Her Next Chapters

117. Your References Are More Than References: How to Build a Job Search Support Team

In this episode of Her Next Chapters, we continue the job search series by talking about a commonly overlooked strategy: gathering references at the beginning of your job search — not the end. Most people wait until a final interview or job offer to think about references. But what if your references became part of your job search support team from the start? Christina shares: → why references are about more than checking a box for employers → how reconnecting with former colleagues can activate your network → why relationship-building matters more than simply applying online → how to approach former managers, peers, and direct reports → tips for creating a professional reference list document → a personal story about asking for references after a 13-year career break This episode is especially helpful for women navigating career transitions, returning to work, or rebuilding professional confidence in midlife. If you’ve been relying only on online applications, this conversation will help you think differently about networking, visibility, and human connection during your job search. Christina also shares a free Reference List Template you can use during your job search. To get a copy, email Christina at Christina@HerNextChapters.com [Christina@HerNextChapters.com]. Free Resource Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template [https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1798689/sites/168451588455663141/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/consult-call-40-minutes] to see how I can support you.  Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina [http://www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina]

116. Above & Beyond: The Job Application Moves Nobody's Making (But Should Be)

Are your job applications disappearing into a black hole? You're not alone — and it's not your resume. It's the system. In this episode, host (and career coach) Christina Kohl breaks down why the standard "apply online and wait" approach is failing midlife women in today's job market, and exactly what to do instead. Whether you're pivoting careers, stepping into a new industry, or returning to work after time away, this episode gives you a practical, step-by-step playbook to stand out before a human even opens your file. You'll learn: * Why AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are filtering out strong candidates — and how cover letters often disappear entirely * The single most powerful move you can make before submitting any application (hint: it's 13x more effective than applying through a job board) * What employee referral programs are, how they work, and why timing is everything * Why mailing a physical resume and cover letter is getting people interviews right now * How to drop off your application in person — and what to say when you get there Free Resource Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template [https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1798689/sites/168451588455663141/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/consult-call-40-minutes] to see how I can support you.  Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina [http://www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina]

115. Why Your Job Search Feels Scattered (And How to Get Clear on What You Actually Want)

If your job search feels scattered, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels… this episode is for you. In this second episode of the Job Search Series, we’re stepping back to something even more foundational than your resume or interviews: clarity. Because if you don’t know where you’re going, everything else—your resume, your applications, your networking, and how you show up in interviews—will feel unfocused and ineffective. In this episode, I’m walking you through: *  Why lack of clarity is the real reason your job search isn’t working  *  What “career clarity” actually means (hint: it’s not one perfect job title)  *  How to identify what you want more of—and less of—in your next role  *  The 3 simple steps to start finding your direction  *  How to use informational interviews and strategic volunteering to test new paths  *  Why your resume should reflect where you’re going—not just where you’ve been  If you’re a mid-career woman ready for a career change but unsure what your next step should be, this episode will help you move from feeling stuck to taking aligned action. 🎧 This episode is part of a multi-part Job Search Series designed to help you land the right role—not just any role. Strategic volunteering leads mentioned on the episode: Catchafire.org [https://www.catchafire.org/volunteer?name_filter=&type_filter=1&type_filter=2&type_filter=5&page=1&init=true] Volunteer Match (Idealist) [https://www.idealist.org/volunteermatch] Free Resource Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template [https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1798689/sites/168451588455663141/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/consult-call-40-minutes] to see how I can support you.  Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina [http://www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina]

114. You’re Not Getting Interviews for a Reason - Let’s Fix That

If you’ve been applying for jobs and not getting interviews, it’s not random - and it doesn’t mean you’re not qualified. In this episode of Her Next Chapters, we kick off a practical job search series for women who are ready for something new - whether you’re returning to work or feeling stuck in a role that no longer fits. We start with the resume problem that quietly holds people back: bullets that read like a job description instead of showing real impact. You’ll hear clear before-and-after examples and learn how to add scope, results, and simple metrics - even if you don’t have exact numbers. Then we shift to strategy. Your resume is not your full career history - it’s a marketing document for the job you want next. That means choosing a direction, using the employer’s language, and pulling keywords directly from the job posting so your resume stands out to both ATS systems and hiring managers. We also talk about why applying online alone gives you the least control in your job search, and how small, intentional networking steps - including outreach on LinkedIn - can create momentum, conversations, and real opportunities. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your resume and start positioning yourself for your next chapter, this episode will give you a clear place to start. Subscribe, follow along with the series, and share this with a friend who’s ready for a change. Ready to take the next step? • Download the free Strengths-First Resume Template [https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1798689/sites/168451588455663141/Resume_Template] to get a clear, confident starting point • Want personalized feedback? Book a Resume Review [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/resume-review] and get direct, actionable guidance on what’s working and what’s not Free Resource Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template [https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1798689/sites/168451588455663141/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/consult-call-40-minutes] to see how I can support you.  Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina [http://www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina]

113. Stop Waiting for Motivation: What to Do Instead

Ever find yourself waiting to feel motivated before you start? You’re not alone. And it might be the exact reason you’re stuck. In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life moment from this week when I caught myself putting something off… and what I did instead. (Spoiler: motivation never showed up.) We’re flipping the script on the idea that motivation has to come first, and instead focusing on what actually works: taking small, simple actions that build momentum. Whether you’re navigating a job search, trying to get back into a routine, or tackling something that feels overwhelming, this episode will help you stop waiting and start moving forward. Inside the episode, I talk about: *  why waiting for motivation keeps you stuck  *  how procrastination shows up in everyday life (and how to catch it)  *  simple ways to take action when you don’t feel ready  *  why small steps create real momentum  *  practical examples from job search, productivity, and daily life  If you’ve been putting something off, this is your nudge. Free Resource Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template [https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1798689/sites/168451588455663141/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/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 [https://calendly.com/christinakohl/consult-call-40-minutes] to see how I can support you.  Email me directly at christina@hernextchapters.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina [http://www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina]