These modules provide a learning continuum that builds the knowledge, skills, networks, resources, and materials you need to chart your career path. Each one-on-one session is one-hour, with a virtual or in-person option (in-person option available on Bainbridge Island only).
To ensure these sessions are as effective as possible, we do require a small amount of homework. If homework is not your “happy place,” no worries! Check out the “Help Getting it Done” options developed by my former clients.
Meeting 1: “Story” matters. What’s yours?
You’ll leave this meeting with a draft SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis that will be a key
ingredient in developing your career road map, and begin building your “story” or personal brand. This narrative will help focus your talking points and self-description during networking introductions and interviews. We’ll discuss your goals, job market/education history, what is and isn’t working, and review your current resume and cover letter.
Meeting 2: Discover your hidden assets
What are you just plain good at that’s unrelated to your current or former job? You’ll leave this meeting with a list of hidden assets, potential value-adds, and a draft resume we will continue to hone. We’ll do a deep dive into the strengths, talents, abilities and experience that will make you more marketable — and you probably didn’t know you have. We’ll discuss how to build more skills and certifications and how you weave these assets into your story.
Meeting 3: Building your network
The idea of networking can be terrifying to an introvert, but it is the single most effective way to find a job. We’ll cover the basics of finding and maintaining a professional network, expectations and social norms, informational interviews as network builders — and we’ll make sure you’re prepped. You’ll leave this meeting ready for your first informational interview(s), and begin building your network in a helpful matrix template, which will organize your priorities and provide a clear to-do list.
Meeting 4: Analyzing results
We’ll review what you learned from your informational interview and discuss key follow up, then we’ll use that feedback to hone your resume and pitch. We’ll develop a networking building plan so you can keep it working for you. You’ll leave this meeting ready for your next informational interviews, and a sense of what is, and isn’t working. We’ll adjust your narratives and resume with insights from hiring managers in your field, and identify “red flags” as well as “green flags” further in the interview process.
Meeting 5: Creating your career road map
In this session we will return to your goals and begin connecting the dots. We’ll discuss the greatest areas of opportunity for you, continue to build out your networking strategy and contacts, and discuss negotiation tactics for raises, promotions, or new jobs.
