After a layoff, job loss, or even just a toxic work environment, it’s completely normal to feel like your confidence has taken a hit.

Many of the professionals I work with tell me some version of the same story:

“I used to feel confident at work… but now I’m second-guessing everything.”

“I don’t even know how to talk about what happened in an interview.”

“It feels like I lost my voice.”

If that resonates with you, I want you to know this: you are not alone, and your voice is not gone.

It may feel quiet right now, but it’s still there. It just needs a little space, support, and encouragement to come forward again.

Why Mindset Matters in the Job Search

Job searching isn’t just about resumes and interviews. It’s also about how you feel about yourself as you’re doing it.

And when you’ve been through a difficult season at work, that internal narrative can turn harsh. You might downplay your strengths, talk yourself out of opportunities, or hesitate to advocate for what you deserve.

That’s why one of the most important parts of a successful job search is mindset. Before we focus on how you show up on paper or in an interview, we start with how you see yourself.

You Don’t Have to Shrink to Be Hired

Somewhere along the way, many professionals – especially those coming out of difficult work environments – start believing they have to “tone it down” to get hired.

They worry about sounding overqualified. They hesitate to own their accomplishments. They stay quiet about what they really want from a role or company.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to shrink to fit into your next opportunity. The right role will value your voice, not ask you to silence it.

Telling Your Story with Strength and Honesty

Let’s talk about interviews – specifically, how to talk about difficult experiences without feeling like you have to justify, explain away, or minimize what happened.

Here are a few strategies I share with clients:

Keep it professional, but real. You don’t need to go into every detail. A simple, honest explanation (e.g., “The company restructured” or “It was no longer a healthy environment for me”) is enough.

Focus forward. Acknowledge what happened, then pivot to what you learned, how you grew, and what you’re looking for next.

Own your strengths. Practice saying out loud: “One of the things I’m most proud of in that role was…” or “A strength I bring to any team is…”

Remember: you’re not just telling your work history – you’re telling a story about your growth, your resilience, and the value you bring.

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn from a Place of Confidence

Your professional presence should reflect who you are now, not just where you’ve been.

Start by reviewing your resume and LinkedIn profile through the lens of your strengths. Ask yourself:

• What accomplishments am I genuinely proud of, and how can I highlight them?
• What problems have I helped solve in past roles?
• What results or outcomes can I highlight?

And just as importantly, what do I want people to know about me as a person and a professional?

You’re not just a list of job titles. You’re someone with insight, experience, and potential.

Your Voice Is Still Yours

If you’re reading this and thinking, I used to feel more confident… I want to get back to that version of myself. I want to offer a gentle reframe:

You haven’t lost your voice. You’ve simply been in a season that made it harder to hear. And now – it’s time to reclaim it.

Ready for Support?

If you’re ready to feel confident again in your job search and want help crafting a story that feels authentic, strong, and aligned, I’d be delighted to support you.

📅 Book a Complimentary Coaching Session

Let’s ensure your next step reflects the whole version of you – your voice and all.