Answer the Call | Christian Career Coaching

In this episode, we sit down with Larry to talk about what it really looks like to navigate a difficult job search after an unexpected layoff.

After losing his job with almost no warning, Larry had to figure out what to do next. Through persistence, community, and faith, he rebuilt momentum in his job search and eventually landed not one, but two job offers.

We discuss:

• How strategic outreach helped land interviews quickly

• The resume changes that made recruiters respond

• How to prepare for interviews effectively

• What to do when you face rejection after multiple interview rounds

• How to manage burnout during a long job search

• The importance of faith, prayer, and community during the job hunt

If you’re currently job searching, feeling discouraged, or wondering how to stay motivated after setbacks, this episode will encourage you and give you practical steps to keep moving forward.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

02:40 What To Do Immediately After Losing Your Job

04:10 The Outreach Strategy That Landed Interviews

06:00 Resume Changes That Got Recruiters’ Attention

08:15 Learning How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

10:05 The Shift That Improved His Interviews

13:30 How To Handle Rejection After Multiple Rounds

17:00 Avoiding Job Search Burnout

23:10 The Interview He Thought He Failed

29:40 How He Ended Up With Two Job Offers

43:10 Advice for Anyone Who Was Just Laid Off

Welcome to the 4th episode of our “Why You’re Getting Rejected” series! 

If you haven’t watched the first three episodes yet, make sure to check out the full playlist so you can understand the entire hiring process from start to finish: 

In this episode, we’re breaking down what happens after the hiring manager interview, because the interview process can vary wildly depending on company, industry, and seniority level. We discuss:

• The most common interview types you may face next

• What sequences tend to look like for small businesses, startups, and large corporations

• How the interview process changes by role level

• A step-by-step plan to prepare for each type of interview

• How to approach role-specific assessments

• How to prepare for the final executive interview

If you’ve ever made it past round two and still didn’t get the offer, this episode will help you understand why, and exactly how to prepare differently next time.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

READ THE FULL COMPANION BLOG FOR THIS EPISODE HERE: https://thecalledcareer.com/how-to-ace-team-peer-technical-and-executive-interviews/

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

02:40 – Overview of The Common Interview Types

04:00 – Peer & Cross-Functional Interviews Explained

05:26 – Small Business Interview Process Breakdown

06:45 – Startup Interview Process Breakdown

08:00 – Large Corporation / Structured Interview Process Breakdown

08:30 – How the Process Changes by Seniority Level

10:30 – Entry-Level Interview Expectations

12:45 – Mid-Level Interview Expectations

15:30 – Senior-Level Interview Expectations

17:45 – Executive-Level / Director Interviews

18:38 – Ask the Recruiter What’s Next (Don’t Guess)

20:10 – Reaching Out to Recent Hires for Insight

22:28 – Peer/Team Interviews: What They’re Evaluating

25:58 – How to Prepare for Peer Interviews Step-by-Step

28:40 – Common Peer Interview Questions

35:25 – Role-Specific Assessments Overview

37:10 – Case Study Interviews: How to Structure Answers

39:30 – Technical Assessments: What They’re Looking For

41:20 – Presentation Interviews: How to Stand Out

45:05 – Final Executive Interview: What Actually Matters

47:10 – Executive Presence & Strategic Thinking

49:00 – Questions to Ask in the Final Round

51:18 – Offer Conversations & Reference Checks

Have you ever made it to the next round of interviews… and still not get the offer?

In this episode, we break down the #1 non-obvious reason hiring managers reject candidates after the second round. Spoiler: it’s not your experience, but how you communicate it.

We discuss how to:

• Turn interviews into conversations instead of interrogations

• Ask strategic questions that reveal what the hiring manager actually wants

• Stop “playing blind” and tailor your answers in real time

• Handle gaps in experience with confidence and honesty

• Ask for next steps so you’re not left in limbo

If you’ve been getting to final rounds but not landing the offer, this episode will show you exactly what to fix.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

01:37 – The ONE mistake candidates make

03:01 – The 2 questions every hiring manager is asking

04:41 – Stop being transactional in interviews

06:18 – Why job descriptions aren’t enough

07:51 – How to start the interview the right way

11:25 – The most powerful question to ask: “What separates good from great?”

14:06 – Don’t play blind for the rest of the interview

20:03 – Real-life example from a hiring manager (Kevin’s story)

23:55 – What if you don’t have all the experience?

27:58 – Always ask about next steps

You made it to the first interview. You felt like it went well. And then… you got the rejection email.

In this episode, we break down exactly what recruiters are looking for during the first interview (especially the recruiter phone screen), and why candidates get rejected after making it to the top 3% of applicants.

You’ll learn:

• Why only ~3% of applicants make it to the interview stage

• 2 reasons you might get rejected that have nothing to do with you

• 5 quick fixes you can implement immediately

• 5 deeper improvements that require practice

• How to fix professionalism red flags

• The biggest energy mistake candidates make

• How to answer salary questions confidently

• Why clarity creates confidence (and job offers)

• How to close your interview strong

This episode is especially helpful if:

• You keep getting interviews but no offers

• You feel like interviews “go well” but you don’t move forward

• You’re a career pivoter trying to position your experience

• You want Christian career coaching that’s both practical and biblical

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

01:00 – The Purpose of a Recruiter Phone Screen

02:45 – Why Only 3% Get the Interview

07:00 – 2 Reasons You Get Rejected

14:30 – Professionalism Red Flags

20:00 – Energy & Contribution vs Getting Mindset

25:40 – 90-Second Interview Prep Plan

28:00 – Salary Expectations: What to Say (and Not Say)

32:00 – Clarity = Confidence (What Recruiters Want to Hear)

39:20 – How to Close Strong and Move Forward

If you’re job hunting and keep getting rejected before you even land an interview, this episode is for you.

This is Part 1 of our “Why You’re Getting Rejected” series, where we break down exactly why recruiters reject candidates at the application stage, including both the obvious mistakes and the lesser-known red flags most people miss.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why generic resumes get rejected immediately

• How recruiters actually scan applications

• Resume, keyword, and formatting mistakes that disqualify candidates

• LinkedIn issues recruiters notice but rarely explain

• Why being “qualified” still isn’t enough

We hope this episode brings clarity, hope, and encouragement as you make practical changes that actually move the needle in your job search.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

03:06 – You can land a job!

05:34 – Red flag # 1

09:15 – Red flag # 2 

15:16 – Red flag # 3

22:40 – Red flag # 4

26:56 – Lesser known rejection reasons

34:29 – Career hopping, overqualification, and missing narratives

42:51 – Cover letters, LinkedIn gaps, and what to fix next

What does it look like to trust God in your career when the path feels slow, discouraging, and unclear at all?

In this client success story, Audrey sits down with Christina to share her powerful career journey marked by persistence, discernment, and deep trust in God’s provision. As a single foster mom, Christina needed a role that supported both her calling at home and her professional gifts – and that journey came with plenty of pivots, rejection, and waiting.

Audrey and Christina discuss:

• How to stay persistent in a long and emotional job search

• When to pivot your career strategy without losing sight of your calling

• Why networking and referrals matter more than online applications

• How faith, intuition, and effort work together in career decisions

• What it really means to trust God as your provider

If you’re navigating career confusion, waiting on God for your next step, or searching for work that aligns with your faith and life season, this is for you.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

01:17 – Why career change was necessary

09:27 – Hitting roadblocks and learning when to pivot

12:18 – Redefining success and staying persistent

15:04 – Mental health, rejection, and taking breaks

24:22 – Lessons from the story of Ruth

36:56 – How networking and referrals worked

41:34 – Why proactive outreach made the difference

46:00 – Community impact and unexpected blessings

48:28 – Encouragement for discouraged job seekers

Isn’t entrepreneurship the dream?

For years, our client Tyler has lived it – running his own video production business and enjoying the freedom many people chase. But over time, he realized that entrepreneurship wasn’t the calling for this season. 

In this episode, Audrey and Tyler discuss:

• Why entrepreneurship isn’t always the right path

• How to pivot careers without starting over

• Breaking into tech sales without prior experience

• Using bold outreach in a job search

• Trusting God through a career change

If you’re looking for inspiration to make a career pivot, no matter how impossible you may think it is, this episode is for you.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – From video production to tech sales

01:09 – Why entrepreneurship wasn’t the end goal

03:37 – The hidden downsides of freelancing

06:21 – Knowing it was time for a career change

07:26 – Fear and uncertainty in a job pivot

09:07 – The power of self-reflection and clarity

12:48 – Choosing sales with confidence

15:47 – What boldness looked like in his job search

19:31 – The LinkedIn message that changed everything

23:09 – Landing the job over the holidays

27:01 – Faith, favor, and God opening doors

30:48 – Encouragement for Christians considering a pivot

34:16 – Final advice and testimony

Does God actually care about the work you do?

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Jinsoo for one of the most honest and theologically rich conversations we’ve had on the show.

Jinsoo brings a rare perspective shaped by both marketplace leadership and formal theological training, and together we explore what Scripture actually says about work, calling, confusion, and faithfulness. 

We discuss:

• Why the divide between “ministry” and “marketplace” work is a false one

• How free will and God’s sovereignty work together in career decisions

• Why faithfulness doesn’t always mean “sucking it up” or staying stuck

• How ANY job can participate in God’s kingdom

• The 5 Ps of calling

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not working in ministry, confused by career discontentment, or unsure whether your job matters to God at all, this conversation might change how you see your work.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller

• Garden City by John Mark Comer

• God’s Plans, Your Plans | A sermon by Timothy Keller

  
  

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

  
  

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

03:42 – Ministry vs Marketplace: Where the Tension Comes From

07:14 – Why “Secular” Work Has Felt Spiritually Lesser

10:38 – Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration (A Biblical Framework for Work)

16:35 – Does All Our Work Just Burn Up in the End?

21:25 – Two Extremes Christians Believe About Work

35:22 – Burnout, Endurance, and Being a Child of God First

40:55 – How Any Job Can Serve the Kingdom of God

45:27 – The Five Ps of Calling

53:26 – Why Confusion Can Be God’s Gift

Does God actually care about your business and the work you’re doing?

In this client success story, Audrey sits down with Hannah to share what shifted when she realized that God doesn’t just care about her. He cares about her business too.

When Hannah first came into coaching, she was overwhelmed and unsure whether her ideas could become something sustainable. She was working hard, juggling too many ideas at once, and quietly questioning if her niche even mattered. Without clear direction, the emotional weight of building started to add up.

I know many founders feel this way. We hope this episode becomes a reminder that building a business doesn’t mean carrying everything alone. God cares about the details: the decisions, the doubts, the timing, and when we invite Him into our work honestly, it changes how we build.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

CONNECT WITH HANNAH:

🌍 Website / https://www.thebusybunhead.com

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/thebusybunhead/

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

04:45 – The Fear That Her Business Idea Was Too Small

09:05 – Separating What You’re Good At From What You’re Called To Do

11:40 – How Clarity Changed Her Confidence as a Founder

14:05 – Learning to Invite God Into Business Decisions

16:20 – The Power of Praying Specifically About Your Work

18:55 – Letting Go of Control and Trusting God With Outcomes

22:05 – Why Simplifying Her Business Changed Everything

25:05 – Navigating Emotional Highs and Lows as a Founder

28:10 – “I Get to Do This”: A Healthier Way to Build

34:30 – Encouragement for Anyone Building a Business

37:20 – Where to Find Hannah and Her Work

In this episode, I share the full testimony of my two year journey through infertility.

In this episode, I share what the waiting season was really like: the confusion, the questions, the tears, and all the ways God quietly and patiently reshaped my heart along the way.

In this episode, I talk about:

• How God changed my heart toward motherhood and children

• Why infertility challenged my faith in ways I’m grateful for

• Advice for couples trying to conceive

• What actually WORKED and what didn’t

• How to ENJOY life while still waiting on God

• How this season reshaped my view of vocation, calling, and surrender

• What’s next for me and the future of The Called Career

My prayer is that this episode encourages you, gives language to feelings you might not have known how to name, and reminds you that God is still working, even when the answer hasn’t come yet.

And if this resonates with you, or if you’re in need of prayer, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 🤍

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

01:50 – Why I’m sharing this story on a career podcast

03:53 – How God changed my heart toward motherhood

07:19 – Worldly views vs. biblical views of children

26:48 – Surgery, endometriosis, and healing

32:03 – Why I chose restorative fertility care (NaPro)

33:14 – The pregnancy test moment

39:38 – First trimester vulnerability and faith

43:54 – What DIDN’T work (fertility teas, ads, myths)

49:58 – How I learned to enjoy the waiting season

59:30 – Trusting God’s plan for motherhood

1:02:04 – Maternity leave plan & future of The Called Career