect directly with real people, not just application systems.

In This Episode:

*Why Most Cover Letters Fail: Learn why generic, copy-and-paste letters blend into the crowd and how to build one that grabs attention in the first few lines.

*Tell Your Story, Not Just Your Skills: Discover how to use your cover letter to show your personality, motivation, and fit, even if you don't have years of experience.

*Go Human, Not System: Why you should send your cover letter to an actual person (and how to find them) instead of leaving it to applicant tracking systems.

*The Power of Follow-Up: How and when to follow up, plus the one mistake that can instantly take you out of the running.

*From Fax to AI: A quick look at the evolution of the cover letter and how today's technology can help you personalize your outreach more effectively than ever.

*The Relocation Rule: What to include if you're moving for a role and how to use it to your advantage.

*Communication Counts: Why your cover letter is a hidden writing sample that reflects your professionalism, clarity, and attention to detail.

The CEO Connection: Why reaching out to a company leader (the right way) can be your fast track to a conversation — and how to do it without being awkward.

Key Takeaways:

*Personal Beats Perfect: The best cover letters sound like you, not a chatbot.

*Always Follow Up: Following through when you say you will is an instant credibility booster.

*Make It Easy: Make it effortless for the hiring manager to contact you and remember who you are.

*Do Your Homework: Reference something specific about the company or leader — it shows effort and separates you from mass applicants.

*Use AI Smartly: Let AI help you research and refine, not replace your authentic voice.

If this episode helped you rethink your job search, hit Subscribe or Follow @careeringwithcameron_

Got questions or want feedback on your cover letter? Message Kevin through TalentConnect.net or join our online community to get personalized support.

Share this episode with a friend who's on the hunt for their next opportunity!

Are you struggling to stand out in today's crowded job market? The sheer volume of job postings and applicants is overwhelming, especially when job seekers can apply with just a few clicks. This isn't a competition based on qualification, but against the sheer number of people who hit "apply." In this episode, we break down the critical strategies you need to separate yourself from the crowd and master resume building to find and secure opportunities.

In This Episode:

The Overwhelming Application Problem: There are no perfect resumes! Spending too much time trying to achieve perfection can delay your job search. We discuss how to create an effective resume that is ready to submit and gets past the screeners, ensuring you're not lost in the process.

AI as Your Job Search Partner: Formatting is Key: Learn why the PDF format is the way to go, as AI readers and scanners are designed to read them and maintain your intended formatting. We cover why other formats, like Word documents, can result in wacky formatting that harms your chances.

Advanced AI Search Strategy: Coding Your Resumes: Find out how to use an internal code (e.g., KC-10) to organize and track multiple versions of your resume in a spreadsheet. This prevents the reader from knowing the document was specifically tailored for the job, which can raise suspicion.

Finding the Unposted Jobs: Location, Location, Location: Use a family member or friend's address to utilize a local address if applying out of town. This demonstrates significant interest in the area, a critical piece of information when aiming to secure opportunities.

Interview and Cover Letter Prep: Content Counts: Learn the importance of the Summary as your highlight reel, the use of action verbs, and why you must break down acronyms for non-subject matter experts (like HR) who might be doing the initial screen.

The Importance of Personalizing Your Application: Quantify Your Accomplishments: Understand why you need to include quantifiable data (numbers and metrics) in your resume bullets to demonstrate real accomplishments, attention to detail, and a tracking mindset.

A Two-Way Street: Professional Contact: Realize that every step should be about making it easy for them to contact you. Always include your phone number and LinkedIn profile on your resume and in your emails, and know that it's okay to ask for a brief moment to call them back if they reach you when you're busy or in a loud place.

Key Takeaways:

Reverse the Process: Instead of striving for a single "perfect" resume, focus on creating multiple, coded, and tracked PDF versions that are effective for specific roles.

Be Specific to Separate: Review your background and highlight skills that are strongest while making sure they align with the skills you hope to build in your next role.

Utilize Your Existing Network: Get a friend or colleague to review your resume to ensure every bullet point is clear and comprehensible, and make sure your resume lines up with your LinkedIn profile.

Know Your 'Why' and 'What': If you are a recent graduate, you may need to include your GPA if the job posting requires it. Do not include references directly on the resume; state that they are "available upon request."

A strong strategy involves leveraging AI to go beyond the noise of job boards, making informed connections, and knowing your value.

If you found this advice valuable, please hit Subscribe or Follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! We will be doing a deep dive into exactly how to use AI to supercharge your job search and interview prep. Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market!

This episode was edited and produced by The 32 Collective. Come say hi on Instagram @the32collective_