Just a few rotating selections from the notes clients send to express how things change measurably for them from our work together. For more, see my www.Linkedin.com Profile and our website www.careerequityadvisor.com
Career Peace I saw you several times when I was contemplating the next steps for my career. I just wanted to let you know that your questions and ideas really helped me! At the time I was in sales and there was certainly no passion left for me in that area. I clearly remember us talking about options (teaching, coaching been two of them) and you mentioning that you never know what will come until you go through one door and then other doors will open. I was able to get into corporate training and for the last 10 years I have been in this field, first as a trainer and now as a manager leading a team. I have so much passion for learning and every day I get to talk about and experience learning, whether I am in the classroom, with my team or with other internal team members. It is so enjoyable and it has been a particularly rewarding, positive and engaging part of my life. So I just thought you might want to know about the impact you had and my success story that maybe you can share with others. Take care Manager, Training A Major Technology Corp Next-Generation Outplacement
I just wanted to send you this quick note of gratitude for all your help and assistance in getting me back into the job market. Having been unemployed for just over a year I was pretty disenchanted and lacking in self confidence when we first met.
I admit that I was slightly skeptical of yet another out-placement program. As I've been laid off from some of the biggest and best media companies, I've had previous experience with out-placement firms and their programs. In general, I've found these programs impersonal they didn't "get" what I wanted to do or assist me with what alternative options were available to me. It's not that they didn't try, but as a client I felt the process was somewhat ridiculous - there was an undercurrent of wanting to be rid of me as soon as possible, which to some degree is the point of the program, but the effect is humiliating and undignified.
Working with you and your approach to job search techniques has helped me to regain my self confidence with dignity and has ignited
excitement about possibilities and my own potential. I get it, I understand the process and how I can put my best foot forward now and in the future. This isn't just a process to find me a job, but a system for providing me with tools that will forever become a part of my self presentation. And for this I am forever grateful and thank you for the opportunity to work with you.
A Career Path & Earnings Regained
I was miserable, doing work that I hated, and was not being paid! The company had somehow managed to swindle me, numerous other employees, suppliers, and clients. I felt like I was stuck and I didn’t know where to turn or what to do. After having met with MaryFrances the first thing she advised me to do was terminate my contract, seek legal advice, and try to recoup some of the monies that were owed to me. My next biggest challenge: to try and sort out what to do next. Through a series of exercises, I came to understand more about who I was, what I enjoyed, and what type of work would make me happy and lead to future successes. I discovered that I needed to go back to my roots. I needed to seek work as a writer, for a reputable advertising agency, with big brand accounts.
But where to start? I didn’t even have a portfolio, I was completely disconnected from the ad industry in Toronto and hadn’t worked in the business directly since 2000. The industry is very competitive, and breaking into a big agency is no easy feat. I knew that I had a BIG challenge ahead of me.
With hard work, the support of MaryFrances, and the use of her smart networking techniques, I was successful. I made connections in the industry, followed up with creative directors, got my name out there, and shopped my “personality” and talents around town.
It’s now a year later. I am working for a global advertising agency, on big name brands – and have even had work that I created entered into awards competitions! I work for one of the most renowned Creative Directors in North America. My creative department co-workers are the people who have been the brains behind many of the famous TV spots that we have all watched and loved over the years.
I really can’t believe just how much my life has changed – if you were to ask me, at this time last year, if I would be doing this now – my answer would have been ABSOLUTELY NOT – JUST NOT POSSIBLE. So, what I would really like to say is thank-you. Thank-you for believing in me. And thank-you for helping me to believe in myself.
Innovative, Relevant Communication Thanks for all your help. I still tell people about how you helped me write the letter to get into my other company and what a boost it was for my confidence to have my future boss say that it was the best cover letter he'd ever read and that they were very glad to meet me! Moments like that are priceless and worth every penny for coaching.