Why Companies Hire You– For the Future—Not the Past

Job seekers often spend too much time proving where they’ve been instead of showing where they can take a company next. But here’s the truth: you’re not being hired for what you’ve done—you’re being hired for what you’ll do.

This mindset shift can change the way you approach interviews, making you stand out as the solution they need, not just another qualified candidate.

Why Experience Alone Won’t Get You Hired

I recently worked with a marketing leader who had a strong background and consistently performed well in interviews, yet he wasn’t getting offers. His experience wasn’t the issue—the way he positioned it was.

He spent too much time justifying his past instead of helping hiring managers see a clear path to their future success.

The turning point came when we reframed his interview approach to focus on one key question:

➡️ How does my experience solve their specific problem?

Once he started positioning himself as the missing piece to their business challenges, things change...

Continue Reading...

What I Wish More Job Seekers Knew About Follow-Ups

The Follow-Up Mistake That’s Costing You Opportunities

Most job seekers send follow-ups like this:

📩 "Hi, just checking in to see if there’s an update."

But here’s the thing—hiring managers don’t just want reminders. They want value.

If your follow-up is only about getting an update, it might not move the needle. But if your follow-up keeps you top of mind and reinforces your value, it could be the thing that gets you the offer.

How to Follow Up Without Feeling Pushy

Instead of sending a passive check-in, make your follow-up work for you. Try these instead:

✔️ "Hi [Hiring Manager], I was thinking about our conversation on [topic] and came across this article. Thought you might find it useful!"

✔️ "Hi [Hiring Manager], I really enjoyed learning about [challenge they mentioned]. If I were in the role, I’d start by [quick insight]."

✔️ "Hi [Hiring Manager], I wanted to share a project I worked on that aligns with [something they care about]. Excited to continue the conversation!"...

Continue Reading...

Stop Giving Your Worst Interviews to the Jobs You Want Most

Why High-Stakes Interviews Feel So Hard

Have you ever nailed an interview for a job you weren’t that excited about—only to completely choke when it was a role you really wanted?

You’re not alone.

I once worked with a CPG marketing leader who had great interviews for roles they weren’t fully invested in. But when their dream job came along? The nerves took over. They over-prepared, second-guessed every answer, and left the interview feeling defeated.

Why does this happen? Because the more we want something, the harder we grip it. And that pressure can sabotage our performance.

How to Stop Psyching Yourself Out

The good news? You can change this. Here’s how my client shifted their mindset—and finally landed the role they wanted most.

✅ Reframe Your Thinking

  • Instead of: “I have to get this job.”
  • Try: “I’m here to see if this is the right fit for both of us.”
  • Why it works: This removes the pressure and puts you in evaluation mode, making you a stronger, more confident candidate...
Continue Reading...

The Surprising Way to Make Networking Feel Less Awkward

Networking Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Asking for a Favor

A client once told me, "I hate networking because it feels like I’m bothering people."

Sound familiar?

For many job seekers, networking feels uncomfortable because it’s framed as asking—for advice, for a job lead, for help. But here’s a reframe that changes everything:

➡️ What if networking wasn’t about asking? What if it was about offering?

Once my client started thinking of networking as a way to build relationships, not extract value, the conversations felt more natural. And, ironically, more job opportunities started showing up.

Shift from Asking to Offering

Instead of reaching out with, "Do you know of any openings?" (which can feel transactional), try these conversation starters:

✔️ “I’d love to hear about your career journey—what led you to where you are today?”
✔️ “What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?”
✔️ “If you were in my position, what would you focus on next?”

These questions make netw...

Continue Reading...

Leveraging Weak Ties and Unlikely Opportunities: The Hidden Power of Your Network

Your Next Job Might Come from Someone You Haven’t Talked to in Years

Most job seekers focus their networking efforts on close colleagues, industry peers, or recent connections. But what if the best opportunities actually come from people you haven't spoken to in a while?

A client of mine learned this the hard way. After months of job searching with little traction, they decided to reconnect with an old coworker—someone they hadn’t spoken to in years. That one conversation? It led to a referral, an interview, and an eventual job offer.

This isn’t luck—it’s the power of weak ties.

Why Weak Ties Matter More Than Strong Ties

🔹 Your closest contacts know the same opportunities you do.

  • Strong ties (close colleagues, friends, mentors) often have overlapping knowledge of job openings and industries.

🔹 Weak ties introduce fresh perspectives and hidden opportunities.

  • Former classmates, distant colleagues, and casual acquaintances have access to a completely different network.

🔹 ...

Continue Reading...

Winding Down Your Job Search: What to Do After You’ve Accepted an Offer

 Your Job Search Isn’t Over the Moment You Say “Yes”

You’ve done it. After months of networking, interviews, and follow-ups, you’ve landed the offer and officially accepted a new role. Congratulations!

But before you completely close this chapter, there are a few critical steps to ensure a smooth transition and set yourself up for long-term success.

Here’s what you should focus on once you’ve accepted an offer.

1️⃣ Gracefully Wrap Up Other Opportunities

If you were interviewing for multiple roles, it’s time to let the other companies know you’re withdrawing from their process. Why this matters:
✔️ It keeps your reputation strong.
✔️ It maintains relationships for the future.
✔️ It ensures you leave doors open in case things change down the road.

How to decline an offer or withdraw from an interview process professionally:

📩 “Hi [Hiring Manager/Recruiter], I truly appreciate the opportunity to be considered for this role and have enjoyed learning more about your team. I wanted to...

Continue Reading...

They Said “You’re Too Corporate.” Here’s Why That Rejection Didn’t Matter.

 Rejection stings—especially when you feel like you were the right fit.

I recently worked with a corporate leader who wanted to use his leadership in smaller organizations than he had previously.. He had the skills, the experience, and the drive. But after an interview, the hiring manager gave him feedback that felt like a gut punch:

"You’re too corporate."

He took it hard. He assumed this meant he’d never make the leap. But instead of accepting that narrative, we rewrote the story.

Why Perception Matters More Than Qualifications

This client wasn’t actually "too corporate." He had plenty of scrappy, adaptable experience—it just wasn’t coming through in his resume or interviews.

Together, we shifted the way he told his story:

✔ We reworked his resume to highlight agility over structure.
✔ We repositioned his experience to emphasize problem-solving over process.
✔ We created new talking points to show how he had navigated ambiguity, adapted quickly, and thrived in fast-moving enviro...

Continue Reading...

From Job Search Chaos to Clarity: How to Stay Focused and Get Results

Does Your Job Search Feel Like Chaos?

If your job search feels like juggling 25 browser tabs—applications half-done, follow-ups forgotten, interviews unprepared—you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to manage so many moving parts. But here’s the truth: chaos doesn’t create results—focus does.

One of my clients recently turned their chaotic search into a streamlined strategy that produced real results. Let me show you how they did it and how you can, too.

Start with Time Blocking: Structure Your Week for Success
The first step to a focused job search is to set aside dedicated time. My client started by blocking 20 hours a week specifically for their job search.

This approach helps eliminate the “I’ll get to it later” mentality and creates accountability. Whether you’re balancing a job search with work, school, or personal commitments, time blocking ensures you stay consistent.

Pro Tip: Treat these hours like non-negotiable appointments. Block them in y...

Continue Reading...

How to Lead an Interview and Stand Out as the Candidate They Need

lead the interview Feb 03, 2025

 Turn Interviews Into Conversations, Not Tests
Interviews often feel like a test—questions fired at you, and you’re expected to have all the “right” answers. But here’s a secret: the best interviews are conversations, not interrogations.

The strongest candidates don’t just wait to answer questions—they take control of the discussion by showing curiosity, confidence, and value. Let me show you how to flip the script and guide your next interview like a pro.

Ask Questions That Show You Care About Their Goals
A great way to stand out in an interview is by asking questions that go beyond the surface. Instead of focusing solely on the role description, dive deeper into the company’s challenges and priorities.

Common interviewing advice says to save questions to the end of the interview.

Consider asking questions throughout the conversation.

For example, after you’ve answered a question on the biggest challenge you have, ask them a question to make it a dialog:

  • “Can you share biggest c...
Continue Reading...

Stop Letting Rejection Define Your Worth: Transforming "No" Into Your Next Big Opportunity

Rejection. It’s a word that can sting, whether it’s after a job interview, a networking event, or even a conversation with someone you admire. You’ve likely experienced that sinking feeling—the doubt creeping in, making you question your worth or abilities.

But here’s the truth: rejection doesn’t define you. It’s a stepping stone toward growth and resilience. In this post, I’ll share how to reframe rejection and use it as fuel for your next big opportunity.

What Is Rejection Really Trying to Tell You?

Rejection feels personal, but more often than not, it’s simply feedback. A “no” could mean:

  • The opportunity wasn’t the right fit for you.
  • The timing wasn’t ideal.
  • You need to adjust your approach or messaging.

It’s not a verdict on your abilities or your potential—it’s information. When you reframe rejection as a learning opportunity, you begin to see it as part of the journey, not the end of the road.

Case Study: How She Reframed Rejection and Landed Her Dream Job

One of my ...

Continue Reading...
1 2 3 4 5
Close

Get 100s of CPG Job Postings in your email box every Monday at 7am ET

You can unsubscribe at any time.