Tom Ballantyne, MA

Tom Ballantyne, M.A.

Finding your right livelihood in a post-Covid world

In a post-Covid job market, finding your career path or moving on to something better requires expert help. The rules of the game seem to be changing, so how do you know how to play? Is working remotely the new normal? No one really knows, including most employers. How do you find that job that truly fulfills you? Let a counselor and coach in your corner help you succeed.

In working with clients in these unsettled times, I’ve found many strategies that work. Here are some key job search skills that are required: resiliency, adaptability, focus, networking and self marketing.

And don’t let those gremlins distract you. The internal voice of judgment is more damaging than any other - that voice that tries to convince you you’re not up to the task.

Life’s transitions can be scary and stressful. We find ourselves in what psychologist and career transition expert William Bridges calls the “Neutral Zone.” In this unknown territory, the future is uncertain and the way forward is far from clear.

Going it alone is not the best option and that’s where I can help. I’ll be in your corner. We’ll work together, step by step, to clarify your values and your goals, plan your journey and overcome the obstacles in your way.

In addition to a master’s degree in counseling psychology, I have a lot of practical experience working with diverse clients in different stages of transition. I gained a lot of working knowledge on the ground as a director of a university career center, a senior consultant with an outplacement firm and a corporate recruiter.

Prior to career consulting and coaching, I recruited top talent for Fortune 1000 companies, start-ups and non-profits as a retained search consultant. I worked with well-known companies in a number of industries: consumer product manufacturing (food, wine, digital entertainment); advertising and design agencies; and high technology. Some of my clients included Kendall-Jackson Winery, Nestle Beverage Co., Seagram Classics Wine Co., J. Walter Thompson, Ketchum Communications and others.

My Education

I have a Masters degree in Counseling with a specialization in career development and health psychology from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from San Francisco State University.

My Specialties

Assessment (MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory, Values Driven Work)
Résumé development, job search skills training, interview practice (video)
Power networking
Using social media effectively and monitoring your online reputation
Offer evaluation and salary negotiation
On-boarding (getting with the program in a new job) and job performance enhancement
How to have a job and have a life, too

What My Clients Say

“Tom is part career-counselor, part life coach, and part networking wingman.” – Senior Website Content Editor

“Tom has been a great mentor and provided support and advice for me. He helped me identify some excellent career opportunities. Thanks to Tom, I have landed an excellent job.” – Product Manager in Biotechnology

Email me to request a brief consultation at no charge.

Contact Information