
Why Sarah Johnston?
For as long as I can remember, I have had the professional goal of helping job seekers find positions where they would flourish. I spent the first 10-years of my career as a corporate recruiter and development professional. While I loved recruiting, I got tired of seeing hard-working people get passed over for opportunities because they didn’t interview well or know how to position their strengths. My clients have landed roles at top companies like Medtronic, Deloitte, Alphabet (Google), lululemon, and more.
I think what makes me different from other coaches is that I can relate to the job seeker experience. I’ve made multiple cross-country relocations for my spouse’s job and successfully launched job searches in cold markets. I would be honored to help you achieve higher levels of earning potential and career satisfaction.

I’m a former recruiter…
I am one of the few job search coaches who has actually been a recruiter. I’ve interviewed hundreds of job seekers and know what companies are looking for in a candidate. I’ve also used applicant tracking systems (ATS) like Taleo and iCims and understand how recruiters scan resumes.
Excellent outcomes for my clients…
I get regular e-mails from clients saying that the work we did together made a difference. Additionally, around 25% of my clients are referrals from either past clients, close friends or former colleagues.
My goal is to always make sure my clients are being portrayed in the best possible way. If I am not the best person for the job and another coaching specialist would be a better fit–I will quickly let you know and will offer highly qualified referrals.
I care deeply about your success…
Friends and clients would describe me as a straight-shooter but also kind. I genuinely want you to thrive in a job you are passionate about. I want to know about your “wins”. I believe in you and I am rooting for you.
She’s been featured in:
Inc
Forbes
Reader’s Digest
Business Insider
HuffPost
Ladders
HuffPost
Rewire
The Ladders
The Voice of Job Seekers
JobScan
Executive Career Brand
YouTern
Career Metis
Self Made Millennial
Inc
Career Sidekick
Reader’s Digest
Business Insider
Student Doctor
Career Sherpa
Mac’s List (Podcast)
BBC
HR Magazine
Cultivated Culture
FlexJobs
Job-Hunt
LinkedIn: Get Hired
Job Scan
Forbes
Andy Foote’s Podcast Foote Notes
HuffPost
Scripps Media: Local News Interview
HuffPost
A Brief History
“At the University of Georgia, I took a class through my Leadership Fellowship that encouraged us to reflect on our career goals… as a 20-year-old, I decided my mission was to place people in positions I see them really flourishing.”
— Sarah Johnston
After College
Sarah went to work for one of the largest privately held companies in the southeast. She fell in love with recruiting. Sarah loved meeting diverse, interesting people and was passionate about uncovering their talents, strengths and dreams.
As a trailing spouse, she’s made multiple cross country moves for her spouse’s career. Following her husband has meant she’s had to reinvent herself in cities where she knew no one. She’s an expert networker and friend to all. Her experience job searching in cold markets gives her a unique perspective.
In 2019
Sarah was named a LinkedIn Top Voice in the career space. Her influence on platform has given her an opportunity to speak regularly to podcasts job search clubs across the country.

Sarah Johnston
Founder of Briefcase Coach
Education:
University of Georgia
A.B. Communications Studies, ILAD Leadership Fellow