We were lucky to catch up with Brooke Tichenor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brooke , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

To understand the mission of my business, I think it is important to understand the personal and professional experiences that led me to launch Interview Ally. In 2010, I was laid off due to a company restructuring, and it completely upended my life. I spent nearly a year job searching, interviewing, and networking, but no amount of busyness could mask the loneliness, defeat, and fear I felt during that time.

In hindsight, I wish I had reached out to a mentor or coach who could provide support and help me regain the confidence I had so quickly lost. I needed someone to assist me in clarifying my career direction, values, and goals. Instead, I felt like a hamster on a wheel, applying for any job that I could find, desperate to find work again.

I draw on this experience when working with my clients to advocate for and support them, as I understand firsthand how daunting and discouraging the job search can be. This personal journey is the foundation of my mission and the inspiration behind starting my business.

Professionally, my career path has been anything but linear. I’ve had the good fortune to work in a variety of roles across different industries and sectors, including marketing, program development, leadership, staff management, and executive recruiting. Through these roles, I’ve gained a robust set of valuable and transferable skills—skills I leverage today to support my clients, including resume writing, interview coaching, networking, and strategic job search services.

Ultimately, the combination of my challenging experience with being laid off and my diverse professional background propelled me to open a business that advocates for job seekers.

Brooke , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My primary objective when working with my clients is to position them as strong, prepared, and confident candidates in a competitive job market. I focus on helping them showcase their best professional selves through key aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interview coaching, networking support, and tailored job search strategies. This involves helping clients recognize their unique value and impact and uncovering the distinct skills they bring to the table. Together, we then build a compelling narrative that aligns their experiences to their desired job and draws attention to their career story.

My clients typically fall into the mid to executive professional level, but I am dedicated to helping every job seeker through the content I share on my LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-tichenor/) and my newsletter, Career Catalyst (https://careercatalyst.substack.com/). I believe that career development should be accessible to all, and so I strive to provide insights and resources that resonate with professionals at various stages in their careers.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the profound transformation in my clients’ demeanor and attitude after we’ve had the opportunity to work together. Initially, many come to me feeling uncertain, doubting their abilities, and grappling with anxiety about the job search process. However, as we delve into their strengths and aspirations, I see these feelings give way to newfound confidence, focus, and determination. It is incredible to watch them embrace clarity in their goals and channel that energy toward pursuing their dream jobs or tackling important interviews.

This positive transformation is really gratifying, and it is a big reason why I do this work. Each success story, each moment of empowerment, reinforces my commitment to supporting job seekers on their journey. I take pride in being a catalyst for change, helping individuals not only position themselves effectively in a competitive market, but also cultivate the confidence and skills necessary for long-term career success. Ultimately, it’s about more than just landing a job; it’s about enabling my clients to believe in themselves and having the courage to go after their professional dreams.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I once had a really discouraging encounter with a gentleman I had just met. He bluntly told me there was no market for my business and that he would have dissuaded me from launching it if we had met months earlier. His harsh words caught me off guard and left me feeling shocked and disheartened.

I remember going home and telling my husband what happened. Instead of allowing myself to wallow in his negative words, he encouraged me to use it as fuel for my fire. So, that is what I did. I channeled that initial disappointment into momentum, propelling myself to work even harder toward my dreams and believing in the value of my work. In the end, I remained committed to seeing my business through.

My advice is simple: Don’t listen to the naysayers. No matter what journey you embark on, there will inevitably be someone who doubts your dreams and vision. When this happens, hold onto your ‘why’—the reason behind what matters most to you. Keeping this in mind will help you stay focused and maintain a forward trajectory.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I am a genuine and honest person, and I believe people can sense that about me. I’ve never been a pushy salesperson, and I never will be, because my priority is fostering relationships and building a community where individuals feel seen and supported. Transparency, honesty, and trust are the core principles guiding my work. By prioritizing these values, clients feel free to be themselves and share their experiences in a safe environment.

I’ve built a reputation by leading with these principles and showing up as my authentic self. This approach has allowed me to cultivate meaningful relationships, create a space where collaboration can thrive, and empower individuals to embrace their unique journeys and achieve their aspirations, knowing they have a supportive ally by their side.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.interview-ally.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-tichenor/