Michelle Isherwood, JD, MBA, CHC on LinkedIn: Dorothy Koch Resume (2024)

You might've noticed that my LinkedIn feed has turned into a job board. No shade if you unfollow because you're not hiring or looking for work. But pls keep in mind it's a tough job market out there. When possible, pls help others get a leg up. #jobsearch #careers #advertising #publicrelations #marketing #communications (Image credit: Libby VanderPloeg).

147

6 Comments

I haven't posted in awhile, so here's the job search update:✅ Job search can be a rollercoaster ride. I am (present tense) in the middle of a third (final) round of interviewing for a great role. However, that job to replace someone retiring at the end of the year has been put on hold as the company froze all open positions until January '24. They'll bring me back in to interview IF I am still available. So...✅ I'm still networking to expand my perspective on companies that may not have yet been on my radar.✅ I'm looking in the KC metro area (or for roles that can be fully remote from here). ✅ My focus is on consumer insights as well as product/brand management roles. My experience also includes strategy and innovation.✅ The constants: (1) I start each day reading some spiritual things to ground me and set a positive mindset. (2) I end each day writing in my gratitude journal. These constants I've done all year, but they definitely help in the job search journey that at times can have big ups & downs.So, if you've read this far and think of any companies that may not be on my radar yet, please send them my way.

34

2 Comments

I have some exciting news on the horizon 🤩The job search was stressful and exhausting.At times it made me question myself and my abilities. At times, I wondered if I should have applied to many different jobs instead of focusing on a couple of companies and positions I wanted.Ultimately, I landed an offer from the top company I targeted.I'm taking a step back title-wise and a small step back salary-wise...but I'm beyond excited to do this. The tradeoff is a company with values I believe in.A position where I will be able to grow and challenge myself.Work that is exciting and a ton of opportunity to make my mark.Somewhere where I can take chances and where I can feel empowered.I'll share more about my job hunt and how I weighed the pros and cons of different companies in the coming weeks.In the meantime, if anyone in my network needs help landing a role or wants to pick my brain...I am available.I'm thankful for everyone who has helped support me along the way, and I can't wait to share more news with you all in a couple of weeks!#jobhunt #contentmarketing #marketing

26

4 Comments

There are some days where it’s easy to get up, get moving and attack the day…There are other days where you just wanna lay in the hay and avoid everything. Shine definitely didn’t feel like working yesterday…but she got up, did an amazing job in a lesson and pushed through. Yes, I had to put a halter on her and make her get up…but she did it. 😂As humans, we need to do the same thing. We definitely have days where laying in bed and avoiding everyone would be the easy option but we can’t. Sometimes, we need help to get moving. My motivation is my family. That’s what keeps me pressing so hard to find my next opportunity. It’s showing my kids that no matter how hard life gets, you keep grinding. That’s what today is all about. While I’m waiting for feedback on a couple opportunities, I’m pushing through…sending out resumes (including cover letters…), sending emails and going through the job postings to find my next challenge! Reach out to someone in your network today…just to say hi snd check on them. This market is crazy right now. A ton of us are looking for work and the competition is nuts. Your message could be the “why” for someone today. It could be the motivation they need to keep pressing on!! I received a message from a former coworker yesterday and it made me think of potential new areas to look. Ive been working on building my LinkedIn network and telling my story. Showing the challenges I’ve faced and the real side of life. She recommended I look at a content strategist position…if anyone in my network has thoughts on that, I’d love to hear them! It’s also nice to hear from real people and not the same canned message from spammers!#opentowork #hireme #salesopportunities #marketingopportunities #jobopportunities #jobhunter #jobseeker #contentstrategist #salescareers #networking #storytelling #marketingcareers #salescareers

7

1 Comment

Ever heard the term "set it and forget it"?If you were around in the 80s and 90s, you probably did! It became popular in infomercials, particularly through its use by Ron Popeil, the inventor and marketer, when promoting products like the Showtime Rotisserie. It often means that the thing you're using or trying to do requires little attention or effort. A lot of people apply this approach to job searching but are surprised when they don't get any response. "Applied to 500+ jobs with no response" is literally a headline I see on social media all the time. You see unfortunately unlike Ron's rotisserie ovens, a job search requires ongoing effort in order to be successful. Here's why the "Set It and Forget It" mentality can lead you astray:🔹 Employers look for candidates who are genuinely interested in their company and role. Sending out a generic resume to 500+ jobs won't cut it. I'd rather send in 50 quality applications than 500 random ones. 🔹 Building relationships and seeking referrals can drastically improve your chances. Job searching is not a solo journey; engage with others in your industry.🔹 Consistent Follow-ups. Imagine cooking a meal and never checking on it. Your job search requires nurturing and consistent follow-up. A simple email or call can set you apart.Your dream job won't fall into your lap by applying the same strategy to hundreds of applications.#jobs #careers #jobsearchtips

16

9 Comments

Hey there, fellow job seekers! 👋 It's me again, Navigating the twists and turns of the job hunt rollercoaster with a mix of determination and the occasional existential crisis. As I sit here sipping my lukewarm coffee and scrolling through endless job listings, I can't help but feel a twinge of empathy for all of us in this wild adventure. The job hunt journey is not for the faint of heart, but together, we'll weather the storm.So, let me introduce myself: I'm on the lookout for roles that allow me to unleash my creativity as a social media manager, Exercise my organizational prowess as an administrative assistant, dazzle customers as a sales representative or bring order to chaos as an office administrator. 💫But let's talk about the elephant in the room: rejection. It stings, it sucks and it can make you question every ounce of self-worth you possess. Trust me, I've been there. But every rejection is just a stepping stone on the path to something greater, a reminder that the right opportunity is out there waiting for us. And hey, if you're reading this and happen to be in a position to offer that opportunity, know that your empathy and understanding mean more than you could ever imagine. Behind every resume is a story, a person with dreams and aspirations, just looking for a chance to shine. ✨So, if you're in the market for someone who's not afraid to laugh at themselves (or send the occasional cat meme), drop me a line at merabykimani@gmail.com. Let's start a conversation and see where it takes us. 💌To my fellow job seekers, I offer this: Be kind to yourself, celebrate the small victories and never lose sight of the incredible potential that lies within you. We're all in this together, and together, we'll emerge stronger than ever. #JobSearchJourney #EmpathyMatters #TogetherWeRise

44

7 Comments

I just wrapped up a 30-minute conversation with Marc D. Hans and gained some truly invaluable insights that will guide me through this phase of life and hopefully, for many years to come! As many of you are aware, I was laid off in August and the search for my next role is still ongoing. However, I'm feeling rejuvenated and optimistic thanks to these key takeaways:1. Take Control: It's essential to stay in the drivers seat of your job search. Approach it with strategy and care and identify the specific qualities of a role, and especially a company, that contribute to your best work. It's not about casting the widest net – it's about setting standards & adhering to them and the rest will naturally fall into place.2. Zone of Excellence: What sets me apart? And why am I an indispensable addition to a future team? Losing a job can understandably trigger anxiety, causing us to overlook our unique strengths. I've realized that my distinctive trait lies in my exceptional people management skills, fostering leadership and personal & professional growth in others.3. Seek Support: The process of finding jobs, going through interviews and asking for help can be uncomfortable. However, it's essential to embrace the discomfort to grow...So here I am, reaching out for help 😀 I'm currently on the lookout for introductions to in-house Marketing teams in the B2B SaaS space, would love to set up 20-minute coffee chats with Marketing leaders and would greatly appreciate feedback on my resume as I transition towards an in-house Growth Marketing role.Your support and connections would mean the world to me as I navigate this phase of my career - Thank you in advance for any help you can provide! 😊#CareerJourney #Networking #GrowthOpportunities #b2bmarketing #growthmarketing

99

7 Comments

How to get referred for a job (3 methods):1. Ask your mate for an introduction- Run through your 1st connections on LinkedIn- Check what companies they work for and then visit their careers page- If you see a job you’re a good fit for, drop your friend a message and ask for an introductionAnother option is to contact people in your circle and let them know you’re on the hunt.I mean anyone and everyone: Friends, family, neighbours, suppliers, clients, colleagues, ex-colleagues, ex-managers, people you played sports with, college alumni, the milkman.2. Give your references a heads upLet your old managers and coworkers know you’re going to need them as a reference. They may know someone hiring, or they might be hiring themselves.Here is a message template you can use as a guide:"Hi [First Name],Hope you're doing well. I wanted to give you a heads up — I'm starting to look for a new job in [Your Field/Industry]. Would you mind if I listed you as a reference?Also, if you happen to hear of any openings for a [Target Job Title], I’d be grateful if you could send them my way!Thanks for your time [First Name]."3. Post to social mediaAny shame or embarrassment you feel isn't real. You’re giving people the opportunity to help you, which is what people want to do.Here is a template to help you along:"Hi everyone. [I was recently laid off and] I'm actively seeking new roles in the [Your Field / Industry], specifically [Job Title 1] and [Job Title 2].I have [Number] years of experience helping [Companies / Departments] do [Objectives related to your target role and/or company].If you happen to hear of any opportunities or know anyone in the industry that would be worth connecting with, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could share this post or tag them in the comments below. Cheers."Best of luck out there.

158

9 Comments

Your profile is confusing…what do you specialise in!In a world where peoples Linkedin profiles are full of beautifully streamlined career paths, mine can look a little….misplaced! So why don’t I streamline to promote myself against a primary target area?Well, plainly stated, I like diversity and my skill set and experience enables multiple future paths.I like that potential – after all, you never know what’s behind the next door in the corridor of opportunities …why would you close it without even looking! Across the past 20 (or so) years, I have climbed the corporate ladder, been open minded, trusted in those that saw something in me and taken every opportunity presented.That means, I have been a submissions manager, project manager, global process lead, project portfolio owner, innovations lead, business process owner, audit lead, quality and compliance lead, team lead, budget lead, vendor oversight lead, account lead, business unit lead, commercial lead and strategic business developer.I have worked across large Reg Pharma, large Language Services and large Clinical services.Daring to try, trusting in my abilities and being brave enough to take the next jump and open the next door, means I now have a wealth of knowledge in industry but also about myself.I have learnt I simply adore and have a passion for project management, innovation, blue sky creative thinking, strategic planning, marketing, client care and the phase ‘what if’! Whilst employers seek the ability for their employees to pivot, it’s easier to read an individual’s career history showcasing a clear and concise pathway and goal, rather than one with a more ‘game of life’ approach. Reflecting on what my profile might say to someone, here I am – In my 4th decade, wondering…is it time to truly decide what I want to be when I grow up!? Should I start to put myself in a corporate category box, or in our current strained economy, should we be fully embracing the multi skilled? What do you think?For recruiters out there….am I your worst nightmare or a potential dream? For those like me, where are you now? Are you open to moving aside the usual Monday LinkedIn list of announcements and celebrations (Ps – don’t stop posting these, I personally love them), to share your journeys? Let's chat, after all, that's why we are here right 😉

8

🎃 A Spooky Halloween Ode to my Job Search! 🎃 Beneath the pale moon's haunting glow,I embark on a journey, both eerie and slow.Through the labyrinth of job listings, I tread,Seeking my next Account Executive role ahead.With a briefcase of skills and ambition so bright,I wander through this ominous, job-seeking night.In the LinkedIn crypt, I uncover each lead,Aiming to fulfill my professional creed.The specters of challenges may rattle and moan,But I'll face them with prowess, courage firmly honed.I'll tame the ghostly quotas and targets untamed,With sales strategies cunning, my victory proclaimed.This Halloween, as I seek my new station,I'll exorcise doubts, fears, and hesitation.With charm, charisma, and expertise combined,The perfect opportunity, I shall surely find.So, here's to the quest for my next big career thrill,In the realm of Account Executive, where dreams fulfill.If you know of a role, or connections to share,Let's unite in this journey, a frightfully good affair!👻 Reach out if you have insights or a job lead to share. Together, we'll conquer the professional abyss! #AccountExecutive #JobSearch #HalloweenOde 🎃

10