Back to Business: The Realities of Job Search After Summer - £250k Salaries Secured

Back to School, Back to Sprint

The first week back after the summer holidays always feels a bit like stepping onto a moving treadmill, slow at first, then suddenly full speed. Monday was quiet: my daughter was still off school, but I'd added an extra group session on Mondays at noon.

But by Tuesday, it was back to business with the Job Search Sprint.

Why the new session?

The Tuesday morning call, usually packed with 10–12 job seekers, can get a bit crowded. I wanted to create more space for people to ask questions, get feedback, and not feel like they’re just reporting in.

On Monday, two people joined, one who couldn’t make Tuesday’s slot. The flexibility meant everyone got what they needed, and that’s the point: this sprint isn’t one-size-fits-all. We have a loose framework (CV, interview, networking), but I bend it to what each person actually needs. CVs are non-negotiable, but the rest? We adapt on the fly.

Wins, Wobbles, and Real Talk

Last week brought six new discovery calls for the sprint, two signed up (one straight away, one in a couple of weeks). I’ll be honest: I missed sending an invoice for some associate work I'd done/ Annoying, but a good reminder that admin is just as important as doing the fun stuff!

I also checked in with a sprint member who seemed down. Sometimes, it’s not about CVs or interview prep, but just being there for someone who’s overwhelmed. I booked a quick call to help them get unstuck, because accountability means showing up, even when it’s hard.

Community, Collaboration, and Unexpected Lessons

I joined my small networking group on Weds, mostly I am the expert in the room or 'working' despite the informal nature of our calls. So Weds at 12pm is nice, just to be me, vulnerable, asking for help is nice. Lucy shared some brilliant tips about marketing emails and recommended a product that’s already making my life easier. She also pointed me to an AI tool to help humanise salesy writing. It’s these little exchanges that keep me learning and evolving.

Another highlight: a LinkedIn Live with Judith Quin, a vocal confidence coach. Loads of practical advice, and it was great to see some of my sprint members join in. That sense of community, online and off, makes all the difference. They probably didn't really realise how touched I was that they came and supported me.

Real Progress, Real Challenges

One new sprint member is juggling a job while trying to secure visa sponsorship. Their situation’s unique, having conversations that are not easy about bias in recruitment isn't pretty (and shameful), but helping them to see how their original CV creates bias before they've even been spoken to (I hope) helped them. We finished the week with a handful of last-minute calls, closing the sprint and making sure everyone’s on track.

But not everything went to plan. Some people should be on second interviews by now, but life happens. I can’t help but feel responsible when progress stalls. I’ve booked extra calls next week for those who are stuck, because I want everyone to succeed, not just tick boxes.

A sprinter this week asked if I was ok- it seemed busy and I think he wondered if I was coping. You can see how people walk their talk, how leaders and 'people-people' aren't just like that at work!

Celebrating Wins (and Learning from the Rest)

Four job offers landed last week-one with a massive social network, another with a housing association, and one with a tech company. That’s potentially £250k+ in salaries secured. Not every offer was perfect, but I’ll keep supporting those who want more.

We had nine or ten first interviews, a handful of second interviews, and some tough lessons about slow hiring and underwhelming salaries. One client got a clear, upfront offera breath of fresh air, another a revised offer after they were brave enough to say no. For others, it’s still a waiting game.

Wrapping Up: Integrity, Grit, and What’s Next

I wrapped up my white paper (with help from an editor and some HR folks) and I’m ready to send it out to leaders and recruiters. The goal? Start real conversations about what’s happening in hiring right now (if you want it - let me know!)

Saturday ended with a quick call about salary negotiation, fingers crossed for a big win there. Because at the end of the day, this work isn’t about running a program for the sake of it. It’s about getting people into jobs they deserve, with the support they need, and the honesty they value.

Takeaway: Job search isn’t a straight line. It’s messy, emotional, and sometimes frustrating, both for job seekers and the people around them. But with flexibility, accountability, and real human support, progress happens. And that’s what keeps me showing up, week after week.

Want to find out more about the 45 day Sprint? Click Here

Do you have questions? Or want the copy of the White paper ? Email me Sarah@SarahBryer.co.uk