Following a challenging termination and re-entry into the job market, this senior marketing executive sought executive outplacement and career transition support from Horton International Hungary. Through personalised executive career coaching and structured preparation, they rebuilt confidence and repositioned themselves for future leadership opportunities.

Key outcomes

• Regained confidence and clarity following a difficult leadership transition

• Developed a clear career strategy aligned with leadership strengths and goals

• Improved interview readiness through practical simulations and coaching

• Accelerated recovery and strengthened readiness for future opportunities

“It accelerated my recovery from my previous situation and allowed me to focus on the future much more quickly and effectively.”

Why did you need help with your job search?

I entered the job market at the end of 2022 after a long and difficult termination process. The last time I had been through an assessment centre-type selection process was at the beginning of my career; later on, I only participated in interviews when I was sought out. Now the tables had turned, and I had to set out on the path of job hunting. I had to develop a strategy and think through what I wanted to do in the future, what compromises I was willing to make, what type of companies I wanted to work for, and what kind of corporate culture I was looking for in the future.  What’s more, a few years spent with an autocratic boss had left their mark, and the constant pressure to adapt had reinforced certain traits that I now had to work on changing in order to perform as effectively as possible in job interviews. As a middle-aged woman, I couldn’t expect an easy ride. No matter how experienced I was in leadership and my profession, I quickly realized that I would need an outside perspective and outside help.

What kind of help did you think you could get from this personal leadership job search program?

I got exactly what I thought and hoped for. First, we started by getting my personal side back on track. We talked about what had happened, what lessons I had learned, what was my responsibility, and what was not, and I didn’t need to take on. We put together a lifestyle program for the first few months, which helped me maintain and strengthen my self-esteem, which is very important when you’re entering the job market. Then we started the actual preparation. We developed a strategy after many discussions about what I wanted, what I was looking for, and what was worth trying. Later, we practised all kinds of interview situations, preparing for a wide range of possibilities. During specific recruitment processes, we analysed the interviews to see what worked, what needed to be done differently, and what could be done differently next time. The fact is that job hunting itself is now just like competing in a sports competition, and you need a coach to prepare you, which I found in Sándor. He was a strong supporter, motivating, but at the same time a ruthlessly honest “coach.”

What did you get out of this program in practice? What are the most important things that helped you? 

Finding and articulating who I am professionally, personally, as a leader, and as an employee. What are my strengths and weaknesses? What combination of human qualities do I have, and what companies, company types, communities, company cultures, and challenges suit me? What can I expect from myself, and what is unnecessary to force because it is not me, and I have to let it go? If we can find answers to these questions, it will greatly help in shaping the future. Simulating and practising specific practical situations is also essential in order to be able to react with a sharp mind in a critical situation. In addition, I received human support, which is very important in such situations.

How satisfied are you with the result?

I am very satisfied; I really needed this process. It accelerated my recovery from my previous situation and allowed me to focus on the future much more quickly and effectively. The job search process is no longer as easy as a guide. It is long, often painful, and it is not easy to stay focused. I received effective help in all of these areas, and what was also very important to me was that Sándor sensed when he needed to provide emotional support and encouragement and when he needed to push me and strengthen me for the next “battle.”

Would you recommend the program to others?

Absolutely. You don’t have to struggle alone. With help like Sándor’s, you can shorten the process and start your new life, new challenge, or even a new career much more effectively.

Discuss Your Executive Career Transition

If you are considering your next leadership move, Horton International Hungary offers confidential executive career coaching and transition advisory tailored to senior executives.

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