Sarah Johnston
Executive resume writer and career coach for senior leaders
| Hourly rate range | $80 to $160 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | Job searchInterview coachingResume and LinkedInConsulting and finance recruitingPromotions and advancementCEO and founder coachingTransitions and new rolesExecutive presence and communication |
| Works with | Executives |
| Also coaches | Executive coach |
| Sessions | Online |
| Practice | Briefcase Coach |
Sarah Johnston is the CEO of Briefcase Coach, a small firm that helps senior and C-suite executives with job searches and career moves. The firm writes executive resumes, coaches interviews, and runs outplacement programs for companies. Clients have landed senior roles at UnitedHealth Group, AT&T, Cardinal Health, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon and Deloitte. Each resume gets an intake strategy call and 15 to 20 hours of research, writing, editing and design.
What Sarah helps with
Sarah and his team help executives plan a job search, tell their career story, and prepare for high-stakes interviews.
- Writing a custom resume for C-suite and board roles
- Building a board of directors resume
- Preparing for tough executive interviews
- Improving a LinkedIn profile with keyword research
- Moving from a reactive to a proactive job search
- Finding 15 to 20 target companies that fit a role and industry
- Writing executive bios and cover letters
- Outplacement support for laid-off leaders
Who Sarah works with
Clients are senior and C-suite executives. Roles include Chief Operating Officers, VPs of UX, Chief Medical Officers and Sales Directors. Companies also hire the firm to support employees who are leaving their jobs and moving into new roles.
How Sarah works
Most work starts with the executive resume service. It begins with an intake strategy call, then 15 to 20 hours of research, writing, editing and design. Resume writing is the last step of a career branding process. Mock interviews run in 60 or 90 minute virtual sessions. Clients get feedback right away and homework after each session.
Background and qualifications
Sarah Johnston is CEO of Briefcase Coach. The firm is an intentionally small boutique for career coaching and outplacement. Its coaches hold advanced degrees and coaching certifications, with years of industry experience. Sarah has written on the benefits of outplacement services for employees. The firm is located near Durham, Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina, and serves clients nationally and worldwide.
Sarah Johnston pricing
Programs and services
- Custom executive resume
- Board of directors resume
- One-on-one resume review
- Interview coaching with mock interviews
- LinkedIn profile services
- Target company research
Sarah Johnston reviews
The CoachVouch take
The firm pairs executive resume writing with one-on-one interview coaching and custom outplacement packages for companies.
Best for senior and C-suite executives who want a custom resume and interview prep for their next role.
Common questions
How much does Sarah Johnston charge?
Coaching with Sarah runs $80 to $160 an hour. Message Sarah from this page for an exact quote.
What does Sarah Johnston help with?
Sarah Johnston helps with writing a custom resume for C-suite and board roles, building a board of directors resume, preparing for tough executive interviews and improving a LinkedIn profile with keyword research.
Does Sarah Johnston coach online?
Sessions are online.
Does Briefcase Coach offer outplacement for companies?
Yes. The firm builds custom outplacement packages for employers, with one-on-one coaching for transitioning leaders. It offers this service nationally.
How long do mock interview sessions last?
Sessions run 60 or 90 minutes by video. Clients get immediate feedback and homework after each one.
How do I contact Sarah Johnston?
Send Sarah a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.