My Account
Natalie Tolhopf has turned her aptitude for smoothing those twists and turns and bumps in career paths – as well as removing perceived roadblocks – into a job that she loves.
Her role as a self-employed career coach may seem to be a natural progression from what she did immediately prior – working for a tertiary institution, helping graduates to be ‘work ready’. However, Natalie is the first to point out that her CV contains plenty of variety.
Her first job, at the age of 12, rolling ice creams and flipping burgers, was an indication of a love of cooking that, when she left school, evolved into an apprenticeship as a chef at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Auckland.
“My family wanted me to be a lawyer or accountant, but I loved being a chef so much that I was prepared to disappoint them,” Natalie says.
She worked as a chef, here and overseas, for more than 10 years before moving into hospitality consultancy. “My CV looks as though I’ve jumped from here to there, but there is a thread running through it that involves working with people and often in high pressure, fast-paced environments.”
Along the way Natalie got married to a Coastie; the couple live in Manly with their two young children.
She says it dawned on her last year that her job in the city, while it gave her a strong career trajectory and was good for her pockets, had made her life unbalanced.
“I was tired from commuting and that had an impact at home,” she says. “I was like a mouse on a wheel. I couldn’t understand the point of it, whereas investing in my own business and community and inspiring others has a ripple effect that’s great for a family. If you love your work, it creates a beautiful energy.”
Natalie now runs Catapult, specialising in career consultancy, from a home office that doubles as her children’s playroom.
Most of her clients are women returning to work or changing tack in their careers.
“One of my clients was a mother who had been out of the workforce for 13 years. She asked what she could offer an employer but, to me, it was obvious. She had done a lot of community and voluntary work, helped with fundraising and had a marketing background. She thought she would have to go back into a high-pressure marketing job in the city, but after we worked through a process, she decided to go into real estate. It’s a matter of looking at your networks and interests and how your experience can benefit an employer.”
Natalie says people who are unhappy with their job ask her how to find an area of work that they could transition into.
“Think about what you do in your spare time,” Natalie says. “Whatever dominates your thoughts, that’s what you should be aiming for; if something comes to you with ease, and doesn’t feel like work – that’s the key.”
Tips for job seekers
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Your attitude, including thoughts and feelings associated with your career search, will directly impact your results. Positive energy and feelings create positive results.
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Online job sites only show a small percentage of the current jobs. Employers hire by firstly asking colleagues, friends, family and professional networks then they place an advertisement. Networking with family, friends and associates opens many more doors.
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Don’t start with your CV. Creating a strategy first is the best way to get leverage, momentum and a choice. Start with what you want and why. Talk with your networks about your desired outcome and once you have a warm lead, create a tailored CV.
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Applying for quality over quantity is key. Taking the time to create well thought out cover letters and tailored resumes are the fastest way to stand out.
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References make all the difference. The best action you can take is to phone and talk with your current references.
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Let them know about the types of jobs you are applying for. Help them identify how they can best help you. Turn them into a raving fan – it’s a winning tool!
