Authentic Career + Life Design

About Authentic Career + Life Design

Welcome to Authentic Career + Life Design! Are you ready to take control of your career and academic journey? Look no further! Here, I specialize in empowering individuals just like you to navigate the dynamic world of job searches, resume writing, career transitions, and academic pursuits. At Authentic Career + Life Design, I believe in designing your career and life with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Whether you're a recent graduate stepping into the workforce, a seasoned professional seeking a career change, or a student planning your academic path, I've got you covered. Join me as I provide valuable insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies to help you achieve your goals. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock your full potential! Subscribe now and start crafting the future you deserve. It's time to take charge and create a fulfilling career and life on your terms.

Publisher

Laura F Kestner-Ricketts

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Mar 2024

Latest episode

14 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Aug 2025

   Mastering Resume Keywords: Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

   Authentic Career and Life Design Laura Kestner-Ricketts, Career + Life Design Coach In this episode, Laura dives into the importance of using the right keywords on your resume to navigate the challenging job market of August 2025. Discover how AI-driven automation and hiring freezes are impacting job seekers, and learn practical tips to ensure your resume gets noticed by both ATS systems and hiring managers. Chapters: Introduction to the Job Market - Understanding current trends and challenges The Power of Keywords - Why they matter and how to find them Avoiding Common Mistakes - Tips to prevent keyword stuffing and generic terms Customizing Your Resume - The importance of tailoring your application Resources and Next Steps - Tools and tips for further learning Key Takeaways: Get up to speed on today’s job market—what’s working, what’s not, and why it matters for your search. I’ll show you how to pinpoint the exact keywords that can help your resume rise to the top and how to use them strategically without falling into the trap of keyword stuffing or bland, generic terms. You’ll also learn why tailoring your resume and cover letter for every application isn’t optional anymore—it’s the edge that gets you noticed. Resources: Want to see exactly how to do this for your own resume? Check out the blogpost: Crafting Your Resume (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/04/09/step-three-crafting-your-resume/) Grab my free Resume Checklist (https://authentic-careers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/color-resume-review-checklist.pdf) Check out other job search resources at authentic-careers.com/blog-posts/ (https://authentic-careers.com/blog-posts/) Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from it. Don't forget to subscribe for more career insights! facebook.com/authenticcareers (http://facebook.com/authenticcareers) laura@authentic-careers.com (mailto:laura@authentic-careers.com) instagram.com/authenticcareerlifedesign (http://instagram.com/authenticcareerlifedesign) tiktok.com/@authenticcareer (http://tiktok.com/@authenticcareer) Next Episode: Join us next week for the start of our 10-part series, "The Job Search Blueprint."

2. 

   21 Jul 2025

   The Power of Intention: A New Way to Approach Your Career

   In this episode of Authentic Career and Life Design, Laura discusses the importance of intention in career development, introducing the seven faces of intention as outlined by Dr. Wayne Dyer. She emphasizes the need to approach job searching from a place of intention rather than stress, and how this internal alignment can lead to more authentic career choices. The episode invites listeners to reflect on their intentions and offers a framework for navigating their career paths with clarity and purpose. Takeaways Your next big career move begins with your intention Pause and ask yourself what you want to be moving forward Intention helps align your energy for career success The seven faces of intention include creativity, kindness, love, beauty, expansion, unlimited abundance, and receptivity. Internal alignment is often overlooked in traditional job search advice Operating from intention leads to clearer decisions and authentic choices Reflect on the intention you want to carry into your career Chapters 00:00 The Power of Intention 01:24 Reframing Job Search Strategies 02:45 The Seven Faces of Intention 04:48 Internal Alignment in Career Development 06:12 Invitation to Reflect on Intention BONUS: A free downloadable worksheet with reflection prompts and career action steps. Download: Set Your Career Intention worksheet (https://authentic-careers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Set-Your-Career-Intention-Worksheet.pdf)Want More? Subscribe to the blog at authentic-careers.com (https://authentic-careers.com/) to get each new post in your inbox Prefer to read about this episode? Check out the blog post and companion worksheet (https://authentic-careers.com/2025/07/20/the-power-of-intention/) Download: Set Your Career Intention worksheet (https://authentic-careers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Set-Your-Career-Intention-Worksheet.pdf) Ready to take action? Book a free discovery call (https://authentic-careers.com/discovery)

3. 

   21 Sept 2024

   You Can’t Step in the Same River Twice: Embracing Change While Creating Coherence

   Are you feeling out of sync with your career or life? Discover how to realign your actions with your evolving values in our latest blog post and podcast episode! In this insightful discussion, we explore the ancient Greek metaphor "You can't step into the same river twice" and how it relates to finding coherence in your ever-changing life. Learn how to embrace change, make practical adjustments, and stay connected to your core values even when faced with challenges. ✨ Highlights: Understanding the flow of change and coherence Practical activities for realigning your values and actions Real-life stories of overcoming frustration and finding purpose Tune in to our podcast and check out the blog post for actionable tips and inspiring stories. Let’s navigate the river of change together and create a life that truly resonates with who you are! 🔗 https://authentic-careers.com/2024/09/15/coherence/ 🎧 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWrSkW-UvF0 #CareerDevelopment #LifeDesign #PersonalGrowth #Coherence #Podcast #Blog #YouCantStepIntoTheSameRiverTwice

4. 

   8 Sept 2024

   Key Mindsets for Designing Your Life + Career

   Welcome to this episode of Authentic Career + Life Design! In today’s episode, we dive into the key mindsets of life design and how they can revolutionize the way you approach career planning and personal growth. 🚀 What You'll Learn: Curiosity and Reframing: Explore how curiosity fuels personal and professional growth and how reframing challenges can open new opportunities. Radical Collaboration: Find out how collaborating with diverse individuals and perspectives can enhance your career design process. The Power of Prototyping: Learn how experimenting with different career paths through internships, volunteering, and informational interviews can help you make more informed decisions. Understanding Bias Toward Action: Discover what it means to have a bias toward action and why it’s crucial for overcoming indecision and taking proactive steps in your career. Real-Life Examples: Hear compelling case studies of people who successfully navigated their career journies by applying one or more of these mindsets. Highlights: The value of taking small, actionable steps to test out career ideas How prototyping can save time and prevent burnout Strategies for shifting from indecision to action Insights on how to incorporate curiosity and collaboration into your career planning 📅 Join Us Weekly: Tune in weekly for more insights and strategies to help you design a career and life that aligns with your passions and goals. 🔗 Links and Resources: Blogpost: https://authentic-careers.com/2024/09/05/key-mindsets-for-designing-your-life-career/ Podcast: Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast player: Spreaker (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/authentic-career-life-design--6134178) Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5LFu0ZfboEgrgmXaTO18ef) I Heart Radio (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-authentic-career-life-desig-163333251/) Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authentic-career-life-design/id1738773648) Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db68225-baf5-4221-94aa-9e0b2cb821e7/authentic-career-life-design) Books: Burnett, B., & Evans, D. (2016). Designing your life: How to build a well-lived, joyful life. (https://designingyour.life/books-designing-life-original-book/) Alfred A. Knopf. Subscribe & Connect: Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to Authentic Career + Life Design on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform, and connect with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and my website. youtube.com/@authentic-careers (http://youtube.com/@authentic-careers) facebook.com/authenticcareers (http://facebook.com/authenticcareers) pinterest.com/authenticcareers (http://pinterest.com/authenticcareers) authentic-careers.com (http://authentic-careers.com) With a career dedicated to guiding students and alumni toward careers aligned with their passions, Laura Kestner-Ricketts brings over three decades of experience in career counseling, professional speaking, and leadership. Her journey spans various universities and small liberal arts colleges across the Midwest, where she has empowered individuals from...

5. 

   3 Aug 2024

   Step Ten: Ace Interviews

   🎙️ New Episode Alert! Step Ten: Ace Interviews Are you ready to master the art of interviewing? In this episode of Authentic Career + Life Design, we'll dive into essential strategies to help you shine in your next interview. From thorough preparation to nailing the "Tell me about yourself" question, we've got you covered! Join Laura, a career coach with 30 years of experience, as she shares her 10/10 trick, tips for answering common interview questions, and the importance of knowing your strengths and the organization inside out. Plus, learn how to dress the part and build your confidence. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The importance of early and thorough preparation How to create your 10/10 list of skills and examples Mastering the STAR method for behavioral questions The significance of researching the organization Don’t miss out on these valuable insights! Tune in now to ace your interviews with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. See accompanying blog post here: https://authentic-careers.com/2024/08/03/step-ten-ace-interviews/ 🎧 Listen here Spreaker (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/authentic-career-life-design--6134178) Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5LFu0ZfboEgrgmXaTO18ef) I Heart Radio (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-authentic-career-life-desig-163333251/) Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authentic-career-life-design/id1738773648) Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db68225-baf5-4221-94aa-9e0b2cb821e7/authentic-career-life-design) 🔗 For more resources and to schedule a discovery call (https://authentic-careers.com/?p=1501) #CareerTips #JobInterview #InterviewPrep #CareerCoach #AuthenticCareerDesign #Podcast #JobSearch #InterviewSkills #ProfessionalGrowth

6. 

   22 Jun 2024

   Step Eight: Maximizing Career Events for Job Seekers

   🌟 Podcast/YouTube Episode: Maximizing Career Events for Job Seekers 🌟 Attending career events can be transformative for job seekers. In this Authentic Career + Life Design episode (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/06/21/career-events/), Laura explores the benefits of career fairs, networking events, company info sessions, workshops, hackathons, job simulations, and more. Discover how to network, gain valuable insights, and impress potential employers. Learn about tools like Forage and get tips on finding and making the most of career events to engage with your dream employers and elevate your career prospects. Don't miss this chance to take your job search to new heights! 🚀 #CareerEvents #JobSearch #Networking #CareerAdvice

7. 

   27 May 2024

   Step Seven Apply Strategically with a Targeted Job Search

   🚀 Frustrated with your job search? Applied to hundreds of positions with no response? It’s time to switch gears and apply strategically! In our latest blog post on Authentic Career + Life Design, (https://authentic-careers.com/blog-posts/) we dive into Step Seven of our Mastering Your Job Search series: Apply Strategically with a Targeted Job Search. Learn how to tailor your applications to align with your skills and career goals, boosting your chances of landing interviews and job offers. Check it out now and start making each application count! 💼✨#JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ResumeTips #CareerGoals #AuthenticCareerDesign #JobHunt #ProfessionalGrowth

8. 

   6 May 2024

   Step Six: Strategies for Finding Job Openings

   Step Six: Strategies for Finding Job Openings Join us for the latest episode and blog post of our series "Mastering Your Job Search in Ten Essential Steps (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/03/16/master-your-job-search-10-essential-steps/)"! In this installment, we're diving into Strategies for Finding Job Openings. Gone are the days of scanning ads; but now, with countless online job search sites, how do you narrow down your search? We'll explore utilizing multiple platforms to broaden your scope and increase your chances of finding the perfect opportunity. Plus, we'll share industry-specific resources and tips for uncovering hidden job openings. BONUS WORKSHEET (https://authenticareers.files.wordpress.com/2024/05/strategies-for-finding-job-openings-worksheet.pdf) Ready to level up your job search game? Tune in now! #JobSearch #CareerAdvice facebook.com/authenticcareers (https://facebook.com/authenticcareers) youtube.com/@authentic-careers (https://www.youtube.com/@authentic-careers) laura@authentic-careers.com (https://authentic-careers.com) pinterest.com/authenticcareers (https://www.pinterest.com/authenticcareers/) authentic-careers.com (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/05/05/finding-job-openings/)

9. 

   24 Apr 2024

   Step Five: The Power of Expert Guidance in Your Job Search Journey

   Join host Laura in this episode of Authentic Career + Life Design as she explores the game-changing benefits of seeking expert guidance in your job search journey. Discover how connecting with industry experts can provide invaluable insights, refine your materials, and expand your network. 📄BONUS WORKSHEET📄 (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/04/21/expert-guidance/) Don't miss out on expert tips to navigate your career path with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

10. 

    19 Apr 2024

    Step Four: Networking Effectively (deep dive)

    Welcome to another episode with Laura, your trusted career coach! Today, we're diving into a topic many find daunting: Networking. But fear not, we're not talking about awkward meet-and-greets. Instead, I'll guide you through authentic networking strategies that align with who you are. We'll spend time: Defining Expectations Crafting Your Elevator Pitch Covering Where To Network Navigating Career Conversations 🏆BONUS WORKSHEET🏆 I’ve provided a Networking Worksheet to help you prepare for authentic connections through networking. Download it at authentic-careers.com. (http://authentic-careers.com)Remember, networking isn't about collecting business cards—it's about cultivating meaningful relationships that propel your career. Tune in to learn how to network authentically and leverage connections to achieve your professional aspirations. Don't miss out on unlocking doors to new opportunities and forging genuine connections that matter. Hit play now and take your networking game to the next level!

11. 

    9 Apr 2024

    Step Three: Crafting Your Resume

    Fundamentally resumes have changed very little over the past several decades as the goal of showcasing skills and experiences in an easily readable format remains the same. There are, however, new tools being used to review and select resumes which makes the process of writing a resume much more advanced. In this post, we'll cover resume fundamentals and innovative methods for creating a resume that highlights your distinct qualifications and incorporates the keywords that employers are actively seeking. Resume Basics Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Leveraging Artificial Intelligence 🏆BONUS🏆WORKSHEET🏆 I’ve provided a Resume Writing worksheet to help you create a great resume. Download it at authentic-careers.com. (http://authentic-careers.com) Often writing or updating your resume is the first step people take when starting a job search. Though it is an important step be sure to visit the previous steps in Mastering Your Job Search in 10 Essential Steps. Step One: Define Your Path (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/03/22/step-one-define-your-path/) Step Two: Research Your Career Field (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/03/20/research-your-career-field/) Looking for individual assistance or just want someone else to write your resume? Contact Authentic Career + Life Design (https://authentic-careers.com/services/)for Career Coaching or the Resume Writing Package. authentic career + life design Laura Kestner-Ricketts, M.Ed. Authentic Career Coach laura@authentic-careers.com (https://authentic-careers.com) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@authentic-careers) Facebook (https://facebook.com/authenticcareers) Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/authenticcareers/)

12. 

    1 Apr 2024

    Master Your Job Search in 10 Essential Steps

    Feeling overwhelmed by the job search? Unsure where to start or how to stand out? You're not alone. Finding the right job can be daunting, but with the right approach, it's entirely achievable. In this video, I've compiled ten essential steps to help you navigate the job search process with confidence and success. As a career coach, I've helped countless individuals land their dream jobs by mastering these fundamental principles. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these steps will empower you to take control of your career and achieve your goals. Let's embark on mastering your job search journey together.

13. 

    1 Apr 2024

    Step Two: Research Career Fields

    In this episode we cover Researching Career Fields: why it's important, resources to use, and what to research. I've created a worksheet to help you organize your research.  Find it here (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/04/01/research-your-career-field-3/). Blog post on Research Your Career Field (https://authentic-careers.com/2024/04/01/research-your-career-field-3/) Ready to start your career + life design?  Contact Laura for a 15-minute free Discovery Call today. (https://authentic-careers.com/discovery-call/)

14. 

    28 Mar 2024

    Step One: Define Your Path (deep dive)

    Welcome to the first installment of our captivating ten-part series: Mastering Your Job Search in Ten Essential Steps! In Step One: Define Your Path, we delve into the critical process of setting the course for your career journey. Picture this: you're standing at the crossroads of opportunity, but where do you want to go? It all starts with a simple yet profound question: "What are you seeking in your next position?" Join me as we embark on a thoughtful exercise designed to define what you need in a career for it to be satisfying. We'll explore the depths of your interests, the heights of your skills, and the core of your values. Together, we'll unearth the essence of what truly drives you in your career. But we're not stopping there. Armed with this newfound clarity, I'll guide you through crafting a career goal that will set you apart in the competitive landscape of job hunting. Imagine having a beacon, illuminating your path with precision and purpose. So, buckle up and prepare to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Step One awaits, ready to ignite your passion and propel you towards your dream career. Let's redefine the way you approach your job search, one step at a time.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

175

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

48

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

0

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