Avarah Careers

What gets you out of bed in the morning?  For me, it's helping others find, build and contribute to thriving workplaces.  I love helping my clients land new roles in an environment that maximizes their talents and brings out their best work.  Together we do this by capturing and communicating the true stories that define us.  I serve:

- Individuals who want to make a professional leap and advance to the next level. 
- College students who want to clarify their goals and need a guide to help them  launch their career.
- People in career transition who are unsure of how to navigate an effective job search in today's complex environment.

CEO & Founder

University of Delaware

Adjunct Professor

I supported MS, MBA and PhD students and alumni with customized career guidance, opportunities and resources to achieve their lifelong professional goals.

Assistant Director of Career Services, Lerner Graduate Programs

Dove Chocolate Discoveries

●	Conducted market & competitive analysis, determined company positioning, and directed market  penetration plans and related product positioning. 
●	Crafted marketing communications to include branding, public relations, advertising, white papers, seminars and events, collateral materials and website design and content.
●	Managed relationships with a diverse group of external agencies and vendors.
●	Measured product portfolio performance and determined creative direction.
●	Designed approaches to marketing, training and events that contributed to ongoing positive shifts in culture.
●	Supervised a staff of four professional direct reports.
●	Worked closely with the leadership team to ensure strategic alignment with operations, research and development, and the sales team to effectively implement channel strategies and programs.
●	Forecasted, prepared and managed budget in excess of $1 million.

Director, Marketing

Vector Marketing/Cutco Cutlery

●	Directed the company’s recruitment promotions, public relations, and reputation management efforts.
●	Served as corporate media spokesperson.
●	Implemented and maintained consistent branding messages, including design and content management for corporate websites and collateral materials.  
●	Engaged an active Academic Advisory Board of preeminent scholars in marketing and sales to advise the company on issues related to the marketing environment, consumer attitudes, and sales strategies.  
●	Regular motivational speaker and presenter at sales conferences.
●	Developed and supervised Cutco in the Classroom, which is an experiential learning program that incorporates a Cutco selling experience into the business curricula.  
●	Maintained financial and budgetary responsibility for budget of nearly $500,000.

Director of External Relations and Academic Programs

●	Conceived and implemented a comprehensive approach to recruitment marketing focused on campus relations, established an internship program, campus guest lecturing, and corporate sponsorship of academic and student associations.
●	Worked with executive leadership to shift corporate culture, leading to fundamental changes in recruiting practices.
●	Directed the growth of recruitment marketing and campus relations from a single professional to the supervision and management of a department encompassing nine recruiters working regionally across North America.
●	Supervised a staff of six professionals, one support staff, and multiple external contractors
●	Maintained financial and budgetary responsibility for $500,000 budget.

Director of Campus Relations

Widener University

Director of Non-Credit Programs

University of Maryland University College

Director, Cooperative Education Program

There comes a point in our lives when we have to figure out this thing called work.   

Regardless of your chosen career, success means FIT. What types of skills and activities give you energy? What kinds of work do you actually enjoy? Fit is also about the employer. It's not only okay. it's critical, that you invest your time, talents, and knowledge with an employer that aligns with your values and meets your needs. 

That’s the mission of Avarah Careers - to help people find a great fit in their professional lives. That means something different for each of us.  We teach our clients the specific skills and proven strategies that winning candidates use to land great jobs. 

My passion for careers and helping others pursue work that is satisfying, meaningful and rewarding is grounded in my own personal career adventure. I founded Avarah Careers after serving in senior recruiting, marketing, and public relations roles in the corporate space, sitting on all sides of the hiring equation. 

Spinning several plates - business owner, adjunct professor, and career coach -  suits my love of variety and guarantees that every day is an adventure!


I'd love to chat about how I can help you achieve your career goals!

Schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking on the Avarah Careers logo under the Featured section on this page.

Specialties: 
Career Choice
Job Hunting Strategies
Networking and Making Connections 
Interviewing Skills
Negotiating Offers
Managing and Planning Career Change

"We love your experience, but you're overqualified."

Suddenly, your experience has become a weakness.

More than 50%of hiring managers admit eliminating candidates for being overqualified. (StandOutCV Research).

Bottom line: This is just another form of ageism.

Research tells us that age discrimation starts showing up when we enter our 40s. 

I've heard the stories. The interview goes great, right through to the final step. Later, the client tells me they heard that the person who got the job was:

➙ Less experienced (often significantly)
➙ Younger (often significantly)

What to do?

I advise my clients to go into the process playing offense and counter the stereotypes right up front. This is what's working right now:

1️⃣ Flight risk concerns
↳ "They'll leave as soon as something better comes along."

💡The Fix: 
"I'm looking for a role where I can stay for a while and make a meaningful contribution."

2️⃣ Salary expectations
↳ "They'll want too much money or expect frequent raises."

💡The Fix: 
"When it comes to my next role, the chance to do work I love is my priority, and I know that may mean some flexibility around pay. I've researched the market rate for this position and I'm comfortable with that range."

3️⃣ Power dynamics
↳ “They may challenge my authority or be unable to take direction from a younger boss.”

💡The Fix: 
"One thing that appeals to me about this role is the chance to get back to being an individual contributor. And, I'd welcome the chance to support and learn from you and the team here."

4️⃣ Tech skills/Learning curve
↳ "They won't be tech-savvy and may struggle with new systems."

💡The Fix: 
"In my last role, I was the lead on the team that selected and implemented a new CRM system across the  business. I'm usually the first person who gets up to speed on new tech and winds up training others."

5️⃣ Reluctance to change
↳ "They'll be stuck in their ways and have trouble adapting."

💡The Fix: 
"I’m excited to get involved in new ways of doing things. I'm a voracious learner, and I'm eager to take my experience and apply it to new demands in a new environment."

6️⃣ Role is too junior
↳ "They are too experienced and won't be happy in the role."

💡The Fix: 
"I'm looking for a role where I can contribute, while not carrying the brunt of responsibilities that kept me up at night when I had more senior positions."

🗝The Key🗝

Weave these responses into your answers naturally where they seem to fit best. You can also add them if asked, "Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you?"

What's your experience with the "overqualified" label? Share it in the comments!

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help people fight the "overqualifed" label
🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career strategies
📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

Sarah Baker Andrus

Helped 400+ Clients Pivot to Great $100K+ Jobs! | Job Search Strategist specializing in career pivots at every stage | 2X TedX Speaker

6 Ways To Beat Ageism In An Interview

Weak behavior may be killing your career.

Worse? You're probably not aware of it.

Many of my clients tell me that they see far less capable people getting ahead of them at work. 

The problem?

🚨Behaviors that convey weakness, not strength🚨 

Check out these 9 behaviors that keep people from advancing:

1️⃣ Asking permission
↳ Asking permission conveys a lack of confidence. It says you don't know  your job and are afraid to make mistakes.
💡 The Fix: Gather information, observe, use your judgment, and take action. 

2️⃣ Hesitant language
↳ "I'm not sure, but...," "I think this could work..."
💡 The Fix: Communicate with confidence, "I'd like to share a suggestion that I believe can address the problems we're having."

3️⃣ Apologizing for everything
↳ Do you say "sorry" as you walk in a few minutes late, or knock on someone's door, or ask for something?
💡 The Fix: Replace "I'm sorry to bother you" with "Is this a good time?"

4️⃣ Minimizing your efforts
↳ Deflecting recognition is hurting you. So is giving others credit for your work.
💡 The Fix: Learn to say, "Thank you, I appreciate that." 

5️⃣ Not having boundaries
↳ If you always take on additional work, or work outside of business hours, others will take advantage.
💡 The Fix: Say, "I wish I could, but I can't do that well unless there's something you can take off my plate."

6️⃣ Tolerating abuse
↳ When you don't stand up to bullies and disrespect it won't stop.
💡 The Fix: Call them out. "Did you intend to be disrepectful?" Pause and say, "Let's revisit this when you're able to have a civil conversation."

7️⃣ Doing other people's jobs
↳ Picking up the slack for others feels like you're a team player, but do it routinely and you'll get dumped on.
💡 The Fix: Practice saying "no" in small ways. A simple, "It's not a good time," should do the trick. 

8️⃣ Not speaking up in meetings
↳ It can feel like it's never your turn, but you need to speak up or you'll appear irrelevant
💡 The Fix: Suggest an agenda item for your next meeting and go in prepared to speak.

9️⃣Failing to advocate for yourself
↳ Expecting people to recognize your value is a recipe for disappointment. People who get ahead share their goals and ask what they need to do to get to the next level.
💡 The Fix: Provide monthly progress reports on your work and achievements. 

The good news? These behaviors can be changed starting today. Small adjustments in how you show up at work can lead to major shifts in how others perceive and treat you.

Remember: Your career advancement depends not just on what you do, but how you do it.

I'd love to know how you've handled being overlooked. What worked for you? Share it in the comments👇

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help others shine!
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📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

9 Things That Make You Look Weak At Work

Getting ghosted after interviews is beyond frustrating!

Why is this happening?!?

Thanks to my friend Anna Findlay 🔑 Career Coach for these insights. Give her a follow!

Your resumé opens doors.
Recruiters reach out.
You land the interviews.

But then?
❌ No offers
❌ No feedback
❌ No word

Just silence. 

The problem is rampant and it's not just happening to you. I'm hearing this from my clients on the regular, and I'll tell you what I am telling them:

By the time you're in that room, they know you can do the job.

So if you're not getting offers?
**Something else is going wrong**

Most advice focuses on perfecting interview answers.
Nobody talks about these common mistakes.

10 reasons you're getting interviews, but no offers:

1️⃣ Treating the interview like a test
💡 The Fix: Ask questions throughout, and invite their perspective
 💬 "What was it about my experience that made you want to speak with me today?"

2️⃣ Not showing you're the answer to their problems 
💡 The Fix: Tell stories that connect your skills to their goals
💬 "I've worked on a similar project before- this was the outcome."

3️⃣ Not demonstrating your impact
💡 The Fix: Quantify your achievements and connect them to their needs
💬 "The result of this was a 20% increase in X"

4️⃣ Skipping small talk and rushing straight to business
💡 The Fix: Build rapport first and be friendly
💬 Give a genuine compliment or ask about their day

5️⃣ Focusing too much on your objectives, not theirs
💡 The Fix: First, demonstrate value, then explore mutual fit
💬 "With my track record of delivering X, I thought I'd be a great fit."

6️⃣ Downplaying your achievements
💡 The Fix: Own your wins and back yourself
💬 "I'm proud of delivering X by doing Y"

7️⃣ Sharing negative experiences (even if they're true)
💡 The Fix: Reframe challenges as growth opportunities
💬 "I've grown as much as I can where I am, I'm seeking a new challenge."

8️⃣ Coming across as desperate 
💡 The Fix: Make them feel special, like you chose them for a reason 
💬 "I'm really excited for this opportunity." not "I really need this job."

 9️⃣ Oversharing without strategic thinking
💡 The Fix: Selectively share the things that paint you in the best light
💬 "Here is an example" beats "I don't have much experience"

🔟 Waiting to be asked before sharing
💡 The Fix: Work relevant stories and facts into the conversation
💬 "I was also able to achieve Y as part of this project."

**Remember this:**
Your experience got you in the room.
But your presence gets you the offer.

The good news? These are learnable skills.
And small changes create big results.

What's a mistake you've seen? Tell me in the comments👇

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help others turn interviews into offers
🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for job search support
📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

Why You're Getting Interviews and No Offers

That decision you're avoiding...
You're risking more than failure.

Thanks to my friend Iza Montalvo 🧲 for laying out the dangers of delay. (Give her a follow, she's brilliant!)

Every day you wait:

❌Someone else takes your spot.
❌Your dream gets more expensive.
❌Your skills lose their edge.

While you're playing it "safe":

→ Your network moves on
→ Your market gets crowded
→ Your idea becomes someone else's success

(Yeah, that one hurts)

Money you can earn back.
Skills you can learn again.
Time? That's gone forever.

Want to know the wildest part?
Those huge fears in your head?
They're not nearly as bad in real life.

But those years of waiting... Those you can't get back.

Nobel prize winning economist, Daniel Pinkwater, has shown that we humans dramatically overestimate risk. And, we dramatically underestimate our ability to handle the consequences of a bad outcome.

Playing it safe is often the riskiest move of all.

That change you've been thinking about? Make it!

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to encourage others to go for it!
🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career strategies
📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

I'm known for my direct style, which can be an asset.
Except when it's not.
It can come across as blunt. Or another "B" word."

Because I'm aware of that, I've worked on being kind.

The kindest people I know have taught me a lot.
I've learned that kindness is not the same as being "nice."
Sometimes the kindest thing is telling someone the truth.
Other times it's a choice not to say the thing.

Being kind means truly considering:
💜How will this land with the other person?
💜Can I say this without causing undue harm?
💜What is the outcome I desire? Is it caring or selfish?

Kindness can be transformative when it's used with the right intention.

Authentic kindness can: 
✅Build genuine connections
✅Lift others up and brighten their day
✅Boost everyone's wellbeing
✅Spread to make the world a better place

Here are a few ways you can act with more kindness:

↳ Listen to others and let them know you understand
↳ Act generously without expecting something return
↳ Choose your words carefully
↳ Help without being asked

"Life is better when you surround yourself with people whose kindness isn't a strategy, it's a way of life" ~Case Kenny

How has someone's genuine kindness impacted you? 
Tell us about it in the comments.

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to spread more kindness
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📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

When he was young, my son needed jaw surgery.

His mouth would be wired shut for 4-6 weeks.

I was telling a friend about our concerns that he might lose too much weight.

Several days later a Vitamix arrived on our doorstep. It was a lifesaver, and the whole family has been enjoying it ever since. (Shout out to Vitamix for a product that is still running strong after 16 years!)

I remember being struck by the spontaneous generosity. And when I called to say thank you, my friend said:

"Giving makes me feel good."

What an amazing approach to life! 

Was there anything I could do for him in exchange? 

It didn't matter because he found reward in the act of giving. It's a fundamental part of his character. 

I am forever grateful for his friendship and inspired by how he shows up in the world.

What could you do today to help someone without expecting anything in return?

💜 An introduction?
💜 A job lead?
💜 A cup of coffee and a chat?

Your action could make all the difference.

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to inspire others
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📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

That LinkedIn connection request you just sent?

There's a 55-70% chance it'll be ignored.
(*Salesbread).

What is going on? A few things are obvious:
 ➙ People don't consistently engage on the platform
 ➙ Some people won't connect if they don't know you
 ➙ New connections often "pitch," and nobody wants that

These are real barriers, but there is a way around them.

After reviewing a variety of connection strategies with my clients, I've identified several steps that will increase the likelihood of a connection that turns into something mutually beneficial.

1️⃣ Show genuine interest
↳ Visit their profile and comment on a few posts first before connecting. 
↳ Connect when there is real common ground (alma mater, shared interest)

💡Why? This builds familiarity and helps connections get to know you

2️⃣ Connect with a personal note
↳ Use your desktop (not the mobile app) and you will be prompted to "Add a Note"
↳ In the note, mention a specific post or common interest

💡Why? Most people don't take the time to do this. A note helps you stand out.

3️⃣ Offer before you ask
↳ Share a relevant article they might find valuable
↳ Mention an industry update that connects to their work

💡Why? It's less transactional and focuses on mutual rapport.

4️⃣ Connect with the right people
↳ Target 2nd-degree connections for higher acceptance rates
↳ Join industry groups where members are more likely to accept requests

💡Why? People will be more open to conversations with you if they already feel a connection.

5️⃣ Build the relationship after connecting
↳ Set a reminder to reach out to new connections after 1 week
↳ DM them to share something about yourself, a challenge you're facing, or ask for an insight

💡Why? People will be quicker to share insights on specific questions than information about themselves.

Most important? Avoid these common follow-up mistakes:

✖️ Asking big questions about them before you've built trust
✖️ Following up with a vague message, "How are things?"
✖️ Making an ask immediately after connecting
✖️ "I'm not trying to sell you anything..."

What's your biggest challenge with LinkedIn networking? Share in the comments.

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help people make meaningful connections
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📌 Need help optimizing your networking approach? DM me about my personalized coaching where we'll craft your connection strategy and turn your network into job opportunities.

5 Ways to Make Meaningful LinkedIn Connections

"So how's the job search going?"

Unpopular take: It's a lazy question.

You may think you are showing interest or concern, but you're twisting the knife.

Surely, there are other things to talk about? 

When I was unemployed after a layoff I dreaded going to social events or anywhere someone might ask me how my search was going. 

It felt like my lack of a job was somehow offensive.
(Yes, some of you are sending that message).

Here's the thing that's hard to understand until it's happening to you:

If all people seem to care about is what you do for a living, what message does that send if you don't have a job?

Not sure what else to say? Here are some prompts:

✅ What are you reading/binging these days?
✅ I could use your advice on something...
✅ I just started X. What are you doing for fun?
✅ Have you checked out the new... (restaurant, park, etc.)
✅ How's your (mom, family, partner...) doing?
✅ I have always appreciated your.. (specific compliment)
✅ Remember when we... (shared experience)

These give people a chance NOT to talk about their job search which, trust me, will be a welcome break!

Our inherent value doesn't change between the time we arrive at the office one morning, and later that day when we learn our job has been eliminated. 

Let's support people who are unemployed by valuing them as a whole person and help them see themselves as more than just a job.

Job hunters: What do you wish people would ask you about? Share in the comments.

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help people looking for work
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📌 DM me for support with your job search

Job hunting is fraught with doubts & fears.

Even otherwise confident people question themselves.
You wouldn't be human if you didn't.

Do any of these sound familiar?
➙ I'm too old (or I'm too young)
➙ I've tried everything. It must be me
➙ I picked the wrong field
➙ My career is $#@%

Here's the thing: Not every thought you have is true. 

What is more likely true? You are not using a multi-pronged approach for your job search. That means doing many things simultaneously:

👉 Finding roles
👉 Applying
👉 Networking
👉 Tailoring your resume
👉 Targeting employers
👉 Working on your interview

You can't know which combination of these activities will get you in front of a hiring manager and result in an offer. So, yes, you need to do them all.

What DOESN'T help? All the negative self-talk. 

How about a positive pep talk instead?!?

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Share to help job hunters find work!
🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career strategies
📌Want job search support? DM me to chat!

"The problem isn't your resume..."

Unless it is. 

To land an interview, your resume needs to do a lot of work for you. It needs to:

✅ Highlight your specific skills clearly and concisely
✅ Tell a story of who you are as a professional
✅ Show how and where you have had an impact

Here’s how to build one that gets noticed.

1️⃣ Identifying Information
Include your name and target job title. On the next line, list your city or region (e.g., Greater Philadelphia), cell phone, email, and a personalized LinkedIn URL. 

2️⃣ Strong, concise summary
A short profile or summary that highlights your expertise and the soft skills that you're known for, tailored to the role and company. 

3️⃣ Key Skills
List all of the hard skills you bring to the role, separated by a bullet or vertical bar. Put computer languages, technical tools and key qualifications here.
 
4️⃣ Keywords & ATS optimization
Review the job posting and use the same terminology in your skills, experience, and summary, so customer service may become "client support" if the employer calls it client support.

5️⃣ Bullets with quantifiable achievements
Use bullets that start with powerful action verbs (Managed, Generated, etc.) Show impact. e.g. “Increased sales by 30%,” “Reduced processing time by 20%,” “Managed a team of 10.” Numbers tell stories. 

6️⃣ Integrate soft skills
Weave examples of your ability to collaborate, lead teams, manage conflict, handle change, etc. into your bullets.
 
7️⃣ Tailor for each role
One size doesn’t fit all. Modify or swap out the parts of your resume that match the job, company culture, and what the role demands. 

8️⃣Digital presence / links
If relevant, link to a portfolio, GitHub, or other samples. Let hiring managers dig deeper easily. 

❌ What to Avoid
 ↳ Graphics and complex formatting that can interfere with ATS parsing. 
 ↳ Overused phrases like “team player,” “detail-oriented,” “hard worker” 
 ↳ Lengthy paragraphs. Use bullet points. Keep things brief and relevant. 
 ↳ Personal details (marital status, street address, hobbies)

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost for people who need resume help
🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career strategies
📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

How to Build a Winning Resume

Trying everything and getting no interviews is demoralizing.

Even worse? Believing there's nothing else to do.

Truth: The job market is awful. 

Also true: You are NOT out of options.

What you need are some new strategies.

Here are some things you can do to shake up your job search routine, give you energy, and increase your chances of landing an interview:

1️⃣ Reach out to Career Services and Alumni offices

Why this works:
Even if it's been years, most career services programs provide alumni support free of charge. And, alumni departments have regular meetups and networking events that can put you in front of new people.

2️⃣ Volunteer in your community

Why this works:
It will restore your energy and can give you the chance to build connections

3️⃣ Ask AI for new job titles

Why this works:
Upload your resume into ChatGPT, and ask it to identify job titles for your skillset. You may get new search terms and roles you hadn't considered.

4️⃣ Go to local/regional career fairs

Why this works:
Even if you're not interested in the immediate openings, these give you the chance to meet recruiters face-to-face and ask questions about other opportunities.

5️⃣ Expand your search to niche job boards

Why this works:
Smart hiring managers don't want an onslaught of hundreds of resumes or the expense of big job platforms. They'll post on smaller job boards where they can target people with the precise skills they need.

6️⃣ Join community and professional associations

Why this works:
Yes, it costs some money, but these groups can open up a new world of networking opportunities. And, many associations have private job boards that are only open to members, making it well worth the investment.

7️⃣ Get support from a career coach

Why this works:
Fresh eyes on your search from an expert who is tapped into the nuances of the hiring process can offer accountability, strategy, and help you overcome barriers you can't see. 

What have I missed? Add your ideas in the comments!

Sign up for my newsletter and get a free job search tracker:
https://lnkd.in/e9SPcKaQ

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help others with their job search
🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career strategies
📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

What to do When You've Done Everything

70% of people feel like a fraud at work.

Imposter syndrome can be crippling.
Deena Priest's insights can help you make sure it doesn't hold you back.
She's brilliant, give her a follow!

Are there times when you:

→ Stay silent when you should speak up?
→ Work twice as hard but still feel unworthy?
→ Downplay your success but overplay your failures?

You're not alone. I've had my own struggles with it, and so have most professionals.

Here are 9 realizations that can help you overcome imposter syndrome for good:

1️⃣ Nobody knows what they’re doing all the time.
→ Some people are better at looking confident while figuring it out.

2️⃣ The right questions make you look great.
→ You don’t need to know everything.

3️⃣ Ideas don't need to original.
→ Speak up, build on ideas that already exist, and take action.

4️⃣ Discomfort = Growth.
→ If you’re too comfortable, you’re not growing.

5️⃣ Different is often better than better.
→ Trying to “outdo” everyone is exhausting. Being different can be an advantage.

6️⃣ Your past wins hold the key to future success.
→ Look back at what you've done successfully and do more of that.

7️⃣ Admitting “I don’t know” is a strength.
→ Honesty earns respect. Own your gaps and then close them.

8️⃣ There’s no such thing as "hard."
→ With willingness and support, you can learn anything.

9️⃣ Even senior leaders battle imposter syndrome.
→The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.

Remember: The people you admire have felt it too.

They just didn’t let it stop them.

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help others shine!
🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career strategies
📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

9 Realizations That Banish Imposter Syndrome

My "What's Next" Wednesday posts usually focus on careers.

This is different and driven by you.

Over the last six months, the biggest "What's Next?" questions have been around what to do after a lay off.

It's not "What's my next job?" It's more like, "The rug has just been pulled out from under me. What should I do now?"

A layoff is traumatic. When we've experienced trauma, it's hard to know exactly what to do. So, here's where I've landed in terms of specific actions and a timeline for them.

In the first 24-48 hours:
↳ Don't sign anything. If asked say, "I'll need to have my lawyer look at it." You'd be surprised at what you can negotiate.
↳ Share the news with people who will be supportive.
↳ Cry, scream, journal, exercise, whatever you need to do to take care of yourself.

Then? My position here has changed. It used to be fine to take a bit of a break. Not anymore. I'm seeing that the people who are landing offers quickly after a layoff are those who begin their job search within the first week and keep going.

In the first week:
↳ Reach out to your closest connections 1:1 to let them know you are on the market.
↳ Build a list of your top 20 employers and identify contacts you can make at each
↳ Update your resume and identify a few job titles you're going for

This is a time when many people want to consider their options. You may want to start a business, or change careers. Many people, including me, have done that.

BUT... that should not be your next step. You'll have time for that, but not yet.

In the first month:
↳ Refine how you will talk about what you're looking for next
↳ Talk to people and apply for roles at your target companies
↳ Get organized and if it's been a while, polish your interview skills

Lather, rinse repeat. Get coaching if you're lost. 

Job hunting is a numbers game. But it's not the number of jobs you apply for. It's the number of meaningful conversations you have with people who can become your champions.

What to Avoid:
↳ Don't get embroiled in Slack or text groups that are spewing hate. It won't help.
↳ Don't overthink who to talk to or who will want hear from you. Just reach out.
↳ Don't spend too much time on job boards. Applications alone don't work.
↳ Don't depend on others to "pass along your resume." Stay in control of the ball.
↳ Don't take your severance or unemployment for granted. Time passes quickly.

My newsletter offers the latest job search tips, advice and some motivation to keep you going. (You'll get my free job search tracker when you sign up).
https://lnkd.in/e9SPcKaQ

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to share these resources
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📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

Re-entering the workforce is always challenging.

Right now? It's downright daunting.
And too many people get stuck on the first step:

Choosing their next step.

Many clients come to me paralyzed because they can't figure out what job will suit them best, and anxious because they don't want to make the wrong move.

I guide them through their choices with a series of exercises, including something I call a "Gut Check." 

A "Gut Check" is a way to check out possible career paths and various roles. 

You can do this for yourself. Here's how: 

1. Select 5-8 job postings that look interesting
> Put aside the question of whether you are qualified, for now 
> Where there are acronyms or terms you don't understand, l​ook them up.

2. Ask these prompts for each job
> What is it, exactly, that appeals to me about this job? 
> Is there anything that doesn't appeal to me about this job?
> Which duties do I feel I could do well?
> Which duties feel like a stretch?​
> Do I need any additional training or certification?

3. Write down your answers to each prompt 
> Be as specific as possible about your likes and dislikes about the job, or company.
> Note your emotional reactions. If negative (e.g. " they'll never hire me"), assume you don't know enough to draw any conclusions.

4. Look for themes 
> Notice what the roles have in common 
> Based on your reactions, choose 1 or 2 to explore further 

Now that you've narrowed down your options, it's time to do additional research, and speak to people who are actually in those roles to learn more.

Remember, no job is a forever decision. It's all about the skills and lessons you pick up along the way. So there's really no bad choice!

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help people reentering the workforce
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How To Get Clarity on Your Next Career Move

Smart job hunters are doing something others aren't.

It build connections, skills, and confidence.
And, there's a desperate need for it.

What is it?

Volunteering.

With all of the recent federal cutbacks, non-profits and community services are struggling mightily in a climate when the need is higher than ever.

Not surprisingly, amidst all of the uncertainty, individual donations have declined as well. 

These agencies are often short-handed even in good times, yet many of them provide the glue that holds things together for the least fortunate among us.

So what does that have to do with you? 

If you're unemployed, underemployed, VOLUNTEER.

Look around your community. Who needs help? What skills do you have that could serve others while you’re looking for work? How can you improve your world and the world of those around you?

Perhaps you’re asking “Why should I?” or even “What’s in it for me?” Questions worth answering in my view, so here you go:

1️⃣ Volunteering for a needy cause can give you a valuable perspective on your own situation.

2️⃣ Volunteering can be a great way to build new skills, or take on duties you wouldn't normally have a chance to do. You could help build a data base, do some public relations, bookkeeping, or program development, building skills that will help you advance your career. 

3️⃣ Volunteer work doesn’t just look good on a resume, it tells people you’ll get involved and you want to make a difference.

4️⃣ Volunteering can give you access to people who can help your career. Look at the list of boards of directors for the major charities in your area. These are influential people at the height of their profession. Working beside them on a project or a program can be a great learning experience and help you build a valuable network.

5️⃣ Volunteering is a wonderful social outlet and a great way to meet people with whom you share common interests.

6️⃣ Volunteering is good for you. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can decrease stress, depression, and anxiety, and boost satisfaction with life.

Things may seem bleak right now, but this is a great time to look away from your personal fears and consider how you can make a difference in the lives of others.  You and your community will be better off for it.

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to inspire others to volunteer
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The Secret Strategy of Smart Job Hunters

It's rough out there for job hunters. 

You may think you're lucky just to have a job.

But sadly, that's not always the case.

I speak to so many clients who wait too long to make a change. They endure difficult and demoralizing work climates, hoping that things will get better.

While they wait, their confidence is eroded, making a job search that much more daunting. Please, don't let this happen to you.

No job is worth your mental health. 

If you:

➙Don't get any satisfaction in your work
➙Routinely deal with people who are difficult
➙Do the work of 2 people (or more!)
➙Lack the resources to do your job well
➙Get no support from your direct supervisor
➙Are bullied or taken advantage of by co-workers
➙Find it difficult to muster the energy for your workday

Then, your mental health is at risk. That is not okay!

Here are 6 strategies to take care of yourself:

1️⃣ Map Your Triggers
↳ Document specific situations that drain you
↳ Track when your stress peaks
↳ Notice when you are withdrawing or in conflict

💡Action: Make adjustments where you can, based on what you learn

2️⃣ Create Non-Negotiable Boundaries
↳ Set firm work hours for yourself
↳ Block "recovery time" in your calendar
↳ Turn off notifications during deep work

💡Action: Communicate these changes with key people

3️⃣ Master the "Strategic Pause"
↳ Take micro-breaks (2-5 minutes every hour)
↳ Use lunch for actual lunch, not more work
↳ Practice quick breathing exercises between meetings

💡Action: Put these items in your calendar and set alarms to take care of yourself.

4️⃣ Control Your Controllables
↳ Organize your workspace
↳ Structure your day around your energy peaks
↳ Focus on what you can influence, not what you can't

💡Action: This is a habit. Keep coming back to what’s in your control when frustration builds.

5️⃣ Build Your Support System
↳ Connect with trusted colleagues
↳ Consider tapping into your Employee Assistance Program
↳ Look into professional counseling

💡Action: Ask for help, even when it makes you feel uncomfortable. You are worth it.

6️⃣ Prepare to Make a Change
↳ Activate your network and have casual conversations to test the waters
↳ Update your resume and your LinkedIn profile
↳ Build a list of target companies and research your options

💡Important Point: These steps aren’t a decision to leave. 
But, they will make it easier and quicker if you decide to do so.

Reminder: Your mental health is non-negotiable. Protect it fiercely.

🎯 What's your best strategy for maintaining mental health at work? 
Tell us below!

♻️ Repost to support colleagues who might be struggling
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6 Mental Health Strategies for a Toxic Workplace

Job hunting with no strategy is like cooking with no recipe.

You may come out burnt to a crisp.

It can feel like landing a job takes some special secret sauce that only the privileged few know about.

The truth?

There is no secret sauce. But there is a recipe. 

I've outlined it below (and unlike some grandmas, I'm not leaving anything out!). 

Imagine we're baking bread...

Step 1: Preheat the oven
↳ Warm yourself up with motivation and a clear goal
 
Step 2: Mis en place - Gather the ingredients
 ↳ Update your resume and LinkedIn profile

Step 3: Prepare the "rising" agent (yeast)
 ↳ Build a target employer list, and connect at those companies

Step 4: Knead thoroughly (hard work!)
 ↳ Check career pages and job boards 3X/week
 ↳ Apply with a tailored your resume/cover letter 

Step 5: Prove the dough (it takes time!)
 ↳ While waiting, research employers and talk to people who work there

Step 6: Second rise
 ↳  Begin prepping for interviews, practicing on video for best results

Step 7: Put bread in the oven
 ↳ Interview strong and be prepared for the heat!  

Step 8: Check for doneness
 ↳ Asking smart questions of your own to see if there's a fit

Step 9: Remove the bread and place on a cooling rack
 ↳ Give yourself time to consider every offer before accepting

Step 10: Lather, rinse repeat
 ↳ It's normal to have to give things more time, and to keep trying until you get it just right!

The keys?

🗝️ Timing and organization are critical
🗝️ Every step must be followed carefully
🗝️ Leaving out an ingredient or step will impact the results

It takes time to bake a delicious loaf of bread. Job hunting is no different. And, like baking bread, it can be crazy-making and take more time than you expected. But, done right, the results are satisfying, warm and delicious.

If you'd like more specific support, subscribe to my newsletter for job hunting tips, advice, and trends:

https://lnkd.in/e9SPcKaQ 
(You'll get me job search tracker free)

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help others with their job search
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The Recipe For A Successful Job Search 

I'm a total geek when it comes to talking about careers.

Last week I talked about layoffs with Kevin Yee, PharmD, a host of Davis Nguyen's Career Coaching Podcast.

It was a great conversation! If you are thinking about starting a coaching business or any side gig, check out these highlights:

✅I talk about my biggest career mistake (3:40)
✅How to decide who your business serves (6:00)
✅When a layoff can be a gift (7:40)
✅How I attract clients (9:20)
✅Confidence as a new business owner (12:55)
✅The best business advice I've gotten (20:18)

You can find the episode on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ed5WVRQJ

Or on Apple Podcasts: 
https://lnkd.in/e4EVvc9J

Thanks to Kevin and Davis for the opportunity!

What are some career/job search topics you'd like me to cover in a podcast interview?

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to share with people exploring coaching
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📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

"What would it take for you to stay..."

My advice? Don't even think about it.

No matter the counter-offer and the promises, staying once you've given notice is rarely a smart move.

Why? Because, despite promises to the contrary:

➙ They will question your allegiance
➙ They didn't see your value (in $ or title)
➙ They didn't appreciate your efforts
➙ They will see you as they always have

If that weren't true, you wouldn't have wanted to leave in the first place.

Stay and they will resent you and feel manipulated.

On the other hand, in a new role with a new employer:

✔️ They are excited to have you on board
✔️ You will have room to grow
✔️ They value your expertise

Is it easier to stay? Maybe. But "easy" won't grow your career. 

Making tough decisions will. Taking on a new challenge will.

Remember all of the reasons, large and small, that motivated you to look for something new? Those things rarely change. 

Have you accepted a counter-offer? Tell us about it in the comments!

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost to help people fight the "overqualifed" label
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Dream job? More like nightmare. 

3 team members were laid off one week in.

The truth? I had suspected something was off.

The signs were there in the interview process:
✔️ The vague answers to my questions
✔️ The "do it all" job description
✔️ Limited access to the team
✔️ Big promises

My ego won the debate with my gut.
I was seduced by the "shiny" opportunity.

BTW, this company was a brand name "Best Places to Work."
Except it wasn't. It was horrific. 

Back-biting. Drama. Zero psychological safety.

I had spent my career immersed in the career and
hiring space. How had this happened to me?

18 months later it was me getting laid off. 
I felt like a complete failure.

That's when I decided that I would never again allow myself to feel like a hostage to my job.

Now, I'm committed to helping others avoid toxic workplaces. It starts before you apply and should continue through the interview process:

✅ Speak to people who've left the business
✅ Ask smart questions about the financials
✅ Ask about the biggest challenges of the role
✅ Ask about average tenure in the role
✅ Ask what success will look like in 6, 12 and 18 mos.

Most important, TRUST your gut. 
Don't be seduced by a brand name or title like I was.

🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉

♻️ Repost so others won't feel trapped
🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career strategies
📌 Need help with your job search? DM me!

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