Jessica Sweet, CPCC, CEIP, LICSW

Executive Career Coach

Wishingwell Coaching

I am The Career Therapist. What does that mean? I help with all those sticky places where your mindset and emotions overlap with work. 

Getting clear on what you really want. 
Achieving that next level. 
Managing your anxiety. 
Stopping limiting beliefs or patterns that hold you back. 
Creating work life balance. 
(Re) Building confidence. 
Being the leader you really want to be. 
Putting all of your ADHD magic to work for you. 
Setting boundaries
Dealing with burnout. 
Recovering from toxicity
And more. . . 

WHAT YOU WANT:

You want make an impact, make money, find a great corporate culture, grow, learn and feel like you’re contributing. 

Is that really so much to ask? 

Nope.

But you know that you’re holding yourself back, and sometimes you wonder: do you need a therapist, or a coach?

How about both?

As a trained therapist (Harvard Teaching Hospital Psychiatry Training Program) and a certified coach x 14 years, I can help you feel empowered. 

WE COULD:

✔Gain the confidence to get a new job or advance even if you have battle scars from previous roles, haven't job searched in years, or feel stuck and confused.
✔Get past mindset blocks holding you back from having the career you want
✔Reset your boundaries
✔Make a career transition and find a job and company that's exciting, a match for your skills and experience, and pays!

SOME OF MY WINS INCLUDE:

✔Coached 100s of clients over 14 years to 6/multiple 6 figure jobs doing work in alignment with their values, skills and experience
✔Helped several clients start their own business
✔ Invited to write articles for/quoted in several leading business + career publications, including Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, The Huff Post, CNBC, Business Insider, Monster.com, and more
✔Helped clients increase salaries by as much at 100%
✔ Top 25 Career Coach + Forbes Coaches Council

If you're stuck, feel you're wasting your potential, or feel like we should talk, message me on LinkedIn or: jessica@wishingwellcoach.com

Executive Career Coach for Midlife Leaders

Forbes Coaches Council

I'm a member of this invitation only organization for leading career and business coaches.  My articles on career coaching, job search and strategy have been accepted and published on Forbes.com. Read them in my publications section. Collaborated with some of the top minds in the coaching industry.

Official Member

Executive Connexions Ltd.

Cambridge Health Alliance

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Trained under top trauma specialists to learn about and practice cutting edge trauma treatment, and treat patients in 1-to-1 and group therapy settings.

Victims of Violence Fellow

Montgomery County Methadone Center

Counselor

My father hated his job but stayed for 30 years to support our family, even though it made him sick and angry. He could have done a million other things, but he couldn’t see the options. Instead, he was miserable until the day he up and quit. 

The rest of the family suffered, too. 

My first job was toxic and “not me." I quit without notice. 

𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱: 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲. 

You’re not the kind of person who can feel one thing and do another.

💔 Your career isn’t working, and you're feeling: 
	
➔ Stress, 
➔ Burn out,
➔ Undervalued, 
➔ Mis-matched/Confused/Unfocused
➔ You need a job that's more than a paycheck

➡ You’ve wished for a career coach who can help with difficult emotions, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 has a solid, proven system. 

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗺𝗲.  

⭐ 𝗠𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲-𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗘𝗤, 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸/𝗝𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀. 

I use effective and proven career tools + systems I’ve created + refined over 15 years, + my therapy background.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽: 

⭐ 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘, job search system + weekly group coaching + mental wellness/support. https://www.linkedin.com/redir/invalid-link-page?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwishingwellcoach%2ecom%2Fjob-search-coaching%2F

⭐𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 6-month group +1:1 coaching program: https://www.linkedin.com/redir/invalid-link-page?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwishingwellcoach%2ecom%2Fjob-targeting-group%2F

⭐𝟭:𝟭 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, Get clear, make decisions + resolve emotional career conflicts.
https://tinyurl.com/coaching-chat

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘆:
“I cannot emphasize enough - if you are considering any of the topics on her page or listed above . . . - work with Jess.” Jeffrey Rapp, MBA, PHP

“I would recommend Jessica to anyone looking to resolve a career dilemma!!” Julia Wooding, MBA

“Her personalized approach, combined with her expertise and encouragement allowed me to make significant progress and achieve remarkable results in a short period of time.” Tim Freeze, Sales Leader

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.
	⇨ Send me a DM and let’s chat.

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: 
https://wishingwellcoach.com/career-resources/

Jessica Sweet, CPCC, CEIP, LICSW 🇺🇦

Maureen McCann, Executive Career Strategist 💎

Trusted advisor to six-figure executives navigating role changes. 💎15X award-winning Executive Resume Writer.💎11X Canadian Certified Career & Job Search Strategist. Stop searching, start leading.

Imagine stepping into a role where your expertise is valued, your leadership trusted and your compensation aligned with your worth.

If you’re looking for executive-level guidance to navigate the hiring process in 2026, you’ve come to the right place. 

Get clear. 

Eliminate the chaos of career change.

Find a career that fuels you.

Together, we’ll build a customized career path that accelerates your success. Here’s how:

💡 Develop a comprehensive career strategy

💡 Target and tailor your job search to your location, industry, company and position 

💡 Identify the best strategy for your unique situation 

💡 Analyze your job search strategy to uncover what’s missing

💡 Develop a clear action plan tailored to your goals

💡 Advance your career with actionable steps

WHY WORK WITH ME?
************************
I help six-figure executives land their ideal roles faster, ensuring a seamless transition that saves time and maximizes earning potential. For two decades, I’ve guided thousands of senior executives and authentic leaders through successful career transitions, helping them achieve their goals with clarity and precision. 

About me:

✔ Canadian Career Thought leader and champion of career development
✔ 17 X National Awards of Excellence Winner | International Resume Writer Award Winner
✔ 11X Canadian Certified Career Strategist and Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP)
✔ Author and contributor | CareerWise, Career Professionals of Canada, Higher Bracket 
✔ Presenter and Panelist | Cannexus (Canada’s National Career Development Conference)
✔ Facilitator and Instructor | Career Professionals of Canada
✔ Awards of Excellence Judge | Evaluates Canada's Top Executive Resume Writers
✔ Evaluator and Assessor | Certified Resume, Interview, Employment, Worklife and Career Strategists
✔ Featured in Fortune, Forbes, Globe & Mail, Global News, Yahoo Finance, JobScan and Job Boom
✔ Published Career Researcher | "Military to Civilian Career Transition." Canadian Journal of Career Development Volume 16, Issue 2 (p. 24-29)

As a former expatriate, trailing spouse and entrepreneur, I offer diverse experiences and unique insights to help you navigate complex career transitions with confidence.

Ready to elevate your career? Let’s connect to create a strategy for your next executive move.
=====

Curious about what it’s like to work with me? Scroll down to read 50+ glowing recommendations from executives who’ve successfully transformed their careers with my help.

Owner, Executive Career Strategist

Maureen McCann

Before every job application, run the opportunity through these 4 filters.

You’ll make fewer impulsive moves and more intentional ones.

Think of your career as a portfolio of meaningful chapters, not just job titles.

———
Hi, I’m Maureen. 

I guide six-figure executives through career changes.

I take the worry and wonder out of changing jobs at senior levels.

Let’s find time to talk about your career goals and ambitions. 

Reach out and we can get started!

Maureen McCann 🇨🇦

Top Canadian career strategist. Empowers senior executives to secure roles faster. Trusted advisor to leaders navigating high-stakes career transitions. 17X Award-Winning Resume Writer | 11X Certified Canadian Strategist

Ask these questions first.

Are you giving employers what they actually want?

When you're applying online are you 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

It's no guarantee you'll get a response, 

but doing this one thing will significantly improve your response rate.
 

Employers don't have time to 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 of your resume.

Show them why you're the perfect candidate.

Make it easy for them to hire you.

———
HI, I’m Maureen.

I help executives make smart, confident career moves when the path ahead isn’t obvious. 

For the past two decades, I’ve worked with senior professionals and executives to clarify what they want next, translate their experience into a strong personal brand and navigate job changes strategically, not reactively.

How to get responses when applying online

If you’re “open to opportunities,” you’ve already weakened your position. 

When you know what a best-possible role looks like:

scope, 
mandate, 
influence, 
culture, 
compensation

You recognize aligned opportunities faster
and walk away from the wrong ones without second-guessing yourself.

High-performing leaders don’t wait to be “chosen.”

They define what they want.

They position themselves for it.
And they pursue it with intent.

Clarity creates momentum.

Momentum creates opportunity. 

———
Hi, I’m Maureen.

I help executives make smart, confident career moves when the path ahead isn’t obvious. 

For the past two decades, I’ve worked with senior professionals and executives to clarify what they want next, translate their experience into a strong personal brand and navigate job changes strategically, not reactively. 

Let’s connect.

Stop waiting for the perfect job

When something’s wrong with your car, you may ask other drivers how to fix it.
You might even respect their opinion, but they’re not the ones with the tools, diagnostics and experience under the hood.

You also don’t go straight to the manufacturer and ask them to rebuild the engine. They designed the car, yes. They own the brand, absolutely. But when it comes to getting it running smoothly again?

You go to a mechanic.

Someone who works on engines every day. Someone who understands the systems, the moving pieces, the breakdowns and how to get you back on the road.

A career is no different.

Executives often turn to peers, former colleagues and even hiring managers for advice on how to navigate a transition.
Their perspectives can be helpful, but they’re not the ones rebuilding the engine.

Recruiters and hiring managers are the dealerships. They care about the right fit for their organization.

Career professionals are the mechanics. 

We get under the hood with you. 

We troubleshoot, rebuild, align and tune your strategy to run at full power again.

If your career isn’t running on all cylinders right now, you’re not broken you’re just due for the right expert support.

Because the right hire, the right partner, the right guide?

That’s the difference between sitting stalled on the shoulder… and accelerating with confidence.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝗼𝗳? 

What no longer serves you?

What are you just doing because it feels like you should but it’s not moving you forward?

Every time-waster, energy-sucker, and “going through the motions” task is slowing down your career transition.

Stop applying to jobs you don’t actually want. Stop attending networking events that aren’t strategic. Stop reading articles that don’t help you take meaningful steps.

Focus on the actions that matter. The moves that get you closer to your next role. The conversations that open doors instead of filling your calendar.

Clarity isn’t just knowing what to do it’s 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴.

Job searching doesn’t have to be chaotic.

Before you hit “apply,” hit pause.

These questions help you filter out the noise and pursue roles that are truly right for you.

What constitutes the best possible offer for you?

———
Hi, I’m Maureen.

I help senior leaders cut through the stress of career transitions and step into what’s next with confidence.

Let’s connect to clarify your message, tailor your strategy, and make your job search more efficient.

Before you apply, pause...

Career change takes courage. 


→ Reinvention isn’t loud.

→ It doesn’t always look confident.

→ And it rarely happens in a straight line.

Read that last line again. 

There will be steps and missteps, wins and loses. 

You will need courage. 

Courage to reassess,

Courage to ask better questions,

and courage to keep going even when the outcome isn’t yet clear.

If you’re in that in-between space right now, you’re doing more right than you may think. 

Keep your head up. 

I believe in you.

You’ve got this. 
________

Hi, I’m Maureen. 

I guide six-figure executives through career changes.

I take the worry and wonder out of changing jobs at senior levels.

Let’s find time to talk about your career goals and ambitions. 

Reach out and we can get started!

What if career growth wasn’t about doing more…

but about choosing better?

For many senior leaders,  career momentum doesn’t stall from a lack of effort.

It stalls from too much of it; spread thin, unfocused and reactive.

But what if there was:

🛠️  Less noise.

🛠️  Fewer scattered efforts.

🛠️  More intention behind every move.

🛠️ Quality over quantity.

🛠️  Precision over abundance.

🛠️  The right conversations instead of all the conversations.

🛠️  The right opportunities instead of endless applications.

🛠️ The right skills sharpened, rather than collecting credentials for sport.


Careers don’t advance by accumulation.

They advance through discernment.

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲. 

If that feels quietly relieving, it might be worth asking:

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄?

Executives in career transition often say:
“𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴.” 

It’s polite. It feels reasonable.
But it’s also the fastest way to stay invisible.

When you’re between roles, it’s easy to feel untethered; like you’ve stepped off the map and the compass hasn’t caught up.

Specificity is what brings the map back into view.

Instead of asking your network to “keep you in mind,” try giving them clear direction:

If you know a healthcare organization needing a leader who can stabilize teams through change, I’d love an introduction.

If you hear of a scaling tech company ready for a COO who can operationalize growth without burning out the culture, I’m open to a conversation.

If you cross paths with a board looking for someone who knows how to govern through regulatory complexity and shifting risk landscapes, I can help.

If you know a defence organization needing someone fluent in systems, policy and how decisions actually move, please think of me.

Your ask isn’t desperation.
Your ask is about direction.

𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵𝘆.
𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘆.

It anchors you when the ground feels a little uncertain.

If you’re job searching at the executive level, consider sharing three things:

📢 Sector you’re targeting

📢 Problem you’re built to solve

📢 Environment where you do your best work

That’s how people start saying, “I know who you should talk to.”

You don’t need every door to open. 
You need the right door.

Job search is not for the faint of heart.

It takes stamina. Discipline. Resilience.

Because:
You will get rejected.
You will question your choices.
You will get frustrated.

And still, you have to do the work.

Whatever is causing you stress right now; chances are, you’re not alone.

I talk to highly qualified executives every day who struggle with job search, sometimes more than they expected. 

You will get through it.

Work with your trusted career professional to implement your plan.

And above all else, keep your head up.

Your next opportunity is closer than you think.

What’s consuming the most energy in your job search right now?

There’s a right way to use AI in your executive job search.

It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about gaining insight.

Read the full article,

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲. 

Link in comments
———
Hi, I’m Maureen. 

I guide six-figure executives through career changes.

I take the worry and wonder out of changing jobs at senior levels.

Let’s find time to talk about your career goals and ambitions. 

Reach out and we can get started!

How to use AI in your job search

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

Your resume shouldn’t just say 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 you did.
It needs to explain 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥.

Too many resumes stop at activity.

* Built relationships.
* Briefed the Minister.

That tells me 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 about impact.

Now watch the difference when you connect the dots:

* Built cross-government relationships that secured $𝟮𝗕 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, accelerating national priorities.

* Briefed the Minister, 𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀, preventing misinformation escalation and protecting public trust.

Same role.
Very different signal.

Executives aren’t hired for tasks.
They’re hired for judgment, influence, outcomes, and risk management.

If your resume reads like a job description, you’re underselling your value.

Make it easy for the reader to answer one question:

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 - 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰? 

That’s the difference between having your resume reviewed and being remembered.

——-

Hi, I’m Maureen.

I help executives make smart, confident career moves when the path ahead isn’t obvious.

For the past two decades, I’ve worked with senior professionals and executives to clarify what they want next, translate their experience into a strong personal brand and navigate job changes strategically, not reactively.

If what I do sounds like something you need or would like to know more about, let’s connect.

——-

💾 Save this post for your next resume and LinkedIn profile update. Use the examples to rewrite powerful bullet points. 

♻️ Share this post with friends experiencing workforce adjustments (WFA), layoffs or career change. 

——-

You won’t believe the things I say to executives before they hire me.
 
When I meet with executives for the first time, many are interested in learning about career transition services. I ask them questions and listen to them to understand where they’re at and how I can support them.

Occasionally, I hear an executive say something about career transition that is grossly inaccurate. A myth that has permeated the way we think about career change, or a strongly held belief or misconception that’s out of alignment with common career practices. 

Allowing inaccuracies to persist does a disservice to others, so I call them out. Some examples of things I’ve said to executives, already this year:

* Yes, you have very valuable skills that qualify you for the position. You need to do more than qualify; that’s the bare minimum. You need to aim to be their top choice. 

* "𝘔𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴." You and every other Government of Canada employee who knows cuts are coming. What is it about YOUR skills that makes you uniquely qualified for the role?
 
* Your job search skills are outdated because you haven't had to look for work in years (or maybe decades!). In a sense, you’re a beginner who is competing with experts.
 
* I understand you don't want to eliminate opportunities, but stop treating ‘volume’ of activity as a strategy. It isn’t. And it waters down your brand, not to mention your reputation in the industry/community.
 
* Your resume doesn't do you justice. You're underselling yourself.
 
* You may believe you meet the criteria, but your resume tells a different story than the one you have in your mind. You might have the experience, but it’s not clearly communicated, so you’re the only one who knows you’re a fit for this role. 
 
* The leap from public to private sector isn’t easy, especially if you believe the hiring processes look the same. They don't; not by a long shot.
 
* Go into this job market knowing precisely what constitutes the best possible job offer for you. 
 
* I understand you’ve been working for 30+ years, and you have no idea how to look for work. It’s OK. You’re not alone. I’ve got you.
 
* No one is looking for you. “If something comes along…” is as likely a strategy as Arlene Dickinson driving to your house, knocking on your door and asking you if you have a business idea you’d like to pitch for Dragon’s Den.
 
* You can’t be ‘focused’ on all the jobs. You can’t focus on five different sectors. That’s not focus, that’s a scarcity mindset at best and risk aversion at worst. 
--
I get it. It’s not your job to know all of this, of course. Things change and shift, markets move. 

But it is my job to advise executives how to navigate this changing landscape. If you’re looking for honest feedback about your executive career transition, book a consultation. I’m happy to share my expertise.

Executives know lean principles: eliminate waste, focus on value.

So why do we treat job search differently? 

Sending dozens of generic applications is a waste of your time and energy. 

Focus on roles where your expertise creates real impact. 

Tailor your approach. 

Engage intentionally. 

Deliver value.

'Lean' your job search to land the role you deserve.

=====

Hi, I’m Maureen. 

I guide six-figure executives through career changes.

I take the worry and wonder out of changing jobs at senior levels. 

Let’s find time to talk about your career goals and ambitions.  

Reach out and we can get started!

The fastest way to stall an executive job search is a weak resume.


A weak resume tries to speak to too many audiences at once.

Resumes that capture attention are built by leaders who:

– Pause before acting
– Define a clear intention
– Align their search to a specific target
– Eliminate misaligned opportunities early

In doing so, they:

– Create momentum instead of noise
– Fewer applications
– Stronger conversations and
– Faster signal to decision-makers.

Strategic leaders tailor their narrative to the people who value their specific expertise.

An unfocused search puts you at the mercy of the market

– Reacting instead of choosing,
– Applying instead of being sought,
– Diluting credibility with every misaligned submission.

𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. 

It’s how executive searches stay efficient, credible and intentional.

A quick update from last week’s poll that asked:

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄? 
(link in comments)

73 people responded. Here are the results:

• 58% are using their energy applying online
• 21% on networking
• 14% rewriting materials
• 8% second-guessing decisions

If nearly 60% of your energy is going into online applications and you still feel invisible, I invite you to try the following:

• Apply to fewer jobs. Tighten job targets and applications
• Finalize your materials + create a clear strategy to adapt applications within minutes
• Get help if you need it, but please stop second-guessing yourself
• Spend more time with the right people, having informed conversations

You don’t have to have it all figured out or do it all at once, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone. 

Small shifts, like reaching out to one person, finalizing your materials, and feeling confident in your decisions, will give you the much-needed space to breathe.

You’re in the middle of a demanding hiring process. 

Take it slow, be discerning about where you spend your time.

It’s not “just work.” 

Toxic environments can harm:

your health 

your confidence 

your ability to grow. 

Protect yourself by learning to spot the red flags early.

Read the blog post in the comments.
———
Hi, I’m Maureen. 

I guide six-figure executives through career changes.

I take the worry and wonder out of changing jobs at senior levels.

Let’s find time to talk about your career goals and ambitions. 

Reach out and we can get started!

Reasons to avoid toxic workplaces

There’s a moment in every career transition where tension hits like a freight train:

You feel pulled in three directions at once:

1️⃣ What you should do: the safe, logical, expected path.

2️⃣ What makes financial sense: the practical choice, the one that keeps the lights on and the mortgage paid.

3️⃣ What you genuinely want to do: the work that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with who you are.

The challenge? 

The three often don’t line up. When they clash, it feels impossible to move.

Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Acknowledge the tension. Ignoring it only makes decisions messier. Name the competing priorities and see them clearly.

2. Separate facts from feelings. What’s your financial reality? What lights you up? What does the market need right now? Each is its own data point.

3. Test assumptions. Can the “want” path be adapted to make financial sense? Can a hybrid approach bridge the gap?

4. Get help. Trusted advisors, mentors and coaches can offer perspective when emotions run high.

5. Prioritize clarity over speed. It’s tempting to act fast to relieve pressure, but clarity is what drives momentum.

Can you align what you should do, what makes sense and what you truly want?

It’s a tough question, and one many of us don’t want to think about. 

Even with experience, credibility and strong networks, landing a comparable executive leadership role quickly isn’t guaranteed and it’s certainly not easy.

Why?

Because senior-level searches aren’t about volume of activity. They’re about clarity, positioning and timing.

If your confidence to land an executive role isn’t where you need it to be, now is the time to improve that confidence. 

Instead of getting bogged down second-guessing yourself, writing resumes and applying to jobs online…

Craft a strategy that will cut through the noise, and get you back into a leadership role. 
________

Hi, I’m Maureen. 

I guide six-figure executives through career changes.

I take the worry and wonder out of changing jobs.

Ready to get the help you need? 
…to move efficiently in this market?  

Reach out and we can get started!

Feeling stuck in your job search?

Being “open to anything” can feel productive, but in reality, it can leave you overwhelmed and directionless.

Narrow your focus. 

Choose a few industries, roles, or leaders that excite you. 

The more specific you are, the more aligned your opportunities will be.

What’s one job or industry you know isn’t a fit? Start there. 

———
Hi, I’m Maureen. 

I guide six-figure executives through career changes.

I take the worry and wonder out of changing jobs at senior levels.

Let’s find time to talk about your career goals and ambitions. 

Reach out and we can get started!

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