It’s no secret that job hunting is a full-time job in itself, but for immigrants, it often feels like an uphill battle.

This week on the Destination Dream Job Podcast, I spoke with Mher Mardoyan, Career Coach about the challenges immigrants face in the job market.

One of the biggest hurdles? The constant demand for “Canadian experience,” and the tendency to undervalue international experience.

In this episode, we talked about:

🔑 The importance of recognizing the value of global experience and how employers can do better in supporting immigrants.

💼 Practical tips for job seekers, including the seven steps to job search success and how to stay positive during the process.

🌐 Leveraging LinkedIn and networking to build authentic relationships and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

If you're struggling to navigate the job search, especially with the added pressure of being an immigrant, this episode is for you!

Tune in now to hear more about Mher’s advice and insights.

Connect with Mher:

Authenticity and storytelling sets you apart in a competitive job market.

This week on the Destination Dream Job podcast, I was joined by Brad W. Minton, a career development expert who specializes in helping young professionals and job seekers navigate the challenges of personal branding and career growth.

This episode had so many great nuggets, it was hard to choose my top 3, but here they are:

✅ Embrace Your Story

Brad and I talked about how your story is what makes you truly stand out. Focus on the "why" behind your career choices, as it's the thread that connects all your experiences and shows employers what you bring to the table.

✅ Recognize Your Strengths

Reflect on past experiences where you excelled. Identifying your "in the zone" moments helps you understand what strengths you should leverage in your career and how to present them effectively on your resume.

✅ Don't Let Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back

If you don’t confidently share your achievements, someone else will. Building your personal brand is key to standing out in a crowded job market.

Listen to the full episode for more insights on how you can turn your unique story into a powerful personal brand that resonates with employers!

Connect with Brad:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-w-minton/ https://www.instagram.com/minttobecareer/

Connect with Steph:

www.destinationdreamjob.com

www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies

Struggling with Networking? You're Not Alone.

Let’s be real – networking can feel cringy. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of rejection hold many people back. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be awkward or salesy!

Here are the top takeaways from my recent conversation with Michelle about overcoming networking struggles:

• Shift your mindset: Networking isn't about pushing sales. It's about having genuine conversations.

• Prepare in advance: Know who you want to talk to, what you want to learn, and how you’ll talk about yourself.

• Focus on curiosity: Approach networking with a mindset of learning, not just pitching.

• Be authentic: People appreciate real, meaningful conversations – that’s how connections happen.

I’m embracing these principles myself in both my career and business growth. It’s about creating value first, not asking for favors.

Connect with Michelle:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

Get a free chapter of Michelle's book:https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

Connect with Steph:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/

Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com

Want to stand out in an interview? 🔥

Most job seekers walk into an interview thinking, "I hope they like me." But what if you walked in as a solution instead of just another applicant?

In my latest podcast episode with Matthew Sorensen, we dive deep into the mindset shift that transforms you from "just another candidate" to the must-hire solution. 💡

Top Takeaways:

✔️ Make yourself memorable—anchor your identity with a unique detail

✔️ Companies hire to solve a problem or seize an opportunity—show them you understand what that is.

✔️ Stop applying with "I need a job" energy—bring "I can solve your problem" energy.

Connect with Matthew:

www.linkedin.com/in/sorensenmatthew/

www.jobinterviewexperience.com

Connect with Steph:

www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies

www.destinationdreamjob.com

🚨 Should I Stay or Should I Go? 🚨

Ever find yourself humming The Clash’s iconic song when thinking about your job? You’re not alone.

Many professionals struggle with the clash question—do I stick it out, or is it time to move on? The way we see work is shifting, with more people seeking purpose, fulfillment, and alignment with their values. But uncertainty, fear, and even guilt can keep us feeling stuck.

In my latest podcast episode with Grace Fabian, we dive into why this decision is so difficult and how to recognize when it’s truly time for a change. Spoiler: If you’re feeling stressed, trapped, stuck, or overwhelmed—it might be time to reassess.

We also talk about:

✅ The biggest signs it’s time to move on

✅ Why change isn’t as scary as it seems

✅ How to build a career that actually fits YOU

If you’ve ever wrestled with this question, tune in! 🎧 And if you’ve made a tough career move before, what was the moment that made you realize it was time? Let’s talk in the comments. 👇

Connect with Grace:

Job searching can feel like an endless cycle of rejection and uncertainty. How do you keep going without burning out?

I had an incredible conversation with Dave Wolovsky, and we tackled the mental and emotional side of the job search—because let’s be real, it’s exhausting.

Dave is a neuroscience-based coach, and his insights were game-changing.

💡 Here are three key takeaways from our chat:

✔️ Your life is bigger than any one problem – Don’t shrink your world down to just the job search. Keep living your life.

✔️ Energy management > Time management – Burnout happens when you put too much or too little effort in. Consistency is key.

✔️ Networking doesn’t have to feel desperate – Instead of asking for help, position yourself as someone on the move. People are more likely to engage when they see your value.

If you're in the middle of the job search grind, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and let me know your biggest takeaway!

Want to step into a leadership role but not sure where to start? Great news - you don’t need a title to start leading. On this week's episode of the Destination Dream Job Podcast, Jennifer Recla shares how leadership is about influence, not position. Here is what you can expect from this episode: ✅ The 3 must-read books to sharpen your leadership skills ✅ How to find a mentor (even if your company doesn’t have a program) ✅ Why volunteering for leadership roles can fast-track your career ✅ The #1 leadership struggle—and how to overcome it ✅ How to get comfortable with feedback (both giving & receiving) 🎧 Ready to grow into the leader you’re meant to be? Listen now!

Connect with Jennifer:

www.jenrecla.com

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Am I actually living the life I want?

So many of us follow the traditional career path—go to school, get a job, climb the ladder—without questioning whether it’s truly what we want. But what if there was another way?

In this episode of Destination Dream Job, I had an incredible conversation with Kelly about designing a career that aligns with your values, priorities, and life stage. We talked about:

🌱 The Sow, Grow, Slow framework—how to recognize what career season you’re in and make decisions accordingly 🚀 Why freedom and flexibility are essential for long-term career fulfillment ⏸️ How taking a career break can actually propel you forward (yes, really!) 🔎 The importance of defining your North Star—so every career decision moves you closer to a life you truly love

Kelly shared so many game-changing insights, and this episode is a must-listen if you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or just ready for more alignment in your work.

Connect with Kelly:

IG & TikTok: @careerslay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-burke/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-slay/id1645861695