Before 7:59am PST today 🕖 we…

Before 7:59am PST today 🕖 we…





Tuned a ukulele
Brought up lyrics to “I Lava You”
Taught my 6yo his very first C chord 🥹


Tried (an ancient) violin 🎻 for the first time
Tested our newly strung guitar
Fed and played for Rudy 🐕

Negotiated (against) a $1k dining table
Decided to keep our hutch
Sold a statue on FB

Baked 1 loaf of bread
Used it to make 12 pieces of toast
Served breakfast (rounds 1, 2, and 3 🤣)
#growingboys


Painted a powder bath ceiling
Taped off a bathroom wall and window
Bathed both kids


Ordered a light for the powder bath
Ordered new carpet
And install

Swapped out a car headlight
Changed a blinker light fuse (?)
Posted on social

😳

Are you getting the vibe today?

As parents of early risers, we do a LOT before 7:59am PST

If you are, I’m sure you can relate.

But if I hadn’t mentioned the TIME
(At the top of this post)

>> the context <<

It would have hit differently.

Done in a week — this would hold different energy.

A different gravity.

Right?

(Use this)

You don’t have to boil the ocean
But if you add context and specifics
You’ll give greater depth to your waves

🌊

Happy Saturday, all!

Xo

Claire

PS — practicing on a violin from 1910
Is thrilling and terrifying. Here’s to everyone using the “gentle hands” they promised! And thank you great, great, grandpa!

"I gave up my marriage for this job."

"I gave up my marriage for this job."

"I haven't ever taken 4 days off in a row since 2012."

"Half my face went numb due to the stress."
(actual statements from discovery calls)

Listen, I love this business BUT...
please, don't let your job get to a point
where your health and well-being are at stake.

The reason you're in this biz is to help others live healthier lives.

To help others thrive.

But it won't work if your mental health and relationships are suffering.

You won't be able to serve those patients.
Not like we know you can.
Not if we lose you.
______________
______________

If you can relate to any of the statements recently made by my new clients, please reach out.
Just send me a DM.

Get on the fast-track OUT of that situation before it takes its toll.

So you've taken 5 different strengths and personality assessments but you’re still not sure

So you've taken 5 different strengths and personality assessments but you’re still not sure…

…how to convey your unique value.

Aside from the test results,
you're not sure what makes you
oh-so-hirable and powerful in business?

You're not alone.

These actually trip a lot of people up.

So, try this:

ask around

Yep.

I know it sounds simple -- even too crazy to actually work -- but it's the fastest way to get an objective look at our strengths and values.

Ask 5 people you trust what they find that you do well and what they'd say your strengths and competencies are.

You'll be surprised at how many people are willing to give you this honest feedback when you respectfully ask.

Another side bonus?

It's a bond-builder and a mood-lifter.

DM me “UVP” if you want my script for asking people for testimonials and their objective view of your strengths in business.

I’ve got ya covered.

Xo

Claire

PS – Check this article out for more ways to Assess Your Core Strengths and Values, and Stay Positive:

https://lnkd.in/gJSx2jsb

When my 3rd layoff was announced there was only ONE thing ☝️ I wanted

When my 3rd layoff was announced
there was only ONE thing ☝️ I wanted

>> out <<

yep

I almost gave up on medical sales -- completely.

But what's worse?

I almost gave up on *myself*.

I thought:
>> I'm a fraud
>> Everything I touch turns to dust
>> How had I possibly "tricked" people into hiring me?

>> 3 layoffs'll do that to you <<

So, after I hung up the phone after the news that the impending acquisition meant a downsizing of the sales department (that I just brought $3M in MRI's for) ... I was lost.

Driving around Norcal in a stupor, lost.
But then...

One day, I saw a sign.
(as in, a literal sign) for...

>> Layers of Color <<

an art studio.

I swerved into the parking lot downtown and there it was -- my 'out'.

Now you may not know this about me but I've been doing art since I could walk -- so I thought maybe, just maybe, I won't mess this up.

And RIGHT THERE began my professional painting life.

Right out of a cozy little yellow bungalow-turned-office/art studio in downtown Roseville.

We sat at Kelly's 10x10 design table and she took me on.

Even after I click-clacked my MK stilettos and skirt suit into her cozy, paint-and-samples-everywhere, "overalls > everything" art studio.

In that time, Kelly taught me all I know about high-end faux finishing:

>> picking the right glaze
>> how to strip and prep cabinets thoroughly
>> ways to turn a stump of wood into gorgeous marble

And in the process, I helped her with marketing, sales, and lead gen. (Not that she needed much -- Kelly is one of the most wonderful, magical, contagious personalities around).

And what I found?

1. I can learn just about anything (and so can you)
2. Joy is all about who you're working with
3. Confidence can be rebuilt

After this journey, I found myself back in medical sales -- but this time with the courage that I wasn't my nametag.

There were other roads if I wanted them.

And that sometimes,
it's worth stepping >> out <<
to get your confidence locked back >> in << place.

______

Has a side hustle or unusual job ever shown YOU who you are?
Tell me in the comments!
______

Hi -- I'm Claire Davis (owner of Traction Resume)

And after 5 layoffs and a career in sales, marketing, and recruiting -- you get really, really, REALLY good at starting over -- and showing others how to do the same.

I help medical sales executives lock in the roles they want with resumes, linkedin profiles, and career coaching.

And yes -- this is me on a ladder doing something that I LOVE when I'm not helping people land those 6-figure jobs faster than they think they can. ;)

You have 1,000,001 stories from your medical sales career

You have 1,000,001 stories from your medical sales career -- but when you go to tell them, they don't come across quite right, ...right?

And you've probably tried it but might have noticed either:

1 >> They didn't get the response you'd hoped
2>> It was tough to find the "moral of the story"
3>> or maybe...the funny part didn't get laughs

(cue ALL the stories I seemed to tell before my mid-30s, lol)

But the WORST part?

YOU stop telling stories.

You feel like they're just 'not good enough'

they're just 'meh'

you're a 'bad storyteller'

well, here's the secret 👇

(you're not)

YOU
HAVE great
STORIES that need telling

____________________

And that's why I've teamed up with Matt Zaun (again!) -- the OG storytelling
strategist, himself.

We've cooked up a series for you on storytelling.

And it's all about HOW to do it

-- so you're heard
-- so you inspire others
-- so you can tell stories purposefully

So check this one out.

Hit subscribe.

Is there a story you've been holding back that YOU want to tell?

Give me the highlights below.

Enjoy the episode!

Rooting for you,

Claire

Full Video Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clairemdavis_medicalsalescareercoaching-medicalsalesstorytelling-activity-7167611487493054465-QK5p?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

After a layoff you may start to wonder

After a layoff
you may start to wonder
if another company will 'take a chance' on you.

>> Even when you've won multiple P-Club Awards
>> Crushed your stretch and team goals
>> Been voted MVP by your team

you know you're good
you've been a rock for your team
you know you've helped doctors and patients

So when you hit this speed bump, why is it so hard to tell your own story?

Bc we're focusing on what's behind us -- not what's ahead.

It sounds like "25 years of experience with proven sales results."

And it's not helping you stand out.

_______________________________

The thing is, you don't just need a way to ChatGPT or "wordsmith yourself out of a tough spot."

You must change your focus.

From PAST to FUTURE

_______________________________

And if you're getting stuck coming in 2nd over and over again, it's likely you're focusing on the PAST -- not what you can deliver to the FUTURE in the field of healthcare and medical sales.

The way YOU WILL:

>> Help a VP of Sales interrupt the slow decline of the East or West Region while they're patiently waiting for new data to come out

(and btw, here's how you've done things like that before)

>> Deliver untapped methods of getting lifesaving tech in front of impossible-to-see doctors

(these ones at these places, specifically)

>> Reunite a team that doesn't get along

(and this was the result of that new camaraderie)

>> maybe the way you'll help someone think differently about their story, too <<
_______________________________

Focus on the future.

Find someone who can tell your story.
And for goodness sakes,
don't give up on your search.

We need you out there.
I need you out there.
You can do this.

And the future of healthcare depends on you.
_______________________________

Watch full video here:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clairemdavis_medicalsalesresumewriters-medicalsalesresumes-activity-7168619262591397888-FpCw?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Many people stop at "no" in a salary negotiation

Many people stop at "no" in a salary negotiation.

You get the gusto to ask for 15% more, they refuse or don't budge, and then you quietly accept or move on, right?

If this has happened to you, here's a 3-step approach (and the third step is a salary-saver)

Instead of giving up hope for your ideal number, try this:

1. Bring data and comparison values to help support your request

2. Express your enthusiasm and future vision of how you'll be able to deliver results for this team and company (do your best to estimate in numbers) -- and ask if they feel the same.

If so...

3. Ask how you can make a plan to reach your ideal number. Have them create it with you with measurable benchmarks that make sense and a clear timeline.

Get on the same side of the table with your hiring manager.

You're worth it.

SHOW them that in the way you negotiate, too.


You've GOT this.

Just wondering

Just wondering
.
.
.
.
why every Friday morning commute couldn't be by ferry in 70 degree weather.

Happy Friday, everyone!

What's on tap for this weekend?

C

PS -- bonus points for anyone who recognizes this ferry journey! Any guesses?

Have you checked your company's social media policy lately

Have you checked your company's social media policy lately?

As wonderful as video or posting on social media can be for your visibility, please take this word of caution to heart:

you are still a representation of your business online

Here's my test:

Before you post content, think about these three people:

1// grandma
2// your kids
3// your future boss

If you find that these three groups would be proud of what you're posting -- and that it's a representation of the character that you'd want to show -- hit post.

(and when in doubt, ask for the social media policy at your company)

Remember -- it's always about the long-game.

Be bold -- and savvy -- at the same time.

Check out the full video here:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clairemdavis_jobsearchstrategy-medicalsalesjobsearch-executivepresenceonline-activity-7166438430808231936-3eXM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Layoffs aren't all bad

Layoffs aren't all bad



Hear me out:

When the majority of my clients who've been laid off say something like:

1// It was time for me to move on

2// I'd been in a rut, ready to go but needed a push

3// The company didn't align with my values anymore

>> I'm leaning in to listen <<


The truth is, you're meant to have a fulfilling career.

1// not to settle ... or go ho hum into the night

2// somewhere you can grow in the direction you choose

3// a place that you feel valued and that values you in return


So how about this:
What if you let your layoff inspire you?

1// try a new approach

2// reconnect with your purpose

3// reach out to people and resources that can help

You might just be surprised
at how much your layoff
is part of your story
and will fuel you.

Use it.

➝ And the way you bounce back from it and grow?

Now that is your next big story.
Let's make it epic.

Check out the full video here:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clairemdavis_medicalsalesresumewriters-medicalsalesresumes-activity-7166078594966831104-l6bn?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Does "Tell me about yourself?" give you hives?

Does "Tell me about yourself?" give you hives?

That's because...

...we're often too close to our own story.

And, it becomes hard to identify just what our strengths and values are.

And while personality tests can give us clues, there's a more subjective way to get insights.

Crowdsourcing.

Often people know us far better than we know ourselves.

Try this:
Send an email to 5 people you trust (and tell them so), asking them if they'll respond briefly with what they think you do well at work and what your values are, in their eyes. Also, give them an out if they don't have the time. Be sure to thank them, as well.

You'll gain major insights and be surprised and how many are willing to help you gain clarity.

I need your help

I need your help.

One unexpected perk my clients get

is warm intros to my industry buddies and favorite recruiters.

Recruiters I've personally vetted
...that work hard for their candidates
...who know their industry so well
...and hiring managers trust them

And having been in recruiting myself, I can tell you -- these people are phenomenal.

People like Tracie T Pascoe Jonathan Gellman Mike Deckard, MBA Marion Spears Karr, FACHE Michael Butler Mike Moore ...and others.

And we are looking to add 3 new recruiters this year to our must-meet roster -- particularly those who serve the Pharmaceutical Sales Market.

So tell me -- who are YOUR favorites?

Make it easy

Make it easy

SO easy to connect with you

At your next industry conference

That it takes but a tap to wake up your 📱

And a new contact can snap a pic of

Your custom LinkedIn QR code

🫸🏼💥🫷🏽

Here’s how!



Xo

Claire

I hope you...

I hope you...



...find confidence that you deserve that career dream of yours

...find people who believe in you when you're out of faith

...find a job that excites and fulfills you


Happy Valentine's Day


>> You are more than you give yourself credit for.

>> You are worth 'taking a chance on' 100x over.

>> You have all that you need to build success.



Thankful for those who've been that for me.

Hope I can remind you how wonderful YOU are today, too.

_________________
_________________

And to the TWO major medical companies in the last 10 days who've hired my clients in LESS THAN TWO interviews

...we are LOVING your hiring ways.

Thank you for putting humanity back in your hiring.

Your emotions and mindset are top priority when changing jobs

Your emotions and mindset are top priority when changing jobs.

Here’s one unconventional way to keep them steady:

A Brag Book

To keep yourself mentally fit and emotionally afloat during the uncertainty of a job change, create a Brag File (and look at it often).

A brag file is a file on your computer (or physical file you keep) where you can save all of your Wins, Metrics, Awards, Honors, Thank You emails from your boss, glowing reviews, client kudos, etc.

All the stuff that makes you high five yourself in the mirror for a job well done.

This can support you in two main ways:
1. To use in your career materials as social and measurable proof in the future (think resume, cover letter, linkedin, portfolio, etc.)
and
2. To review on days that you're feeling down to rekindle the belief that your work is meaningful and others find it so, too.

Look at it often

And build on it every 6 months.

To see more tips on managing your emotion and mindset (and HOW to uncover your Unique Value Proposition the easy way), click here: https://lnkd.in/dcBskJSW

when someone gets to where you want to be in life

when someone gets to where you want to be in life, remember



>> it probably wasn't a leisurely walk <<

...a 'trip-and-land' into success



>> it was probably a mountainous hike <<

...with a few rivers to ford in between

...likely a dozen wild animals to deal with

...and in boots with a hole and a missing shoe string



>> Either way, it starts with one step <<



What will YOU start stepping toward?
So tell me, was your journey a WALK or a HIKE?

SHARE this and you may just motivate someone else to take that first step, too.

Go get 'em. It's Monday!

Your next medical sales interview can go easier Try this 👇

Your next medical sales interview can go easier
Try this 👇



More questions
More curiosity

...just go ahead and add a Q at the end of your STAR format.

S: Situation
T: Task
A: Action
R: Results
Q: Question


you've got this.

xo
Claire

Full Video Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clairemdavis_your-next-medical-sales-interview-can-go-activity-7161365423131693056-aTvc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

As my grandmother would say

As my grandmother would say,
"Clairey, there are givers and takers"
and a quick way to tell the difference is 👇
to listen to how people speak about others.

Do they lift others up?
Thank those who help them?
Speak kindly about their kids, spouses, friends?

... or do they take all the praise but refrain from paying it forward?

The former carries a lot of water with me.

One of my favorite ways to find people who generously lift others up is to look at their reviews.

>> And not just the reviews they receive
But the reviews they GIVE <<

You can see this, too -- just scroll to the bottom of someone's profile and you can view the reviews Given and Received by that person.

For me, both are illuminating -- though one is slightly more than the other (I'm betting you know which).

Come to think of it -- it's high time I thanked a few people for their help lately. People like: Vicky Russell Matt Zaun Shyana Parr…

What's something you notice about others that builds trust with you?

Here's my test for formatting

Here's my test for formatting:

Stand up and away from your document by 5 or 10 feet and ask yourself:

1. Is it visually appealing?
2. Is the most important and relevant information the first thing your eyes are drawn to?
3. Do you want to read it?
4. Does it mimic the look and feel of your industry?
5. Is it easy to read and follow?

If so, that's a great indicator that the formatting is helping and not hindering your message.

And if you need help, go to my website to download a resume template to get started.

xo
Claire

Do you struggle with talking about gaps or layoffs in your interview?

Do you struggle with talking about gaps or layoffs in your interview?

Most do (I did, too) and there is no shame

...in either scenario.

The next time you're preparing for an interview, try this approach:

Ask yourself --

1// What were you working on or toward in that role
(or role prior to your gap)

2// What stakes were at play? What were you up against?

3// Simply state the reason for your gap/the layoff that occurred
(short and sweet)

4// What did it teach you?

5// How has this new understanding prepared your or clarified your experience as an asset for the next company you're targeting?

Everyone loves a comeback-kid.

Make your layoff or gap work FOR you.

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