Best Cover Letter Tips Podcasts (2025)

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19. Should You Use the LinkedIn “Open to Work” Banner? 12:30

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7h ago12:30

12:30

Worried that using LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” badge will make you look desperate? You’re not alone. A lot of people feel unsure about being so visible during their job search. Some people say the green banner helps you get hired faster. Others say it scares employers away. So which one is true? In this episode, you'll learn: What the badge really do…

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316: The 4 C's of Effective Leadership Presence 21:42

6d ago21:42

21:42

Send us a text Have you ever been told you “lack executive presence” but never received a clear explanation of what that means? You’re not alone. For many mid-career professionals, this overused buzzword becomes a frustrating barrier to promotions and leadership opportunities. In today’s episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral challenges …

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Matters 9:52

12d ago9:52

9:52

This special Bonus Episode of our podcast gives you the inside scoop on writing a cover letter that counts. A well-written cover letter is a useful weapon in your cleared job search arsenal. It can set you apart from other cleared candidates, and can make the difference when two candidates are close. Many recruiters dread cover letters because they…

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315: Free Speech, At-Will Employment, and Protecting Your Career 19:15

13d ago19:15

19:15

Send us a text The line between personal expression and professional consequences has never been more blurred. With recent headlines putting workplace conduct and public statements in the spotlight, many mid-career professionals are asking a tough question: Could what I say cost me my job? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, we unpack wh…

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314: Interview Tip: How Personal AI Stories Make You Memorable in Interviews 19:19

20d ago19:19

19:19

Send us a text At some point in your career, you will be asked how you’ve used AI. Most candidates will talk about optimizing resumes or practicing interview questions, but what if your answer could be more memorable? In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about saying goodbye to my beloved cat, Amy Farrah Meowler, and how I turned to Cha…

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18. Am I Job Hopping Too Much? A Recruiter Explains 14:02

21d ago14:02

14:02

Have you switched jobs a few times and wondered if that makes you a “job hopper”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share how recruiters really see job hopping, and why it might not be as bad as you think. In this episode you’ll hear: What “job hopping” actually means How recruiters review CVs with multiple short roles Why the COVID years change…

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Elder Research: Stability and Lifelong Career Opportunities 22:41

26d ago22:41

22:41

Elder Research stands out among government contractors by offering exceptional job stability, having only lost two employees due to contract changes in the last 30 years—a point of pride rooted in their strong commitment to long-term career growth. The company, which focuses on data science, AI, and machine learning, actively supports cleared contr…

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313: When Being Qualified Isn't Enough with Gina Riley 38:00

27d ago38:00

38:00

Send us a text Why do some highly qualified candidates land the job while others get passed over? The answer often lies in how well they tell their career story. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, Career Transition Coach and Forbes Coaches Council member Gina Riley, joins me to share insider strategies from her experience at Intel and a…

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Security Clearances and Your Military Transition 21:53

1M ago21:53

21:53

We’re sharing this episode of our Military Monday series, hosted by ClearedJobs.Net veteran and former recruiter Bob Wheeler. April Martinez, a former Army Arabic linguist and now Associate Director of Resource Management with AT&T, shares insights on security clearances and military transition. She explains how different types of polygraphs—CI vs.…

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312: How One Mid-Career Professional Landed His Ideal Job After 125 Applications with Chris Bond 37:31

1M ago37:31

37:31

Send us a text If you’re in the middle of a job search and feeling frustrated by the lack of responses, this episode is a must-listen. Today, I’m joined by Chris Bond, who candidly shares the data from his six-month job search in 2025. His story sheds light on what’s working, and what’s not, in today’s competitive mid-career job market. Chris appli…

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17. Should You Accept That Offer? 5 Key Questions First 13:06

1M ago13:06

13:06

Just got a job offer and rushing to say “yes”? Pause. Listen in to: Clarify if the offer aligns with your long-term path Spot whether you’re choosing growth - or simply escaping Evaluate the true value of your pay and benefits Recognize what your gut feeling is telling you And check “behind the curtain” by reaching out to past employees quietly Hit…

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311: FAQ About Mid-Career Job Search Frustrations: How to Stay Confident, Stand Out, and Move Forward 23:17

1M ago23:17

23:17

Send us a text Are you tired of sending out job applications and hearing nothing back? Wondering if you’re overqualified or not qualified enough? If you’re a mid-career professional struggling in today’s competitive and employer-driven job market, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I’m answering some of the most…

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Producer Pick – Acuity: Company Expansion and Candidate Confidence 18:33

2M ago18:33

18:33

Welcome to this special edition of Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring & How. Today’s episode is a “producer pick” featuring a past episode with Peter Alcantara of Acuity. If you missed it the first time, enjoy learning about the company’s growth, proactive recruiting strategies, and the importance of confidence in your cleared job search. View the…

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310: Level Up Your Leadership: Michelle Myers’ Proven Strategies for Women to Stay Visible and Influential 34:35

2M ago34:35

34:35

Send us a text In 2025’s rapidly shifting workplace, women leaders face a unique set of challenges: staff cutbacks, fewer advancement opportunities, and the persistent shadow of imposter syndrome. For mid-career professionals, the pressure to remain visible, relevant, and confident has never been higher. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcas…

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16. What Agency Recruiters Actually Do (And What We Don’t) 13:47

2M ago13:47

13:47

Still waiting on that recruiter to “find you a job”? You might be misunderstanding how recruitment really works. A lot of people think recruiters are there to coach them, guide their job search, or send their CV around to companies. But that’s not how it works - and this confusion is holding you back. Desire (D): In this episode, you’ll learn: What…

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309: Build Your Mid-Career Networking Strategy Now 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

Send us a text If you’re a mid-career professional feeling stuck in your job, the thought of “networking” might make you cringe. Maybe it feels transactional, forced, or just plain awkward. But when networking is done “right,” it doesn’t feel like networking at all. In fact, it can be fun and energizing. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcas…

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15. Expat Life Isn’t Always Instagrammable - And That’s Okay 14:57

2M ago14:57

14:57

Ever felt like everyone else is “living the dream” abroad — and you’re the only one struggling? Life as an expat can look beautiful online, but the day-to-day reality often feels confusing, lonely, or exhausting. You’re not failing — you’re just human. In this episode, I’m stepping away from career advice to talk about what expat life really feels …

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ARL Penn State: Advancing Defense Research & Innovation 18:10

2M ago18:10

18:10

Dr. Allan Sonsteby is the Executive Director of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. He shares that employees are driven by mission-oriented work that directly supports national security and the defense industrial base, with opportunities to see immediate impact from their efforts. As a University Affiliated Research Center, ARL con…

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308: Quick Fixes Don’t Work for Your Mid-Career Job Search (And What to Do Instead) 24:34

2M ago24:34

24:34

Send us a text Are you tempted by the bold career promises flooding your social media feed like “land your dream job in 30 days” or “double your income using AI”? For mid-career professionals navigating job dissatisfaction, these flashy shortcuts can feel like a lifeline. But the truth? Real career growth isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about strategy, …

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14. Reset your Day: 5 Tips to turn a Bad Day Into a Good One 18:59

2M ago18:59

18:59

Ever feel like one bad moment ruins your whole day? Like you're stuck in a spiral and can't find your way back? Whether you're job hunting, feeling burnt out at work, or just had a frustrating morning like I did, we've all been there. And in this episode, I’m walking you through five practical tools to reset your mindset fast. You’ll learn: How to …

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307: Should You Use AI to Write Your Cover Letter? 5 Tips to Help You Decide 19:14

2M ago19:14

19:14

Send us a text Ever wondered if ChatGPT, or any AI tool, could just write your cover letter for you? You’re not alone. With today’s competitive job market and the pressure to stand out, many mid-career professionals are turning to AI to help speed up their application process. But here’s the truth: while AI can be a helpful tool, it’s not a shortcu…

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13. Stop Writing Boring Cover Letters - Do This Instead 15:52

2M ago15:52

15:52

If you're tired of writing cover letters that disappear into the void, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why most cover letters fail, and how to finally write one that actually gets read. Why most cover letters get skipped (and what recruiters really look for) The one thing that makes your letter stand out instantly How to start strong wit…

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Amentum: Global Careers, Hiring Insights, and Culture Tips 22:38

3M ago22:38

22:38

Amentum is a global engineering and tech company supporting missions in areas like space, energy, cyber, and defense. Courtney Nixon, senior recruiter for infrastructure engineering, shares that the company hires a wide range of professionals—from engineers and linguists to HR and tradespeople—with opportunities around the world, including Antarcti…

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306: Boundaries, Bold Moves, and Building Your Legacy: Insights from NextUp's Rising Stars Conference 21:12

3M ago21:12

21:12

Send us a text Are you a mid-career professional wondering what legacy you’re leaving behind at work? In today’s competitive job market, career clarity and leadership presence matter more than ever. This episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast offers a powerful reflection on how to take ownership of your professional development and grow into the imp…

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12. Culture-Shock Bingo: Dutch Edition 22:35

3M ago22:35

22:35

Thinking of moving to the Netherlands? Or maybe you’ve just arrived and things feel… a bit strange? In this episode, I’m sharing real expat moments that’ll help you feel a little more prepared... and a lot less alone. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Dutch birthday parties feel like organized meetings (and how that helps you connect) How “niets t…

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2L Recruit Series: Resume and Cover Letters 31:36

3M ago31:36

31:36

Welcome to Law and Her, a podcast dedicated to empowering women in law. We're here to demystify the legal journey from law school to your first day of practice. Today, we'll be continuing the 2L recruit series looking at some tips and tricks for writing an effective resume and cover letter. This process is extremely personal and we recommend that p…

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2L Recruit Series: Networking 25:27

3M ago25:27

25:27

Welcome to Law and Her, a podcast dedicated to empowering women in law. We're here to demystify the legal journey, from law school to your first day in practice. We'll be discussing all things networking for the 2L Recruit. Who should you talk to? How do you find people to network with? What should you ask? What can I get out of networking? Stay tu…

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305: Optimize Your LinkedIn About Section in 30 Minutes or Less 13:04

3M ago13:04

13:04

Send us a text If you're a mid-career professional wondering why your LinkedIn profile isn’t attracting recruiters, the issue might be hiding in plain sight—your About section. In this actionable episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral shares a step-by-step guide to transforming your LinkedIn About section to boost visibility, stand out i…

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11. Six Things Recruiters Know (That Most Candidates Don’t) 16:14

3M ago16:14

16:14

Think you know how recruiters work? In this episode, I’m sharing 6 things we notice right away — and most candidates have no idea. Knowing these can help you approach your job search with more confidence, clarity, and strategy. What recruiters really look for in the first 10 seconds of your CV Why we always check your LinkedIn — even if your CV is …

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Semper Valens Solutions: Valuing Every Candidate 20:34

3M ago20:34

20:34

Semper Valens Solutions designs DevSecOps infrastructure for DISA, develops cyber weapons systems for the Air Force, supports the Army’s deployment of force protection platforms and C2 systems, plus does non-cleared work for DHA, VA, and the FBI. Company COO Nick Brown shares the importance of treating candidates well in the hiring process, doing m…

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304: Speak More Confidently and Calm Your Nerves with David Pope 31:52

3M ago31:52

31:52

Send us a text If you’ve ever cringed at the sound of your own voice during a Zoom call or playback, you’re not alone. But what if your voice was the key to getting promoted, speaking with more confidence, or finally being seen as a leader? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, BBC-trained executive voice coach David Pope joins John Neral …

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10. Why You Feel Busy All Day but Get Nothing Done 21:10

3M ago21:10

21:10

You worked all day, answered emails, jumped between tasks, even stayed late… But somehow, you end the day thinking: “What did I actually get done?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. You’re just surrounded by distractions. In today’s episode of 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, I will share 8 practical focus tools that will help you cut through the noise, r…

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303: Worried About Losing Your Job? Three Tips to Navigate Career Insecurity 16:59

3M ago16:59

16:59

Send us a text Do you feel like something’s off at work? Maybe you’ve been left out of meetings, your responsibilities are shrinking, or you're questioning if AI might eventually replace your role. You're not alone and you're not powerless. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, career coach John Neral tackles the rising wave of career inse…

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09. Four Ways to Handle Ghosting from Recruiters (Part 2) 7:44

3M ago7:44

7:44

Ghosted by a recruiter - again? You followed the process, nailed the call, and felt a real connection. Then… silence. In last week’s episode, we uncovered why recruiters ghost — the real behind the scenes reasons most candidates never hear. But knowing why is only half the battle. In this follow-up episode of 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, I will share 4 practic…

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Clarity: Software and Data Innovations 17:48

3M ago17:48

17:48

Clarity Innovations is a rapidly growing software and data innovations firm working in the DoD, IC and federal sectors, shares Director of Recruiting, Brett Willie. Listen for details on why the company values unapologetic transparency and hiring team players who are ready to help those around them succeed. With hiring spanning all security clearan…

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302: Ten Signs You Are Blocked from Being Promoted 21:38

3M ago21:38

21:38

Send us a text If you're working hard, delivering results, and still not advancing in your career, you may be facing more than just bad luck—you could be blocked. In this powerful episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, career coach John Neral breaks down 10 unmistakable signs that your professional growth is being stifled by internal organizational…

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08. Five Reasons Why Some Recruiters Ghost You (Part 1) 15:17

4M ago15:17

15:17

Ever had a recruiter say “You’re a perfect fit!” — and then vanish? If you’re job hunting especially as an expat, this experience can feel like a punch to the gut. One moment you’re hopeful, the next you’re left in silence — no email, no feedback, just... nothing. In this episode of Get Hired Today, we break down exactly why recruiters ghost candid…

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301: Seven Magic Words That Will Transform Your Next Salary Negotiation with Kate Dixon 34:12

4M ago34:12

34:12

Send us a text One of the best ways to reclaim your confidence in this job market is by learning how to effectively negotiate your next job offer. In this episode, salary negotiation expert and compensation consultant Kate Dixon shares powerful, real-world strategies to help you advocate for your worth without sounding pushy or confrontational. Kat…

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07. Why You Always Start Strong and Then Give Up 21:48

4M ago21:48

21:48

Do you always start something with excitement - a job search, a new project, a workout plan - but end up quitting halfway through? You’re not lazy or unmotivated. You’re stuck in something called the emotional cycle of change — a hidden pattern that makes you give up just before things start working. Whether you're trying to build a new life abroad…

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Infinity Systems Engineering: Mission Operations & Space Systems 19:13

4M ago19:13

19:13

Amanda Woollard Lujan, Technical Recruiter at Infinity Systems Engineering, shares that going the extra mile—like writing handwritten thank-you notes—can really set you apart in the cleared job hunt. She highlights Infinity’s work in mission operations and space systems and their global opportunities. Amanda also emphasized the importance of networ…

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300: Celebrating 300 Episodes & Your Mid-Career Journey 31:48

4M ago31:48

31:48

Send us a text Welcome to a major milestone—Episode 300 of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast! Only 2.6% of podcasts make it this far, and it’s all thanks to YOU—our dedicated listeners navigating the ups and downs of mid-career life. In this special episode, host John Neral reflects on the journey that began during the pandemic and has grown into a go-to …

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06. What Most Candidates Get Wrong in the First Recruiter Call — And How to Stand Out 16:15

4M ago16:15

16:15

That first recruiter call might seem like no big deal - but it's actually one of the most important parts of your job search. Here's how to avoid the biggest mistakes, and show up like someone we want to represent. Why that “quick chat” matters more than you think 7 small but powerful ways to prep in under 15 minutes What recruiters are really look…

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Rocket Communications: UX Design 21:33

4M ago21:33

21:33

Ryan Quakenbush, Human Resources Specialist at Rocket Communications, emphasizes that authenticity is key when applying for a job. Rocket is a UX design company deeply involved in the space community, with a fun, curious, and supportive culture. Many roles are remote or hybrid-remote, located in Colorado. The company uses structured interviews for …

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299: Surviving Work and Navigating Career Stress in 2025 20:47

4M ago20:47

20:47

Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, and stuck in a job that drains you? You're not alone. In 2025, mid-career professionals are navigating a volatile job market marked by return-to-office mandates, fear-based management, and increasing workplace toxicity. If you’ve been quietly questioning your career path or struggling to stay sa…

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05. Why Moving Abroad Quietly Changes Who You Are 15:26

4M ago15:26

15:26

Have you ever felt like… something’s missing since you moved abroad? Like a piece of you got buried under all the “new life” pressure? You’re not broken — you’re just busy surviving. And in this episode, I’m opening up about my own experience losing a part of myself after leaving home, and what helped me get it back. It’s personal, but if you’ve be…

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Compensation Insights for Military Transition and More 20:46

4M ago20:46

20:46

For Military Appreciation Month, we’re sharing this episode of our Military Monday series, hosted by ClearedJobs.Net veterans and former recruiters Bob Wheeler and Sara McMurrough. Jonathan Everhardt, veteran and Talent Acquisition Manager with SOSi, shares insights on compensation, benefits, and negotiating strategies for transitioning military. H…

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298: The Power of Building Networks That Matter in Today's Job Market with Dahlia Shaewitz 35:29

4M ago35:29

35:29

Send us a text Feeling stuck in a toxic workplace or misaligned in your career? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this powerful episode, Dahlia Shaewitz, founder of Third Sight LLC, joins host John Neral to share career-shifting insights for mid-career professionals seeking clarity, better leadership paths, and more authentic connection…

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04. Five Things You Should Not Say (or Do) to Recruiters 14:50

4M ago14:50

14:50

Ever said something to a recruiter that seemed totally fine… but then everything went quiet? In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 common things candidates say or do that can seriously hurt your chances — and what to do instead. Why saying “Can you send my CV everywhere?” is a red flag for recruiters The real impact of ghosting during the hiring pro…

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Precision Talent Solutions: Structured Hiring, Human-Centered Approach 21:58

5M ago21:58

21:58

Precision Talent Solutions specializes in recruitment for government contractors, says Co-Founder and President Jake Frazer. Their team focuses on placing cleared professionals in both CONUS and OCONUS roles—from C-suite executives to skilled trades. Guided by a human-centered philosophy and a structured LEAD process, they’re committed to deliverin…

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297: Making a Career Change with More Clarity and Confidence 22:02

5M ago22:02

22:02

Send us a text Feeling stuck, undervalued, or underutilized in your career? You’re not alone and you’re not lost. In this episode, I unpack how to navigate a meaningful career pivot with clarity, strategy, and confidence. Whether you're reassessing your priorities, reevaluating your strengths, or questioning your current path, this episode will hel…