Ever wondered why your resume isn’t getting the attention it deserves? We have special guest Patrick Sirmeyer, CEO of the Luxus Group. here to help us dissect the common pitfalls of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and debunk the myths around one-click applications. Patrick shares his wealth of experience in recruiting, offering actionable tips on resume formatting and the importance of specificity in job applications to boost your visibility and response rates. Discover how to get not...

Ever found yourself staring at a blank document, the cursor blinking mockingly as you try to encapsulate your career on a single page? Fear not, as Stephen Greet of BeamJobs steps up to the plate in our latest episode, bringing his tech-savvy approach to the age-old quandary of resume writing. We tear down the intimidating walls of drafting the perfect resume, offering guidance for those struggling to showcase their professional journey. We start this episode by dissecting the elements of a ...

Imagine a school where classrooms are extinct, and artificial intelligence is your teacher. Join us as we take a closer look at Alpha School in Texas with our guest, Kate Lieimandt, aka Austin Scholar, a high school senior who is shaking up the very foundation of education. This episode showcases a world where two hours of academics a day is the norm and mastery-based learning reigns supreme. Kate, a perfect SAT scorer and future Stanford freshman, shares her personal narrative of academic ac...

HR consultant Ricky Baez joins Pete Newsome again on Finding Career Zen, but this time, he's in for a bit of a challenge. Pete is on a mission to shift his stance on cover letters, and by the end of their chat, you might be rethinking their relevance too! They get into the nitty-gritty of employment gaps, frequent job changes, and early career dilemmas, proving your resume alone can't tell the whole story. You're in for a debate that's anything but dry as Ricky and Pete fight over the purpo...

On today's episode, Pete interviews Dr. Gary Montoute, an IT leader with more than 25 years of team-building success in professional services, global outsourcing, hospitality, and healthcare. Dr. G's leadership expertise has transcended from the corporations he has served through many years as a soccer coach and a 40-year veteran in the martial arts arena. He is the co-founder of LeMontoute Group, where he coaches tenured leaders as well as the up-and-coming to become impactful and un...

Join hosts Pete and Ricky on this episode as they tackle the pressing question: Do college majors matter? Starting off, Pete and Ricky discuss a Georgetown University's recent study on the correlation between college majors and paychecks. Trust us, you don't want to miss this! As a political science grad turned career chameleon, Pete knows all about degrees not guaranteeing jobs in their specific fields, and it's a story many of us share. This episode explores the pivotal decis...

Have you ever wondered how some professionals seem to rise to the top of their profession so effortlessly? It all comes down to the power of a strong personal brand, and Pete and Ricky are here to guide you through crafting yours to perfection. They kick things off by discussing the importance of personal branding, framing it as more than just a buzzword—it's your reputation, your workplace identity, and your ticket to opportunity. In this candid discussion, they discuss the potential pitfal...

Having grown up in an era when success seemed to be determined by a college diploma, Pete Newsome and Ricky Baez sit down to discuss what career pathways are like today. As Gen-Xers, they've witnessed the seismic shifts in the job landscape, prompting a lively debate on whether a college education still holds its weight amidst emerging alternative routes. They explore the complexities of higher education and its potential pitfalls. Pete and Ricky scrutinize if colleges are truly equipping st...

Ever wondered how a passion for gaming or vlogging could translate into a paycheck that rivals corporate salaries? Join our hosts, Pete Newsome and Ricky Baez, as they take you through the intricate maze of unconventional career paths. This episode peels back the layers of careers once dismissed as hobbies and reveals how authenticity and dedication can spark a transformation into a thriving profession. From the thrill of professional gaming to the art and craft of content creation, they dis...

Do you feel like your expansive resume is a double-edged sword in the job market? You're not alone. Join hosts Pete Newsome and Ricky Baez as they unpack the 'overqualified' label, offering insights and strategies from their own recruitment and HR backgrounds to help you turn a surplus of experience into an asset. To start, Pete and Ricky share some of their top resume and cover letter techniques for steering clear of the overqualification trap. They walk you through ways to present your pro...

Are you ready to step up your job search game? Well, our latest discussion with Sam Brenner from CRB Workforce promises to kick your career knowledge up a notch. You'll get a front-row seat to the insider's world of staffing and recruitment - a terrain where ethics are not only valued but vital. Sam opens up about the bumps he encountered on his professional journey, the lessons that made failure worthwhile, and how Jocko Willink's "Extreme Ownership" changed his career completely. As we tak...

Struggling with nailing job interviews? Imagine feeling unheard, lost in a sea of applicants, just another resume in the pile. But what if I told you there's a way to flip the script and transform those interviews into powerful conversations? Meet Matthew Sorenson, who turns interviews into your chance to shine. Matthew's been on both sides of the hiring table and has proven expertise in teaching job candidates to leave an unforgettable mark...and he's shares that knowledge with Pete in today...

Imagine waking up every morning with a sense of purpose and excitement for your job. Now, snap back to reality, where the majority of us spend our days disengaged and unsure about our career paths. The struggle is real, and we get it! In this episode, Pete Newsome and Rachel Serwetz from Woken dive deep into the heart of why most people struggle with navigating their career paths. Rachel shares insights into why many people struggle with finding the right career path and emphasizes the import...

Whether you are a seasoned leader or a budding professional, we've all faced burnout. Are there ways to prevent burnout? Absolutely! This Finding Career Zen Podcast episode uncovers fresh insights from special guest Josh Hammonds, Ph.D., a highly-respected professional in organizational communications. Dr. Hammonds introduces listeners to his innovative course, Leading Beyond Burnout - A valuable tool for employees and managers designed to diagnose burnout and reimagine performance....

In this engaging episode of “At Work With Gen XYZ,” we dive into a thought-provoking discussion revolving around two career paths - being a generalist or a specialist. Get ready for a cross-generational conversation, where our distinguished panelists – Pete, Peter, and Ashley – represent the voices of Generations X, Y, and Z, respectively, each presenting their unique perspectives on career specialization and generalization. Episode Highlights: - Deep Dive with Pete: Understand the nuances o...

It's time for a special edition Q&A episode with At Work With Gen XYZ! In this segment, Pete from Generation X and Ashley from Generation Z dissect and deliberate on various aspects of career development, job seeking, and interview preparation. While (Generation Y) the millennial expert is away on vacation, Pete and Ashley are seamlessly blending the wisdom and experience of Gen X with the innovative and adaptable perspective of Gen Z to bring you comprehensive career advice. They’re answ...

Ready to make recruiters on LinkedIn stop in their tracks? With over 900 million active users, it might seem like you're just a drop in a vast ocean but fear not because Pete Newsome is about to arm you with some excellent tactics. In this Finding Career Zen podcast episode, Pete shares insights on making your LinkedIn profile shine brighter than the rest. He's got your back, from top-notch professional headshots to persuasive headlines, detailed summaries, and impressive accomplishments. And...

Have you ever considered the generational distinctions when it comes to freelancing? Check out Finding Career Zen's new episode segment: At Work With Gen XYZ, where Pete (Gen X), Peter (Gen Y), and Ashley (Gen Z) dissect the changing dynamics of the job market, analyzing the work preferences of the three generations. They also explore the appeal of remote work for millennials and the importance they place on pet benefits, alternative leaves, and, most importantly, mental health. Let’s...

Have you ever wondered about the importance of job references when seeking employment? Together, hosts Pete Newsome and Ricky Baez dissect this critical topic, highlighting its significance in the hiring process. Their conversation goes deep into the role references play in affirming your character and skill set to potential employers. They'll tackle challenging topics, such as addressing a situation where your current boss may not be your most favorable reference. As Pete and Ricky pe...

Ever felt stuck in a job and yearned for a change? The pandemic has stirred a career revolution, prompting many to reconsider their jobs and seek out new opportunities. Join Pete Newsome and Ricky Baez as they highlight the warning signs that signal it's time for a new job. They emphasize the importance of having a well-thought-out plan before making the big move and the dangers of letting emotions dictate your decisions. Workplace ethics is a matter we all grapple with. Pete and Ricky shed ...