Meet the Coach: Interview with Executive Career Consultant Heather Joy

Heather Joy is a career coach with over 15 years of experience helping executives, senior military leaders, and professionals navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. At Careerminds, she guides clients through resume strategy, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation. Most importantly, she helps them work smarter, not harder, through a process that many find daunting.

Career transitions can feel overwhelming, but Heather has a way of making them engaging and impactful. Her approach is hands-on, interactive, and designed to get clients excited about the process. By breaking down complex career branding into clear, actionable steps, she empowers professionals to articulate their value, build confidence, and step into their next opportunity with a renewed sense of direction.

Beyond one-on-one coaching, Heather leads career development workshops and has been a featured speaker and podcast guest, sharing insights on executive career transitions. Her goal is to turn career stress into career success—one strategic step at a time.

In this interview, Heather shares her experiences, coaching advice, and insights on Careerminds’ outplacement services.

At Careerminds, I serve as an Executive Career Consultant, working closely with professionals at all levels from senior executives to those navigating career pivots. My role involves guiding clients through resume development, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation to ensure that they stand out in competitive job markets. 

Beyond the technical aspects, my focus is on making the transition process less overwhelming and more strategic. Job searching can feel like a daunting, frustrating process. I help clients work smarter, not harder, by breaking things down into clear, actionable steps. My approach turns what many see as a stressful task into an engaging and even exciting opportunity to take control of their career story. 

I conduct one-on-one coaching sessions, lead career development workshops, and provide insight into best practices for executive branding. Whether repositioning senior leaders for board roles or helping professionals transition into new industries, my goal is to equip them with the confidence, tools, and strategies they need to move forward successfully.

Before stepping into career coaching, I worked in IT as a project coordinator and business analyst, partnering with major brands like Nike, Adidas, Freightliner, DaimlerChrysler, Xerox, and KinderCare. That experience gave me firsthand insight into corporate structures, leadership dynamics, and the key skills that drive success. 

When I had children, I needed a way to work from home while still making an impact. That shift led me to career coaching, where I found the work I was always meant to do. Over the past 15 years, I’ve not only helped others grow professionally, but have continuously refined my own expertise by staying ahead of industry trends and evolving my coaching approach. 

I also spent time in Bolivia teaching conversational English and learning Spanish through immersion. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for cultural and language diversity, and I always take the opportunity to use what I’ve learned when working with Spanish-speaking clients. My background allows me to bridge the gap between job seekers and the hiring process, making career transitions more strategic, engaging, and successful.

I’ve found that, regardless of career level, most clients have the same core questions and concerns like how to stand out, navigate the job market, and confidently present their experience. However, the solutions to these challenges need to be customized because everyone’s background, personality, and goals are different. 

My approach balances proven strategies with personalized guidance. I tell my clients that some techniques work universally, while others need to be tailored to fit their unique career story. They are the experts in their experience. I’m the expert in helping them articulate it effectively. My role is to help them say it, display it, and present it better.

Throughout the process, I provide structure and strategic direction, but I always defer to their instincts once we’ve worked through the key elements together. That collaborative approach leads to the best results and ensures that they feel confident, authentic, and fully prepared to take the next step in their career.

If you’re interested in learning more about Careerminds’ career coaching and outplacement services and how we stack up against other providers—including our comprehensive list of program services, competitive participant-to-coach ratio, lowest fees, superior responsiveness, and industry-leading results—click below to download our free outplacement comparison sheet.

The most fulfilling part of my work at Careerminds is seeing clients take what I’ve coached them on, make it their own, and elevate it to the next level. It’s not just about helping them navigate this one moment of unemployment—it’s about equipping them with the tools and confidence to manage their career long-term. 

When they walk away with not only a job, but a stronger understanding of how to articulate their value, network effectively, and position themselves for future opportunities, that’s when I know I’ve made a real impact. 

I also love that I’m constantly learning from my clients. When I see a strategy resonate, I refine and adapt it to help others. Career transitions can be overwhelming, but by making the process engaging, strategic, and repeatable, I empower clients to approach their careers with confidence—both now and in the future.

One particularly defining moment in my coaching career with Careerminds was my first conversation with Founder Raymond Lee. At the time, I wasn’t a certified coach, but he had heard about my work through Talent Inc. and saw my potential. That conversation led to an incredible opportunity. He invited me to join the Careerminds team. 

Since then, I’ve earned my coaching certification and continued to grow both professionally and personally in a role that I truly enjoy. Career coaching isn’t just a job for me. It’s a way to make a real impact on people’s lives, helping them navigate transitions with confidence and clarity. 

Being part of Careerminds has allowed me to do that on a larger scale, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of a team that values transformation, learning, and meaningful career support.

Careerminds stands out because of our engaging, thoughtful approach that truly makes clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I’ve often heard from clients who’ve experienced other providers’ outplacement services that our process feels different. It’s more personal, more interactive, and more invested in their success. 

For individuals, we don’t just offer career guidance; we create a space where they feel valued and empowered. Through program services like one-on-one coaching, resume development, and interview preparation, we focus on making the experience meaningful and tailored to their unique needs. This approach not only helps them secure their next role, but also builds confidence for the future. 

For companies, this level of care and personalization reflects positively on their commitment to employees. Workforce transitions can be challenging, but by providing a service that is deeply engaging and results-driven, organizations can ensure their departing employees feel genuinely supported. That’s the difference Careerminds brings. Real connection, real investment, and real impact.

The outplacement industry has evolved dramatically over the past decade, driven by advancements in technology and shifts in hiring practices. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) have become more complex, making job applications more challenging, while fake job postings have increased, leading to wasted time and frustration. 

As a result, networking and strategic job searching are now more critical than ever. LinkedIn has become the centerpiece of career strategy, serving as a personal brand hub that recruiters and hiring managers rely on. A strong, optimized profile is now just as important as a well-crafted resume. 

Additionally, AI has emerged as a powerful tool in career transitions. When used correctly, it can enhance resumes, generate interview questions, and provide strategic insights, though it requires the right guidance to be truly effective. 

Outplacement today isn’t just about job placement. It’s about equipping professionals with the tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate an increasingly digital and competitive job market.

Companies are shifting toward personalized, employee-focused career transition support, moving beyond generic outplacement to tailored coaching, resume support, and LinkedIn optimization. 

There’s also a growing emphasis on well-being and ensuring that employees feel valued during layoffs. AI-driven tools are becoming more common, but companies recognize that technology alone isn’t enough and personalized coaching remains essential. 

Additionally, businesses are prioritizing employer brand protection, handling transitions with care to maintain morale and trust.

I work with clients who feel uncertain or anxious about career transitions all the time and by the end of our orientation, most are excited and ready to get started. That shift happens because I focus on breaking down the process into clear, actionable steps.

I also provide timely insights on industry changes, ensuring that clients understand how the job search landscape has evolved and what strategies will be most effective. 

Most importantly, I navigate the process with them, rather than just handing over information and instructions. This collaborative approach builds confidence, reduces overwhelm, and helps clients feel in control of their next steps.

I’d advise companies to think beyond just providing a service. Effective outplacement is an investment in both your employees and your employer brand. Workforce transitions can be challenging, but how a company handles them directly impacts morale, reputation, and future talent attraction. 

A strong outplacement partner doesn’t just offer job search resources; they provide personalized support, industry insights, and a structured process that helps employees move forward with confidence. The right firm will align with your company’s values, ensuring that departing employees feel supported, not just processed. 

Ultimately, outplacement isn’t just about job placement. It’s about maintaining trust, demonstrating corporate responsibility, and leaving a lasting positive impact on both employees and the business.

One piece of advice I always give is: In an interview, they don’t really care about you; they care about what you can do for them. It may sound blunt, but this shift in perspective helps clients detach from nerves and approach interviews with confidence and strategy. 

By focusing on listening rather than feeling like they’re being tested, candidates naturally become less anxious. Engaging the interviewer in conversation reveals their pain points, allowing clients to tailor their responses effectively while also spotting potential red flags. This approach flips the switch in their mindset and makes interviews feel more like a strategic discussion rather than an interrogation.

If you are interested in learning more about our industry-leading outplacement programs, click below to speak with our experts and see if Careerminds is the right outplacement partner for your organization.