Career Coaching

Interviewing is hard work. I tell my clients, “You can prepare for 1,000 questions – and you will get asked question 1,001 – the one for which you did not prepare.” Most of the hiring managers I have interviewed and spoken to about applicant interviews – they all tell me: “The applicants are not prepared, […]

“The words ‘job interview’. . .are a red flag.  Danger ahead.  Our instinctual brain causes us to react before we have analyzed the threat. Overthinking whips us into a state of constant anxiety and stress in the days leading up to . . . a job interview. . .” – upliftrecruitment.au, March 2025  In this […]

All things being equal, hiring decision-makers hire those candidates they come to know, like, and trust. This is a simple philosophical concept that is pretty much a constant throughout the hiring process. It comes down to, “Do I know you and like you well enough to trust that you can perform as expected when hired?”  […]

If you’ve ever felt like the phrase “the job market is weird right now” is coming up in every client session (or career-related conversation), you’re not wrong.  It is weird. It’s been weird. And it’s probably going to stay weird for a while. But here’s the million-dollar question: can you explain why the market feels […]

Most job seekers believe they must post résumés on job boards to find a job. While job boards may be a good tool, they are not the be-all and end-all of a job search strategy. As a former internal recruiter/employment specialist for a major aerospace corporation, this is how I recruited new employees: First, I […]

There are 6,532 potential clients who need your help the most.  That’s your share of the 19,597,200 Americans who are either unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with their careers. And not a single one decided they would seek out a terrible job. I imagine they made their choices based on “research,” most likely using AI to […]

A Word about Successful Processes A successful process is a series of planned and repeatable steps that consistently achieve a desired outcome, while optimizing resources such as time, cost, and effort, while maintaining quality engagement. Whether it’s making a cup of coffee or seeking a job – successful processes lead to successful outcomes. Below is […]

It’s unavoidable. There is a never ending torrent of links that offer you yet another skill. Each one requires a major investment of your time and money. In this article, I’ll suggest a way you can choose the skill that will make you the most profit. Vendors market applications or certifications. But what they package […]

Skills for employees range from technical skills for a specific discipline like engineering, accounting, software development, law, international affairs, law enforcement, medicine, education/teaching, mechanics, plumbing, technology/cybersecurity, or nursing; leadership skills, include team building, negotiating, navigating constantly evolving work environments, driving results, resolving conflict, public speaking, and leading change; management skills, include project, program, or organizational […]

When my clients are engaged in a career transition, they often tell me they are scared, nervous, and uncertain. Some express excitement and anticipation. I ask my clients, “What is the worst thing that can happen?” The employment market has become unhinged in the past couple of weeks. Scores of federal employees are resigning, being […]

As Executive Director of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC), I understand the critical role career services professionals play in supporting individuals navigating career transitions. With the current shifts in the federal workforce, your expertise and guidance are more vital than ever. This blog post is designed to equip you with […]

If you need more proof that most people don’t understand what a brand is and how to use it, consider LinkedIn. Originally, LinkedIn offered a very powerful brand. They promised its members an efficient and effective way to use genuine networking to move their careers forward. For the first time job seekers could reach out […]