My Story

Jane photo feather reverseI thought I had the rest of my life planned out. I would stick it out at the company I worked for another five years until I saved enough to retire in style. But in June 2006, I was laid-off as part of a reorganization. I could feel my blood boil when my supervisor reviewed my severance package and retirement benefits… Retire? I wasn’t ready to retire!

When I got over the shock of losing my job, I realized it was a gift. I had been very unhappy for several years, but allowed the lure of a lucrative regular paycheck to hold me back from pursuing my dream of becoming a Coach. My confidence was at an all-time low and my fears were at an all-time high. What did I know about starting a business? Suppose I failed? Maybe I would find I didn’t have the right skills. Now that my secure paycheck was no longer secure–it was now or never.  I decided to go for it.

In the fall 2009, I became a part of a career network started by Tory Johnson, Good Morning America’s workplace contributor. I began to explore what ways I could help others find the passion and joy in their career I now know is possible. As I worked with my career club clients, I saw that each member needed a resume-makeover.

My commitment to giving my clients the best possible tools and service, led me to getting certified in resume writing. I didn’t want to take just any certification program, I wanted the best (aka toughest). While it was challenging–I know I write GREAT resumes!

Besides helping people with job search skills and materials, one of my other favorite things is to help leaders grow within their job. Do you have a mentor or coach who is objective, is familiar with corporate life and its expectations,  and whose only goal is to see you and your team succeed (no worry about what you say will get back to your boss)? If you would like to explore how a coach can help you in your career, call for an initial consultation to see if we’re a match.

Life is a journey…

After fulfilling my dream of becoming a Coach, another dream started bubbling up—to move to a warmer location. I spent most of my life in the northeast. I was born and raised in northern New Jersey…got married and raised my family in Rochester, New York…and my last job took me to a short stay in Massachusetts before we merged with a different company and I transferred to Wilmington, Delaware (ah, the joys of corporate America!)

Once I got laid off, I realized that if a company wasn’t going to get me to the south, I realized it was up to me. When I saw the Blue Ridge Mountains for the first time I knew I was home. I moved three months later to Asheville, NC. If you’ve never been to Asheville and the surrounding area, make a plan to go. It’s a gorgeous place to visit or live…for sure.

But then one of those unexpected life events happened. One of my son-in-laws died tragically. It was time to assess my values and make a choice. After eight years in North Carolina, I decided to return to Rochester, NY to support my daughter. As I was packing up and saying my good-byes to my friends in Asheville, I reminded them that the weather and mountain vistas cannot “trump” family. And so a new chapter of my life has begun! Stay tuned!

Does any part of my story resonate with you? Then sign up for my monthly newsletter and get to know more about my journey and what I’ve learned along the way. My newsletters are unique from others’ I’ve seen. They address topics that can apply to both your career and to your life in general and I’ve been told many times how people actually look forward to reading my latest articles.

INTERESTED IN FORMAL BACKGROUND STUFF?

  • More than 25 years as a human resources manager
  • Experience in non-profit, distribution, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries
  • Last position in a multi-billion dollar global organization
  • MS in Human Resources Development—Rochester Institute of Technology
  • BA in Education—William Paterson University
  • SHRM-SPC, SPHR (Senior Professional Human Resources) Certifications
  • CPC (Certified Professional Coach)—iPEC Coaching Program
  • ACRW (Academy Certified Resume Writer)—Resume Writing Academy
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Testimonials

Although I had your business card for a few weeks, I hesitated calling you until one day, I just felt inspired to contact you. Am I glad I did! After applying for literally hundreds of jobs this past year with not even one interview…after sending the résumé you created for me, not only did I get the interview, but I got the job! I feel that God inspired me to move forward and sent you into my life when I needed it the most. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
—J. Bloomfield, Asheville, NC

 

So, thought I'd brighten your day!  My new supervisor complimented my resume. She said she liked the summary at the top. She also commented that she wasn't positive that my background would've jumped out as a perfect match, but it was written in a way that highlighted my skills as a match for her needs. The resume you wrote for me did much more than any of those things, however. It changed the way I view myself.  It supported me, and gave me a confidence that I was lacking at that time. When I first saw your draft, I didn't immediately connect with it, yet I knew it was all truth. It grew on me, or I grew into it. By the time I walked into those last 2 interviews, I had a new confidence. Something deeper than just knowing I could do the job. I knew I was the right choice. That confidence, that knowing, attracted those jobs to me as surely as my credentials well presented.  It was both, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
—J. Everson, Bloomfield, KY

 

I just wanted to write and let you know how much I appreciate your help with my resume. It worked!!! I have had 3 interviews, a step I did not reach before. While I have not received a job offer yet, I know it is just a matter of time before I find a position that is the right fit. Your help with the resume made all the difference!
—L. McLamb Asheville

 

I have built my business through satisfied clients so I cherish testimonials. One of the most stand-out testimonials that was given to me was shared by a client I coached to help her with an upcoming interview.

This client told me later, that she had met a woman at a community event. Jen shared about looking for a position and was telling her about the "biz coach" who prepped her for the interview. The other woman mentioned how she found this excellent person to do her resume and that the résumé itself was highly complemented on in her interview. And best yet, she got the job in the end! In a few minutes, they deducted they were both talking about the same person…ME!

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