Career hacks to show up with confidence

March, 2025

We all have moments at work that feel high-stakes — the big presentation, the first time managing a team, a job search that comes out of nowhere. These hacks aren’t magic, but they will help you feel more prepared, more in control, and more confident walking into the room (or Zoom).

1. Prepare for a killer presentation

You’ve got a big presentation coming up — maybe for leadership, maybe for an all-hands, maybe for a conference crowd. Everyone keeps saying, “It’s all about storytelling” but where to start? Your thoughts are scattered, the slides are half-baked, and the pressure is building.

That’s where AI can help.

Use ChatGPT to organize your thinking:

• Try: “Help me turn this outline into a clear narrative that would resonate with a leadership audience.”

• Or: “I want to tell a story about a time I failed, what I learned, and how it changed my leadership style. Can you help me frame it?”

Once you’ve got your story in shape, practice it out loud with Orai, an app that gives you feedback on things like pace, filler words, and clarity. It’s like a judgment-free speaking coach you can use at 11 p.m. in your pajamas.

You’ll still have to do the work. But you won’t be doing it alone — and that makes a big difference.

2. Navigate your first 90 days as a new manager

Moving from individual contributor to people manager is one of the most exciting — and overwhelming — transitions. Suddenly you’re expected to coach, lead 1:1s, give feedback, and motivate your team… without a manual.

Generative AI can give you a solid foundation.

Ask ChatGPT:

• “What should I focus on in my first 30-60-90 days as a new people manager?”

• “Give me 5 check-in questions I can ask that help build trust and uncover blockers.”

• “Help me prepare for a feedback conversation that’s direct but supportive.”

It won’t give you emotional intelligence — but it will give you time back and help you think things through before you walk into the room.

3. Get unstuck after a layoff or career change

Job transitions are hard — even when you see them coming. There’s the identity shift, the logistics, the self-doubt. You know you need to update your resume and reframe your story, but where do you start?

AI can help you get moving again.

Use ChatGPT to:

• Translate your experience into transferable skills: “Here’s my past job description. What roles might be a fit for me based on this?”

• Refresh your resume and LinkedIn: “Rewrite my summary to reflect that I’m pivoting from operations to customer strategy.”

• Practice your pitch: “Help me explain a recent gap in my resume in a way that’s honest and optimistic.”

It’s like having a career coach in your back pocket — one that doesn’t charge by the hour.

These aren’t just productivity hacks — they’re a new way to navigate high-stakes career moments with clarity and ease. When you feel prepared, you show up with focus, calm, and confidence. And that changes everything.

Have a favorite AI career hack? Share it with us at hola@sherunsonai.com — we’d love to feature your story.