A career coach helps you gain clarity about your direction, build confidence in your value, and create a practical plan to reach your career goals. If you’re feeling stuck in a career slump, facing redundancy, or wondering if there’s something more fulfilling out there for you, that’s exactly when coaching helps. I’m Jane Jackson, a Sydney-based career coach with over 25 years of experience guiding mid-career professionals through career transitions, and I’ve seen how the right support changes everything.

Career clarity starts with understanding your transferable skills, your values, and what genuinely energises you, rather than jumping straight into job searching. Chances are your knowledge, experience and human skills could transfer to any number of meaningful roles. In my book, Navigating Career Crossroads, I take you through a step-by-step process to work out where you fit. My clients often discover possibilities they’d never considered because they were too close to their own careers to see them.

A standout resume leads with achievements rather than duties, is tailored to each role, and is formatted so applicant tracking systems (ATS) can read it easily. Your cover letter should tell the story your resume can’t: why this role, why this organisation, and why you. I work with job seekers across Australia to craft resumes and cover letters that sound like a real human being, because recruiters can spot generic, AI-generated applications a mile away.

A great LinkedIn profile is written for the people you want to attract, not as an online resume. That means a headline that says how you add value, an About section that tells your career story with personality, and achievements that prove your impact. As a LinkedIn Top Voice in Careers and Job Search, I help professionals optimise every section of their profile so recruiters find them, and so they feel proud to be found.

Career confidence comes from preparation and self-knowledge: knowing your achievements, understanding your transferable skills, and practising how you communicate your value out loud. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build, and I’ve watched hundreds of my clients build it. On my podcast, Your Career with Jane Jackson, and my YouTube channel, I share practical strategies and real career journeys that show what’s possible when self-belief and a solid plan come together.

No, it’s not too late, and mid-career is often the ideal time to change direction because you bring depth of experience, judgement and transferable skills that early-career professionals simply don’t have yet. I’ve coached professionals in their 40s, 50s and beyond into fulfilling new roles, and I discussed exactly this on ABC Radio National’s Life Matters. The key is looking at the bigger picture of what you offer, then building a realistic transition plan.

Look for a career coach with recognised credentials, substantial experience, and a coaching style that feels right for you, because trust matters enormously in this relationship. I’m Jane Jackson, author of Navigating Career Crossroads, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and winner of the CDAA Excellence in Practice Award NSW, with over 25 years of coaching experience. I’m based in Sydney and work with clients across Australia and internationally via Zoom. Book an exploratory chat and let’s talk about what’s possible for your career.