The First Step to Finding a Job That Makes You Happy, with Aoife O’Brien

Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing your Career, and Loving Your Job

Mac Prichard

Careers, Business

4.8 • 630 Ratings

🗓️ 6 August 2025

⏱️ 26 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Check out the podcast on Macslist here: (https://www.macslist.org/?post_type=podcasts&p=16242&preview=true) A successful job search starts with self-knowledge, not sending out applications. According to Find Your Dream Job guest Aoife O’Brien, many job seekers make the mistake of jumping into similar roles after feeling unhappy at work, only to land in the same situation again. Aoife’s "Know, Show, Grow" framework encourages starting with three core pillars: values – what truly matters to you beyond a paycheck; needs – what keeps you motivated day to day; strengths – what energizes you and comes naturally. Without this foundation, you risk repeating the cycle of unfulfilling jobs. Aoife also recommends showing your value by tying your strengths to real business outcomes from past roles. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on opportunities that align with your authentic self, and submit fewer, better applications. About Our Guest: Aoife O'Brien is the founder of Happier at Work. Resources in This Episode: Visit her website at happieratwork.ie Connect with Aoife on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Because I run a job board, I talk to applicants almost every day.
0:04.0	And many of the people I meet make the same mistake.
0:07.0	They have no clear job search goals.
0:10.0	So they apply everywhere, every day, all day long.
0:15.0	You might think it's smart to send lots of applications.
0:18.0	After all, it's a numbers game, right? It's not. The more you narrow your
0:23.2	search, the easier everything gets, and the happier you'll be in your next job. Stop chasing every
0:29.5	lead. Instead, focus on what you really want. Now, figuring out your goals can be hard, but we have
0:35.8	a MaxList resource that can help.
0:38.3	Finding focus in your job search.
0:40.6	Go to MaxList.org slash Focus.
0:43.2	Our free step-by-step MaxList Guide will help you create your own job search goals.
0:49.1	Get your copy today.
0:50.8	Visit maxlist.org slash focus again.
0:54.6	That's maxlis.org slash focus.
0:57.0	This is find your dream job.
1:15.3	The podcast helps you get hired, have the career you want, and make a difference in life.
1:24.2	I'm your host, Mack Pritchard. I'm also the founder of Max Lest. It's a job board in the Pacific Northwest that helps you find a fulfilling career.
1:29.7	Every Wednesday, I talk to a different expert about the tools you need to get the work you want.
1:38.0	Many people begin a job search by sitting down at a computer, finding open positions, and sending out applications.
1:44.1	Our guest today says the most successful candidates do something different when they start to look for work.
1:50.0	Evo O'Brien is here to talk about the first step to finding a job that makes you happy.
	...

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