The Voice of Job Seekers

Hosted by Mark Anthony Dyson

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250

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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About the show

I write investigative job search and career articles with a practitioner's heart. One thing for sure: The modern job search is a lifestyle now. If it isn't, you'll be light years behind should your job end today. Late starts suck, but you can change today! It's a mistake to disengage from managing your career. It will only land you light years behind your competition. My award-winning blog, "The Voice of Job Seekers," has offered job-search advice since 2011. I write a Substack blog called "The Job Scam Report." Join me at: markanthonydyson[at]SubStack.com. Here are a few things I've done through the years: I write for Lensa.com. I have bylines at The Financial Diet, BET, Payscale, Business Insider, and Fox Business. See my freelance writing portfolio at muckrack.com/mark-anthony-dyson! I have spoken at conferences at Saint Xavier University, Bradley University, North Georgia University, Black Enterprise, the National Career Development Association, and the Career Thought Leaders Consortium. I am quoted in Forbes, Business Insider, and Fast Company publications. Check out my "featured" section for more media appearances. I've been on dozens of podcasts and radio shows, including SiriusXM, LinkedIn News, NTD News, Scripps News, and NPR. I received awards for top blogs and podcasts from organizations such as Flex Jobs, Mac's List, and Wonsulting. email: markanthonydyson[at]gmail[dot]com to hire me for writing.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 5, 202619 min

Your Prescription for Their Job Description: Make Your Value Resonate

I'm back with a new episode. Yes, I know it's been a while, but I plan to bring a new one every other week for the next few months. If you haven't subscribed to The Job Scam Report, please do. It's the only job scam podcast dedicated to helping job seekers to navigate today's job search strategically and safely. I decided to talk about what job seekers should be focused on in today's job search. For many people, waiting to lose a job before starting to search creates a long runway to the next opportunity. Here are other points I made: Incorporating your job search into your lifestyle. Adopt the consultant mindset by clarifying and targeting your past contributions, and make it clear what you'll do for the employer. The job market has reset in many ways. What employers are asking for isn't new. It's still better to job search employed than unemployed. Layoffs are a cultural norm. No one is exempt from a layoff. How you talk about your past experiences matters: results and accomplishments are key. Your experience must clearly show how it will benefit your new employer. Combat employer bias by providing concrete, action-driven examples rather than fluffy adjectives. Thanks, Virginia Franco.

May 1, 202634 min

Is LinkedIn Safe? What Every Job Seeker Needs to Know Now

I know it's been a while, but I'm back, ready to serve up advice, instruction, food for thought, and all else in between. This week, my friend Kevin D. Turner is my guest. He was actually on my LinkedIn live back in December, but I thought his advice was relevant for all job seekers. Here's what you should know about Kevin: Fortune 50 Sales & Marketing Management to Venture Capital (VP), to Public & Private Turnarounds (CEO & VP), executively leading a Non-Profit 50 internationally into 140 countries (International Director). He's helped thousands with LinkedIn profile optimizations. Held Sales, Marketing, and Branding leadership roles with SONY, Stone VC, Thomas Nelson, TurneRRounD, American Teachers, American Heart Association, & TNT Brand Strategist. Director of International Development for the American Heart Association. Here are a few of Kevin's main points: Open to Work and the LinkedIn verification process. LinkedIn Recruiting tool and its safety concerns. Impersonations of legitimate career services professionals. Scammers' use of emerging technology makes fake profiles look legit. LinkedIn, like many sites with jobs, has had data breaches or exposure.

July 17, 202528 min

How to Bring More Assurance and Presence to Job Interviews

This week, my guest is Lorraine K. Lee, the former editor of LinkedIn News and Prezi. She is now a Trainer, Professor, Speaker, and author of "Unforgettable Presence." Highlights: Lorraine emphasizes the importance of having both confidence and presence during job interviews. She explains that presence doesn't only relate to executive levels but is crucial for everyone in their career. Presence video with intentional tech setup, energy, and aesthetics, collectively termed as the "T method." Lorraine highlights how non-verbal cues, such as body language and hand gestures, influence perceptions during video interviews. Lorraine discusses the significance of video presence, particularly in virtual interviews, where technical aspects such as lighting, sound, and framing play a crucial role. Eliminating backlighting, ensuring eye contact, and using gestures naturally to appear more personable. Lorraine advises job seekers to focus on storytelling and to convey their passion for the role to create a stronger connection with the interviewer. We delve into overcoming challenges faced by new graduates during interviews. Lorraine points out that being intentional about one's presence on platforms like LinkedIn and during virtual meetings contributes to building a professional reputation over time. Lorraine shares insights on handling interviews with AI avatars, emphasizing the importance of a positive setup and practicing with real people to get feedback. In another segment, my article from last week, " No! Really Breathes Life Into Your Career And Reclaim Time ! "

June 26, 20251 hr 28 min

How To Understand The Insanely Shifting Job Market

I was invited to participate in a job search panel at St. Xavier University along with James Miller (who coordinated the event), Lauren Milligan, Nathan Peck, and Dr. Vincent Alexander Davis. Approximately 30-40 students attended and asked questions in areas such as resumes, career changes, job scams, networking, and more. A few of the highlights include: This lecture, sponsored by Enterprise, explored the current job market, the importance of soft skills, networking, job scams, effective interviewing, and strategies for securing internships and jobs. Job Market Trends (2024 vs. 2014) The job market is now more fragmented by industry, with varying opportunities across different fields. - Tech and healthcare allow for "overemployment" (holding multiple high-paying jobs remotely). - Awareness of burnout and mental health has increased since the pandemic. Entry-level jobs are becoming increasingly challenging to find due to automation and AI, with a greater emphasis on internships. The Importance of Networking and Soft Skills - Soft skills (communication, teamwork, adaptability) are essential and less commonly developed in today's remote/tech environments. Networking is crucial for finding jobs and gaining insight into various industries. Maintaining positive professional relationships is essential to stand out. - Informational interviews (short conversations with professionals) help you gather career insights and expand your network. LinkedIn is a vital tool for networking and maintaining professional contacts.

June 12, 202522 min

5 Practical Ways Job Seekers Must Combat Desperation

I reflect on my extensive experience since 2011, emphasizing the importance of engaging with industry organizations, building social proof through online work, and being generous without expecting immediate returns. Job seekers should focus on value exchange and thoughtful giving to build meaningful connections. Preparation and strategic planning are crucial steps in the job search process. Participate in professional communities and organizations, leveraging platforms such as YouTube and LinkedIn to showcase your skills. Stay apprised of industry trends. To counter desperation, he advocates for a proactive approach, emphasizing continuous learning, networking, and adaptability. Resilience is key, and be open to new job search strategies. Stay relevant and prepared in a fluctuating job market. Tired of seeing job scams? Me too! I talk about avoiding and combating them on The Job Scam Report . Subscribe!

June 12, 202522 min

5 Practical Ways Job Seekers Must Combat Desperation

June 12, 202522 min

5 Practical Ways Job Seekers Must Combat Desperation

May 27, 202524 min

Boost Your Career Now with AI Strategies and Get Found Later

Now is the perfect time to plan a long-game solution to enhance your chances of being found by recruiters, hiring managers, and employers in the future. AI is the new SEO, as in Search-Everywhere-Optimization, and Google is the orphaned child of "Search Engine Optimization." ` I've been doing this podcast for nearly 12 years, and my blog has been around since July 2011. If you haven't yet, I encourage you to check the available articles and podcasts. We've had over 300 episodes featuring more than 200 guests, including other content creators, career coaches, and business people. For the first time, I'll do a series of solo episodes to share my thoughts and gather your feedback. I've been exploring AI in the context of job seeking and have written articles on this topic since 2019. AI is here to stay, and I want to discuss how it impacts job searches, comparing Search Everywhere Optimization to traditional Search Engine Optimization. For the entire show notes, go to thevoiceofjobseekers.com/podcasts

May 14, 20251 hr 15 min

How to Network and Strategize Thoughtfully for a Successful Career

Welcome back to The Voice of Job Seekers podcast. I took an unannounced break from this podcast to concentrate on content for "The Job Scam Report" podcast. Some of you subscribe to the newsletter and podcast. Many good things have been happening there, so it has been quite busy. In March of 2024, I was invited to join a panel (actually two) at St. Xavier's University in Chicago. The panel consisted of Nathan Peck, an Associate Professor, James Miller, Shared Governance President, and Lauren Milligan, Founder of ResuMayDay, a Resume Writer and Career Coach. Each session had about 30-50 students. Below are some of the highlights of the 75-minute panel: Craft a Strong Resume: We encouraged students to tailor their resumes to highlight relevant skills and experiences for each job application, ensuring they're clear and visually appealing. Lauren provided a basic overview of the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and its role in hiring and emphasized the need for simplicity. She also added how ChatGPT can be helpful in the process. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile : The panel collectively agreed students must create a compelling LinkedIn profile to reflect their professional brand, including a professional photo, detailed work experience, and engaging summaries. We discussed how LinkedIn can facilitate the expansion of their network, and learning from successful career industry professionals through their profiles. Network Actively : We advised students on building and nurturing professional relationships through networking events, social media, and industry groups to increase job opportunities and get referrals. Networking is vital for career advancement today, especially for introverts. It's a great connection hub for building relationships with present and future collaborators. You can find the entire show notes at The Voice of Job Seekers !

December 3, 202429 min

The Truth About Background Checks: What Job Seekers Must Know

This episode explores the complexities of HR background checks with Ghislaine Knauff, who has worked in HR operations for a Fortune 100 company for the past 15 years. This discussion rarely takes place on podcasts and would help many job seekers understand background checks have many snares and nuances. I learned a lot, not realizing how much could happen along the way. As you'll see in the episode, it's not just what an employer says about a former employee. I've shared notes with you, but hearing them will add much context to my quick talking points. Highlights: Hiring Process Delays: - Hiring delays are common and frustrating for candidates. - Varies by industry; some are highly regulated (e.g., financial services), requiring extensive background checks. Factors contributing to delays: - Industry-specific regulatory requirements - Comprehensive background checks (e.g., criminal history) - Candidate responsiveness Role of HR in Hiring: - HR's involvement begins after the resume review and initial interview. - HR checks applications for employment history, education, and criminal records. - Verification processes may include contacting previous employers and checking licensing databases. Employment and Background Checks: - Background checks vary by industry. - Common checks include employment history, education verification, and criminal background checks. - Performance issues noted in past employment may be considered but are only sometimes a dealbreaker. References: - The importance of references can vary. - References are only sometimes required in some industries. - Ideal references include supervisors or peers who can vouch for work ethic and teamwork. Challenges in the Hiring Process - Delays obtaining information from external sources (e.g., understaffed courts, previous employers without automated systems). - Differences in checks for industry-specific roles. - Potential application discrepancies (e.g., incorrect employment dates) can lead to distrust. Social Media and Hiring - Social media checks are handled separately, not as part of initial background checks. - The impact of social media presence can be significant if it is negative (e.g., hate speech). - It is essential to maintain a professional online presence. Industry Trends and Advice - Some industries are consistently hiring; consider exploring new fields if you need help finding a job. - Skills can be transferable across industries. - Research and understanding of where skills fit can broaden job opportunities. Conclusion - Encouragement to explore different career opportunities. - Contact Just Lane via LinkedIn for more insights. - Stay informed about upcoming job-related podcasts and resources.