Goodwill Career Solutions client Andrea Johnson is currently working her dream job as a charge nurse thanks to Goodwill’s career coaching services.  

Before discovering Goodwill’s services, Johnson had been struggling with severe depression while trying to land a nursing leadership position. Johnson had recently completed her master’s degree in nursing and had many years of experience in the field. However, she couldn’t manage to nail down the type of role she knew she was qualified for.  

“I was going to interview after interview after interview, and I wasn’t hearing back,” Johnson said. 

After several months of applying, interviewing and being rejected for jobs, Johnson’s mental health began to plummet. She was in a therapy session describing how upset she was when her therapist told her about Goodwill’s Career Solutions services.  

Johnson made an appointment at Goodwill’s Career Solutions center in Mount Juliet where she met with Karen Presley, a Career Coach.  

“Andrea was visibly nervous when she first came in, speaking softly and avoiding eye contact,” Presley said.  

Presley said Johnson’s resume was too long and needed to better showcase her strengths. The pair worked one-on-one to improve Johnson’s resume and enhance her interview skills, which Johnson admitted were likely holding her back from securing her dream job.  

“Karen really helped me with my self-confidence and delivery by doing mock interviews to prepare,” Johnson said. “The interview process is already nerve-wracking to begin with because you don’t want to say anything that would make an employer think you aren’t the right candidate.” 

With coaching from Presley, Johnson was able to confidently explain why she was the right candidate for the job. She landed her dream job as a charge nurse where she oversees day-to-day operations at an ears, nose and throat (ENT) clinic and manages seven people. The role also came with a significant bump in salary.  

“It was such a breath of fresh air to get that job,” Johnson said. “It was like everything I had been praying for had gotten answered and then some, and I am beyond grateful for the whole experience.” 

Johnson credits Goodwill and Presley with helping her land the role. She said she had no idea Goodwill provided free career coaching until now and she’s thankful she took advantage of it.  

“I thought Goodwill was always just a place where I dropped off my clothes I didn’t wear anymore,” Johnson said. “Career Solutions has really helped me grow as a person and individual. The fact that Goodwill exists, and people like Karen exist at Goodwill, is so amazing and I am so grateful.” 

Johnson wants to encourage other community members who may be struggling in their careers to stop by a Career Solutions center and meet with a Goodwill career coach.