In our recent webinar, we welcomed Brooke Sheehan, a life designer coach, to share her expertise on building resilience, confidence, and focus in the job search process. Brooke spoke candidly about her own return to work after a career break and offered practical strategies to help job seekers move forward with courage, even when the market feels uncertain.
Reframing Rejection and Self-Doubt
Rejection is one of the biggest hurdles Returners face. Brooke reminded us that rejection isn’t a reflection of self-worth—it’s simply part of the process. Confidence, she explained, is not innate but built through action, persistence, and small wins.
By identifying your personal “why” for job searching, it becomes easier to stay motivated when setbacks arise. This clarity acts as an anchor during the more difficult moments.
Building Confidence Through Action
Confidence grows when we take steps forward, even small ones. Brooke used a simple story about her son practicing his lines for three minutes to show how immediate action reduces discomfort and builds momentum.
Confidence is learned, not inherited
She encouraged job seekers to:
👉Schedule dedicated time for applications and networking.
👉Focus on the process, not just the outcome.
👉Recognise areas of life where confidence already exists, and transfer those lessons to career goals.
Navigating Today’s Job Market
The current landscape brings unique challenges—AI screening systems, automated rejections, and “ghosting” from employers. Brooke urged participants to treat these as systemic issues rather than personal failures. Staying consistent with applications, networking, and skill-building helps maintain momentum, even when responses are limited.
She also contrasted the “amateur” vs. “professional” approach to job searching, encouraging a structured weekly plan that includes networking, research, and applications rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity to appear.
Strategies for Focus and Productivity
Job searching can easily get derailed by procrastination, distractions, or emotional fatigue. Brooke offered tools such as:
✔️Setting timers and creating a dedicated workspace.
✔️Using accountability partners to stay on track.
✔️Scheduling specific, non-negotiable time for job search activities.
She emphasized the importance of boundaries, managing digital interruptions, and tackling emotional blocks that hold us back from putting ourselves out there—especially on platforms like LinkedIn.
Interview Preparation: From Mindset to Practicalities
When it comes to interviews, Brooke’s advice was both practical and mindset-focused. She recommended:
- Arriving early, projecting confidence, and using positive body language.
- Researching roles thoroughly and preparing thoughtful questions.
- Considering an “alter ego” to boost confidence in high-pressure situations.
- Viewing interviews as opportunities for learning, even when they don’t lead to offers.
Guarding Hope and Staying Resilient
The session ended on a note of encouragement. Brooke spoke about protecting your sense of hope and remembering that setbacks don’t erase your value. She highlighted the importance of self-compassion, reframing regrets, and seeing challenges as moments for personal growth.
Participants shared their own stories of career breaks and transitions, and Brooke offered tailored advice on owning those choices with confidence—whether the break was for parenting, caring responsibilities, or personal development.
Key Takeaways for Job Seekers
- Define your “why” to stay motivated.
- Schedule consistent, dedicated time for job searching.
- Focus on the process rather than the outcome.
- Take small, daily actions to build momentum.
- Draw on existing sources of confidence in your life.
Notice how you feel before and after taking action—it’s often more positive than expected.
At Back to Work Connect, we believe resilience and confidence are skills anyone can strengthen, no matter where they are in their career journey. This webinar was a powerful reminder that progress is built step by step, with persistence and purpose.
For more information and supports, contact our community care team at communitycare@backtoworkconnect.ie
Keep up to date with the latest Returner Friendly employers, upskilling & retraining opportunities by joining our platform HERE
Sign up to our newsletter & job alert today and never miss the ideal opportunity again ! Sign up HERE
