It’s hard to say what’s better about podcasts – that so many good ones are free or that there are so many good free ones out there.
That’s especially true when it comes to podcasts for job searchers, and not just because job searchers can typically use all the free resources they can get.
Podcasts are like the ham radio broadcasts in the old days, made even better by technology and a much wider selection of “stations.” Anyone can have a podcast, and while that fact may make for a lot of junk it also means there is a proportionally high amount of good advice out there for job seekers. All you need is for someone to separate the wheat from the chaff …
Here we take a look at 5 (free) must-listen podcasts for job searchers.
1. Secrets of the Job Hunt/Making Money with Job Boards (Chris Russell)
It would be no surprise to find that many job seekers have already heard of SOJH and MMJB, the former of which has ranked in the Top 20 on iTunes in the Careers category. Based on the popular 2005 ebook of the same name, SOJH is now a well-traveled forum for job seekers and career advice professionals.
SOJH podcasts have slowed since March 2012 (MMJB has kept more recent), but the archived material is still a goldmine of interview tips and tricks, guides on how to best use job boards and Linkedin, and advice from famous career pros.
2. Onward Search Career Cast
Although a little more industry-specific, the Onward Search Career Cast is an enthusiastic jolt of positive energy for anyone looking to break into the fields of application development and interactive marketing/design.
This is a great resource for staying up-to-date on what’s new in a niche area that moves too fast to wait for the news to come out in print. Podcasts are well-suited to this area and anyone looking for a job in emerging technologies should sign up.
3. Get-It-Done Guy’s Quick and Dirty Tips to Work Less and Do More
Okay, so maybe this podcast isn’t exactly geared toward job seekers, but it is on the iTunes Top 10 list of most popular business podcasts, and there is always something savvy for listeners of all stripes in its weekly reports.
Author Stever Robbins delivers funny and relevant material that helps increase productivity in everyday life, which will undoubtedly encourage job seekers to be more organized and further refine their job search skills. For the ladies, there is also the Money Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips, which is also on iTunes Top 10 list.
4. Bunny Slippers Are Evil Job Seekers Call-In Show (Blog Talk Radio Feed)
This buffet of podcasts that are all related to job searching will have career hunters dining for days. The call-in show is hosted by various career advice professionals and visited by individuals in transition.
People looking for specific and objective tips on how to find a job may be disappointed depending on the host and the topic, but overall it is an entertaining and informative look at the pratfalls so often found during the search for a career.
5. Manager Tools (Career Tools Podcasts)
Podcasts from Manager Tools run the gamut of the career search experience. From Google Job Search tips to tips on interviewing on Skype, this group delivers it all. One of the best things prospective employees can gain from it, though, is that many of the podcasts are directed toward human resources managers and others who are involved in the hiring process.
The website organizes podcasts by category (e.g. hiring, coaching, recruiters, etc.) that can help job searchers pinpoint weaknesses and find out what employers will do to uncover them. This information can be used to hone interview skills and know what prospective employers are seeking.
James Madeiros is a staff writer for Teacher Certification Degrees, a teaching career site that provides teacher interviews and helpful information for individuals interested in starting a career in teaching.
