Helping clients get unstuck
and love work again
Monica Marcelis Fochtman, PhD, CPRW
Career Coach | Resume Writer | Speaker
In a career rut? Ready to pivot? I know that feeling.
Overwhelmed by your resume? I’ve been there, too!
The good news is, you’re not alone and I can help.
Overwhelmed by your resume? I’ve been there, too!
The good news is, you’re not alone and I can help.
Meet Monica
“My job’s OK, but there’s no room for growth here. Should I stay? Should I go?”
“I haven’t written a résumé in years. I don’t know where to start. I’m overwhelmed.”
Does this sound familiar?
I’ve been there. I can help.
Hi! I’m Monica Fochtman. I am a career coach and resume writer. I help mid-career job seekers and industry-changers get unstuck and reclaim their confidence so they can love work again. I care about you and want you to be your best. I’m known for my compassionate honesty- asking heartfelt, yet direct questions that help you see things differently. Together, we’ll create effective search strategies, strong application materials, and memorable interview answers that get results.
In addition to coaching and writing, I’m also a Certified MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) administrator and consultant. Since 2004, I have conducted leadership development workshops to help people learn more about themselves so they can become stronger leaders and better teammates. I love teaching people how to challenge the status quo and build processes that make teams and organizations more humane and efficient.
I am a wife and mom to 2 sons and 2 cats. I love the beach, coffee, soft pretzels, Italian food (I grew up on the east coast), and chocolate.
I look forward to hearing more about you and how I can help. Book your initial consultation here.
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Monica developed a very powerful resume that highlights my experience a lot better than my previous resume. I used the new resume to apply to several positions, and received several interviews as a result. Working with Monica was very empowering - she helped me see that I have done a lot and accomplished a lot, and helped me beat back that Impostor Syndrome going into my new position. I am very appreciative of her assistance and would wholeheartedly recommend her to others seeking to redesign their resumes and to see their careers in a new light.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Jessica P. Learning Specialist
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Monica revived my resume when I found myself unemployed after losing my job of 19 years. Monica was easy to work with, flexible, and eager to customize a resume to my desired career goals.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Dan S. Applications Engineer
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My family decided to explore some job opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Knowing how the current job market match talents and jobs, I knew my first step was to update my resume and LinkedIn profile. Monica stepped in to help me. She patiently listened to my career path, global experiences, and multiple technical and leadership roles I took in GE, then quickly came back to me with her updated version of resume, that included my skillsets and experiences that tied to my career interest and current job market demands. Then, she also updated my LinkedIn profile in a very precise and concise way. Few days later, I started getting phone calls from recruiters for interview opportunities. And within a month, I’ve been offered a new job in SF Bay Area and I have recently moved my family with the new job.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Yu B. Software Platform Leader
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Monica was a great help in my career & industry change process. Through phone conversations and a resume re-write, she was able to take my experience and tailor it to industry language. She helped me think about my experience in ways that emphasized my skill sets.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Emily L. Corporate Training
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As I was looking at changing jobs for the first time in my career, Monica helped me navigate my uncertainty and talk through my thoughts to reach the decision that was best for me. We worked together on my resume and she helped rewrite it to be more focused on my achievements rather than my day-to-day tasks. When I finally got my first interview, Monica walked me through possible questions and helped me craft my story to be interesting in way that was both career and personally focused. Monica helped me feel confident in the decision I was making and she really seemed to care about my success. I would absolutely recommend Monica to anyone looking for career guidance.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Rick W. Communications Director
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Monica helped me during a mid-life transition from a job I loved (but where I was getting bored) to a job I really didn't care for (and wasn't particularly good at). She helped me figure out why the current role wasn't a good match, what my strengths were, and how to work with a new boss with a MUCH different Myers-Briggs type than mine. She helped me gain so much insight into what I wanted, why my current job wasn't fitting my needs, and so much more. I highly recommend her for anyone needing career advice- it's worth it!abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Karen S. Client Relations Director
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Monica was very helpful as I navigated a job search for the first time in years, especially in a new market. Her fresh prospective on my resume and cover letters made me rethink how I was presenting myself. I appreciated her candid and quick responses to my questions and willingness to discuss specific opportunities.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Kristin J. Product Manager
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Monica ran two separate workshops using the MBTI tool for our MSU BEST group (about 30 strong) and then for a smaller ASPET network (8-10) people. She delivered a thoughtful discussion that infused her own experiences into the mix, and that made it wonderful. This was EYE opening for the people who took it- trainees in the biomedical field- as they had never done this type of self-analyses before. She answered the many questions that accompanied such an interesting exercise and put everyone at ease during something that could be somewhat awkward. This - and Monica in particular - is someone I highly recommend for administering and then discussing the MBTI.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Stephanie W. Pharmacology Professor
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Monica did an excellent job giving me feedback during a mock interview. She helped me leverage all the experiences that were relevant to the job I was looking for and she made me feel comfortable. Job interviewing was causing a lot of anxiety, but I felt more confident after my session with Monica.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Jessica M. Teaching & Learning Development Coordinator
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After 18 years in the same position at a college, I knew it was time for a shift. Monica helped me update my language to reflect a different type of corporate culture and made my language stronger in both my resume and cover letter. She also guided me through mock interview questions to sharpen my answers and make them better reflect all my transferable skills. Most important, having her as a partner helped me to feel self-confident as I worked my way through the interview process. Now, I'm about to start my dream job! Many thanks to Monica for her encouragement and for helping me to find a better version of myself.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Kristin H. Learning & Development Specialist
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Monica not only built my resume that helped me get the attention of my new employer, but our conversations gave me a confidence that I didn’t have before. Leaving for a new career path seemed so unattainable until I spoke to her and she helped me realize the value in the skills I had. Thank you so, so much for that! I can’t wait for this, not only for this new opportunity but for the balance it will provide for my family. So grateful to you!abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Shannon B. eServices Manager
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I can't thank Monica enough for the words of encouragement and her thoughtful advice as I was seeking a new job opportunity. She genuinely cared about the direction I wanted to go, and her advice was invaluable when I selected the next step for my career. Without her advice and help with my resume, I would not have the job that I am fortunate enough to have today. Monica is very genuine and passionate about assisting her clients in finding true happiness.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Matt I. Business Development Manager
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Monica really listened to my story with compassion and empathy and encouraged me to take the steps I needed to take to make a change. She offered great help rewriting my cover letter, tips to make my resume more powerful and strong coaching points for interviewing. After speaking with Monica I applied to jobs at four companies and was offered interviews by all of them. Working with her helped boost my confidence and land my dream job along with a significant raise. It feels so good to be working at a company where I am appreciated. I thank Monica for the support and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a career coach. I will work with her again when the time comes.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Jenna H. HR Generalist & Payroll Admin
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Monica spoke about childhood cancer awareness on behalf of her son, Luke, as a guest speaker for the Nursing Student Association. Monica is a strong advocate for research, as was evident by her knowledge on the topic and involvement with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Her speech was both moving and inspirational, teaching us all to never give up when things in life get tough.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890MaryJo J BSN, RN
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Monica provided amazing interview prep that enabled me to secure a job with Duke University's Talent Identification Program (TIP). She is highly knowledgeable and skilled at getting her clients to present their best selves. Working with Monica gave me the skills and confidence to secure the position and eventually, a promotion. Thanks Monica!abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Winni P. Consultant, Speaker, & Educator
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Monica's support developing my resume and LinkedIn profile was invaluable. Her care and attention to understanding who I am, my accomplishments and where I wanted to head with my career was exemplary. Very skilled with respectful probing questions to bring out all the information needed. Fantastic help, and well worth my recommendation.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Andrew H., MBA Engineering Program Manager
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Monica’s MBTI training was so valuable for my department. I have used the resources she provided in one-on-one meetings with stakeholders in order to better understand both my needs and my stakeholders’ needs, as well as how to better communicate. I often find myself looking over the instrument when troubleshooting personally and professionally.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Mikaela B. Project Manager
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Monica offered me the support and guidance I needed to develop my job searching strategy. Monica also offered great advice on my resume and personal branding. Her perspective and knowledge were very helpful as I navigated a job search in a new area. I would recommend anyone to work with her for resume and job strategy guidance.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Coretta K. Senior International Development Associate
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I highly recommend Monica for her fabulous writing skills, attention to detail and fabulous personality! She made my resume experience incredibly simple and stress free. I loved how she restructured what I had created decades ago and brought it back to life and made my resume current. I also loved the way she corrected all my errors in my "About Me" page on my website. I knew what I wanted to say, she just made it more legible and concise.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Kelle D. Small Business Owner & Photographer
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I hadn’t updated my resume since college and when it was time transition my career, I felt pigeonholed by the fact that I had worked in the same role for 10 years. Monica helped me translate my skills and experience to be marketable outside of church-work and I quickly landed a job consulting with a national organization. The prospect of updating a resume was paralyzing, but Monica made the process simple and direct. Her feedback was both affirming and challenging. I know my resume would not have been nearly as appealing without her help.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Annie G. Consultant & Program Coordinator
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Monica was such a supportive coach throughout my job search process. As we transitioned my resume from higher education into industry, Monica helped me learn the language to describe my skills within an industry setting and ways to talk through how my experiences can be leveraged outside of Higher Education. After 2 weeks in my new position, I feel confident that her coaching and resume writing were integral in my successful search. I would recommend Monica to anyone who is looking to enter into a new industry or space, as she is patient, understanding, and encouraging throughout the process.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Mary S. Training & Development Professional
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When applying for jobs in an entirely new field, cover letters were downright difficult as I stretched out of my comfort zone a bit. Monica provided me with terrific critical feedback that made my cover letter so much more personal. I received a call to set up an interview the day after I applied!abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890Jessa W. Project Manager
Services
Highlights
Monica’s qualifications and career highlights:
Helped 100s of clients advance to leadership roles or pivot to new industries.
Worked with mid-career pros and executive leaders from: Tesla, Walgreen’s, Peckham, CBRE, GFS, IBM, Deloitte, Herman Miller, Steelcase, Ford, GM, area universities and health systems.
Built business completely through referrals, by providing expert advice and personalized coaching.
Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Consultant since 2004.
Pre-vetted Career Coach for the MSU Alumni Office.
Cast Member in the first Listen to Your Mother™ Metro Detroit Show.
Earned PhD from top-ranked program in 5 years, while working part-time and parenting 2 young children, one of whom survived cancer.
Childhood Cancer Advocate and Testimonial Speaker with extensive public speaking experience, including national fundraising events, live TV, and radio.
I started my company, Sheldrake Consulting, because I saw too many people underselling their skills and experience. I provide career coaching for job seekers and underemployed individuals that helps you advocate for and promote your best self. I’d love to see if we’re a match.
Connect
Monica’s Reading List
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Life on the Color Line: The True Story of a White Boy Who Discovered He Was Black
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