Notes

The Rejection

This is Carbon. Carbon got the rejection email. Three rounds. Three weeks. One panel interview with the CFO. They went with a different candidate. She read the email, knocked her water bowl off the counter, and has not acknowledged it since. Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to take a loss…

Time to read: 1 min

Round Three

This is Carbon. Carbon made it to round three. She met the executive team. She walked in, assessed the room, sat in the CEO's chair, and waited for the questions to come to her. They called it "executive presence. "Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to earn a seat at the…

Time to read: 1 min

Round Two

This is Carbon. Carbon made it to round two. She was asked about her leadership style. She stared at the ceiling for eleven seconds and said nothing. They noted she was "clearly a strategic thinker" Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to articulate who you are under pressure in "Take the…

Time to read: 1 min

Round One

This is Carbon. Carbon passed her first interview. She showed up, made eye contact for exactly thirty seconds, and let the silence do the rest. The hiring manager described her as "difficult to read but compelling"Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to make a real impression that holds up past…

Time to read: 1 min

The Cover Letter

This is Carbon. Carbon wrote a cover letter. It was three sentences long. The first was about her availability. The second was about her expectations. The third was a reminder that she does not follow up twice. Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to communicate your value in a way people…

Time to read: 1 min

The Job Board

This is Carbon. Carbon spent four hours on LinkedIn. She opened fourteen tabs, applied to nothing, and fell asleep on the keyboard. Three tabs are still open. She calls this job research. Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to turn intention into action in "Take the Wheel. "

Time to read: 1 min

The New Role

This is Carbon. Carbon accepted a new position. Same house. Same couch. Same treats. She reclassified herself as a consultant, raised her rates, and informed me that her hours are now by appointment only. Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to lead your next chapter with real intention in "Take…

Time to read: 1 min

The Offer

This is Carbon. Carbon received an offer. She reviewed the compensation package, sat on it for three days, and countered with double the treats, a window seat with full southern exposure, and Fridays off. They are reviewing her request. Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to negotiate without burning the…

Time to read: 1 min

The Thank You Note

This is Carbon. Carbon sent a thank you note after her interview. It said: "I am available. You are lucky. Please confirm treat budget before proceeding. " She is still waiting to hear back. Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to follow up in a way that actually moves things forward…

Time to read: 1 min

The Interview

This is Carbon. Carbon had a job interview. She arrived late, sat in the wrong chair, and spent twelve minutes grooming herself before answering the first question. She felt it went well. Don't be like Carbon. Learn how to show up prepared and make the right first impression in "Take…

Time to read: 1 min