Navigate Your Next Chapter with Confidence
An interactive guide for talented professionals on the path to their next great opportunity. Turn uncertainty into a strategic advantage.
The Compass
An interactive guide for our talented colleagues on the path to their next great opportunity.
Created by Viv Louzado, using over a decade of experience in career transition and as a hiring manager. If you find this useful, please consider a donation to my charity of choice: The Royal Flying Doctor Service.
1. The Future is Bright
The first and most important step is to manage your mindset. This is a period of transition, and how you frame it mentally will define your journey. This section is about helping you relax, reframe, and recharge for the opportunities ahead.
Breathe & Recharge
It's essential to acknowledge your feelings. Take this time to decompress and focus on your well-being. This is a temporary transition, not a final destination.
Opportunity in Disguise
The professional landscape is always evolving. This is a chance to reassess career goals, explore new interests, and find a role that truly aligns with your passions.
You Are in Demand
Your skills as scientists, data engineers, and statisticians are highly sought after. Expertise in data and scientific innovation is more valuable than ever.
2. You are the "Product" - Market Yourself
Shift your mindset from "job seeker" to "product marketer." Your career is the product, and you are the CEO of "You, Inc." This section provides a framework for defining your professional brand and creating compelling marketing materials to showcase your value.
Define Your Unique Brand
What problems do you solve? Identify your unique value proposition based on your role.
Pharmaceutical Scientists
Expert in a therapeutic area? Master of a key analytical technique? Highlight your specialized scientific knowledge.
Data Engineers
Excel at scalable pipelines? Wizard with AWS, Azure, or GCP? Showcase your ability to build robust data infrastructure.
Statisticians
Knack for translating data into insights? Proficient in R or SAS? Emphasize your analytical and storytelling abilities.
Create Your Marketing Materials
Your CV is your brochure.
Your LinkedIn is your storefront.
Your cover letter is your targeted ad.
3. Build Your "Greatest Hits" Story Library
Interviews are won with compelling stories. The STAR+L method is a powerful framework for structuring your accomplishments. Use this interactive tool to build and refine your personal library of career highlights, so you're always ready to impress.
My Story Library
Your saved stories will appear here.
Start by filling out the form above!
Data Privacy & Storage
Your stories are saved directly in your browser's local storage and are private to this device. They are not sent to any server.
4. Your AI Co-pilot for the Job Hunt
Artificial Intelligence is a powerful ally. Used thoughtfully, AI can streamline your application process and help you prepare more effectively. This section explores how to leverage AI for crafting documents and practicing for interviews.
Cover Letter Customizer
Paste a job description and briefly describe a relevant experience. AI will generate a tailored cover letter paragraph.
Resume Bullet Point Enhancer
Enter a resume bullet point, and AI will suggest an enhanced version.
Mock Interview Prep
Enter a job title to get common behavioral questions for that role.
AI Story Answers
Ask a question, and AI will try to generate an answer using your saved STAR+L stories. This is great for practicing interview responses!
5. Advanced Strategies for a Competitive Edge
Beyond applying online, proactive strategies can significantly increase your chances of landing a great role. This section covers techniques that help you tap into the hidden job market and showcase your skills more effectively.
The "Reverse Job Search"
Identify 10-15 target companies. Connect with employees on LinkedIn. Ask for informational interviews to uncover unlisted opportunities.
Embrace the "Portfolio of One"
For data engineers & statisticians, a public GitHub or personal website with projects is powerful, tangible proof of your skills.
Network with Purpose
Reach out to former colleagues and alumni. Ask for their story and advice, not just for a job. Build genuine relationships.
6. Find Your Superpower: Learning from Others
Your career path is unique, and every experience has equipped you with valuable skills. This section helps you connect the dots and articulate your unique value to the world.
Connect the Dots
Think beyond job titles. How has a hobby honed your skills? A photography habit builds attention to detail. A past service job develops empathy. These are transferable skills.
Craft Your "Career Identity Statement"
Enter some keywords about your skills and passions (e.g., "data analysis, pharma, patient outcomes, R, Python") and let AI help you craft a powerful summary of the value you bring.
Craft Your "Tell Me About Yourself" Pitch
Enter keywords about your core skills, key experiences, and career goals. AI will help you craft a compelling 90-second elevator pitch.
Explore Adjacent Possibilities
Enter your career identity statement (or keywords) and let AI suggest related career paths or industries where your skills would be valuable.
7. Your Interactive Action Plan
Momentum is key. Use this interactive checklist to guide your efforts over the next few weeks. Checking off tasks provides a sense of accomplishment and helps you stay focused and organized on your path to a new role.