If you’re job hunting or thinking about making a career change, you already know how disorienting it can feel. Whether you left a role by choice or circumstance, it’s normal to feel unsteady, even unsure about what will come next. As you may have heard before, you’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience. And that will help you gain perspective. Let’s go deeper.

In my work with clients navigating career transitions, three things consistently make a difference. Just like there are three c’s when considering the value of a diamond, there are 3 c’s when taking the next step career-wise: clarity, confidence, and connection. Clarity doesn’t mean knowing exactly what job you want next. Clarity means understanding what matters most to you now. What are your non-negotiables? What kind of environment lets you thrive? This kind of self-reflection becomes the foundation for everything else. Think on this and honor what you decide. Then move forward with confidence.

Confidence often follows clarity. Once you have a sense of direction, spend time updating your workplace appearance. That means adjusting your résumé, polishing your LinkedIn presence, and preparing for interviews in a way that feels true to you. Preparing for an interview is not rehearsing robotic answers, but honing your ability to communicate your skills and abilities to an interviewer. You don’t need to pretend to be anyone else. You need to trust the experience you’ve already earned.

Finally, let’s talk about connection. Job searching can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Reach out. Ask for insight. Talk to people doing what you think you might want to do. You’d be surprised how generous others can be when you’re honest about where you are and curious about where they’ve been. You can call this networking. And the experts say 80% of those seeking a new job or career access their next step through word of mouth.

If you’re in the middle of a transition, know this: it’s okay not to have it all figured out. The next chapter doesn’t always announce itself with certainty. Sometimes, it begins with a quiet decision to explore. And how fun is that!

When you’re ready for support, I’m here to help you take the next step with clarity and care.