Careering with Cameron

Welcome to the Careering with Cameron podcast, your home for all things career strategy and job search success! Hosted by Kevin Cameron, this is the safe place for you to ask all the "dumb questions" about finding a job. What to Expect: Are you finishing college or graduate school and just starting your career? Are you a bright, data-driven individual in a STEM field (Science, Tech, Engineering, or Math) who may struggle with people skills? If you're wondering "what's next," you are in the right place. Kevin's goal is to give you a clear, step-by-step roadmap for your career journey. We’ll walk through the often-confusing process of finding a job so you can feel ready and empowered. The ultimate goal is not just to apply for positions, but to find meaningful work that aligns with your passion. Meet Your Host: Kevin Cameron brings over 20 years of experience as a recruiter and is an ICF-certified professional coach. Having been "on the other side of the desk" for two decades, he's bringing the inside scoop to help you: *Think like a recruiter so you can land the job you want. *Get actionable advice and best practices for resume writing, interview questions, negotiating offers, and more. *You don't have to navigate this career search alone! New episodes drop every Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media @careeringwithcameron_ on Instagram!

The Interview Playbook: Ask the Right Questions & Follow Up Like a Pro 11/19/2025

The Interview Playbook: Ask the Right Questions & Follow Up Like a Pro 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! /episode/index/show/3f1fde52-a277-4ca5-8839-e83d6cb6e9db/id/39091210

Interview Mastery: How to Guide the Conversation and Close the Deal 11/11/2025

Interview Mastery: How to Guide the Conversation and Close the Deal 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 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 . /episode/index/show/3f1fde52-a277-4ca5-8839-e83d6cb6e9db/id/38992605

The Killer Cover Letter: How to Stand Out to Hiring Managers 11/05/2025

The Killer Cover Letter: How to Stand Out to Hiring Managers 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! /episode/index/show/3f1fde52-a277-4ca5-8839-e83d6cb6e9db/id/38921240

The Resume is Never Ready: How to Build the File That Gets YOU Hired 10/29/2025

The Resume is Never Ready: How to Build the File That Gets YOU Hired 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_ /episode/index/show/3f1fde52-a277-4ca5-8839-e83d6cb6e9db/id/38810270

How to Use AI to Instantly Separate YOUR Resume from Thousands of Applicants 10/22/2025

How to Use AI to Instantly Separate YOUR Resume from Thousands of Applicants Are you struggling to stand out in today's crowded job market? The sheer volume of job postings and applicants can be overwhelming, especially when job seekers can apply with just a few clicks. This isn't a real competition based on qualification, but a competition against the number of people who simply hit "apply". In this episode, we break down the critical strategies you need to separate yourself from the crowd and master the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to find and secure opportunities. In This Episode: The Overwhelming Application Problem: Discover why most applicants are clicking the "apply" button quickly on their smartphones, often submitting a resume that isn't a great fit, leading to hundreds or thousands of applicants per job. We'll discuss how to eliminate the 80% of applicants who aren't a serious threat. AI as Your Job Search Partner: Learn how to think about AI as a tool to partner with, going beyond simple calendar or cover letter help. It's your secret weapon for finding opportunities that aren't even posted. Advanced AI Search Strategy: Find out how to ask AI a new type of question: "Who's hiring people like me?" or "Who's hiring people with my resume?" to uncover companies interested in your profile. Finding the Unposted Jobs: Use AI to identify roles that would be a step above you, like a manager or director, at a company you're interested in, and use that as a roadmap to find the jobs they'll be hiring for next. Interview and Cover Letter Prep: Learn how to use AI to find common skills, generate specific questions they might ask in a screening call, and even help build a stronger, more targeted cover letter. The Importance of Personalizing Your Application: Understand why a cover letter is even more important for recent graduates and how to include key information like your interest in the organization and your geographic interest to show you're a real person who spent time on the application. A Two-Way Street: Realize that even in a tough market, the job search is a two-way street; you should be using AI to discover what the company culture is like and have questions ready to ask them about work-life balance and growth potential. Key Takeaways: Reverse the Process: Instead of focusing on job postings, use AI to identify companies that hire people with your profile to find unlisted opportunities. Be Specific to Separate: Use AI to gather information about the company and the role, which allows you to have a specific, interesting, and connective conversation that will separate you from the masses of generic applicants. Utilize Your Existing Network: Use AI to find and connect with people from your past (previous employer, education, co-op, or internship) who are at your target companies, as they can help you. Know Your 'Why' and 'What': Before applying, use AI to help set up a "project folder" to evaluate if the company aligns with your personal criteria (e.g., culture, location, growth). 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_ /episode/index/show/3f1fde52-a277-4ca5-8839-e83d6cb6e9db/id/38727325

How YOU Can Beat AI and the Competition in Your Job Search: Rethinking Networking 10/15/2025

How YOU Can Beat AI and the Competition in Your Job Search: Rethinking Networking Are you struggling to stand out in today's crowded job market? The application process is easier than ever - which means the competition is massive. In this episode, we break down the critical strategies you need to separate yourself from the crowd, leverage your network, and master the use of AI. In This Episode: The Modern Job Search Challenge: Why applying is fast, but competition is fierce, and "curiosity does not mean qualified." Networking is NOT a One-Time Event: Learn why you need to maintain your professional circle all the time, not just when you need a job. We discuss simple, quick ways to keep your network strong. AI is Your Tool, Not Your Enemy: AI screeners are here to stay, but if you network into roles, AI becomes less of an issue. Plus, learn how to use AI to power up your search and preparation for interviews. (Hint: We'll cover the 'how-to' in a future episode!) The Critical Third Pillar: Career Introspection: How do you truly figure out what you want? We discuss paying attention to how you feel in internships, co-ops, and classes to shape your long-term career strategy. Go Beyond Applying: Discover why reaching out to an organization's CEO about why you love their mission can open doors that automated applications never will. Key Takeaways: Network Always: Treat networking as a continuous process—a small amount of consistent effort prevents panic when you need assistance. Use AI to Inform: Leverage artificial intelligence to research and prepare, giving you a competitive edge against applicants only using auto-apply. Find Your Fit: Listen to your gut during early roles and academic life to discover career paths you genuinely enjoy, making engagement easier. Connect Above the Noise: Direct, personalized outreach to company leaders can separate you from thousands of digital applications. A strong strategy involves a constant network, leveraging AI, and understanding your career goals. If you found this advice valuable, please hit 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_ /episode/index/show/3f1fde52-a277-4ca5-8839-e83d6cb6e9db/id/38590820

Careering with Cameron: The Trailer 10/08/2025

Careering with Cameron

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