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A smarter, less stressful approach to in-person networking

I was talking with one of my 1-on-1 clients last week about in-person networking strategy (because most of us go into these events without a plan). What I shared with her is the game plan I’m sharing with you now.

Reframing Networking: It’s Not About the Big Win

Most people walk into networking events thinking, “I need to make a really strong impression and land a job, client, or deal right away.”

Totally relatable—but that’s an unrealistically high bar to set for yourself. And putting that kind of pressure on a single interaction? Exhausting.

Instead, shift your mindset: The real goal of networking isn’t to “close the deal.” It’s to set up your next conversation.

A Simple Strategy for Networking Success

The best way to make networking less overwhelming and more effective is to focus on small, achievable goals rather than trying to hit a home run in every conversation. Here’s how:

✅ Set clear, attainable targets

  • “I’m going to get the contact info of 4 people.”
  • “I’ll casually pitch my professional brand to 2 people.”

Small wins add up over time. Instead of treating networking like a sprint, approach it as a marathon. You’re laying the foundation for meaningful connections that will grow after the event.

The Power of the Follow-Up

Successful networking isn’t about one magical conversation. It’s about the follow-up.

The real value of networking events happens in the days, weeks, and months after—when you nurture relationships, build trust, and create opportunities.

So, if you’ve ever felt the pressure to “perform” at networking events, know that you’re not alone.

Yes, networking still makes my introverted pulse shoot through the roof, too.

Feeling stuck or ready for your next big move? 

Join The Brave Club, where bold career changers and go-getters come together to grow, learn, and level up! This group program is packed with expert career coaching, live demonstrations, and an inspiring community that’s here to help you crush your goals and build the career you want—on your terms.

What you’ll get:

  • Weekly group coaching calls with actionable advice
  • Tools to help you build confidence and stay focused
  • A community of brave, like-minded professionals who get it

Sign up to get informed on when the next round of registration for The Brave Club goes live! Don’t miss out on the best price by signing up during Early Registration!

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Employers are hiring AI over people: How to stay in-demand as a job seeker

So, I was reading about how employers are trying to leverage AI more instead of hiring actual people–especially young people and new college grads.

Uh oh.

That, of course, got me thinking: How can people stay competitive against not just people, but also the machines that are starting to replace them? How can we demonstrate value to the employers and people with hiring say-so in a way that yells “YOU SHOULD REALLY HIRE ME”?

Well in true Brandon fashion, I did some digging, reflecting, and strategizing. Here’s what I came up with…

1. Develop Human-Centric Skills (Those Soft/Transferable Skills)

AI can process data and perform repetitive tasks really well, but they’re still not at iRobot levels…yet. And even they lacked some pretty core human traits. Empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence remain human strengths.

  • Focus on problem-solving and adaptability in fast-changing environments.
  • Emphasize collaboration—show how you’ve led teams, built consensus, or managed relationships.
  • Storytelling is key. Use it to demonstrate how you’ve solved problems creatively or improved team dynamics.

💡 Example: In a job application or interview, highlight moments when you adapted to unforeseen challenges or went beyond the technical solution to build trust and rapport or inspire others.

2. Learn to Work with AI (It’s Not Us VS Them–For Now)

Tech is useful and employers love candidates who embrace technology rather than fear it.

  • Get comfortable with relevant AI tools (e.g., AI for marketing automation, content creation, data analysis, or instructional design).
  • Frame yourself as a “tech-savvy collaborator” who can integrate AI to optimize workflows, not replace human touch.
  • Upskill continuously. Focus on in-demand tech skills like automation, data literacy, or AI-enhanced decision-making.

💡 Example: If you’ve used ChatGPT to create first drafts, analyze customer feedback, or improve workflows, share that experience! Employers want to see practical use cases.

3. Focus on Strategic Thinking & Innovation

AI excels at executing tasks but lacks the ability to strategically plan or innovate from scratch.

  • Show how you’ve contributed to long-term planning, launched innovative solutions, or driven strategic change.
  • Highlight your curiosity and continuous improvement mindset. Employers are looking for people who challenge the status quo and think bigger.

💡 Example: “While working on [project], I identified a gap in [process] and introduced [new solution], which led to [tangible result].”

4. Build a Personal Brand & Network

Brand. And then develop your brand. And then develop it some more! Having a strong personal brand makes you stand out in the job market.

  • Share your expertise and insights on platforms like LinkedIn or industry-specific communities.
  • Network strategically—build connections with thought leaders, recruiters, and peers in your field.
  • Be authentic and visible. Employers value candidates with a unique perspective and strong presence.

💡 Example: Post articles, share projects, or engage in discussions about how your field is evolving with AI. This shows you’re informed and invested in the future.

5. Demonstrate Results & ROI

The job seekers I coach hear me say this all the time: Ultimately what employers care about is that you can move the needle. They want people who can show clear impact and value creation.

  • Use your resume and interviews to highlight your achievements (cost savings, efficiency improvements, revenue growth, program success, etc.).
  • Position yourself as someone who makes data-driven decisions and delivers measurable outcomes.

💡 Example: Instead of saying, “I managed social media,” say, “I used AI analytics to increase social engagement by 35% and contributed to a 10% sales boost in six months.”

6. Be a Lifelong Learner

The workforce is evolving, y’all, and staying relevant means learning and evolving with it.

  • Take online courses, attend webinars, and earn certifications in emerging technologies or fields.
  • Stay up-to-date on industry trends and future skill demands.
  • Show curiosity and adaptability—employers appreciate candidates who are excited about change.

💡 Resources: Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or industry-specific learning hubs.

7. Prioritize Ethical Thinking and Human Values

In a world driven by AI, ethics and human-centric leadership are becoming critical.

  • If you’ve worked on projects where you balanced technology with user experience, ethics, or community impact, showcase that experience.
  • Highlight your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion (YES DEI matters and I don’t care what anybody says to the contrary), and user-centered design.

💡 Example: “I ensured our training program incorporated diverse perspectives and addressed accessibility, helping us achieve [specific outcome].”

It’s getting tricky out there, but we can still win. Keep evolving with the times, keep getting those apps out, and keep networking. We’ll get there!

🔥 Feeling stuck or ready for your next big move? Join The Brave Club, where bold career changers and go-getters come together to grow, learn, and level up! This group program is packed with expert career coaching, live demonstrations, and an inspiring community that’s here to help you crush your goals and build the career you want—on your terms.

💬 What you’ll get:

  • Weekly group coaching calls with actionable advice
  • Tools to help you build confidence and stay focused
  • A community of brave, like-minded professionals who get it

👉 Learn more and join us: The Brave Club

The next cycle starts Tuesday, February 11th! Join today for only $129 to reserve your spot. Registration is closing soon so let’s get to it!

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Resume tailoring isn’t as hard as you think. Here are some tips

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not fun. It’s just that tailoring your resume to match the job description probably doesn’t need to take as long as you might think, assuming that you’re largely applying for the same type of job over and over again.

Maybe 15 minutes in that case.

Once you get the branding down well, it should not be taking you hours to craft a resume to fit a job you’re applying to. So read on for some initial crafting tips.!

First, Why Tailor Your Resume?

When hiring managers review resumes, they’re looking for candidates who align closely with their specific needs. A tailored resume quickly shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and helps highlight why you’re the perfect fit.

Four Pillars of Effective Resume Tailoring
1. Job Title Alignment

Your job titles are often the first things recruiters notice, and they give a quick impression of what your experience and skills are. Make them count by:

  • Using industry-standard titles that align with your target role
  • Ensuring titles accurately reflect your responsibilities while matching the target role’s terminology (if the title doesn’t accurately reflect your responsibilities it can come off as being deceptive. Or ya know…lying.)
  • Adding contextual titles in parentheses when needed for clarity (e.g., “Project Lead (Technical Learning Specialist)”)
2. Keyword Optimization

The right keywords can make the difference between your resume being seen or overlooked:

  • Mirror key terms from the job description thoughtfully
  • Focus on relevant skills and achievements/outcomes that match the role
  • Remove or downplay unrelated experience that might distract from your core qualifications
3. Outcome/Result Framing

It’s not just what you did—it’s how you frame it and what happened as a result:

  • Highlight accomplishments most relevant to the target role
  • Quantify results in ways that matter for the position
    • If you’re having a hard time quantifying things (looking at you, Higher Ed and Non-Profit professionals), use qualitative/descriptive outcomes
  • Use industry-specific metrics that resonate with hiring managers
  • Transform generic achievements into role-specific wins
4. Responsibility Focus

Every bullet point should serve a purpose:

  • Emphasize duties that align directly with job requirements
  • De-emphasize or remove unrelated responsibilities
  • Use similar language to the job posting to demonstrate alignment
  • Focus on transferable skills when switching industries
The Golden Rule: Maintain Authenticity

A crucial aspect of resume tailoring is maintaining honesty throughout the process. Tailoring is not about fabrication or making stuff up—it’s about presenting your genuine experience through the most relevant lens for each specific role. Think of it as translation rather than transformation. You have to help people understand how relevant your experience and skills are.

Practical Tips for Implementation
  1. Create a Master Resume
    • Keep a comprehensive document with all your experience
    • Use this as your base for creating tailored versions
  2. Create a Resume Version for Each Role Type You Apply For
    • You’ll want a version that aligns with each of your target role types
    • Tailoring within a role type shouldn’t take you long
  3. Analyze the Job Description
    • Highlight key requirements and qualifications
    • Note specific terminology and phrases used
    • Identify the most important skills and experiences sought after
  4. Make Strategic Choices
    • Prioritize relevant experience by reorganizing bullet points
    • Consider the company’s culture and values
  5. Review and Refine
    • Double-check alignment with job requirements
    • Ensure all information remains accurate
    • Proofread carefully after making changes
The Bottom Line

Resume tailoring is not so much about creating different versions of yourself—it’s about highlighting the most relevant aspects of your experience for each opportunity. When done correctly, it helps employers quickly understand your value proposition and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Remember: Your resume is often your first impression. Make it count by presenting your experience in a way that resonates with each specific opportunity while staying true to your professional story.

The Brave Club!

If you’re looking for a way to be more effective in your job search (in other words, get better at landing interviews and jobs), come join The Brave Club!

It’s my group coaching program designed for job seekers. If you’re an educator, leader, or career pivoter, this was built for you.

The Brave Club is a more affordable/accessible coaching option that provides you with community, strategy, accountability, and confidence you can use to more skillfully and successfully navigate the circus that is the job search.

Check out some quick details below:

  • 6 45 minute group sessions focusing on Branding, Resume Development, Job Alignment, and Negotiation
  • Access to the private Facebook group for members
  • Regular job search advice straight to your email inbox
  • Open office hours for you to get specific answers to your questions

Early Registration starts today! Register as an early member by Friday, January 24th and you can get in for only $75!

Click here to learn more and get started with bolstering your job search!

Here’s what someone from the pilot group had to say about their experience in The Brave Club:

I had a great experience for someone that has a non traditional job and has not worked in a corporate environment it definitely made me start to think differently in my current role. I feel more confident having the tools to start applying I am not as scared. I highly recommend anyone to join (already have a few friends that are interested). Come in ready to share job search and interview experiences.

-Alicia S.

This is your sign! Come sign up and let’s get to it. See ya there!

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Holiday season job search: Your game plan for success in 2025

The new year is right around the corner, and with it comes the promise of fresh opportunities. As hiring tends to pick up early in the year, now is the time to set yourself up for success. Whether you’re looking to pivot careers, step into a new role, or simply explore what’s out there, a little preparation now can make all the difference when the time comes.

Here’s your quick guide to getting ahead of the competition:

1️⃣ Build a Routine Now

Job searching is a grind. It’s not something you can typically sprint through—it’s more like a marathon. There are going to be moments when your energy dips, rejection emails pile up, and motivation feels out of reach. That’s where a solid routine comes in.

A routine creates structure, helping you stay organized and consistent even when things get tough. Start by setting aside regular time blocks for job searching, networking, or updating your application materials. Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and set realistic goals for yourself each week.

By establishing these habits now, you’ll have systems in place to fall back on when hiring season ramps up. You’ll be running on a process you’ve already mastered rather than scrambling to piece things together. Remember: consistency beats intensity over the long haul.

2️⃣ Define Your Brand

What makes you stand out? If your answer is limited to your skills or experience, you might be missing the bigger picture. The job market is more competitive than ever, and a solid personal brand can be the key to rising above the noise.

Your personal brand is the unique combination of your story, values, approach, and expertise. It’s what sets you apart from other candidates with similar resumes. Ask yourself:

  • What do I want people to remember about me after a conversation or an interview?
  • What unique strengths, experiences, or perspectives do I bring to the table?
  • How do I want to present myself online, in my resume, and in interviews?

Start building your brand. Then, refine your LinkedIn profile, polish your resume, and practice how you talk about yourself in networking or interview settings. The more authentic and clear your brand is, the more you’ll attract the right opportunities.

3️⃣ Identify the Right Role Types

If you’ve been applying for jobs and not getting any interviews, it might not be your skills—it might be your strategy. Too often, job seekers cast a wide net, applying for anything that seems remotely close to their experience. But that approach isn’t super effective.

Instead, focus on alignment. What types of roles are you particularly suited for? What industries, job titles, or responsibilities match your current skills and goals? And equally important, where are the gaps?

For example, you might discover roles you’re excited about but aren’t particularly well-suited for yet. That’s not a dead end—it’s an opportunity to tailor your approach. Update your resume to highlight transferable skills, adjust your personal brand to emphasize your potential, or take a course to bridge a skill gap.

Applying strategically—rather than applying broadly—will save you time and energy while increasing your chances of landing interviews for the roles that are truly right for you.

Your Time Is Coming

The job search process can feel overwhelming, but preparation is your secret weapon. By building a routine, defining your personal brand (click here to check out my branding program!), and targeting the right roles, you’re positioning yourself for success.

When the new year arrives and companies start posting those job openings, you won’t just be ready—you’ll be ahead of the pack.

Need help getting started? You don’t have to do it alone. Message me, and I’ll get your questions answered. Let’s make this the year you achieve your career goals!

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The best thing you can do for yourself when job searching?

Here it is, plain and simple: start applying for jobs.

It might sound obvious, but as a coach I see a whole lot of people hold themselves back from actually getting in the pool. 

And yeah, there’s plenty of advice out there about what you should be doing during a job hunt—polishing your resume, growing your network, building your personal brand. 

And those are all important! But none of it matters much if you’re not actually sending out applications.

The facts: it’s really hard to land a job if you’re not putting yourself in the running.

Why This “Simple” Step Is Often Overlooked

So, I’ve noticed a trend. Many people hesitate to apply for jobs because they feel like they’re not “ready.” Maybe their resume isn’t perfect yet. Maybe they’re unsure if they’re qualified. Maybe they’re overwhelmed by the process and don’t know where to start.

But here’s the thing: perfection is overrated, and momentum is everything. The more you apply, the more you’ll refine your approach. You’ll learn what works, you’ll get more comfortable tailoring your materials, and you’ll start to see patterns in job descriptions that clarify what employers are really looking for.

Building The Habit

One of the biggest hurdles is establishing the habit of routinely applying for roles. Job searching can feel like a full-time job in itself, but it doesn’t have to consume your entire day. The key is consistency. Dedicate specific time blocks to job applications—whether that’s 30 minutes a day or a couple hours a week.

When you prioritize this habit, you’ll notice a shift. Suddenly, job searching feels less overwhelming and more like a manageable part of your routine.

Action Steps To Get Started

Ready to get them applications out? Here’s how to make it happen:

Set a goal: Decide how many jobs you’ll apply for each week. Start with a realistic number and adjust as you gain momentum.

Create a schedule: Block out time on your calendar for job applications. Treat it like an important appointment.

Start small: If you’re feeling stuck, pick one role to apply for today. Sometimes, just starting is the hardest part.

Track your progress: Use a spreadsheet or a job search tracker to stay organized. Logging your applications can help you stay motivated and identify follow-up opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Job searching is a process, and like any process, it works best when you keep moving forward. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. The most important thing is to take action.

So, what are you waiting for? Get those apps out—and take the first step toward your next opportunity!

Looking for some accountability and guidance? Come talk to me about my coaching programs. Getting started and knowing what to do can make this process of finding your next job SO MUCH EASIER.

“Hire him! If you are ready for change, ready to do the work, and receive honest feedback Hire him! Best money I’ve spent this year!”

-Adetola O.

Click here to schedule a free consultation with me. It’ll be quick and easy. I promise.

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The Art of Resume Tailoring: 4 Pillars and 5 Tips

So we’ve all seen that submitting the same generic resume for every position simply doesn’t cut it anymore. The key to standing out lies in strategic branding, targeted networking, and–of course–resume tailoring.

That means you gotta customize your resume for specific roles while maintaining complete truthfulness. I have a comprehensive guide to mastering this essential job-seeking skill for y’all. Keep reading!

Why Tailor Your Resume?

When hiring managers review resumes, they’re looking for candidates who align closely with their specific needs. A tailored resume quickly shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and helps highlight why you’re the perfect fit.

Four Pillars of Effective Resume Tailoring
1. Job Title Alignment

Your job titles are often the first things recruiters notice, and they give a quick impression of what your experience and skills are. Make them count by:

  • Using industry-standard titles that align with your target role
  • Ensuring titles accurately reflect your responsibilities while matching the target role’s terminology (if the title doesn’t accurately reflect your responsibilities it can come off as being deceptive. Or ya know…lying.)
  • Adding contextual titles in parentheses when needed for clarity (e.g., “Project Lead (Technical Learning Specialist)”)
2. Keyword Optimization

The right keywords can make the difference between your resume being seen or overlooked:

  • Mirror key terms from the job description thoughtfully
  • Focus on relevant skills and achievements/outcomes that match the role
  • Remove or downplay unrelated experience that might distract from your core qualifications
3. Outcome/Result Framing

It’s not just what you did—it’s how you frame it and what happened as a result:

  • Highlight accomplishments most relevant to the target role
  • Quantify results in ways that matter for the position
    • If you’re having a hard time quantifying things (looking at you, Higher Ed and Non-Profit professionals), use qualitative/descriptive outcomes
  • Use industry-specific metrics that resonate with hiring managers
  • Transform generic achievements into role-specific wins
4. Responsibility Focus

Every bullet point should serve a purpose:

  • Emphasize duties that align directly with job requirements
  • De-emphasize or remove unrelated responsibilities
  • Use similar language to the job posting to demonstrate alignment
  • Focus on transferable skills when switching industries
The Golden Rule: Maintain Authenticity

A crucial aspect of resume tailoring is maintaining honesty throughout the process. Tailoring is not about fabrication or making stuff up—it’s about presenting your genuine experience through the most relevant lens for each specific role. Think of it as translation rather than transformation. You have to help people understand how relevant your experience and skills are.

Practical Tips for Implementation
  1. Create a Master Resume
    • Keep a comprehensive document with all your experience
    • Use this as your base for creating tailored versions
  2. Create a Resume Version for Each Role Type You Apply For
    • You’ll want a version that aligns with each of your target role types
    • Tailoring within a role type shouldn’t take you long
  3. Analyze the Job Description
    • Highlight key requirements and qualifications
    • Note specific terminology and phrases used
    • Identify the most important skills and experiences sought after
  4. Make Strategic Choices
    • Prioritize relevant experience by reorganizing bullet points
    • Consider the company’s culture and values
  5. Review and Refine
    • Double-check alignment with job requirements
    • Ensure all information remains accurate
    • Proofread carefully after making changes
The Bottom Line

Resume tailoring is not so much about creating different versions of yourself—it’s about highlighting the most relevant aspects of your experience for each opportunity. When done correctly, it helps employers quickly understand your value proposition and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Remember: Your resume is often your first impression. Make it count by presenting your experience in a way that resonates with each specific opportunity while staying true to your professional story.

Looking for help enhancing your job search? Let me know! What’s your biggest challenge in your job search right now?

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3 Components you need in your job search

Job searching is so complicated now. Too complicated. There’s so much nuance and this and that.

As a coach, I can’t help but think it shouldn’t be this hard to get a job that you’re very qualified for.

But here we are.

So, I want to share some advice with you all on the 3-part strategy I’ve seen work the best, both as a coach, and as a former hiring manager. Keep reading.

The 3 Kings of Your Job Search

There are three major components that you HAVE to nail if you wanna get hired. They are:

  1. Targeted branding
  2. Targeted resumes
  3. Targeted networking

Not necessarily in order of importance, just altogether. You have to do each of these 3 things well.

Targeted Branding

Targeted branding means you have to communicate a clear message. You need to clearly and quickly demonstrate that you have an overall profile that matches the role. Your skills, experiences, intangibles, etc. have to show that you’re ready to hit the ground running in the role(s) you’re applying for. Branding is how you stand out from the crowd and create differentiation between you and other similar candidates.

Targeted Resumes

Yes, your resume needs to be tailored to the role you’re applying for. You have to reflect their language, speak to relevant skills and experiences, and do so clearly and quickly. Without a clear and strong resume that’s easily readable, you’re fighting an uphill battle.

Targeted Networking

Remember the old “It’s not what ya know, it’s who ya know” saying?

Well it’s kinda true. Simply applying isn’t enough anymore.

It’s unfortunate, but true. You need to network. Tap in with your existing network, but you’ll also need to do some cold outreach.

Do your best to get in touch with people that can get you in front of the hiring manager (i.e. recruiters, current employees, etc.). It’s hard, but it really does help and it’s definitely worth the effort.

Volume Matters

One other thing. You have to get out enough applications. But not half-assed apps for jobs you’re barely aligned for.

You have to get out enough applications for jobs that you’re a good candidate for, while doing targeted networking.

It is exhausting. It’s draining. It’s frustrating.

This is the game, though, and you absolutely can and will beat it.

Keep at it, stay consistent, and when you get tired…take a break and then get back to it.

You can do this.

Here To Help!

My goal is to get people hired. Quite frankly, a lot of you are extremely qualified for the jobs you’re applying for, but there are nuances to the process that are holding you back.

Maybe it’s your branding, maybe it’s your resume or your interview skills, maybe it’s the fact that you’re disorganized.

Whatever the case may be, coaching can help you get that next job. I’ve seen it happen with my own two eyes:

“Brandon created a very comfortable environment for me to be honest about my frustration and journey. I felt validated and seen. I also appreciated that we were strategic and tactical.

Most importantly I landed a job. This was one of my goals in hiring a coach and getting interviews. Before Brandon, I had not landed one interview in 3 months of applying.”— Adetola O.

Are you signed up to my email list? If not, let’s change that:

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If you are, come chat with me. I hold free consultations all the time, and they’re meant to be a space for us to get acquainted, chat about your goals, and see if coaching is right for you at this moment.

If it is, great. We’ll talk about options. If it’s not, that’s ok too. We’ll talk about things to be mindful of at this point in your journey.

Either way, the fall is the perfect time to get active in your search journey and put together a strategic campaign. So let’s get to it.

Click here and let’s get started!

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Are transferable skills useless these days?

Raise your hand if you have transferable skills!

Now keep your hand up if you feel like you’re having 0 luck landing a job despite having transferable skills.

Awkward.

In theory, transferable skills are super valuable. In fact, you can google transferable skills and find all kinds of blogs and articles talking about how in-demand they are.

In reality, though, what tends to happen is transferable skills don’t land you a job.

Transferable skills on their own will not land you a job.

On their own, they are kinda useless.

There’s hope, but first, let’s look at why I’m telling you they’re useless on their own.

AN EXAMPLE

Let’s say I’m a hiring manager, and I’m hiring for a Project Manager role. There are 100 candidates in the pool for this position.

Keep in mind that my hiring team and I have limited time and resources.

Why would I hire a teacher with transferable skills, when there’s 30 perfectly good project managers in the pool?

What are the chances of that?

What are the chances of me using my limited resources to even interview that teacher with transferable skills when I could just interview the 30 perfectly good project managers?

The odds are probably not very good.

Now if I had UNLIMITED resources (i.e. time, money, energy, hands, etc.), then sure I might take the time to really dive into exploring how actually useful and relevant your transferable skills are (they are). I might actually come to understand how effective you are at delivering the results I need via your transferable skills, especially once you’ve been trained.

But I don’t have unlimited resources, sooo I’m probably just gonna make it easy on myself and hire someone who’s already a project manager. Sorry.

This is why you’re not getting interviews or jobs off the strength of your transferable skills.

But again! There’s hope!

In order for your transferable skills to be useful, you have to do something with them.

You have to translate them.

HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
  1. First of all, you have to identify what your relevant transferable skills are. What is it that you can do that would be useful in a different context? What functions have you performed that require abilities you could use in a new field or role type?

You have to be intentional and specific about this step first and foremost.

  1. Once you’ve identified them, it’s time to learn how to tell stories about them. In particular, it’s time to stop talking about your “teacher” experience like teacher experience, and instead start talking about it like “project manager” experience.

An employer is not going to connect the dots between your transferable skills and the role for you. You have to do it for them.

This second step is the part that trips people up. In order to talk about your teacher experiences and skills like project manager experiences and skills, you need to learn how project managers talk about their stuff.

What do you know about what project managers actually do on the day-to-day? What tasks and functions do they execute? What terms and lingo do they use? What outcomes do they work toward (emphasis on this part)? So on and so forth.

You gotta learn how to tell the story correctly, and that means telling it in a way that is (1) recognizable and (2) speaks to the relevant impact you can have through your skills.

Without this, your transferable skills will not do you much good.

BRANDING PLAYS A ROLE

Part of developing your brand is identifying your core tools, and learning how to sell/pitch them. In other words, what skills are you really really good with, and how well do you convey your proficiency with them?

Getting your framing down.

When you get really clear on your brand, you’ll be more aware of your core skills. You’ll become better at telling stories about how you have and can use them. You’ll be more effective at conveying your ability to drive impact and outcomes.

And this will help you translate your transferable skills into a set of tools that can actually help you land that project manager role.

If you’re looking to pivot from one role type or field to another, branding is a valuable step for you.

Would you be able to tell me about your brand right now? If the answer is no, we should talk.

I’m running a Build Your Transferable Brand program designed to help you put together your brand in 2 1-on-1 sessions with me. The details and benefits? See for yourself:

It’s a $400 program, but you can get it for $300 for the next 7 days! This deal is vanishing on August 2nd!

Let’s get to it right now so you can be up and running in time for the fall (as in, when hiring typically picks back up again).

Click here to get started.

Wanna talk about it? Send me a message!

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Nervous interviewer? 3 confidence-building tips for interviews

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Intense sweating?

Blanking out?

Clicking your pen?

Rambling?

You might be a nervous interviewer. I see lots of people who are anxious before their interviews. It’s natural. It’s a sign you care a lot. It also sucks because it gets in your way of performing well and landing that dang job. 

BUT, with the right mindset and preparation, you can approach your next job interview with confidence and boost those chances of success. Let’s explore some tips and insights I share with my clients that can help you navigate the interview process with more ease.

#1: YOU ARE QUALIFIED! EMBRACE THAT AND RELAX

Most people who struggle with interviews often experience anxiety because they anticipate being asked questions they either won’t be able to answer at all, or won’t have a good answer to. 

However, if you’re applying for jobs you know you’re qualified for, the chances of running into a question you can’t handle are pretty close to zero. 

Remember, the only reason you’re even in the interview is because you have the skills and experience the employer is seeking. Rather than letting anxiety take over, allow yourself to relax and trust in your abilities. When you’re relaxed, you’re more likely to feel confident and provide thoughtful responses.

They are not going to stump you!

#2: BRING YOUR PERSONALITY TO THE INTERVIEW

It’s easy to slip out of your natural personality in an interview because the power dynamic can make you nervous. To combat this, consciously remind yourself to stay grounded in your personality in the interview. 

One thing that can help you stay in your personality is breaking the ice early. Try making a casual observation about the interviewer’s room or background during the initial introductions. 

For example, you could say something like, “Wow, I just gotta say, your cork board is huge! I need me something like THAT!” or “Before we start, I just wanna say your background kinda reminds me of that one scene in Finding Nemo!” or “I see the sun is shining where you are, and it’s reminding me I need to go get some sun today!” 

These small personal touches can help you relax and allow your true personality to shine through.

#3: PAUSE BEFORE RESPONDING

Even when you know you have a solid answer to a question, resist the urge to respond immediately. 

Instead, take a brief pause – a second or two – before answering. Look up, thoughtful as always, and then provide your response. This small pause can help you gather and organize your thoughts, preventing rambling or incoherent answers. 

Additionally, it conveys valuable intangibles to your interviewers, such as confidence, an ability to think carefully on your feet, and comfort handling pressure (even if you don’t actually feel that way in the moment).

And there ya go! Start with these tips, and go from there.

Remember, if you’re applying for jobs that align with your qualifications, you’re likely to have good answers to the interview questions.

By embracing your qualifications, bringing your personality to the interview, and pausing before responding, you’ll help yourself take the edge off your anxiety in your next job interview.

Good luck out there interviewers!

Curious about more?

You’re job searching–or thinking about job searching–and not having a good time?

You’re putting off job searching because you’re worried about the stress?

Yeah it’s hard out there.

Coaching might be a good resource for you, but if you’re like most people, you’re probably not sure.

If you’d like to know more about coaching, how it has helped others in your situation, and how it can help you, fill out your info below or email me at brandon@begallantcoaching.com.

I’ll send you a quick email with some brief information you can read and digest on your own time.

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Or you can just sign up for a free consultation with me here.

Either way, let’s stay connected!

~B

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4 Negotiation tips to help you get the bag next time

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We all want to get paid what we’re worth, right? 

Yeah, we do!

But negotiating your salary can feel awkward and uncomfortable if you don’t know what you’re doing, and a lot of us coming from Higher Ed don’t have any negotiation experience. 

Too many people leave fat stacks of cash on the table because they just don’t know what to do when the opportunity to negotiate comes. Rather than lean into the discomfort, they wind up avoiding the opportunity altogether by just taking whatever is initially offered.

If that’s you, I understand. It’s awkward, after all. But don’t be like that anymore! With some smart moves and a little swagger, YOU can score a way bigger paycheck when you land your next job.

Does an extra $10k or $15k sound nice? More?

Check out these 4 insider tips:

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  1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFOREHAND. Knowledge equals power when it comes to negotiating, y’all. And you want to get the knowledge you need early. Before you even start interviewing, spend some time researching typical pay ranges for your role, experience level, and location. Sites like Glassdoor and PayScale have a lot of good info. Once you’re locked and loaded with real numbers, you’ll be able to negotiate with authority.
  1. DON’T NAME YOUR PRICE FIRST. Here’s a rookie mistake to avoid: blurting out a number if/when they ask about your salary expectations. Boom, you just lost all your leverage! Instead, keep it cool and deflect gracefully. Tell them you want to learn more about the full scope and compensation package before discussing numbers. Break a communication rule: ask them what they would typically pay someone with your high-value skills and experience. Make them show their cards first so you don’t accidentally get yourself low-balled.
  1. NEGOTIATE LIVE OR IN-PERSON. Serious money talks shouldn’t go down over email where things can get lost in translation. Request an actual face-to-face meeting, video call, or at the very minimum a phone chat. Having a real-time convo lets you read between the lines, sell your value proposition, and negotiate more effectively on the fly. Negotiation is all about influence and persuasion. You lose some of that when you’re not able to look the person you’re talking to in the eyes.
  1. GET IT IN WRITING. Once you’ve finessed your way to the deal you’re happy with, get every detail documented in writing before accepting. That means base pay, bonuses, equity, benefits – the whole nine yards. Having it all spelled out officially means it’s a done deal and eliminates the opportunity for any shadiness later on. Oh, and when I say “Get it in writing,” I don’t mean an email. I mean a contract or offer sheet. An actual document.

BONUS. Don’t settle for the first offer they give you! Even if it’s more than you were expecting and more than you were hoping for. Always ask to negotiate to see if you can actually get more because you just might be able to! Remember: whatever you miss out on in negotiations is gonna be hard (maybe impossible) to recuperate without leaving.

At the end of the day, we gotta live, and that takes money and compensation. It’s hard out here these days, so don’t be shy about demanding top dollar for your skills and experience. Get prepared, stay smooth, and get that bag!

It’s hard just getting to the negotiation stage, huh?

If you’re having a hard time getting to the interview and job offer/negotiation stage, it’s not just you.

Fact is, hiring is a mess right now and mad competitive.

If that is what you’re experiencing, though, you might have a branding problem.

In other words, you might be struggling to clearly convey why YOU– of all the people with similar qualifications and skills and experiences–are the one that can actually provide the right kind of value.

Exactly how are your skills transferable? How can you move the needle?

If you solve that issue, your chances of landing those interviews and securing those offers goes way up.

Come check out my Build Your Transferable Brand program. It’s quick and easy, and I’ll have you up and running with your personal brand in just 2 50 minute sessions.

I know some of you are tired of spinning your wheels and getting little-to-no results (because I’ve talked to some of you). This is your sign.

Let’s get you up and running before summer starts and hiring slows down.

Click here and let’s do it!