243: The BEST Way to Explain Career Gaps (and Short Stints) in Your Resume & Interviews
If youāve ever stared at your resume thinking, āWill they judge me for this?ā Then this episode is for you!We address the truth about career gaps, job hopping, and how to confidently talk about them in your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews. Whether youāve been laid off, took time off for family, or are pivoting careers, youāll learn how to explain your story with honesty, professionalism, and faith, and still get hired.We discuss:How to address gaps in your resume and LinkedIn without oversharingWhat to say in interviews if youāve switched jobs frequentlyWhen (and when not) to explain your gapHow to own your story and show growthThe mindset shift you need to stop letting your resume define your worthCheering you on,Kelsey Kemp & Audrey BagarusBOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/scheduleFREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps ā https://thecalledcareer.com/our-processMore of a reader? ā Download the 22 page PDFā version instead ā https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDFFOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:šĀ Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/šøĀ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/šØāš»Ā Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareerš Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1Fš Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993š± Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/TIME STAMPS02:30 ā The truth: Career gaps are more common than you think05:40 ā When to explain your gap (and when not to)08:20 ā How to talk about your career break on your resume or LinkedIn11:45 ā Real examples of what to say with confidence17:40 ā Job hopping explained: What counts as ātoo shortā today22:30 ā How to address short stints and still look professional27:00 ā Interview tips: Talking about layoffs or bad bosses tactfully33:00 ā If youāve truly been flaky, hereās what to do next
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242: How our Client Lauren Pivoted from Law to Social Impact Policy Manager
If youāve ever felt like you wasted years in the wrong career path, this episode will remind you that nothing is ever wasted when Godās the one writing your story.Lauren spent years studying law, earning her degree, and climbing the ladder in the legal world⦠only to realize she was deeply unfulfilled and misaligned. The idea of pivoting felt impossible, after all, how do you just walk away from years of hard work?If youāre in the same page as Lauren, listen in as we discuss:What to do when your career feels āoffā and youāre scared to pivotHow to release the guilt of āwasted timeā and trust Godās redirectionWhy your unique background is part of His intentional designHow to find peace and clarity through prayer, coaching, and surrenderIf youāve been feeling stuck, unsure how to move forward, or afraid to start over, this conversation will help you take that next faithful step.Cheering you on,Kelsey Kemp & Audrey BagarusBOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/scheduleFREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps ā https://thecalledcareer.com/our-processMore of a reader? ā Download the 22 page PDFā version instead ā https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDFFOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:šĀ Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/šøĀ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/šØāš»Ā Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareerš Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1Fš Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993š± Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/TIME STAMPS02:22 ā Laurenās journey from journalism to law school04:10 ā The fear of making a mistake with your degree06:20 ā How God works everything together for good11:10 ā The loneliness of being stuck but self-aware13:15 ā Reframing ādifferentā as Godās unique design23:10 ā From rejection to redirection27:00 ā The leap of faith33:40 ā Letting go of fear and trusting Godās plan38:10 ā What Lauren would tell her past self39:45 ā Encouragement for anyone feeling ābehindā
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241: Is It Still Worth Applying to Jobs During the Holidays?
Most people hit pause on their job search during the holidays because they feel like itās not the best time and companies arenāt hiring. But thatās a huge myth! The āIāll start in Januaryā plan feels safe⦠but January is when everyone comes back at the exact same time with the exact same plan.So today, Audrey and I are breaking down why this season can actually be one of the most strategic times to apply, and how waiting could put you behind instead of ahead.Weāre talking about:Why job postings donāt suddenly stop just because itās DecemberHow end-of-year remaining budget can create open rolesWhy competition is often dramatically lower right nowHow seasonal or contract roles can quietly become full-timeAnd how holiday gatherings can actually make networking easier (yes, even if you hate networking)If youāve been feeling hesitant, discouraged, or stuck in āIāll start laterā mode, this episode is your permission to stop waiting for perfect timing and start taking aligned steps now.Cheering you on,Kelsey Kemp & Audrey BagarusBOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/scheduleFREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps ā https://thecalledcareer.com/our-processMore of a reader? ā Download the 22 page PDFā version instead ā https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDFFOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:šĀ Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/šøĀ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/šØāš»Ā Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareerš Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1Fš Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993š± Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/TIME STAMPS0:37 ā Is there ever a ābadā time to job hunt?6:17 ā Why there may be less competition in November & December8:28 ā How holiday gatherings can make networking feel natural11:02 ā Grace for those who feel embarrassed or behind13:22 ā Real example: When hiring gets delayed but still works out15:34 ā You are not behind, this is a strategic time!
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240: The TOP 5 Interview Mistakes That Are Costing You Job Offers (+ How to Fix Them!)
Most people donāt realize theyāre making interview mistakes until they start wondering why theyāre not getting offers.So in this episode, weāre going to walk you through the 5 subtle interview habits that might be quietly costing you job offers, and how to fix them.Weāre covering things like:Why most people bomb the āTell me about yourselfā question (and how to actually nail it)How to stay confident and concise instead of over-explaining your storyHow to tie your answers to what the company actually cares aboutWhy saying āIām excited to learnā can make you sound less hireableHow to interview like a consultant, not a candidateIf youāve got an interview this week or this month, this episode will help you show up sharp, confident, and clear about the value you bring. Share it with a friend too!Cheering you on,Kelsey Kemp & Audrey BagarusBOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/scheduleFREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps ā https://thecalledcareer.com/our-processMore of a reader? ā Download the 22 page PDFā version instead ā https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDFFOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:šĀ Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/šøĀ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/šØāš»Ā Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareerš Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1Fš Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993š± Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/TIME STAMPS02:32 ā The 5 biggest interview mistakes most people make04:23 ā Mistake #108:05 ā Mistake #217:12 ā Mistake #322:46 ā Mistake #428:36 ā Mistake #533:34 ā Bonus Tip!
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239: The BEST LinkedIn Tips to Get Recruiters Reaching Out to You (in 2025)!
If youāve been applying to job after job and still not hearing a thing, this episode is your sign to pause and listen!Weāre walking through the LinkedIn habits that quietly kill your chances of getting recruited ā and what to do instead. Think of this as your LinkedIn reset for 2025 so your next opportunity actually finds you.We discuss:- Why your headline is making you invisible (and how to fix it)- The real reason recruiters scroll past your titles- How to write an āAboutā section that actually gets attention- Bonus: The underrated visibility setting that changes everythingIf you want to finally have recruiters DMing you about jobs that fit, this is for you!Cheering you on,Kelsey Kemp & Audrey BagarusBOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/scheduleFREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps ā https://thecalledcareer.com/our-processMore of a reader? ā Download the 22 page PDFā version instead ā https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDFFOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:šĀ Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/šøĀ Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/šØāš»Ā Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareerš Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1Fš Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993š± Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/TIME STAMPS01:15 ā How LinkedIn Has Changed in 202502:35 ā Mistake #1: Your Headline Is Too Creative05:20 ā What to Write Instead of Fluffy Headlines07:45 ā How Recruiters Actually Search on LinkedIn13:20 ā Mistake #2: Your Job Titles Are Confusing20:30 ā Mistake #3: Too Many Fluff Words24:00 ā Turning Responsibilities into Accomplishments30:30 ā Bonus Tips: Visibility, Profile, and Location Fixes35:00 ā The Truth About the Skills Section37:00 ā Common Sense > LinkedIn āHacksā
The premier podcast helping Christian professionals discern their calling and land a job that's aligned with it. Tune in for weekly episodes on faith, mindset, clarifying your calling, top job search strategies, and even a few lessons on entrepreneurship for those of you who feel called to start a business.
Kelsey Kemp is an ex-tech consultant, multi-time founder, TEDx speaker, and career coach at TheCalledCareer.com who has helped hundreds of professionals make meaningful career pivots, from New York to New Zealand, lawyers to high school teachers, 21-65 years old.
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