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Forbes
13 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
10 Must-Listen Career Podcasts for Early Professionals
Host uses microphone and headphones in recording studio Sometimes it seems like everyone has a podcast. However, some are much more valuable than others, especially for early-career professionals. When taking the first steps in your career, building knowledge, gaining skills and finding the right opportunities are indispensable. Podcasts are an excellent resource for just that. The best professional podcasts don't just give career advice; they can help early-career professionals implement skills into their own lives. While there are new podcasts every day, this list looks mainly at highly established podcasts with impressive catalogs that have helped their listeners in the business world. Ranking a list like this isn't easy (especially since many of them have been running for years); however, quality and how useful they are have been taken into consideration. Top Podcasts For Early-Career Professionals Not every podcast is for everyone, but these podcasts are perfect for recent grads, those trying to break into a new field or early-career professionals generally. NPR has a couple of wonderful business podcasts; however, Planet Money is arguably the best. Planet Money won't teach early career professionals specific business skills like other podcasts on this list, but understanding the current economy and money more generally is essential for anyone trying to make it in business. The podcast has several current hosts including Amanda Aronczyk, Erika Beras, Mary Childs, Nick Fountain, Sarah Gonzalez, Jeff Guo, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi and Kenny Malone. The show covers economic news and related topics. It is a great podcast for understanding how the economy functions and big picture ideas. There are also several spin-off shows that can teach listeners about investing and economic history. Here's where you can listen to Planet Money. The EntreLeadership Podcast feels like a classic choice. Hosted by longtime business commentator and CEO Dave Ramsey, it features Ramsey explaining topics and answering call-in questions. The podcast covers many job coaching topics, especially for employers and business owners. This might not sound immediately helpful for early career professionals; however, if you are trying to understand why your boss thinks something or why a manager acts the way they do, this podcast might be specifically helpful. Moreover, for professionals hoping to take on leadership positions down the line, this podcast has some great management tips. Some of the advice can feel a little stodgy, but understanding CEOs can help you in your career (even if you might not always agree with them.) Here's where you can listen to The EntreLeadership Podcast. Emilie Aries's Bossed Up is specifically aimed at women. However, it can be really helpful for anyone who is thinking about changing careers or taking leadership roles in their companies and is interested in feminism. With over 500 episodes, Aries brings on guests who discuss everything from burnout to imposter syndrome. The podcast looks at business through a feminist lens and specifically discusses issues like maternity leave, sexism and gender roles in business. One of the best parts of the podcast is that it takes questions from listeners and explores real-world scenarios and topics. It is a must-listen for women who are trying to find their space in the professional world. Here's where you can listen to Bossed Up. Hosts Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller believe in the power of work-life balance, and their podcast The Double Win isn't just about career success; it is about crafting an impressive personal and professional life. Caring about one's personal life and well-being in one's early career can be hard, but this podcast tries to make it easier with great interviews and expert advice. The podcast is great for anyone who wants to build healthy and productive habits early on in their careers. It is especially good for self-coaching and goal setting. Here's where you can listen to The Double Win. From iHeart Radio, Brown Ambition is a podcast all about tackling the job market and building wealth from a POC perspective. Hosted by Mandi Money, the podcast specifically seeks to help women of color in their professional careers. The three-time Webby Award-winning podcast brings on guests to talk about all things money and intersectionality. It is a great resource that is very listenable and covers important topics about money, investing and jobs. The podcast features great interviews and helpful Q&As, and with almost 800 episodes, it has covered a lot of ground. Here's where you can listen to Brown Ambition. Career Tools is a bit dry. However, it has a lot going for it. While it has gone through several hosts and maintains a bit of a rotating stable, each episode succinctly discusses a specific topic that can directly help early career professionals. They take on topics like 'How to Join a Professional Organization," 'Saying no to a delegation,' and 'What goes into a career development plan?' The strength of the Career Tools podcast is how specific its episodes are. With almost 1000 episodes, if you have a question, they likely have a podcast answering it. The podcast is presented by Manager Tools (which produces several podcasts), but the Career Tools podcast is easily the best for those just starting their careers or looking for their first advancements. Career Tools won the Podcast Awards Best Business podcast in 2010 and has been nominated many other times. Here's where you can listen to Career Tools. Hosted by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart is all about communication skills. While it is only one skill early-career professionals need to master, it is an essential one. This podcast goes into the details about strategic communication, presentation and interpersonal skills through a business lens. Abrahams brings on expert guests (often professors) to speak about specific communication topics and techniques. It is a deep and fairly intellectual podcast, but one that is committed to its premise and teaching. Most people are not as good at communication as they think they are, and mastering these skills can help anyone looking to enhance their career. Here is where you can listen to Think Fast Talk Smart. The Tim Ferriss Show is a hugely influential podcast in the genre. The titular host and bestselling author brings on an eclectic mix of guests and interviews them about their impressive (and often off-beat) careers. The podcast also examines the tricks and tools that lead to their success. It is a highly entertaining show that is a fixture on business podcast lists. With over 800 episodes (it has been running for over ten years), the show has covered a lot of ground. Its strength comes from interesting interviews. If you have ever wondered how CEOs got their start or how to make it to the top of the chess world, this podcast is a great listen. Ferris is a strong interviewer, and at the very least, this podcast will likely inspire early-career professionals. Here's where you can listen to The Tim Ferriss Show. Usually just called Mac Prichard's Find Your Dream Job, this podcast is excellent for early career professionals who are still trying to figure it out. Prichard brings on guests to talk about navigating the job market and finding purposeful careers. The podcast prioritizes talking about work that matters and is full of empathy and inspiration. This makes this podcast especially good for early career professionals who hope to make a difference through their work. Sometimes job podcasts can feel a little soulless, but Find Your Dream Job is anything but. From advice on finding the right job to career myths to tips for internal job searches, there is a lot to love about their over 600 episodes. Here's where you can listen to Find Your Dream Job. With seven seasons of content, Work Life is a prolific podcast. The host, Adam Grant, is an organizational psychologist who interviews exciting guests about unique jobs, how to scientifically make work 'not suck,' dealing with frustration and the power of criticism. For those who struggle with issues like procrastination, taking feedback or communication, episodes can teach early professionals life and work skills. Grant brings on many different types of guests and researchs topics outside their discussions. The episodes are filled with great takeaways for early-career professionals. This podcast is wonderfully introspective and looks at the culture around work in really insightful ways. Here's where you can listen to Work Life. Bottom Line When starting your professional career, advice, knowledge and some coaching can make all the difference. These podcasts are a great resource for those looking to make the right first steps to supercharge their careers.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
10 Job Posting Red Flags And What These Phrases Really Mean
Spot job posting red flags before you apply by learning which phrases signal a role isn't the right ... More fit. Job searching can feel like a grueling full-time job. With hundreds of applications often leading to just a handful of interviews, job seekers are becoming more selective about where they invest their time and energy. According to a recent Adobe Acrobat survey, job seekers on average spend only 30 minutes per application, making it essential to quickly spot which opportunities are worth pursuing. From missing salary ranges to cringeworthy phrases like 'customer-obsessed,' even small details in a job posting can be dealbreakers. If you're ready to take a more strategic approach to your job search, here are the top 10 job posting red flags, along with reasons why each word or phrase could be a sign to move on. 1. 'Customer-Obsessed' (33%) Companies touting their 'customer-obsessed' mindset often see it as a badge of dedication. But for job seekers, this phrase raises questions about the expectations for employee availability and boundaries. It can signal a company culture that prioritizes customer demands above employee well-being, leading to burnout and poor work-life balance. When a company openly prioritizes customers over employees, it may expect staff to be available after hours, work overtime without compensation or put client satisfaction above everything else, including your own needs. 2. 'Wear Many Hats' (33%) If a job posting says you'll 'wear many hats,' it typically means you'll be juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. While some flexibility can be a plus, this often translates to a lack of support or clear priorities. You may end up taking on extra work without extra pay or recognition, and expectations can quickly become unmanageable. This language is also a sign that the company may not have invested in clear job descriptions, structure or proper staffing, potentially stretching employees thin and leaving little time for career growth or advancement. 3. 'Rockstar' (32%) Job postings calling for a 'rockstar' can sound fun, but they often lack substance. These buzzwords may focus more on personality than on real qualifications or skills. It can indicate a company culture that values style over substance or expects constant high performance without offering corresponding support. Often, the search for a 'rockstar' signals a high-pressure environment where individual achievement is valued over teamwork, and where recognition for hard work might be minimal or inconsistent. 4. 'High Sense Of Urgency' (29%) A 'high sense of urgency' suggests a workplace that is always in overdrive. Some may see this as energetic, but it often means persistent stress and pressure. This could indicate poor planning, constant fire drills and little regard for employee bandwidth. Workplaces that operate with a continual sense of urgency often struggle with unrealistic deadlines and a lack of long-term planning, which can leave employees feeling exhausted and undervalued. 5. 'Fast-Paced Environment' (25%) Many roles are naturally busy, but describing the workplace as 'fast paced' can sometimes be code for chaos. This phrase is frequently used to cover up high turnover or staffing shortages. You could find yourself overwhelmed with responsibilities and expectations to keep up without proper support. Job seekers should be wary of roles that highlight pace without addressing how the company invests in training, resources or team collaboration. 6. 'High-Energy' (24%) If a job ad says the company is looking for 'high-energy' candidates, take note. This term is vague and can hint at an unsustainable pace or lack of boundaries. It may reflect an expectation for relentless enthusiasm, regardless of workload or resources. Employers who seek 'high-energy' employees may expect you to constantly 'go the extra mile,' often at the expense of your own well-being or outside commitments. 7. 'Works Well With Ambiguity' (21%) Flexibility is valuable, but 'works well with ambiguity' is sometimes used as a catch-all. It can suggest you'll be navigating shifting priorities without much direction. You may face a lack of clarity, structure or support, making it hard to succeed or grow in the role. Without clear goals, direction or leadership, employees can become frustrated, disengaged or struggle to achieve meaningful results. 8. 'Family' (20%) Describing the workplace as a 'family' can sound inviting, but it blurs the line between professional and personal life. Some companies use this term to encourage extra effort without extra compensation. It may lead to unrealistic expectations for loyalty, overtime or emotional labor. In these environments, boundaries can be unclear, and employees may feel pressure to 'pitch in' outside their job description, often with little regard for work-life balance. 9. 'Entrepreneurial Spirit' (18%) While entrepreneurial qualities are great in many roles, this phrase can sometimes mask a lack of structure or support. You may be expected to do more with less. It often means limited guidance or resources and an expectation to "figure it out" on your own. This can be rewarding for self-starters but frequently leads to burnout or frustration if resources are stretched thin and priorities are unclear. 10. 'No Task Too Small' (16%) This phrase suggests that everyone, regardless of seniority, is expected to pitch in on basic tasks. While teamwork is important, this can be a red flag for a lack of boundaries or defined roles. You could be asked to take on menial tasks outside your job description, with little room to focus on career growth. Without clear role definitions, it's easy to get stuck doing work that doesn't match your skill set or move your career forward. How to Handle Multiple Job Posting Red Flags If you notice more than one of these red flags in a single job posting, it's worth pausing before you apply. While no workplace is perfect, a combination of these phrases may be a sign of deeper issues with company culture, transparency or resource allocation. Trust your instincts and look for opportunities where expectations, boundaries and values are clearly communicated. Don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions during the job interview, or to move on if something doesn't feel right. Successfully Navigating Job Postings Recognizing warning signs early empowers you to steer clear of jobs that could derail your career growth or drain your motivation. Prioritize job postings that offer clear expectations and values aligned with your own. When you're selective and intentional in your job search, you're far more likely to find a job that fits your values and leaves you feeling fulfilled, not frustrated.
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
From ‘Tell me about yourself' to ‘What's your salary expectation?' — How to answer tough job interview questions (what to say and not to say)
SINGAPORE: If you've ever broken into a cold sweat when an interviewer asks, 'Tell me about yourself,' you're not alone. According to career coach Chee Sze-Yen, those classic job interview questions—so seemingly simple—are often where candidates trip up the hardest. In a recent episode of Money Mind by CNA Insider , presenter Andrea Heng put herself in the hot seat for a mock interview with Yen, who is the executive director of Career Agility . The goal is to demystify those awkward moments that often make or break a hiring decision, and help job seekers prepare smarter, instead of harder. Let's break down the interview minefield and see what the career coach says is actually the right way to answer. 1. 'Tell me about yourself' — and don't just read out your résumé You might think this is the time to share your life story, but Yen says no one's here for your memoirs. 'The thing about the introduction question is that it rarely ever comes across as 'So tell me about yourself,'' Yen explained. 'It could be 'Walk me through your background,' or 'Tell me something that's not on the resume,' or even 'Why are you here?'' Photo: YT/cnainsider Andrea's original answer was, 'I've been mostly in the media scene… I enjoyed talking to people, telling stories, getting stories out of people.' It's not a bad answer, but it still falls short of the mark. Yen's advice is to lead with clarity and relevance, such as: 'I've done a lot of A, I've worked on B, and I've always had a strong affinity for C, which draws me to this role.' This instantly communicates enthusiasm for this role—not just your general background—and tells the hiring manager you're not just here to chat, you're here because you want the job. See also S'poreans simping over Adrian Pang, dubbed him SG's Johnny Depp 2. 'What are your strengths?' — Brag smartly, not vaguely When asked about your strengths, don't just say you're a 'people person' or 'detail-oriented.' Tie it back to what the job needs. Andrea gave a heartfelt answer about being good at putting people at ease, which earned a smile, but again, it still didn't seal the deal. Photo: YT/cnainsider 'I was looking for commercial impact,' Yen said bluntly. 'Your story was great, but how does that add major value to this role?' Pro tip: Add context. How did your strength help a past employer grow, succeed, or save money? Paint a picture that the hiring manager wants to hang on their wall. 3. 'What are your weaknesses?' — It's not confession time This one stings. Andrea admitted, 'I think I need to work perhaps on time management because I juggle so many things. It sometimes tends to feel overwhelmed.' Yen's reaction? Immediate concern. Uh-oh. 'If I'm a hiring manager looking to hire you, and you bring with you time management issues… that's risky,' she explained. Photo: YT/cnainsider In this case, Yen advises framing it as an area you're already improving. For example, you can try this instead: 'I'm working on improving how I manage my workflow and time, especially when juggling multiple projects. I've started using tools like Trello to structure my day more effectively.' Remember, you're not flawed—you're growing. As Yen says, all of us are 'work in progress'. So, a quick tip is not to declare something as a weakness, but rather to focus on it as an area for improvement. This means identifying something you're looking to work on to improve — in other words, you're acknowledging that you're already good at it, but it could be even better, and that there's always room for improvement and growth. 4. 'What is your expected salary?' — Know your worth without sounding desperate When asked about her expected pay, Andrea gave a tentative '20% more' than her current salary—but with the kind of hesitation that makes a recruiter smell blood. 'Many people negotiate with themselves,' Yen noted. 'The interviewer sees that and thinks: Maybe I can [lowball] play around with that figure a little bit and not give them as much as I might want to.' Photo: YT/cnainsider Instead of underselling yourself, focus on value. Yen suggests connecting your worth to business outcomes: For example, you can say: 'Well… because of the amount of revenue I'm going to help you bring in,' or 'the number of eyeballs I can help your organisation get,' or 'the increase in the reputation of the organization,' I'm confident that with my experience and the impact I bring, I would be worth around S$X, considering the revenue and visibility I can help generate. So here, you're not just asking—you're also giving more sense to it. 5. 'Why is there a career gap in your resume?' — Don't get defensive—just own the gap and glow Career breaks happen. But how you talk about them matters. Photo: YT/cnainsider There's no need to spiral into despair or get into a defensive explanation, Yen cautioned. Instead, showcase what you did during that time, such as volunteering, freelancing, or upskilling. 'Anything that adds value to who you are today,' Yen added. In short: Show you kept moving forward, even if not on a payroll. What not to ask in round one of your job interview If you think you're being smart asking about work-life balance or whether you can work remotely, Yen says—hold that thought. 'These are pertinent, but certainly not appropriate during the first-round interview, especially with your hiring manager,' she warned. Instead, save such questions for HR or the recruiter in later rounds. Right now, focus on proving why you're the one they need in the room. Job interviews are not about perfection Job interviews aren't just about having the 'right answers.' They're about telling your story in a way that connects you to them. It's not about perfection—it's about relevance, impact, and confidence. And if you forget everything else? Just remember what Yen said: 'We're all a work in progress.' Watch Andrea Heng's full mock interview with career coach Chee Sze-Yen on CNA Insider's Money Mind episode below and learn how to turn tricky interview questions into your best moments… because the best answers come with practice, and a little coaching goes a long way. In other news, a job seeker endured five gruelling months of a job interview process, document submissions, and hopeful anticipation. The HR department even dangled an indicative job offer in front of him. And when the job seeker thought he had finally reached the career finish line, all of a sudden, HR decided to pull the rug out from under him — the offer was suddenly withdrawn. Read his full story over here: 'Why did HR withdraw my job offer after 'indicating' I got the job?' — Jobseeker asks after being put through 5 months of job interview process
Independent Singapore
4 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘I can't even get an interview': Fresh grad turns to Reddit after 4 months of job hunting
SINGAPORE: After months of tirelessly sending out job applications and hearing nothing back, a fresh biomedical science graduate is now asking the internet what more she can do. Posting on Reddit's r/askSingapore forum on Wednesday (July 16), the graduate, who completed her degree at a private university after doing a diploma in the same field at Republic Polytechnic, shared that it has been four months since she started job hunting, but she has yet to receive a single interview. 'All my friends already managed to get a job, but I can't seem to even get an interview,' she shared. 'I only have a small group of uni friends, but compared to them, I have previous experience in this field as I started working after my diploma.' She added that she's already updated her resume and carefully personalises each cover letter, but despite all the effort, she still hasn't gotten a single reply. 'Honestly, this is getting really tiring because I have been applying every single day on almost all platforms,' she wrote. 'I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.' She ended her post by asking if anyone had any tips or suggestions that might help her get her foot in the door. 'If you are not getting interview, then it's your CV.' Fellow Redditors responded with a range of practical suggestions. Some recommended reaching out to friends and asking them to 'pass her resume to their company's HR departments,' noting that even securing an interview for practice could be beneficial. Others encouraged her to reconnect with 'former colleagues or employers' from her previous work experiences in the field. A number of users also suggested contacting hiring managers or HR professionals directly via LinkedIn with a sincere and tailored message, as this approach has proven effective for many. A few commenters also speculated that the issue could lie with her resume. One user bluntly stated, 'If you are not getting interviews, then it's your CV.' Another added, 'Resume has to be neat, readable. No small fonts and fanciful colours all over the place. And please don't include your NRIC (Only saying this because I've seen so many people doing it.)' 'It is also a numbers game. As ridiculous as it is, it is also luck. If there's way too many candidates, they will skip a few depending on the soft skills, etc needed.' In other news, a diner took to social media to vent his frustration after being charged $5 for a simple bowl of lontong at Bishan Interchange Food Centre. In a post on the 'Complaint Singapore' Facebook page on Tuesday (July 16), the man shared that his breakfast, which was listed at S$3, ended up costing S$5 after a piece of begedil was added to the dish. Read more: Diner upset his lontong meal cost S$5 after adding begedil, but netizens say it's still 'cheap' Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary warns against EVER doing this job: 'Slow drift into hell'
Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary warned top business school graduates that spending more than two years in management consulting will render them 'tainted meat' and 'unemployable for life.' The multimillionaire investor condemned the traditional post-MBA consulting track - long considered a golden ticket for graduates of Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton - and even suggested it was a professional death sentence. The Canadian entrepreneur, who now teaches at Harvard Business School, said he's battling to steer his students away from what he called a lucrative but soul-crushing trap. 'Look, if you want to drift into hell on Earth, stay 24 months in a consulting firm and you are tainted meat for the rest of your life,' O'Leary said to Fortune. 'No one's going to hire you to make a decision because you never have made one.' The remarks have sparked debate in elite academic and corporate circles, as O'Leary doubled down on his view that students choosing six-figure consulting jobs are dooming themselves to mediocrity, irrelevance - and ultimately, a lifetime working for someone else. O'Leary's remarks were made in his capacity as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School and come at a time when two-thirds of his MBA students reportedly raise their hands when asked if they're headed into consulting. The executive and former software magnate said he has made it his mission to intervene. 'What I try and do is disrupt a few of them in every class,' he said. 'If I can get four of you to abandon your drift into mediocrity, then I've done a great job here.' O'Leary, who built his fortune through the $4.2 billion sale of SoftKey Software Products, now teaches a course titled The Founder Mindset. But instead of nurturing a generation of risk-takers, he says he's watching a generation settle for safe salaries and predictable promotions. 'They haven't done anything,' O'Leary said of junior consultants. 'They just wrote reports. Didn't matter. 'I always take those résumés of consultants that want to get into the real world, and throw them in the garbage,' he said bluntly. O'Leary does not deny that top consulting jobs offer enviable perks: $250,000 to $350,000 starting salaries, first-class travel, and prestige among peers. But he says there can be a permanent cost to taking such a job. 'If you're there for more than 24 months, you get the virus,' he warned. 'Your résumé says you were someone of no consequence. 'Why would anybody burn all those hours while someone else makes money, and you do nothing of consequence?' he asked. 'I respect all the consulting firms that are out there, but I'm going to do my best to keep people from going into that,' O'Leary said. 'You can go to the soccer games, go to picnics. You can do whatever, and it's a great life,' he said. 'You can provide for a family. But you'll never be free. You'll never be financially free.' O'Leary says freedom doesn't come from a paycheck but from ownership and risk. At Harvard Consulting has long been viewed as the fast track to executive leadership. Harvard MBAs have gone on to lead corporations, run hedge funds, and shape economic policy, but O'Leary says many are still wasting their potential and he is having to battle decades of tradition. He also warns that the entrepreneurial path is not the easy one with long 100-hour weeks, but he insists the pain is worth the prize. 'Entrepreneurship may mean no vacations, sharing an apartment with five roommates, and grinding for years, but once you make it, you can call your own shots' he said.
