The Future is Hired!

Exciting News & A Short Hiatus!

Hey parents and job seekers! I’m taking a short break from The Future is Hired—but for a very good reason! I’m pouring all my energy into finishing my digital course designed to help first-time job seekers land a job ASAP.
This course will be packed with step-by-step modules, covering everything your Gen Z kid needs to stand out, get noticed, and get hired—all in a self-paced format that works for their busy schedule.
I can’t wait to share this with you when it launches! In the meantime, stay tuned, because when I come back, I’ll have even more strategies, tips, and insider knowledge to set your kids up for success. 🚀💼
Make sure to follow the show so you don’t miss the big launch! 🎉
Show ideas/questions: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com

The Simple Resume & Interview Hacks That Make Employers Say YES

Graduation is coming fast—are you ready to land your first job? In this episode, I’m sharing essential interview tips to help college students and recent grads stand out, impress hiring managers, and secure job offers.
✅ The #1 Resume Mistake That Could Keep You From Getting Hired✅ How to Follow Up After Applying (With an Email Template That Works)✅ Interview Confidence Hacks – What to Say When They First See You✅ How to Handle Tough Questions Without Sounding Unprepared✅ Should You List Hobbies on Your Resume? (Only If They Do This)
💡 Whether you’re applying for entry-level jobs, prepping for your first interview, or wondering how to follow up the right way, this episode has everything you need to stand out and get hired.
Show questions/comments: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
 

Kismet: A Networking Miracle & the Six Degrees of Separation

The phrase “It’s who you know” has never been more true. In this episode, I share a powerful real-life networking story that spans continents, military branches, and unexpected connections. While attending an Air Force ball in Germany, I met a renowned Air Force general who generously offered my brother a letter of recommendation for Officer Training School (OTS). But because of the military chain of command, my brother had no way to follow up.
Months later, back home in California, I crossed paths with a retired Marine Corps LtCol. By sheer coincidence, he knew the general—and without hesitation, he reached out to secure the promised recommendation. Just like that, a once-impossible opportunity became reality.
This episode is a testament to the power of networking, mentorship, and how the right connections can open doors in the most unexpected ways. Whether you're navigating job applications, career paths, or simply love a great story about fate and opportunity, this one’s for you!
Show questions/ideas: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
 

How Grit and Perseverance Led to the Best Desk Chair at 30,000 Feet

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with my brother, Jeremy, a U.S. Air Force pilot whose career path is anything but conventional. Jeremy graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in Math but quickly realized that the traditional 9-to-5 desk job wasn’t for him. Instead, he chose to pursue one of the most respected and competitive careers out there—becoming a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
We dive into his unique journey, discussing the challenges he faced along the way, the grit and perseverance it took to pivot into aviation, and how he managed to carve his own path despite not following the typical career trajectory. Jeremy’s story is a powerful reminder that career success doesn’t always follow a straight line—and sometimes, it’s the twists and turns that make the ride worth it.
Tune in to hear about his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and what it really takes to pursue your passion, even when the path is uncertain.
Show ideas or questions: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
 

The Job Hunt Trap: Missed Emails & The Big Brand Obsession

Are you missing out on life-changing opportunities just because you’re not checking your emails? In this episode, I share a personal story about how a simple habit—ignoring emails—can cost you big time. Plus, I dive into why limiting your job and internship search to big-name companies like SpaceX, Netflix, Google, and Apple is a mistake. Smaller companies often provide more opportunities for growth, easier access to decision-makers, and a stronger nurturing process on LinkedIn. Tune in to learn how to expand your job search strategy and avoid costly mistakes!
Show ideas or questions? I'd love to hear from you!: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
FREE TEMPLATE RESOURCE: https://ultimate-resume-academy.kit.com/1008573c02
 

What College Didn’t Teach Me About Getting Hired—Alexis’ Story

Landing a job after college isn’t as easy as it sounds—just ask Alexis. In this episode, recent graduate Alexis shares her candid journey of navigating the post-college job hunt, the mistakes she made, and what she wished she had done differently while still in school. From a resume that didn’t sell her skills to feeling completely unprepared for the hiring process, Alexis learned the hard way what it really takes to stand out to employers.
Her story takes an unexpected turn when she lands a role at UPS—her dream company—only to be laid off just after completing training at the top of her class. But instead of giving up, Alexis kept pushing forward, learning from her setbacks and refining her job search strategy. Her determination paid off—she landed an incredible position at a company known for hiring new graduates and investing in their success.
Tune in as we break down the realities of the job search, what colleges don’t teach you about getting hired, and the lessons Alexis wants every new graduate to hear.
👉 If you're a college student, recent grad, or parent, this episode is packed with must-know job search tips to avoid the same pitfalls—and come out on top.
Show ideas or questions? I'd love to hear from you!: debra@firsttherebestdressed
FREE TEMPLATE RESOURCE: https://ultimate-resume-academy.kit.com/1008573c02
 
 

Interviews Are Auditions—Here’s How Gen Z Can Land the Job

New job seekers may unknowingly sabotage their own success in interviews. In this episode, I break down the biggest interview mistakes recruiters see—from “winging it” without research to showing up in bathrobes or even taking interviews from bed. I’ll discuss why these habits turn off hiring managers, how Gen Z's workplace expectations might be hurting their chances, and what they can do instead to stand out. Learn practical tips on how to ace your next interview: do your research, dress the part, clean up your social media, and understand the importance of paying your dues. Tune in to get actionable advice to help your Gen Z kids stand out in their job search.
Questions or comments: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
Link to Article: https://www.businessinsider.com/recruiter-explains-interview-habits-holding-gen-z-back-2024-7
 

The Dos and Don’ts of Resume Writing for College Students

Think your resume is polished and ready to go? Think again! In this episode, I'm breaking down common resume mistakes that could be costing you interviews—and how to fix them.
Here’s what we cover:✅ Why you should never use your school email on a professional resume✅ How to correctly list your degree (Hint: "Bachelor of the Arts" isn’t a thing!)✅ Why attention to detail matters—and how simple formatting mistakes send the wrong message✅ The right way to use AI for resume writing (and where it often goes wrong)✅ How to rewrite weak job descriptions to sound more impactful and results-driven✅ A big no-no: Why you shouldn’t list references or name-drop specific people on your resume
If you're applying for internships or full-time jobs, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to avoid these mistakes and make sure your resume stands out for all the right reasons!
Free New Job Seeker Starter Kit: https://ultimate-resume-academy.kit.com/60ec30f9a4
Questions or comments: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
 

PERSISTENCE isn’t annoying—it’s PROFESSIONAL

In this episode of The Future is Hired, we’re diving into the power of persistence and how it can make or break your job search. Think following up is “too annoying”? Think again! I’ll walk you through why follow-up and follow-through are the secret weapons to standing out as a candidate.
You’ll learn:
How to write a professional follow-up email that gets noticed.
Insider tips for finding the hiring manager on LinkedIn.
Why persistence shows employers you're the right fit for the job.
Real-world examples of how consistent follow-up led to job offers.
Whether you're a first-time job seeker or helping your Gen Z kids land their first role, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you master the art of persistence and land that dream job.
Tune in to The Future is Hired and discover how to confidently follow up without worrying about being “too much.”
Show ideas or questions? I'd love to hear from you!: debra@firsttherebestdressed
FREE TEMPLATE RESOURCE: https://ultimate-resume-academy.kit.com/1008573c02
 

Getting to Know Professors: The Advice Your Kid Will Ignore... Until It Works

Did you know that building relationships with the right professors can completely change your college student’s future? In this episode, I dive into why engaging with professors isn’t just about improving grades—it’s about opening doors to internships, job opportunities, career advice, and standout letters of recommendation.
This topic comes from a question sent in by a fellow parent wondering how to convince her daughter to make those connections. Whether your student is aiming for better grades, career clarity, or a professional network, I’ll explain why this simple (but often overlooked) strategy is so impactful.
🎓 Tune in for actionable advice, real-world examples, and the incentive your student might need to start building these life-changing relationships today.
Show ideas or questions? I'd love to hear from you!: debra@firsttherebestdressed