Exclusive Services

Let Career Coaching by Valerie help you:

• Define your career goals and gain confidence

• Improve your résumé and cover letters

• Prepare for your next job interview

• Feel confident

• Practice interviewing skills (virtual or in-person)

• Negotiate salary and compare offers

• Build a strong LinkedIn profile

Career Coaching

Professional people need coaches just like athletes. There comes a time in in a person's career when advancement ceases or a job becomes a dead end. You might need someone to discuss your next professional move and guide you in this competitive job market. This is where career coaching can help. Career coaching is a results-approach to making career decisions. The goal of career coaching is to empower professionals to make informed decisions about managing their career. Let me coach you for your next position.

Résumés and Cover Letters

Do you need a new or updated résumé or cover letter? A professionally written, skill focused résumé is a must as you begin your job search. Because 30 seconds or less is spent reading résumés, it is vital to get a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s instant attention. I am happy to give you a résumé review or rewrite your résumé. Cover letters are still read by employers and encouraged when requested, changing careers, discussing gaps in employment or explaining transferrable skills for a job with limited experience. I am pleased to review covers letters and offer you guidance on selling your skills and experience to the prospective position.

Interview Coaching

Many young professionals are not savvy enough or experienced and confident in job interviewing. Some senior professionals who have found themselves in a career transition may be rusty too. Job interviewing has changed over the years and multiple interviews are not uncommon before the top candidate is selected for the position. Whether virtual or in-person all candidates must prepared, This is where interview coaching can help you.

LinkedIn Profiles

Do you have a LinkedIn profile that needs some work? Employers are viewing LinkedIn profiles. Your LinkedIn profile should replicate your résumé showcasing your education and work experience. A professional headshot should also be included. Let me help you craft your profile that will get noticed.

Résumé Reviews

When I review résumés, my first focus is on visual appeal. I ask myself two key questions: Is the résumé professional and polished? Does it appear that time and effort were invested in its creation? After that, I evaluate whether the candidate's skills, education, and experience align with the job they're applying for. While this doesn’t automatically disqualify a candidate, these factors are among the top criteria I consider.

Cover Letters

A candidate may ask, are cover letters necessary? Are recruiters reading them? The answer is yes and most still are. Cover letters are necessary when a candidate has limited work experience and needs to express how their skills fit a prospective job. Cover letters work well when a candidate is changing careers or needs to explain their career trajectory to a potential employer.

Spend some time and take the extra step in your job search to personalize each cover letter for the job you are applying to. It may make the difference between being invited for an interview!

Interview Dress

Dressing appropriately for both the interview and the position you're applying for is crucial. I adhere to a more traditional approach: professional business attire is the standard. Opt for a suit.

Here are some guidelines to consider as you prepare for your next job interview:

Suit: Choose a dark, solid color or pinstriped suit that is clean and pressed.

Dresses/Skirts: Aim for knee-length.

Shirt: Solid colors, preferably white, long-sleeved (for men), and neatly tucked in.

Ties (for men): Go for a conservative, non-flashy tie.

Jewelry: Keep it simple and avoid large, distracting, or noisy pieces.

Shoes: Opt for dark, clean shoes with no open toes. A flat heel or a heel height of 1-2 inches is ideal.

While some industries may have a relaxed dress code, it's always best to err on the side of caution by dressing more conservatively. Remember, your interview attire might differ from what you wear on the job, but making a strong first impression is essential. Put your best foot forward!

Get in touch with me!

Empower yourself today!