A Successful Job Search
From In-house Counsel to Partner in a Law Firm
Surviving several re-organizations, Margaret (not her real name) finally found herself working in an environment she did not like, with people she did not trust. Although most of her career had been spent as in-house legal counsel in a corporate environment, Margaret could not see herself continuing in that role. She needed a change, but what? After searching on the Internet and speaking with several other coaches, Margaret found Mino Sullivan.
Responding to Mino’s honesty, humor, and professionalism, Margaret decided to work with her. “I didn’t need help with the mechanics of finding a job as much as I needed someone to help me manage my concerns and energy-level during this stressful transition. As a major breadwinner in a family with several small children, I could not afford to be out of work for very long. I needed someone who could help build my confidence back up, keep me motivated and focused on the task at hand, and prevent my descent into sheer and utter panic.”
And Mino certainly did that, and more. Working with Mino, Margaret was able to identify the type of job and working environment that would be a good fit for her skills, interests and style. Mino provided the structure and support Margaret needed to launch a successful job search, and shared helpful information, such as which executive search firms and job boards were best suited for the type of position Margaret most wanted in the metropolitan area where she lived.
Mino also helped Margaret make connections with people and organizations that could aid her search. Ultimately, it was through networking connections that Margaret found an exceptional opportunity to grow a practice group in a mid-sized law firm. Margaret received two excellent offers. Mino helped her keep one offer warm while waiting for the second one to develop. During the decision process between the two possibilities, each with similar compensation and benefits packages, Mino gave Margaret tools to help her gain clarity on which opportunity would be best aligned with her values and long term goals. Once the decision was made, Mino guided Margaret in creating a business plan for the new practice group she was going to lead.
What was the most important outcome of working with Mino? “Mino helped me navigate a life change that could have been devastating to my career and to my family into a positive experience that has transformed me as a professional and a person. I could not have done it without her. Through the highs and lows of my job search, she always believed in me and empowered me to the actions I needed to take in order to be successful. Mino has become much more than a coach to me, she has become a friend.”
