Written by Wendy Crawford.
After 18 years with the same company, I found myself facing a career change and potential redundancy. I’d climbed the career ladder through luck, or so I thought. I wasn’t good at job interviews – I’d actually been told that on more than one occasion. My CV was poor and not up to date. My LinkedIn profile was equally poor. Networking scared the hell out of me. I’d lost sight of my achievements and I lacked confidence. My career development was suffering.
I’d been meaning to tackle all of this for years. But with a full-time job, children, elderly parents, and the general stresses of everyday life, I’d never found the time. And I had no idea where to start.
Pauline at Dickson Lewis had been an acquaintance of mine for many years. I knew she worked in the career development arena but I didn’t really know what she could do for me. My initial expectations of ‘a bit of help with my CV and interview nerves’ were about to be far exceeded.
Right from the start, my sessions with Pauline were an eye-opener. She’s easy to talk to, encouraging, gets straight to the heart of what you want/need, and helps you to achieve it. Pauline has an incredible knowledge and experience of businesses across the world, as well as an in-depth knowledge of how business leaders work. She also has very valuable recruitment skills and experience. Having worked in the field of career and leadership development for many years she has lots of tools and resources available.
We started by looking at where I was, what my options were and how I’d get there. Pauline helped me to fully understand my thinking style and preferences, giving me a greater understanding and appreciation for how I learn, make decisions, solve problems and communicate. Once I understood why I do things the way I do, Pauline helped me to understand how I could adapt my own preferences to communicate effectively with others and adjust to different situations.
During the consultation process at work, Pauline’s support gave me the confidence to be clear about what I wanted. I eventually choose to take redundancy. I say ‘choose’ deliberately because it was a choice. I could have (and prior to working with Pauline would have) taken the easy and safe option, accepting the role I was offered. Had I done so I’d have had no career path, less responsibility, less money and a very unfulfilling role that I resented.
Instead, armed with a much greater understanding of myself, my goals and my achievements, I started to hunt for a new role. I updated my CV, improved my LinkedIn profile, applied for roles and prepared for interviews. I started networking (something that doesn’t come naturally to me) and found myself contacting people to ask them about roles and future possibilities. I’m still amazed at myself for managing this, and I was delighted with the response.
The interviews I once feared went smoothly. I turned up feeling prepared and in control. I confidently talked about myself, my career and my achievements and I asked questions. It all felt better than I ever imagined it could. When I was offered a new role I even negotiated a better deal, something I’d never have been brave enough to consider on my own.
I’m excited about my future but my work with Pauline isn’t finished. I’m going to keep working with her as I know she’ll keep me honest and help me to confidently and positively continue to face any fears or challenges.
To anyone that’s thinking about seeking out Pauline’s career development support I’d say stop thinking and go for it. Although it might seem counterintuitive to spend money at the precise time when you need to be saving it, the value of Pauline’s support and the success that brings will far outweigh the cost. Instead of pushing forward hoping things will work out and getting frustrated and drained if they don’t, take control and make it enjoyable and successful.
Without doubt my decision to contact Pauline was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thanks to Pauline I’ve learnt a huge amount about myself, and others. I know my capabilities, I know my limitations and I can work with these to be successful.
I’d highly recommend Pauline. Working with her has been career and life changing and for that I’ll be forever grateful.
If you are looking for career development advice, contact us today to find out how we can help.