Ep. 060: How to Manage the New World of Reference Checking, with Ray Bixler

The “glass ceiling” is a concept that a woman who tries to progress in her career may only reach a mid-level position, says guest expert Elisa Doucette. The phrase, “glass ceiling,” denotes that a woman is able to see men, through a pane of glass, in positions above her own, but she is not able to break the glass, to reach a higher level in the organization. Elisa says corporations have adopted a set of values towards women (or men) who are not willing to put aside their career or personal values and sell their souls, to make money. And although the concept has evolved since the 1970’s, the glass ceiling still exists -- just in a modified form.

Elisa says corporations have adopted a set of values towards women (or men) who are not willing to put aside their career or personal values and sell their souls, to make money. And although the concept has evolved since the 1970’s, the glass ceiling still exists -- just in a modified form.

Women need to understand the paradigm and know that corporations aren’t out to get them just because they are a woman. A woman needs to understand what motivates her employer and use actions -- not just words -- to show her value.

If a woman can show how she will impact the company’s bottom line, she can start owning her own trajectory within the organization.

Three tips women can use to show their employer how amazing they are:

1. Quantify your accomplishments with hard numbers, to show the value you bring to an organization.
2. Make sure your voice is heard, and be willing to defend your opinions.
3. Understand your priorities, both business and personal.

Move past “What can I do about it?” and start developing your iron will and thick skin!

Elisa Doucette Bio

Elisa Doucette is a freelance writer and editor. Her work has been featured in

The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Small Business, The Huffington Post, and Brazen Careerist. She runs the online editorial agency, Craft Your Content, and hosts the weekly podcast, Writers’ Rough Drafts. Elisa is also responsible for the syndicated column, Shattering Glass, on Forbes.com. She can be found on Twitter, @elisadoucette, and on Instagram, @elisa_doucette.

Ben’s Job Search Resources:

Ben’s resource this week is a list of 250 Flexible Jobs for 2016, which can be found at FlexJobs 250: Companies with the Most Flexible Jobs. A flexible work schedule can benefit any employee, but traditionally women tend to take more responsibility in caring for older relatives and children. Flexjobs can include telecommuting, part-time work, and freelance opportunities.

Jenna’s Find Your Dream Job Listener Question:

Ben, Jenna and Mac respond to Dan Reifenberger’s question, “How do I attract a company I want to work for if it isn’t currently hiring?”

If you would like the team to answer a job-related question, email it to [email protected], or call her at 716-JOB-TALK. If we use your question on the air, you will receive a copy of our new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere (to be published February 1, 2017). Or, if you’ve found a job resource you think everyone should know about, send it to [email protected], and tell him how it has helped you find your dream job.

Ben and Jenna’s segments are sponsored by the 2016 edition of Hack the Hidden Job Market Course. The course in now live, so sign up today!

If you like this show, please help us by rating and reviewing our podcast on iTunes. We appreciate your support!

Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.

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