Authentic Brand

The job market can feel like a rollercoaster—unpredictable and often overwhelming, especially when the numbers don't always tell the whole truth. I've been there, knowing deep down that I'm perfect for a role, yet feeling the weight of doubt creeping in. That's why I founded Authentic Brand—to help job seekers regain the confidence they need to navigate this landscape with strength and purpose. I believe that once you realize your true value and see yourself as a business, everything changes. You’re no longer just applying for a job; you're presenting yourself as the solution. This shift in mindset gives you the power to take control of your career and showcase your unique strengths. What drives me every day is seeing people shine—watching them step into their power, confident in who they are and what they bring to the table. It's about more than just finding a job; it's about reclaiming your self-worth and owning your journey. I love what I do because it's a privilege to witness these transformations and help others discover the incredible potential they’ve always had.

The job search process is exhausting. It just is. There's so many factors at play: * LinkedIn * Resumes * Job alerts * Networking * Interviewing * Cover letters * Thank you notes * Company research * Online applications Add this to your regular life and it's .... Overwhelming. Especially if you are out of practice. Or if you are out of work. So please, give yourself some grace. This market is brutal, so if it's taking longer than you had hoped or expected to find a job, you aren't alone: 1.5 million Americans are considered long-term unemployed (jobless for 27 weeks or more). 5.6 million Americans are currently not counted in the labor force at all but want a job. It's tough out there all around. If you're looking for work, let me know in the comments what your biggest pain point is and I'll try to form some content to help. Take care of yourself and hope that you can get some rest this weekend! #opentowork #jobsearch #gethired #getahead 🔔 Follow Colleen and Ageless Careers for career tips.

Life is a journey; sometimes, it brings us full circle back to where we started. In 2008, I founded Authentic Image in Scottsdale, and twelve years ago, I left for Dallas, guided by a strong pull that I thought I understood, yet the experiences assisted me in my own growth to be able to start a new side gig, yet in 2022, I went full-time into Authentic Brand, working with people globally in their job search and confidence coaching. Now, with my 8th move in 12 years (yes, I can do this with my eyes closed), I'm circling back to the Greater Phoenix area, a place that truly feels like home (even though I'm originally from Delaware, but I don't always like to admit that these days!). Phoenix has always been a hub of connection for me—a vibrant community of entrepreneurs eager to collaborate, and my core tribe and family are right here. The energy there is unmatched, and I'm excited to dive back into the vibrant networking scene, reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships with Authentic Brand, and introduce small companies to AZ HR Hub, which is a company that I am very passionate about and excited that it assists small businesses nationwide. Here's to new chapters, no more Texas and Florida humidity, and the exciting possibilities ahead ~ see ya'll soon! What about you? Are you starting a new chapter, or are you still crafting the one you're in? #NewBeginnings #Networking #PhoenixConnections #Entrepreneurship #JourneyBackHome

GAPS in your resume? Don't panic. 😨 You CAN tackle this head-on in your next interview → and come out on top! How? By being honest, strategic, and confident in your value. Here are my TOP TIPS: 🟢 Be honest and upfront → Trying to hide a gap will only backfire → Proactively address it in your cover letter and interview 🟢 Frame it as a learning experience → Highlight skills you gained (like time management or empathy) → Show how the experience helped you grow and gain perspective 🟢 Focus on the present → Emphasize your current skills and readiness to contribute → Project confidence and enthusiasm about the opportunity 🟢 Have a clear narrative → Practice explaining the gap succinctly and positively → Keep the focus on your qualifications and fit for the role 🟢 Provide references → Offer contacts who can vouch for your character and abilities → This helps mitigate any concerns about the gap Remember: Your career path doesn't have to be linear to be impressive. A resume gap is just one piece of your story, by framing it thoughtfully and focusing on your strengths, you can turn it into an asset. So don't let a gap hold you back. Walk into that interview room with your head held high, ready to sell your unique story. ✌

Let me introduce myself, for many do not know what I do as a Heartfelt Confidence Coach with Authentic Brand. I empower individuals, especially jobseekers, to rediscover their self-worth and embrace their authentic selves. My focus lies in providing personalized support to job seekers, assisting them in building confidence and refining their personal and professional image. My commitment to mental health advocacy drives me to work closely with clients, helping them overcome self-doubt and navigate career transitions with renewed assurance. As the Heartfelt Confidence Coach, I create a supportive and empathetic environment where clients feel heard, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. In one-on-one coaching conversations, I guide individuals in developing a strong sense of self, finding their voice, and learning how to be authentic in their communication. I assist them in presenting themselves effectively in job interviews and professional, as well as personal settings. The success of my work is reflected in the transformations I witness in my clients—whether it's landing a dream job, achieving personal milestones, or simply feeling more confident in their daily lives. #JobSeekers #ConfidenceCoaching #InterviewCoaching #FreeResumeReviews #ResumeReWrites #LinkedInProfiles #MentalHealthAdvocate

As the job market grows more turbulent, where challenges feel endless and opportunities feel scarce, it's more important than ever for job seekers to demand fair treatment. It takes a lot of effort to find a job and many obstacles to overcome: countless interviews that don't lead anywhere. These unpaid projects drain your energy, and they are looking to take a role that doesn't pay crap, as they know they can get someone to take that salary and be ghosted after you've invested so much into getting hired. Add to that the growing threat of fake job postings and scams, and it's no wonder many are feeling disillusioned. Job seekers can become confident in seeing themselves as a business that offers the solutions other companies need. This change in perspective enables them to take charge of the interview process, ensuring that the job opportunity meets their requirements and refuses to be exploited or undervalued. Authentic Brand coaches job seekers to understand that they have power. Yes, they are unemployed, but their time and skills are invaluable. I share how to not dwell on the negatives but to see the positives in these challenging times. It is inspiring to see this growing awareness—realizing that their time, skills, and energy are valuable commodities, not to be squandered on unworthy employers, making them feel valued and respected. Staying alert to the red flags that signal potential pitfalls is vital. Whether it's a company that constantly reschedules interviews, insists on extensive questionnaires without meaningful interaction, or shies away from discussing compensation despite your qualifications, these are warning signs. It's heartening to see more job seekers calling out these practices, refusing to be strung along in an endless and fruitless process. Businesses must acknowledge the adverse effects of inefficiencies, which result in financial costs and can severely impact a company's reputation and lead to the loss of valuable talent. This is precisely why professional HR consulting firms that are nationally licensed, like AZ HR Hub, are indispensable. Their expertise in streamlining the hiring process empowers companies to fill vacant positions and construct a high-performing, respected, and purpose-driven workforce that fully aligns with the company's objectives. A proactive approach saves time, reduces costs, and enhances the overall experience for all parties involved. Job seekers should never settle for the first offer out of desperation or fear. The right opportunity exists with companies that respect your time, value your contributions, and offer fair compensation. As a passionate advocate for mental health job seekers and a strong supporter of HR consultants, I will continue to speak out about this. Job seekers must demand the respect they deserve, and businesses must acknowledge the actual cost of their hiring processes are loosing.  #JobSearchJourney  #HRConsulting #MentalHealthMatters  #BusinessEfficiency

As a job seeker, you must showcase a resume highlighting your strengths, achievements, and ATS-optimized keywords. You work hard to make yourself the solution to potential employers' needs. So, what happens when a recruiter asks you to '"dumb down'" your resume because you're overqualified? It can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening, and you're not alone in feeling this way. This dilemma isn't just hypothetical—it's a reality many Executive Assistants face as they are 'Open to Work.' Despite having a resume that demonstrates your value, recruiters often respond with negatives like, "You're more of a project manager," "You're too strategic," or "You're overqualified." Yet, these same recruiters contacted you because they saw you as the perfect solution. 🔍 Here's the issue: 🎯 You've Earned Your Experience: Your resume reflects years of dedication, hard work, and valuable experiences. Why should you diminish these achievements? ⁉ Misaligned Expectations: Often, recruiters don't fully grasp the intricacies of the roles they are hiring for—they've never walked in your shoes. ⁉Mixed Messages: It can be frustrating and disheartening to be approached for your expertise only to be told you're overqualified. 🎯 Remember, your expertise is a valuable asset, not a liability. It's what makes you a strong candidate. 💡 A Few Thoughts for Recruiters: 🔥 Recognize the Value: Understand that "overqualified" often means "highly capable." 🔥 Clear Communication: If the job requirements shift, communicate this. 🔥 Appreciate Expertise: Those strategic and project management skills are assets, not liabilities. 💬 To Job Seekers: 🦋 Stay true to your achievements and experiences. Minimizing your importance as a solution to a problem is unfair. Remember, the right fit will value what you bring to the table without asking you to diminish your worth. #JobSearchJourney #ExecutiveAssistant #Overqualified #CareerAdvice #RecruitmentInsights #JobSeekers #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #AuthenticBrand