
Free Career Coaching
National Job Fair | 30 April 2025
International Square
1875 I St NW, Washington, DC
On April 30th, experts will be offering participants at the National Job Fair free career coaching services.
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Participants can sign-up for one-on-one coaching in advance (see below) or at the event site.
Parallel group coaching sessions - structured as mini-workshops in small groups - will also be available. See the schedule below to participate. Note some sessions ask for participants to bring a laptop, resume r project ideas to fully take advantage of the session.
One-on-One Sessions
How can I meet with a free career coach at the National Job Fair?
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Reserve a session with one of our coaches to guarantee your spot! Click "Schedule" to find a time on their calendar. All sessions will be held in-person on April 30th at the National Job Fair, International Square.
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Don't want to commit? No problem! On-site registration for coaching will also be available.
Due to the high demand, some coaches have generously offered free coaching sessions on the days following the National Job Fair. This is noted in their profile.
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What is Career Coaching?
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The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential". This process focuses on facilitating self-awareness, accountability, and helping clients define and take steps towards their goals.
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Be prepared to let your coach know how they can help you!
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Group Coaching
These mini-workshops are open to walk-in participants. Except for the opening session, all group sessions will be capped at eight participants to allow them to be interactive and participants can join by registering on-site. Please make note of preparatory work for specific sessions to get the most out of the group work, such as bringing your resume or a laptop. You can review the group session descriptions below.
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9:00 - 10:30am
Speed Networking Session for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Change Makers
Mary Macmanmon | Tables 1-3
To join this session, participants are asked to register in advance here.
We’re teaming up with DC Climate Week to activate anyone who’s had a climate action idea simmering on the back burner for far too long. Today is the day to take that first step toward making it real. Whether you’re already running with your idea and looking for collaborators, or you have a challenge you'd like to tackle with others—this session is for you. No idea is too small or too ambitious, whether it’s planting 100 trees in your neighborhood or launching a startup to tackle industrial decarbonization. As many in the region navigate career transitions, a side project and a network of like-minded peers can be the spark that keeps you moving forward—especially when it’s in service of the causes that matter most to you. The following entrepreneurs and change-makers will be participating to help facilitate the networking conversations: Mike Healy – Serial Entrepreneur and CEO of Columbia Solar Rakesh Radhakrishnan – Energy Technology Expert for Prithvi Ventures, former ARPA-e Tech to Market Advisor Ben Margolis – Entrepreneur and current Director of the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator Victor Kane - Government Intrapreneur, technology transfer and solar expert
11:00 - 12:00pm
Writing a Competitive Resume
James Macfield, Robert Half | Table 1
With expert advice, attendees will learn how to highlight relevant accomplishments, address gaps, and craft application materials that improve their chances of standing out in today's competitive job market. Participants should be prepared with resumes and tailored questions for this group coaching session.
Leveraging AI for your Job Search
Yvonne Espinosa, Voiz Academy | Table 2
In this hands-on one-hour workshop, you’ll walk away with the tools, confidence, and strategy to supercharge your climate job search using AI. Whether you're pivoting into climate for the first time or ready to level up, you’ll learn how to: • Analyze job descriptions to uncover hidden hiring manager pain points • Use AI to craft compelling pitches, resumes, and cover letters • Prepare for interviews with AI-generated STAR responses and insight
Translating your Skill for the Non-Federal Sector
Karen F. Lee, FedsForward | Table 3
Participants will work through a skills translation playbook discover how your federal experience translates to exciting opportunities outside the federal government. Whether you've never used AI tools before or you're already familiar with them, Karen will walk you through this process step by step. You will leave this session with a better understanding of 1) which of your specific skills are most attractive to non-federal employers, 2) identify job titles and roles that match your experience, and 3) learn where you might want to upskill to become even more competitive. Please note to take full advantage of this session, we recommend bringing a laptop and have an electronic resume available.
12:30 - 1:30pm
Interview Readiness
James MacField, Robert Half | Table 1
Participants receive tailored guidance on answering common and behavioral interview questions in today’s marketplace, showcasing their strengths effectively, and addressing potential challenges like employment gaps or career transitions. Participants should be prepared to ask tailored questions in this group coaching session.
Coaching Tools for a Mind-set Shift for Both Personal Comfort and Interview Success
MJ Morse | Table 2
[description coming soon]
How to be a Great Communicator in your Interview
Dan Whitten, Athanor Public Affairs | Table 3
An adaptation of proven media and presentation training, this session focuses on critical physical and verbal queues that people should keep in mind during job interviews and presentations. This interactive session will help people think about their audience, and present in a way that delivers information that the audience wants to hear in compelling ways. How do you connect with people, how do you make a good first impression, what do you do if you are caught off guard by a question, how long should your responses be and what is the best structure for your answers? This session uses video to help people see how they can improve, just by following a few basic steps.
2:00 - 3:00pm
Pivot to Purpose: Thriving through Career Transition
Mike Levine | Table 1
Join us for a dynamic interactive workshop that unpacks the three key stages of career transition and empowers you to confidently navigate what’s next. Create clarity and confidence by uncovering your unique "transition superpower" — the character strength you’ll lean on to thrive through change. Walk away with additional resources to guide you in considering your options and securing your ideal professional role of the future. Note: This impactful session is about building confidence and clarity for your personal career change journey, not tactical tools like résumés or LinkedIn. Those resources are available in other Jobs Fair sessions and through a list provided by the workshop facilitator.
Transformational Networking: Connecting with Intention
Reginald Jackson, Total Brilliance Consulting | Table 2
[description coming soon]
Writing a Competitive Resume
David Fletcher, American University | Table 3
With expert advice, attendees will learn how to highlight relevant accomplishments, address gaps, and craft application materials that improve their chances of standing out in today's competitive job market. Participants should be prepared with resumes and tailored questions for this group coaching session.
3:30 - 4:30pm
Reframing Skills for your Next Career Move
Leroy Cole | Table 1
An interactive discussion where you'll identify your transferable strengths and explore how they apply to exciting new contexts. Together we'll examine what to take forward from your career so far, what to leave behind, and how to articulate your unique value in your next role.
Transformational Networking: Connection with Intention
Reginald Jackson, Total Brilliance Consulting | Table 2
[description coming]
Writing a Competitive Resume
David Fletcher, American University | Table 3
Participants receive tailored guidance on answering common and behavioral interview questions in today’s marketplace, showcasing their strengths effectively, and addressing potential challenges like employment gaps or career transitions. Participants should be prepared to ask tailored questions in this group coaching session.