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Lead to Soar: Career Advice and Guidance for Ambitious Women Leaders

The End-of-Year Job Hunting Heebie-Jeebies: How to Stay Focused and Seize Opportunities

Season 7, Ep. 175

In this follow-up episode, Michelle and Renata Bernade, host of The Job Hunting Podcast, tackle the other side of the equation—job hunting. For job seekers, the holiday season can be a nerve-wracking time, but Renata offers insights and strategies to stay proactive, avoid burnout, and prepare for success when the market picks up.


Topics include:

• Navigating the anxiety of job hunting during the quieter holiday season.

• Crafting your personal narrative for holiday gatherings and professional networking.

• Why LinkedIn optimization is critical for being found by recruiters.

• Using downtime to reflect, strategize, and strengthen your career assets.

• The importance of taking a break to recharge and avoid burnout.


Key Takeaways:

1. Prepare your narrative: Be ready to confidently answer, “What are you up to?” at holiday gatherings.

2. Leverage LinkedIn: Optimize your profile to ensure recruiters find you for the roles you want.

3. Reflect and strategize: Use the slower holiday season to assess your strengths and career goals.

4. Take a break: Job hunting is emotionally taxing—allow yourself time to recharge.


Links & Resources:

• Renata's LinkedIn Audit Services: https://www.renatabernarde.com/linkedin/

• The Job Hunting Podcast: https://www.thejobhuntingpodcast.com/podcast

• Lead to Soar Network: https://leadtosoar.network/landing


Final Thought:

Renata reminds listeners, “You will find a job. Take this time to focus on yourself, recharge, and set yourself up for success in the new year.”


Lead to Soar is a multi-platform resource for ambitious women on a leadership journey and for organisations serious about closing the leadership gender gap.


We support women and organisations in 5 ways;


The Lead to Network: https://leadtosoar.network/landing

The Lead to Soar Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/lead-to-soar

The Lead to Soar Summit: https://www.leadtosoar.com/summit

Women’s Leadership Programs: https://www.michelleredfern.com/advancing-women-in-business-sport

DEI Consulting & Advisory: https://www.michelleredfern.com/consulting

Lead to Soar is a podcast for ambitious women and the leaders who support them. Hosted by Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher, it delivers evidence-based, practical advice on leadership, career progression, and closing the gender gap. Join the Lead to Soar Network at leadtosoar.network or get Michelle’s book The Leadership Compass at michelleredfern.com/book.

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