In this solo episode of Promoted, Merit America Career Coach Joey Ratcliff breaks down what career confidence really looks like—and how to build it in a way that lasts.
Rather than “faking it till you make it,” Joey explains how confidence comes from understanding your story, recognizing transferable skills, practicing intentionally, and visualizing your future. Whether you’re navigating a job search, changing careers, or rebuilding momentum after setbacks, this episode offers practical, grounded strategies you can use right away.
Key Takeaways
Confidence isn’t about pretending—you already have more than you think.
In this episode, Joey explores:
- Why lived experience is one of your strongest career assets
- How transferable skills show up in everyday work (even when you don’t realize it)
- Why practice builds confidence more effectively than perfection
- How visualizing success helps reinforce belief and momentum
- Why doubt is normal—and never permanent
As Joey reminds listeners: Where you started doesn’t define where you can go.
Tune in to learn:
- How to identify and talk about your transferable skills
- Why low-wage work is a starting point, not a life sentence
- How small wins (like updating your resume or LinkedIn) build big confidence
- What role career coaching plays in naming strengths and setting goals
- Why all you need is one “yes”
Listen to full episode!
Join Coach Joey Ratcliff for a practical, encouraging conversation on building real confidence—one grounded in your experience, your growth, and your future goals.
Podcast Transcript:
Joey:
Welcome to another episode of Promoted, a podcast about leaving low-wage work for good. I’m Joey Ratcliff, a career coach with Merit America—a national nonprofit organization providing pathways for workers out of low-wage jobs and into well-paying careers.
In this episode, we’re talking about building confidence and why it’s essential for your career journey. Confidence isn’t always about “faking it till you make it.” It’s about connecting with your past, practicing your skills, and envisioning your future.
Building career confidence can help you stand out in your job search and move toward the career you want. So the question is: how do you build confidence?
First, remember this: your story is your superpower.
Many people underestimate how powerful their lived experience is in interviews and on teams. Tech is everywhere—which means your background can translate into a well-paying career. You already have experience. You already have skills. You just have to own them.
As a coach, a big part of my role is helping people see strengths they don’t always recognize in themselves—especially transferable skills. For example, I spent much of my career working in restaurants. At the time, I didn’t see how being a server connected to data analytics. But think about it: remembering orders, entering them into point-of-sale systems, making sure the right food goes to the right table—that’s data.
Another key point: practice builds confidence—not perfection.
Practice the skills you want to sharpen. And then visualize the win. Simple exercises like imagining your first day at a new job, updating your LinkedIn title, or telling a friend about your career goal can significantly boost confidence.
As you build confidence, keep a few things in mind:
- Where you started doesn’t define where you can go. Low-wage work is a starting point, not a life sentence.
- Doubt is normal—and it’s not permanent.
- Small wins build big beliefs. Updating your resume or LinkedIn matters. Reflect on what those wins taught you about yourself.
- Confidence isn’t a linear journey. Be patient and kind to yourself.
And remember: all you need is one yes.
At Merit America, we understand how important confidence is. That’s why our programs include personalized coaching. Career coaches like me are here to guide, support, and empower you as you navigate your career journey.
Here’s what coaching can offer:
- Personalized guidance: tailored strategies that build confidence through your unique story and skills
- Goal setting: defining clear, achievable steps—whether that’s interview prep, networking, or talking about transferable skills
- Accountability: encouragement and support when doubts or hesitation show up
And I’ll add one more—we’re your biggest cheerleaders. We’re here to see you through the end of the program.
Thank you for tuning in. I hope these strategies for building career confidence were helpful. If you’re interested in learning how Merit America can support your career goals, visit www.meritamerica.org.