After completing her bachelor’s degree, Chanel Bach found herself facing a challenge many graduates know all too well. Despite working as a PACU nurse at a local hospital for the past year and a half, she was struggling to make her next career move. With fertility treatments on the horizon—an expensive undertaking—Chanel and her husband had discussed whether she should leave nursing entirely to find a position with better fertility benefits.
The Problem: Qualified But Overlooked
Despite her qualifications and experience, Chanel’s resume wasn’t generating interview requests. Like many job seekers, she was experiencing the frustration of silence—that period when applications disappear into the void without response.
It was during this discouraging phase that Chanel remembered an email about Walden’s new job search coaching service for undergraduates. She decided she had nothing to lose by giving it a try.
The Turning Point: Expert Guidance Makes All the Difference
From their first meeting, Chanel’s Job Search Coach, Geordie, created a comfortable space where she could openly discuss her goals and aspirations. “He definitely was very open, very willing,” Chanel shared. “He listened very carefully to what I needed, what I didn’t need, and was very helpful guiding me.”
What surprised Chanel most was the speed of results. “It was a really, really quick turnaround,” she explained. In less than two months of working with Geordie—a timeframe many spend just getting started on their search—Chanel went from feeling stuck to accepting a new position that better aligned with her needs.
Behind-the-Scenes: What Actually Happens in Coaching
You may wonder: what exactly do these sessions involve? For Chanel, the process was intensely practical and tailored to her specific situation.
Strategic Application Process
Geordie showed Chanel how to craft an effective cover letter and target her resume to better showcase her skills and experience. Together, they strategized where to post her resume and identified opportunities that would fit her needs. This targeted approach helped Chanel stay focused on what can often be an overwhelming process.
One of the most valuable resources Geordie provided was a comprehensive spreadsheet that Chanel describes as “phenomenal” and something she “will keep for the rest of my life.” This organizational tool allowed her to track job opportunities, record pros and cons, and maintain links to applications. Together, they set a goal of 5-10 applications per week.
Resume Transformation
One of the key areas where Geordie provided valuable assistance was with Chanel’s resume. Before working with her coach, Chanel’s resume wasn’t generating interview requests despite her qualifications. Geordie helped her understand how to tailor her resume for each position, highlighting relevant experiences and skills that would catch employers’ attention.
“He really just kind of helped springboard me,” Chanel explained. Together, they reorganized her resume to emphasize her nursing experience and transferable skills that would be valuable in a case management role. This targeted approach made her applications more compelling to potential employers and ultimately helped her stand out from other candidates.
Interview Preparation
Once Chanel began receiving interview requests, Geordie’s coaching shifted to interview preparation. Before her interviews, Geordie and Chanel practiced extensively together. Geordie and Chanel researched each organization, reviewing their mission statement and values. “I don’t think I’d ever thought about looking further into the agency itself prior to an initial interview,” Chanel reflected.
“I…wasn’t sure how to round out the interview,” Chanel admitted. Geordie gave Chanel a list of strategic questions, including “What do the day-to-day responsibilities of the role look like?” and “What type of person thrives in this role, and what challenges might I expect?” He also showed her how to conclude interviews professionally. “He said, thank them for their time and ask them what the next steps are,” Chanel shared. This deeper preparation gave her more confidence and helped her demonstrate interest and engagement.
The Result: Not Just Any Job—The Right Job
The hard work and persistence paid off when Chanel received an offer for a case management position in home care. This new role not only allowed her to stay in nursing but also came with better pay and improved benefits – exactly what she and her husband had been hoping for!
Reflecting on her experience, Chanel gave her coach a “10 out of 10” recommendation. He offered practical job search assistance, and the support needed to navigate a stressful job transition. “It was good to have that partner beside me to just kind of be checking in to help keep me on track,” Chanel added.
Expert Support For Your Job Search
If you’re an undergraduate student or recent graduate from an undergraduate program feeling stuck in your job search, remember that even healthcare professionals with in-demand skills like Chanel benefit from expert coaching. The job market is competitive, and having a dedicated professional in your corner can make all the difference To learn more, visit the Undergraduate Job Search Coaching page to book your appointment!
Interview by Chanel Bach, Walden University Alumna
Edited by Angie Kukielka, Manager, Office of Student Affairs