Welcome back to Raw Career Talk, the podcast where we go beyond job titles and get real about career journeys.

Today, we’re joined by Meenu Chadha - Career Coach, Job Search Strategist, and former Talent Acquisition leader with over 25 years of experience at companies like Accenture, CIBC, and Dialogic. Meenu has sat on both sides of the hiring table and brings a wealth of knowledge about what it truly takes to navigate career transitions with confidence.

In this episode, we dive deep into a challenge many professionals silently struggle with: rebuilding, pivoting, and repositioning yourself in the job market — especially after a career pause or a major shift.

We cover how to explain career gaps without feeling apologetic, how to pivot into a new industry without starting from scratch, and how to negotiate your worth even when you’re reentering the workforce. Meenu also shares the biggest mistakes comeback professionals make — and what to do instead to stand out.

If you’re returning to work after time away, shifting careers, or simply feeling stuck and ready for a change, this episode will give you actionable strategies and real encouragement to help you move forward on your own terms.

🎙 Topics we cover:

• How to confidently explain a career gap in interviews

• Rebuilding professional confidence after time away

• Pivoting careers and positioning unrelated experience as a strength