A Career Coach in Your Backpack
Unlock Your Professional Potential is an essential guide for anyone ready to move forward in their career with purpose and impact.
Content spans resume development, applicant tracking systems cover letters, interview prep and virtual networking to negotiating offers, effective onboarding, managing up, navigating the workplace, team dynamics, performance reviews, and much more!
Portion of proceeds help fund a scholarship program supporting working adults returning to school to complete their degrees and advance their careers.
Reviews
Reviews From HR, Career Services & Workforce Development Leaders
“In my 20+ years of experience across HR, management & higher education, I have rarely come across a book that so clearly captures the steps to professional success in the workplace.”
Reginald N. Nichols, M.Ed., SHRM-CP,
Founder & HR Advisor of CEL HR Consulting
“It’s exactly the kind of resource I wish every student could access before applying for jobs and entering the workforce.”
Laura Shackelford, M.Ed,
Career Services Expert & Talent Development Leader
“I couldn’t recommend a better resource for young professionals as well as schools, employers, and workforce boards committed to building career readiness programs that support the next generation of workers.”
Bianca Cervantes,
Workforce Development Leader
Individual Volumes Also Available
Reviews
Reviews From HR, Career Services & Workforce Development Leaders
“Quite frankly, every student should receive a copy of this book with their diploma as they walk across the graduation stage.
Reginald N. Nichols, M.Ed., SHRM-CP,
Founder & HR Advisor of CEL HR Consulting
“Not only prepares students for today’s job market but also empowers them with the resilience and workplace skills they’ll need long after graduation.”“Not only prepares students for today’s job market but also empowers them with the resilience and workplace skills they’ll need long after graduation.”
Laura Shackelford, M.Ed,
Career Services Expert & Talent Development Leader
“This book delivers a full-spectrum approach to professional development while maintaining a casual and approachable writing style and format that could hold any attention span.”
Bianca Cervantes,
Workforce Development Leader
Gives both students and counselors the tools to navigate every step of the journey
Features
Step-by-step, coaching-style writing that feels like having a career mentor on your side.
Approachable, coaching-style writing that feels like having a career mentor on your side.
Guidance on navigating salary, benefits, and career transitions with confidence.
Real-world stories that make lessons stick (and resonate with Gen Z).
For Career Services & Workforce Development Professionals
Training for staff – Helps new career coaches quickly gain proven strategies to coach effectively.
Plug-and-play resource – Each section can be integrated into career courses, workshops, or career coaching sessions
Confidence-building toolkit – Clear examples for every section of resumes, LinkedIn messages, interview answers, and networking outreach
For Young Professionals
Resilience strategies for tough realities: performance reviews, PIPs, layoffs, and navigating career setbacks.
Onboarding & workplace success: first impressions, workplace etiquette, and building credibility
Networking made simple with sample messages, coffee chat strategies, and follow-up tips.
Practical interview prep with examples of what works & what doesn’t.
Resumes & LinkedIn that get noticed in today’s hiring process.
About the Author
Chris Dougherty is a communications leader with two decades of experience helping people and organizations tell their stories and stand out. A longtime hiring manager and global team leader, he knows firsthand what separates great candidates from the rest.
The insights, guidance, and anecdotes in Unlock Your Professional Potential draw directly from his extensive experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring talent at every level-with the goal of helping individuals grow professionally.
A frequent collaborator with colleges, student organizations, alumni associations, and workforce development leaders, Chris helps design and deliver programs that build real-world career readiness. By translating his experience into practical, confidence-building guidance, this book offers a full-spectrum approach to professional development that's both relatable and actionable.
Chris is also committed to giving back, with a portion of the book's proceeds supporting an adult scholarship program established in his father's honor.
Supporting Individuals in Building & Navigating Their Career Journe
Testimonials
"Truly exceptional! Helped me understand my own background and strengths better than I ever had before."
"I’ve have had three scheduled interviews in the past week with my improved resume. I highly recommend this service to anyone looking to elevate their job search!"
"Took the time to talk to me, answer every single question I had, and provide invaluable insights, tips, and strategies for job searching."