Aimee’s Eight-Week Turnaround That Landed Her A New Job

After leaving her previous profession, Aimee was ready to pivot into a project management role. 

Aimee had been actively searching for eight months. She’d applied to 84 jobs, overhauled her resume multiple times based on friends’ feedback, and had a few interviews that didn’t result in offers. Increasingly frustrated and losing confidence, she was starting to get to the point of taking any job. 

“I was really frustrated because I had been putting so much out there and was not getting any feedback. I was just really lost and didn't know what I could do to move forward. I needed help.”

Rethinking what’s possible

One of the first things we did was dismantle Aimee’s negative perceptions and beliefs about her career and herself, giving her a more empowering story that improved her confidence and renewed her optimism. 

“You built so much confidence for me. You gave me a different perspective that it's okay to want more and to want different things. You were really good at showing me how to do that because it was hard.” 

We also did a series of exercises and reflection to better define what Aimee was looking for in her next role and organization, and identified her talents and skills. 

“I went back and forth in my head with so many things and going down so many rabbit holes. So having those things written down was really grounding for me and it helped me evaluate what I need and who I am.” 

Communicating with confidence

Aimee landed an interview early in our time together, so we quickly pivoted to interview prep. 

The organization sent their interview questions in advance, and we reviewed and strengthened her talking points. I gave her feedback on areas where she sounded weak, suggested more confident language, and helped her reframe certain examples to better align with the job. 

“You were this sounding board and I really appreciated that you're very honest with your feedback. It’s hard to talk about yourself and describe what you do well. So having those words and putting my story together was really huge.”

While Aimee didn’t move forward with that opportunity, her interview panel saw her potential. A month later, they reached out asking if she wanted to consider a different project management role in another department.

With her newly-revamped and stronger resume, Aimee applied and went through another round of interviews. We brainstormed a technique to help her stand out and impress the interviewing team even more. 

This time, she got the offer. 

After eight months of trying on her own, Aimee now had an offer eight weeks after we began working together. 

Weighing her options

While Aimee was thrilled to get an offer, it was below her ideal salary, and she felt conflicted about whether she should take it. 

As an unbiased and objective partner, my job was to help Aimee separate herself from her emotions to evaluate her options, consider multiple angles, and make an informed decision she felt good about. 

As we evaluated the offer, we worked through some of Aimee’s non-negotiables, which included limited travel. She felt confident having the language she could use to discuss that point with her new organization. 

As we unpacked her salary expectations, she realized that her ideal number was based on her desire to make as much as she had in a prior profession, and not necessarily a true financial need or what was market-based for the size of the nonprofit organization. With that reflection, she realized this was the right opportunity and aligned with her broader goal of pivoting into project management and working at an environmental nonprofit.

“I feel good working for this company. I know that they do good things in the communities and for people, and I'm proud and excited to work for them.” 

If you’re frustrated with the lack of traction in your search, and want to feel more confident about yourself and your career opportunities, schedule a consult to see if we’d be a good fit.

“You have been a great decision in my life and I have really enjoyed working with you.  Everyone should have an Ava in their life!”