Landing your dream job…isn’t always linear. And sometimes a rejection is just a stepping stone. Everything may work out, but maybe not in the way you thought it would. Intrigued? Let’s tell the story of L landing her dream job and almost doubling her salary. Buckle up: twists and turns up ahead!
Rewind all the way back to November 2023. I had been coaching L on her job search and then the DREAM JOB landed in her inbox. She requested that we ramp up her coaching to make sure she was ready to ace the interview process.
This dream job was very specific and a strength of L’s was that she had expertise in this very specific area. It was such a strong fit! We both felt the stars aligning ✨
Because the position was a C-Suite role, the search was run by a recruiter. This was L’s first time working with a recruiter, so we worked together on how to position L as the top candidate. Many interviews, presentations, and even personality tests later…L was one of the final two candidates. It was thrilling–and nerve wracking!
The ED needed an extra day to think over their final decision between the two candidates.
Then: cue heartbreak 💔
They picked the other candidate who was more “experienced.” L was such a perfect fit for the role, but she was younger and had not yet managed a team. However, the specificity of this cause plus L’s amazing track record landing huge major gifts made her a strong candidate.
Yet, I see so many leaders pick the “safe choice” even if they really aren’t the best fit for the mission. It was an absolute bummer. But L did the classy “thank yous” to everyone…and thank goodness she did…
Meanwhile at her current job, a new boss had come in, saw what a shining star L is, and was planning to promote her. All the stars were now lining up to get the promotion she deserved at her current organization. We did some coaching on what to ask for in this promotion and how to structure her new role.
Then, a bombshell hit 💣
The previous organization reached back out…the new hire was leaving after only three months: would L consider this C-Suite role again?
It was exciting, validating, and completely overwhelming. We jumped into coaching again to weigh the options and talk through what L would ask for in the offer.
Here’s the deal about most recruiters: they need their candidates to stay in place for a year or they have to do the search again for free. Plus, this ED had just hired for this role and within three months had to hire again: wiping out any momentum in their development program. They needed to make a hire fast and a hire that would stay at the org. L was in the strongest position she had ever been in the entire process.
I advised her to ask for the top of the range. And yes, she negotiated like a pro and got the top of the range, which is almost DOUBLE what she was making currently!! And she secured other specific benefits, such as a coaching budget to keep working with me in her new role. It is a Cinderella story on steroids!
L went from being undervalued and ignored to having two amazing career options, then stepping into the C-Suite with a baller salary that will change her entire family’s life.
In this one career move, she dramatically shifted the wealth trajectory of her life. Finally her salary reflected the value she brings to an organization. And boy, do I love seeing her wear that C-Suite title!
It is an absolute honor to do this work and help talented people like L step into the careers they deserve. I can’t wait for the next success story!
P.S. from L herself…
“Shannon helped me land my dream job. Her interview prep approach was invaluable. She helped me filter through noise (and, if I’m honest, a little self-doubt) and get down to how I could help this organization transform their development program.
Then she helped me distill those ideas into their purest form, so that not a word was wasted while I made the case for myself and my vision. When the interview process was over, I knew I had done the absolute best I could, and that even if I didn’t get the job I would be proud of the growth that my performance represented.”
Ready for your Cinderella story? Let’s work together to land your dream job!
