Cracking the Career Code with Kate Sargent: Why Your Skills Are More Valuable Than You Think
Interview by Heather Anderson
When it comes to job hunting, career pivots, and tackling today’s unpredictable market, Kate Sargent doesn’t sugarcoat it—she gives it to you straight. With over 20 years in people operations, leadership, and executive coaching, Kate has worked with everyone from early-career professionals to Fortune 10 executives, helping them translate their experience into compelling career narratives, ace interviews, and land roles that align with their skills and goals. She’s also on a mission to make workplaces more inclusive, advocating for those facing challenges like ageism, career gaps, and industry shifts.
We sat down with Kate to break down the biggest mistakes job seekers make, how to rethink your career story, and why everyone has a hidden expertise they’re overlooking.
“people weren’t struggling because they lacked skills. They were struggling because no one had ever taught them how to translate their experience in a way that made hiring managers take notice.”
Your career journey has taken you through e-commerce, retail, tech, and beyond. Was there a particular moment that made you realize career consulting was your true calling?
I always knew I wanted to work with people in a meaningful way - back in high school, I even thought I might go into law or politics. But the turning point came when I was working as a recruiter at a leading global outdoor apparel and equipment brand. I’d be on calls with candidates, and I couldn’t help but give them advice - like, “Hey, your resume needs some restructuring,” or “You might want to frame your answers differently.” It hit me that a lot of incredibly talented people didn’t know how to articulate what they did.
That realization followed me throughout my career: people weren’t struggling because they lacked skills. They were struggling because no one had ever taught them how to translate their experience in a way that made hiring managers take notice. That’s when I knew coaching was something I needed to do.
You’ve worked with over 1000 professionals. What’s one piece of advice that always seems to resonate?
Your job title does not define the full scope of what you do—or what you’re capable of.
So many people limit themselves based on their last job title, thinking, “Well, I was just a manager,” or, “I’ve only done this one thing.” But when you really break it down, most people have been doing work far beyond their official title. The key is learning how to articulate it in a way that showcases your value.
I once worked with someone who had run her family’s self-storage business while also serving as a deputy director for a climate change fund. She thought the storage business had nothing to do with her passion for sustainability. But when we reframed it - focusing on preservation, waste reduction, and business management - it became a meaningful part of her career story. That’s the shift I help people make: seeing the true value in their experience.
You’ve seen the ups and downs of many industries. What’s one unexpected lesson that’s shaped your approach?
I learned that the knowledge I take for granted is actually really valuable to others.
Early on, I assumed that everyone understood how to navigate a job search, interview well, or position themselves for a promotion. But the more people I worked with, the more I realized that the strategies and insights I had spent years accumulating weren’t common knowledge.
I had an epiphany recently when an SEO expert walked me through the backend of how search engines track content. I was completely fascinated - it was a world I knew nothing about. And then it hit me: this is exactly how my clients feel when I show them how to optimize their LinkedIn profiles or rewrite their resumes. The stuff that feels second nature to us is often game-changing knowledge for someone else.
The job market feels more unpredictable than ever. What’s your advice for someone who has just been laid off?
First, allow yourself to grieve. Layoff trauma is real, and jumping straight into job applications without processing it can lead to burnout.
Next, reconnect with people who have worked with you and appreciate your skills. But not just your close friends - those “casual” second-degree connections are often the ones who will help you land your next role.
Most importantly, job searching isn’t just about applying to every posting you see. Companies are yanking roles last minute, recruiters are overwhelmed, and applications are getting lost in the abyss. You need a strategy - networking, cold outreach, and thoughtful positioning are what will get you hired.
What are some of the biggest concerns you’re hearing from job seekers right now?
Ageism is a huge one, but it often shows up as coded language. When someone says, “You’re overqualified,” or “This role might not be the right level for you,” it’s often just a polite way of saying, “We think you’re too old or too expensive.”
Another big one is salary. People are wondering if they should hold out for a higher-paying role or take a step down. The truth is, salaries have adjusted since the peak of 2021. Most of the executives I work with are taking 10-20% pay cuts compared to their last roles. My advice? If the job is solid, take it. This isn’t the time to hold out for a dream salary - get back in, build your credibility, and make a move when the market shifts.
For someone returning to the workforce after a break, what’s your best advice?
Two things:
Build a consulting presence, even if you don’t have clients. If you’ve been out of the workforce for caregiving, you’ve likely still been giving career advice, helping a friend’s business, or volunteering. Position that as consulting experience - it helps bridge the gap.
Get something recent on your resume. Take an online course, volunteer for a nonprofit, or contribute to a project. It doesn’t have to be full-time, but having a fresh role listed on your resume makes a huge difference in getting noticed.
You’re known for your direct, no-fluff coaching. Why do you think that approach is so effective?
Because people don’t have time for anything else.
My job isn’t to sit in a session and tell you to “reflect on your strengths.” I’m here to give you real, actionable advice so you can move forward quickly. But direct coaching only works when it comes from a place of kindness - if people trust that you genuinely want them to succeed, they’ll be open to honest feedback.
What’s one mindset shift you’d recommend for anyone feeling stuck in their career?
You don’t have to be all in or all out.
People get caught up in thinking they have to give 100% of themselves to their job. But if your role is draining you, it’s okay to pull back and reserve some energy for something else - whether it’s consulting, a side project, or a passion you want to turn into income.
Also, don’t go through this alone. Surround yourself with people who will remind you of your worth throughout the process. I tell my clients to stagger their networking calls with people who believe in them, so they don’t run out of encouragement when they need it most.
What are you really excited about right now?
I'm beyond thrilled about what we’re building with Plus One Collective - a soon-to-launch membership platform for social impact consultants who don’t just talk the talk, but lead with purpose and action.
Solopreneurship can feel isolating, but we’re changing that. P1C is a network and community for big-hearted experts - consultants, freelancers, side hustlers, and fractional leaders—who believe that doing good and building a thriving career aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s about connection, collaboration, and commitment to making an impact together.
And because finding meaningful work is a huge part of that, we’re launching The Plus Side - a curated job board and purpose-driven search firm to connect our community with values-aligned consulting, fractional, and project-based opportunities.
But at its core, P1C isn’t just a network, see it as a movement. A place where independent professionals support each other, share knowledge, and lift as they climb. And every member commits to giving back - whether through pro bono work or nonprofit partnerships—so the impact extends even further.
I truly believe everyone deserves a great Plus One - not just at weddings, but in their professional lives too. And that’s exactly what we’re building. I can’t wait to see where this takes us. 🚀
Ready to take control of your career?
Work with Kate to sharpen your job search, interview skills, or executive presence at KJS Consulting.
Need to position yourself for your next career move? Book a free, 20-Minute consultation with Kate here.
Connect with Kate Sargent on LinkedIn.
You can also find her on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women Founders.