Courage, Clarity, and Confidence

8Explore Your Professional Experiences

I was recently working with a client who was dealing with self‐doubt and worried about finding a new job. This is a common issue.

She said, “Every time I look at job boards I see all of these jobs, but nothing that seems to truly be a fit. In the rare instance that I do find something I think is a fit, I apply, and then hear nothing back. And I have no idea if I am even targeting the right positions or if the compensation will be what I need. It's clear that I don't know what I am doing or if my résumé is the problem because I am not getting any calls. I don't know what to do! No one wants to give me a chance.”

Sound familiar?

She didn't want to be looking for another job in the first place, but couldn't put up with the blatant disrespect and undermining at work. Not to mention she just found out that her male counterpart was making $20,000 more for the exact same job with less experience, and he was causing bottlenecks for multiple teams. She was up for a promotion and heard, “Not yet” again. She was fed up and rightfully so.

Similar experience?

I'm not surprised. You are not alone. In fact, you're in good company. I hear stories like this all too often.

As my client was talking, I could hear a clear undertone. She felt like she was the problem. Not knowing what to do, how to do it, her résumé, etc. The frustration was consuming her and she was near tears. Hear me right here: It is not your fault.

We struggle in job search because what ...