Case Study: Supporting Professionals Through Organisational Change at John Holland Group

At Choice Dakin, we help organisations manage the human impact of change with dignity, care and professionalism. Our recent partnership with John Holland Group demonstrates how tailored career transition support enables individuals to move forward with confidence after a period of organisational restructuring.

Administrative Summary

John Holland Group engaged Choice Dakin to support eleven professional-level employees affected by organisational change. Delivered under project code JHG115, this program focused on individualised coaching to help each participant navigate their career transition effectively and position themselves strongly for future opportunities.

Key Problem Statement

As part of a significant organisational restructure, John Holland Group identified the need to support impacted professionals who were facing an unexpected career transition. Many of these individuals were highly skilled yet uncertain about how to reposition themselves in a competitive job market. The company recognised the importance of providing meaningful and practical assistance to help these employees regain clarity, confidence and direction.

Problem Exploration

When professionals are impacted by organisational change, they often experience a mix of uncertainty, diminished confidence and a lack of familiarity with current job search practices. For some, articulating transferable skills and identifying appropriate career pathways can be challenging. Others may feel unprepared to compete in contemporary recruitment processes, particularly when facing competency-based interviews or navigating the hidden job market through personal networks

John Holland Group sought to address these challenges by offering structured, individualised support. The objective was not only to equip participants with the practical tools they needed — such as updated CVs, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles — but also to build their confidence and improve their readiness to secure new roles aligned with their aspirations and capabilities.

Approach and Actions Taken

Choice Dakin designed and delivered a comprehensive career transition program tailored to the needs of each participant. Coaching was delivered through a series of one-on-one sessions, typically totalling between three and five hours per individual, and covered a range of areas including:

• Development of contemporary, market-ready CVs and cover letters.
• Optimisation of LinkedIn profiles and advice on personal branding.
• Career direction clarification and targeted job search planning.
• Interview preparation, with a strong focus on STAR/CAR methodology.
• Mock interviews and practice role-plays to build confidence and competence.
• Networking strategies to help participants access the hidden job market.
• Integration of AI-generated practice questions to further prepare for interviews.

Across the group, coaching hours totalled approximately 40 to 50, with each session structured to address the specific needs and goals of the individual.

Outcomes Achieved

The program delivered immediate and meaningful outcomes for participants. Several individuals progressed quickly through job application and interview processes, with one participant receiving a verbal offer shortly after program completion. Others advanced to final interview stages with targeted organisations, while the remaining participants developed clear, actionable job search strategies and improved their readiness to pursue roles suited to their skills and experience.

A key insight from the program was the strong demand for interview preparation, particularly for competency-based formats, as well as the increasing importance of leveraging personal networks in securing opportunities. Participants reported increased clarity about their career direction, improved confidence in their ability to compete for roles, and a renewed sense of agency in managing their careers.

Final Reflections

This case study highlights how a structured, empathetic and tailored approach to career transition support can help individuals regain their confidence and move forward successfully. By focusing on positioning, strategy and preparation, Choice Dakin enabled these professionals to approach their job search with clarity and resilience.

We remain committed to supporting each participant through the remainder of their transition and are confident they are now well-positioned to secure fulfilling new roles.

At Choice Dakin, we help organisations manage the human impact of change and assist in building human capability. We are also the Australasian partner of OI Global Partners, enabling us to deliver world-class expertise with a local understanding.