With over a decade of experience in career coaching and résumé writing, Stephanie Renk has made it her mission to help job seekers identify and achieve their ideal careers. As the founder and career coach of Next Step Career Services, Stephanie draws upon her diverse professional background, education, and certifications to empower clients to navigate today's ever-evolving job market confidently.
Originally from Boise, Idaho, Stephanie's passion for guiding others down their career paths first sprouted during her time working for Veterans Upward Bound, a federally-funded program at Boise State University supporting veterans transitioning from active duty to college. "It was my first time coaching, and I loved it!" Stephanie recalls. A few years later, after relocating to Boston, MA, Stephanie realized she was informally coaching again as a team lead, helping colleagues define their goals and professional development plans.
It wasn't until she returned to Boise and completed her MBA program at Northwest Nazarene University that Stephanie officially pivoted into career coaching, launching Idaho Next Steps Coaching in 2018. "During my capstone class, I realized I wanted to open a coaching business to help people with their career goals and obtain their dream job," she shares. Stephanie swiftly earned certifications as a Professional Résumé Writer and Career Coach through the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC). This training equipped her with the skills and business acumen to begin offering targeted résumé writing services.
Over the next few years, Stephanie expanded her services to provide comprehensive career coaching support. This holistic approach entails identifying clients' aspirations first, preparing branding materials like résumés and LinkedIn profiles, developing networking and interviewing strategies, and accountability coaching until the client secures their desired role.
To reflect her company's growth, Stephanie rebranded to Next Step Career Services in 2023. "My vision for 2024 is to become known as the trusted career coach who will be by your side until you land the job of your dreams," she declares. Stephanie now works with job seekers nationwide, helping diverse clients harness their backgrounds to achieve fulfilling careers aligned with their strengths and passions.
The Power of Proper Branding
Among the first steps Stephanie takes with new clients is optimizing their personal brand through résumés, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles tailored to their target field and goals. As Director of Certification for PARWCC, Stephanie helps establish industry standards for résumé writers by facilitating exams and modernizing best practices.
"There are many ways to write a résumé, but it's important for writers and seekers to know the best practices and trends for targeting a specific role," Stephanie emphasizes. She leverages her insider expertise to craft branding documents that help clients put their best foot forward.
The Art of Networking
Beyond just creating a polished résumé, Stephanie understands networking is critical for job search success. She coaches clients on how to effectively leverage their connections and tap into industry events or online forums to expand their reach.
"Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals through messaging, events, or webinars," Stephanie advises job seekers. She helps clients tailor their outreach and talking points to build relationships with the right people.
Acing the Interview
As a job seeker progresses through networking and lands interviews, Stephanie's guidance proves invaluable in preparing them logistically with interview tips and strategies, and mentally with confidence-building coaching. She provides interview tips and conducts mock interviews so clients feel fully ready to put their qualifications on display.
"We go through interview prep and simulations to enable their success at landing job offers," Stephanie explains. These sessions build confidence and allow clients to practice articulating their backgrounds to stand out among competitors.
An Empathetic Ear
While her education, certifications, and experience fuel Stephanie's tangible career coaching activities, her empathetic nature also allows her to connect with clients on a personal level.
"I understand what it's like to have a great job that fulfills me and makes me happy," she relates. Stephanie's own passions for camping, skiing, reading, and time with family provide work-life balance that enables her to fully engage with clients.
"My interests vary, so I have more in common with clients as I get to know them," Stephanie says. "These activities help me motivate them to discover their passions." Her personable approach creates an open, supportive space for clients to explore their career journeys.
The Challenges of Job Seeking
Through Stephanie's many years as a career coach, she's witnessed the frustrations job seekers commonly encounter. "The biggest challenge I see is motivation," she notes. "It can take a long time to not only prepare your tools - the résumé, cover letter, LinkedIn - but build your network, apply to jobs, and wait for responses."
Stephanie emphasizes that in today's market, landing a new role often takes 6-7 months. "For an individual to stay motivated and focused as the weeks and months pass is very difficult," she acknowledges. To combat this, Stephanie acts as an accountability partner, regularly checking in and collaborating with clients to set achievable milestones. "Keeping them focused on mini-goals helps my clients stay motivated," she explains.
Advice for Job Seekers
For those feeling stuck in their current job or contemplating a career pivot, Stephanie stresses the importance of self-assessment. "Think about your strengths, interests, and values. Remember you don't have to do this alone and can hire a career coach to gain deeper insights into what aligns with your personality and skills," she advises.
Stephanie also urges individuals to proactively reskill and stay atop their field's evolving requirements. "Keep up with your skillsets through education or certifications," she recommends. "Research what is required in your desired roles and what's available in the current market."
Once a general direction is identified, Stephanie underscores the need to network, brand yourself effectively, and set flexible goals. "Build your professional brand showcasing your relevant skills," she urges.
Finally, Stephanie acknowledges that the process demands commitment and resilience. "Stick with your action plans because the job search can be frustrating and tedious," she cautions. By taking the necessary steps and utilizing available support, Stephanie believes any job seeker can ultimately land their dream job and achieve career fulfillment.
Dedication to Career Empowerment
As Stephanie looks ahead with Next Step Career Services , she remains dedicated to guiding job seekers of all backgrounds toward meaningful careers optimized to their individual strengths. While the labor market continues evolving in unpredictable ways, Stephanie is prepared to adapt her approach flexibly while staying fixed on her vision of empowering clients through comprehensive career coaching.
With her empathetic insight, strategic expertise, and passion for mentoring professionals, Stephanie Renk has cemented herself as a leader within the industry. Driven by her mission of helping every client discover their ideal next step, Stephanie continues making an immeasurable impact in workplaces and lives across the country.
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