(It’s heartwarming when a client can write his own case study showcasing our work together. In negotiating his benefit package, he ended up with a $22,000 salary increase. This is the client referenced in parts of this blog post – Ask for What You Are Worth).
This client was referred to me by a former client. He was preparing to leave one level of government to another.
After we had finished our coaching work together, he volunteered to give me a testimonial. I asked if he could reflect on what it was like working with me, and then send it in his own words.
Here’s what I received. Instead of re-writing it, I have kept it in point form to maintain its originality:
Before Application:
- I reached out to Daisy this past July for some interview and resume help
- She responded promptly regarding how the process worked
- I sent her my resume and job posting as reference
- She prepared some introductory questions for me to review
- We set up time for a quick conversation on the phone regarding her services and the potential role
During our initial call, we:
- Reviewed my resume at a high level
- Reviewed the job posting in detail
- Daisy recommended some options to best tailor my resume to the job posting in order to increase the probability of being selected
- We decided to reconnect if I was invited to an interview
Before Interview:
- A little over a month after I applied for the role, I was invited for the first round of interviews
- To prepare for the interview, I reached out to Daisy for some coaching sessions
- She sent me sample behavioural questions to review. Many of these questions were based on the job posting
Session 1 (telephone conversation)
- We identified my challenges and obstacles, and reviewed potential options to overcome them
- We discussed some approaches to answering key behavioural questions
- I read a few of my responses to Daisy, and she would suggest ways to improve delivery and timing
- We strategized on key language and tone to use/emphasize in my responses, significant story lines based on my experience that linked to the job posting
- Before wrapping up the call, we put a plan in place to prepare for the mock interview in Session 2 which was to take place the night before the first interview
Session 2 (Mock Interview)
- Began the coaching session with generic questions, practiced responses, tweaked delivery with emphasis on being both concise and informative
- Reviewed situational/behavioral and scenario-based questions and how best to pivot and address follow up questions
- Discussed the appropriate length of responses to key questions
Morning of the First Interview:
- I received a quick pep talk from Daisy on key speaking points and reassurance that I was ready “tell my stories”.
Before Second Interview
- I was invited to the second round of interviews
- Daisy provided some additional guidance for the second interview
including discussing:
- General fit for the role
- Experience dealing with key stakeholders
- Consensus building
Received Job Offer
Before formally accepting the offer, we discussed negotiation strategies:
- How to make a case for more money. (I was a bit worried that if I raised the money issue, the offer could be withdrawn. Daisy assured me, as long as I wasn’t being unreasonable, I didn’t have to worry about anything).
- We discussed benefits and options to include in the offer.
- I went into the negotiation conversation feeling more confident. The deal was sealed.
Verdict – What it was like working with Daisy:
Daisy is a consummate professional who knows her stuff. She is easy to talk to, patient and honest. I would recommend her in any, and every professional development scenario. For me, she was the difference.
My own words:
Coaching works. It’s a collaboration. The client is the expert, and the coach offers support and guidance to help the client affirm confidently what they already know.
