Her Next Chapters

As my youngest son Alex is about to graduate high school, I reflect upon my silent, and unrecognized graduation as a parent in our local school district. With 3 kids, this is a role I've held for 21 years! In this episode, I reflect on the endings and beginnings that come with graduation, not only for our children, but also for us as moms. The spotlight is on the graduate, as it well should be, but a quiet reflection on the support we've provided them over the 13 years (K-12) to get to this moment is warranted.  

And as the graduates prepare for their next chapter, it's also a time for us as moms to contemplate what we want in our next chapter. 

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

This week's episode is a recording from a live event I hosted on LinkedIn earlier this month when I reviewed 4 action steps to help you restart your career. We discuss the importance of getting clear on your career goals, along with exercises to help gain that clarity. There are multiple tips for both activating and expanding your network,  practical considerations you'll want to consider, along with a multitude of resources to tap into, which are listed below. I've been on both sides of the interview table as a successful returner (Hi! 👋 former stay-at-home mom here) AND as an HR/Recruiter and hiring manager and I'm excited to share what I've learned to help you on your career journey.

Original LinkedIn Live Events (with video)
Live: 4 Steps to Restart Your Career
Live: Common Resume Mistakes Career Returners Make

Resources:
•The Mom Project Mom-friendly job postings
•iRelaunch Return to work conference May 14-16
•Path Forward  Returnships
•ReacHire Return-to-Work Program & Direct Placement
•Idealist Non-profits, volunteer, internships
•Catchafire Volunteer opportunities
•Moms Next Career LinkedIn Group

Her Next Chapters episodes:

• episode 28 on Common Resume Mistakes
• episode 24 on Returnships

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

The topic for today's episode was inspired by my daughter who recently stumbled her way through a phone call with our veterinarian's office when we needed our dog's vaccination record emailed in time for her visit to the dog groomer.  While her side of the call was a bit awkward, she got the result she needed.

That phone call reminded me that whenever we step out of our comfort zone, it can feel awkward and messy at first. But, the more we practice showing up in new ways, the easier it becomes. And I'm sure the next time my daughter needs to call the vet, or anyone else, to ask for what she needs, it will be easier. I'd like to revise the old saying "practice makes perfect" to "practice makes easier." Instead of striving for perfection, let's strive to show up, even if imperfectly. 

A common situation that causes nervousness and anxiety, resulting in some awkward conversation is interviewing for a job. If it's been a few years, those first couple of interviews can be a little rough! Like everything else, practice makes easier and mock interviews are a great way to gear up for the real thing. If you're interested in getting interview practice with an HR insider, hit me up! It's one of my favorite services I provide my clients. 

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Have you ever stopped to consider the myriad tasks that unfold behind the scenes of our busy lives as mothers? This week on Her Next Chapters, I take a moment to reflect on the often-unseen world of "invisible labor" we contribute to our families. Things we do, both big and small, that we ourselves don't even recognize how important they are. 

As we head into new chapters in our lives, whether an empty nest or a new job, or both, taking an inventory of some of the amazing things we've done, even if quietly and in the background, can help build our confidence for whatever is next. It's time to see and acknowledge our accomplishments. 

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

If you are returning to work after a significant career break of several years, there are some common resume mistakes that you'll want to avoid. As a career returner myself (13-years as a stay-at-home mom), I made these mistakes when I restarted my career a few years ago. Being in the unique position of both a job seeker with a career gap AND an HR/Recruiter, I have insights to share to help you on your return to work journey. 

I'm opening up 5 spots for resume reviews in May for $97. Interested? 

Email me at christina@hernextchapters or sign up below: 
 
https://calendly.com/christinakohl/resume-review-or-linkedin-audit-clone

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

If you’ve been on a career break and are ready to land a job you love, you may be a good fit for my Career Comeback Coaching program (1:1 private coaching).

This is for you if: 

✅ You are ready to transition from staying at home with the kids to step back into work that fulfills you and lights you up!
 
✅ You want to learn from another stay-at-home-mom who created a successful career AND who just so happens to be a certified HR professional who knows EXACTLY what employers are looking for in a “return to work” resume and in interviews. 

Schedule a free Career Comeback discovery call @ https://calendly.com/christinakohl/discovery_call

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𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞? 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞? 

 A couple of weeks ago when I ran into a mental block at work, my boss (hi, I'm the boss) let me take a much needed break with the caveat that no phone scrolling would be allowed during the break. 

 Addiction is a strong word, but not allowing myself to zone out on my phone was much harder than I thought it would be. Once I noticed it, the constant urge to check the screen was quite eye opening! 

 Over the past week I've set some boundaries for myself around my phone usage and am finding that I'm much more focused and productive. Surprising, right?! 

 Curious to know the strategies that have been working for me? This episode dives deep into this topic - don't miss it! 

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

In a recent conversation with a stay-at-home mom who is ready to restart her career, I asked her why getting a job was important to her. Her answer initially surprised me, but after thinking about it, her answer 100% made sense.

Having a job would mean she’d have friends.

Our conversation reminded me how lonely being a full-time stay-at-home mom can be. In this episode, I explore how my social connections changed throughout the different parenting stages, from all-consuming infancy with sleepless nights to high schoolers with the independence that comes with their driver’s license.  And now upon entering the beginning of the empty nest phase, what I’m doing to expand my social circle ironically mirrors what I did when I first became a stay-at-home mom.

Listen to hear some strategies to strengthen your social network (which can also enhance your job search!) According to the Harvard research highlighted in the most recent Mel Robbins podcast, your health, happiness and longevity depend on it. 

The Secret to a Happy Life – Lessons from 8 Decades of Research (Harvard)
The Mel Robbins Podcast, April 4, 2024: What Makes a Good Life? Lessons From the Longest Study on Happiness.

If landing the job of your dreams is one of your goals this year, my Career Comeback Coaching program might be perfect for you. I’ve specifically designed the program for stay-at-home moms who left mid-level careers to focus on their family.

There is a 25% discount if you sign up by May 1st, and you’ll receive a Bonus of a Mock Interview – based on the job of your dreams. If you are curious to learn more, send me an email.

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Hey moms re-entering the workforce! Nervous about that first day?

This episode's for YOU! My guest Gabrielle Ferguson and I dish on how to rock those first weeks with confidence, thanks to returnship programs.

We'll talk:

• Creating a welcoming work environment (think awesome manager training!)
• Beating imposter syndrome with support groups and workshops
• Real-life success stories of moms who thrived in returnships

Here's links to the resources we reviewed that can help you find your dream program.

iRelaunch.com
Path Forward
Reach Hire
Apres
Career Returners

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

If your next chapter includes landing a job you love after a career break, you'll want to listen to today's episode. An excellent way to get your career back on track is through a returnship. These are like internships, but are created for people with mid-level career experience rather than entry-level, and typically require at least a 2-year career break.

If you are curious about returnships, also known as returner programs, you are in for a treat. I've invited Gabrielle Ferguson back to the podcast to share her insider knowledge about how returner programs benefit both the returner and the employer.  Gabrielle established a successful returner program for her previous employer and shares her advice on how to wow the hiring team in your application and interviews in these highly competitive programs.

This will be a 2-part series, with the next episode highlighting what to expect on the job as a career returner in these programs.

Below are resources mentioned in the episode where you can find more information about returnships, including current openings:

iRelaunch.com
Path Forward
Reach Hire
Apres
Career Returners

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

As I created my son Alex's senior collage of pictures for high school, a wave of realization washed over me: these pictures showcased what he does, his activities, but do they truly capture who he is? This revelation struck a chord, reminding me that while being a baseball player or an Eagle Scout are labels, the things we DO don't define WHO we are.  That's the heart of our discussion in this week's episode of her next chapter's podcast. I invite you into a candid conversation about the profound journey of redefining our identities as we moms transition to becoming empty nesters.

We're not just discussing the 'how' of starting anew; we're exploring the 'who' that emerges when the titles fall away. Ready to uncover a sense of self that transcends your roles? Tune in for a dose of inspiration and empowerment—because who we are is so much more than our daily activities and accomplishments.

Free Resource

Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Work with Me

Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews. 

Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you. 

Email me directly at [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina