Blog
Why networking matters (especially after a career break)
Networking isn’t about being pushy or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s simply about talking to people, letting them get to know you and sharing and offering support in both directions. Many career opportunities come through relationships rather than job adverts.
For people returning to work or considering a career change in midlife, networking offers three key benefits:
Rebuilding confidence
Understanding today’s job market
Finding encouragement and support
How to network when you’re not feeling confident
You don’t need to be outgoing. You don’t need a huge network.
You don’t need to “sell yourself”.
Start with people you already know. Former colleagues, friends, community groups, these are safe places to practise.
Ask for conversations, not jobs. A short message like “I’m exploring my next steps and would love to hear about your work” is enough.
Be curious. Ask people how they got into their role, what they enjoy, and what skills matter most. People like to share their experiences.
Attend low pressure events. Workshops, local meet ups, alumni gatherings or community events can be welcoming spaces for reconnecting.
Remember that networking is about giving as well as receiving. Sharing your perspective, offering encouragement, or connecting others when you can. Even after a career break, you have valuable insight and life experience.
If you’ve spent years caring for others, working hard or simply coping with life’s demands, it’s understandable to feel unsure about investing in yourself. Networking is not about asking for favours, it’s about reconnecting with your strengths, your community and your future.
Your next opportunity might be one conversation away.
If you would like some coaching to help you move forward, contact me for a free discovery session.
Generative AI in Job Applications
Employers are responding in different ways:
• Some are redesigning processes to reduce reliance on CVs.
• Others are using AI tools to detect AI-written applications (though these detectors currently have ~20% error rates).
• Using AI when it has not been invited is often viewed as cheating and creates a poor first impression: “If you can’t take the time to apply properly, why should they take the time to speak to you?”
Possible future changes include more live interviews or online assessments to reduce opportunities for AI generated content.
Your biggest advantage is having real world experience, achievements, and transferable skills. You have genuine stories and relevant examples to share from your career. Avoiding over reliance on AI, as it often produces bland applications which all look similar that fail to showcase what makes you valuable.
Top Tips
• Always check the employer’s policy on AI use (many now publish this on their websites).
• In a 2025 Oxford Careers survey of recruiters, only 15% said they allow or encourage AI in applications; about half said “No”.
• Treat AI as an assistant, not a replacement:
It can be great for research, structuring ideas, summarising long job descriptions, or polishing language.
• Never let it write the bulk of your CV, cover letter, or answers.
• Make it your own: Heavily edit any AI output so it reflects your voice, specific examples, and career history. Generic AI language is easy to spot and weakens applications.
• Tailor every application form.
• Lead with your achievements, quantified results, and transferable skills from previous roles. Use the CAR interview technique (Challenge/Context, Action, Result), to help you do this.
• Use AI carefully to help reframe experience into the language of a new sector (e.g. turning management language into project or client facing language).
• Keep applications personal and specific, this is where mature candidates stand out.
• Focus energy on fewer, high-quality, well-researched applications rather than mass AI generated ones.
If you would like some coaching to help you move forward, contact me for a free discovery session.
Feeling Stuck in Midlife? How Career Coaching Can Help You Let Go of Imposter Syndrome
Many people reach their forties, fifties or sixties and realise their work no longer feels fulfilling. Perhaps the job that once made sense now feels draining, or you’ve quietly wondered whether you’re capable of more. If that sounds familiar, you’re far from alone.
One of the biggest barriers for people considering a career change later in life is imposter syndrome: that nagging sense of “Who am I to do this”, this is very common. It’s not a personal failing, it’s just a pattern of thoughts that can be changed.
Why imposter syndrome shows up in midlife
Imposter feelings often appear when we’re thinking about stepping into something new. After years in a role, it’s easy to believe your skills aren’t transferable or that others are more capable. Research shared by the University of Warwick notes that imposter syndrome can lead to self doubt, anxiety and even burnout, despite clear evidence of your achievements. It’s a psychological pattern — not a reflection of your actual ability.
How career coaching helps you break through
Career coaching offers a supportive, structured space to explore your next steps without judgement. It’s particularly powerful for people who feel unsure, stuck or lacking confidence.
A coach helps you see your skills more clearly, including the ones you’ve quietly undervalued for years.
Techniques used in coaching, such as cognitive behavioural approaches, help you question the belief that you’re “not good enough” and replace it with more realistic, balanced thinking, based on reality.
Many people feel they’re “too old to change”. Coaching helps you shift towards the belief that new abilities can be developed, and new paths are possible at any age.
Making realistic goals. Starting small and being realistic, makes steps to change feel manageable. Celebrating progress even small wins builds confidence and momentum.
Imposter feelings often make people think they’re the only ones struggling. Coaching (including group coaching) shows you that others share similar doubts, which can be hugely reassuring.
You deserve to invest in yourself
Career coaching isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about helping you reconnect with your strengths, understand what you want, and take confident steps towards a more satisfying working life.
If you would like some coaching to help you move forward, contact me for a free discovery session.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025
As a career coach, I have worked with brilliant individuals who have a various disabilities or chronic illnesses. I have seen when people with disabilities are given genuine access and equitable support, they don’t just succeed, they can thrive, innovate, and lead in ways others never expected.
1 in 7 people globally has a disability. That means in every workplace, every network, every family and friendship group has amazing potential is right there, often still waiting for the right environment to shine in. They often just need a little bit of encouragement and support.
We all need to do the following:-
• Stop seeing “Reasonable Adjustments” as special treatment. They’re simply accommodations or the tools that let disabled people compete on merit.
• Start interviewing, mentoring, and promoting with accessibility baked in from day one.
• Listen to your colleagues with disabilities. They can advise you what real inclusion looks like.
If you would like some coaching to help you move forward, contact me for a free discovery session.
World Mental Health Day 2025
If you are feeling unsure, please know that you are not alone. Many people experience similar feelings when rebuilding confidence and re-entering the workplace. It’s okay to ask for support. You are entitled to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 to help you work in a way that supports your wellbeing. Work can offer purpose, connection and growth, but your wellbeing always comes first. Be gentle with yourself, and remember that progress at your own pace is still progress.
If you would like some coaching to help you move forward, contact me for a free discovery session.
