Episode 296 - No One Understands Me: What to Do When You're the Only Person You Know Who's Unemployed

You Are Not Alone: Overcoming the Emotional and Strategic Challenges of Unemployment

It’s an increasingly familiar story: a highly skilled professional finds themselves unemployed, not for lack of talent or dedication, but because of market forces, corporate restructuring, or a volatile economy. What surprises them most is not the absence of work, but the sudden absence of understanding from their network. I´ve been there. Have you?

As a career strategist working closely with corporate professionals, many in mid to late stages of their careers, I see this pattern every day. Talented executives come to me not just with resumes and job applications, but with a quieter crisis: the emotional toll of feeling forgotten or judged during what can be a profoundly disorienting life transition.

These are not entry-level candidates or those just learning to navigate the workforce. They are former department heads, regional leaders, VPs, senior managers, and trusted experts in their field. Yet the moment they exit a company, many find their identity questioned, even by themselves.

Read the full Blog on the Website

Job Hunting Made Simple

Reset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend

31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses

Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Understanding the Emotional Reality of Unemployment
• 10:42 Rebuilding Your Support System
• 23:56 Creating a Community of Support

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Reset Your Career
• The Job Hunting Podcast
• Subscribe to the Newsletter

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.

Watch the Episodes on YouTube

Follow Renata on Social Media:

Episode 295 - How to Stay Focused on Your Career Goals, Even When the Future Feels Uncertain

The job market in 2025 feels like it's operating in a dense fog. For many professionals, particularly those in mid-to-senior corporate roles, navigating a career today is less like following a GPS and more like learning to read a compass in the dark. This uncertainty is not just emotional, it’s systemic. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve seen a wave of redundancies ripple across different sectors. My own coaching clients, many of whom are experienced professionals, were affected. The catalyst? A perfect storm of geopolitical issues, reduced funding, and yes, artificial intelligence.

Read the full Blog on the Website

Job Hunting Made Simple

Reset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend

31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses

Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Navigating Job Search Challenges
• 08:49 Facing Uncertainty in the Job Market
• 18:10 The Fog of Uncertainty in 2025
• 37:55 Taking Action Amidst Uncertainty

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Become a Career Pivot Ally
• Reset Your Career
• TalentPredix
• Book a consultation with me
• Episode 23 - Adapting to Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity - with Janet Sernack
• Subscribe to the newsletter

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.

Watch the Episodes on YouTube

Follow Renata on Social Media:

Episode 294 - Job Searching is Work. Learn How to Treat it Like a Priority and Make Meaningful Progress

Professionals often find themselves juggling the demands of full-time work, family responsibilities, and their ambition for professional and career development. Finding the time and energy for a structured, effective job search can feel overwhelming. In this episode of The Job Hunting Podcast, I share my reflections on how to incorporate job searching into your routine, inspired by productivity expert Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable. The focus is on reclaiming your attention and making your job search a structured part of your life rather than an afterthought. This blog provides a summary of the key themes and takeaways from the episode to help professionals manage their careers proactively and sustainably.

Read the full Blog on the Website

Job Hunting Made Simple

Reset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend

31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses

Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Introduction to Job Searching Challenges
• 04:55 Creating an Effective Job Search Routine
• 09:56 Staying Focused Amid Distractions
• 22:06 Strategies for a Successful Job Search

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Reset Your Career
• Become a Career Pivot Ally
• TalentPredix
• Book a Consultation with Me
• Subscribe to the Newsletter
• Episode 23 - Adapting to Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity - with Janet Sernack

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.

Episode 293 - You've Been Laid Off. Now What? A Step-by-Step Guide to Rebuilding Your Career

One of the most common missteps I see is jumping into job applications without taking the time for reflection. Before you start sending out resumes, stop and ask yourself:

• What do I want in my next role?
• What am I no longer willing to tolerate?
• What type of employer suits my life stage now?

This is especially crucial for professionals over 40 who want long-term alignment. Write down what has worked in your career and what hasn’t. Reflect on what energizes you and what drains you. This process helps you realign your career goals with your personal values and lifestyle needs.

Read the full Blog on the Website

Job Hunting Made Simple

Reset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend

31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses

Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Navigating Job Loss: A Personal Journey
• 03:51 Processing the Emotional Impact of Layoffs
• 07:42 Financial Check-In: Stabilizing Your Situation
• 09:10 Reflecting on Career Goals: A Reset Moment
• 13:31 Updating Career Tools: Resume and LinkedIn Optimization
• 15:23 Networking: The Key to Job Searching
• 21:34 Well-Being During Job Search: Protecting Your Mental Health
• 23:41 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Supporting Others

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Reset Your Career
• Become a Career Pivot Ally
• Episode 241 - You've Been Laid Off, Now What? A Guide for Corporate Professionals
• Episode 238 - Job Search Loneliness: Strategies for Connection and Resilience
• Episode 151 - Five Key Strategies to Guide You Towards Your New Job
• Episode 133 - What to Do When Everyone Decides to Rethink Their Careers
• Episode 254 - Unlocking Career Success: Expert Answers to Your Top Job Search Questions

About the host,

Episode 292 - How AI is Changing the Job Search for Corporate Professionals

Understanding how AI tools are impacting hiring practices is no longer optional. In this episode of The Job Hunting Podcast, I sat down with Troy Sultan, founder and CEO of Guide, an AI-powered recruitment software company, to unpack the realities behind applicant tracking systems, recruiter behavior, and how candidates can position themselves for success.

Troy brings deep industry experience, having previously worked in recruiting roles at Google and founded a recruitment software company that was acquired by a major competitor. His insights offer clarity on what happens behind the scenes in modern hiring and how professionals can strategically navigate the process.

Read the full Blog on the Website

Job Hunting Made Simple

Reset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend

31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses

Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 The Journey into Recruitment
• 03:32 The LinkedIn Monopoly and Recruitment Tools
• 06:18 Candidate Struggles in Job Applications
• 09:46 The Role of AI in Recruitment
• 12:33 Bias in Recruitment Processes
• 15:33 Education and Job Search Strategies
• 18:31 True or False: Myths in Job Applications
• 21:21 The Importance of Networking and Referrals
• 24:32 The Future of Recruitment Technology
• 27:31 Final Thoughts on Candidate Experience

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Troy Sultan LinkedIn
• Episode 279 - What Job Seekers Can Learn from Sales Professionals

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.

Watch the Episodes on YouTube

Follow Renata on Social Media:

• LinkedIn

Episode 291 - How to Spot and Create a Great Workplace Culture

Culture has become a defining factor for career satisfaction and success. For job seekers in particular, the search is no longer about compensation or title. It’s about finding an environment where you can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and align with the company’s mission and values. Although this was always a “good to have” in the past, it has become more and more important in recent year. It’s what HR professionals call a shift in the EVP, our employee value proposition.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Zrinka Lovrencic, the most experienced person I know when it comes to reviewing, analyzing, and assessing workplace culture. As the Managing Director at WorkPlus and previously at the helm of the coveted accreditation Great Place to Work Australia, Zrinka has helped hundreds of organizations recognize and build high-performing workplace cultures. In our conversation, we explored what makes a truly great workplace, how job seekers can assess culture before accepting a job, and the future of work post-pandemic.

This blog post is a summary of our conversation.

Read the full Blog on the Website

Job Hunting Made Simple

Reset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend

31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses

Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:09 Transforming Workplace Culture
• 05:02 Elements of a Great Workplace
• 07:55 Job Hunting and Workplace Culture
• 10:58 Navigating Disconnects in Values
• 13:57 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture
• 16:52 Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
• 19:12 Prioritizing Culture Over Compensation
• 22:15 Assessing Company Values
• 25:00 Identifying Red Flags in Organizations
• 28:13 Unique Examples of Great Workplaces
• 31:08 Future Trends in Workplace Culture

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Zrinka Lovrencic on LinkedIn
• WRK+

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and...

Episode 290 - The Future of Leadership and Work with Stella Voules

The workplace keeps changing at lightning speed, and professionals face a fundamental challenge: adapt or fall behind. The need to stay ahead of digital transformations, reskill for relevance, and lead with empathy is more urgent than ever. In this episode, I spoke with Stella Voules, a trusted advisor to executives navigating organizational change. With a background in psychology and business, she specializes in helping leaders build digital capability, cultivate a compassionate culture, and prepare for the future of work. Our conversation centered around the skills gap, the rise of consulting careers, and the essential leadership traits needed for success in 2025 and beyond.

This blog post serves as a comprehensive summary and reflection on our discussion, offering actionable advice for professionals navigating a rapidly changing career landscape.

Read the full Blog on the Website

Job Hunting Made Simple

Reset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend

31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses

Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:09 Transforming Workplace Culture
• 05:02 Elements of a Great Workplace
• 07:55 Job Hunting and Workplace Culture
• 10:58 Navigating Disconnects in Values
• 13:57 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture
• 16:52 Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
• 19:12 Prioritizing Culture Over Compensation
• 22:15 Assessing Company Values
• 25:00 Identifying Red Flags in Organizations
• 28:13 Unique Examples of Great Workplaces
• 31:08 Future Trends in Workplace Culture

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stella Voules on LinkedIn
• Vost&Co website
• Episode 237 - An Interview with ChatGPT: How to Optimize Your Job Search Using AI
• Episode 199 - Job Hunting in the AI Era: Making Your CV Stand Out

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach...

Episode 289 - What Job Seekers Need to Know About the Hidden Job Market

Today’s job market demands new approaches, particularly for mid-to-late career professionals. Applying online and waiting is no longer enough to secure competitive opportunities. In this episode, I explore a crucial topic for experienced professionals: the hidden job market.

This episode is part of our three-part series on advanced job search strategies. In episodes 284 and 286, we have covered how to adapt to economic shifts and how to elevate your professional brand. In this final installment (289), I bring together all those insights to help you navigate the less visible but highly valuable aspects of the job market.

Read the full Blog on the Website

Job Hunting Made Simple

Reset Your Career - Fast-Track Your Job Search in One Weekend

31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses

Timestamps to guide your listening:

• 00:00 Introduction to Advanced Job Search Strategies
• 00:57 Recap of Previous Episodes
• 06:29 Understanding the Hidden Job Market
• 09:15 What is the Hidden Job Market?
• 16:31 Strategies for Tapping into the Hidden Job Market
• 17:28 Reactive Job Search Strategies
• 22:21 Passive Job Search Strategies
• 28:39 Active Job Search Strategies
• 36:15 Combining Job Search Strategies
• 41:04 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Links mentioned in this episode:

• 31 Days of Action
• Episode 284 - This Ain’t Your First Recession: How to Navigate Today’s Job Market Like a Pro
• Episode 286 - If You're Not Showing Up on LinkedIn, You’re Invisible: How Job Hunting Has Changed for Professionals Over 40

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.

Watch the Episodes on YouTube

Follow Renata on Social Media: