I went straight from university to work in an investment bank in the City. I thought that my motivator was money and for a few years it was but then I gradually started to dread the 6am alarm. I knew that I couldn’t keep on doing what I was and that I probably ought to speak to someone and get some proper career advice. My younger brother had been helped by Barrie to sort out what he wanted to do and I thought maybe he can do the same for me. So I phoned him and we had a chat. This was the start of a process that lasted 3 months and at the end of which I knew what I wanted to do and what I had to do to achieve it. I’m now working in the not for profit sector and enjoying every minute of it; I almost look forward to the morning alarm. Barrie helped me make this transition and I am very grateful.
James R.
When I heard that the IT company where I had worked for 15 years was “refocussing its business strategy” I knew that the writing was on the wall for my project management role. So I decided to be proactive and start thinking about what I wanted to do. I enjoyed project management and wondered whether I could use my skills outside of IT. I decided I needed to talk to someone who could give me some advice but I didn’t fancy going to an Agency who would be looking to place me in shortest possible time to get their commission. So I started trawling the net, as you do in IT, and came across the Career Interview site. It didn’t promise the earth but I thought it was worth having a phone call. I liked their structured approach and the idea of psychometric tests even though I’d never done any before. Anyway one thing led to another and the coaching helped to get a clear idea of what was possible. Then Barrie helped me to identify possible employers and put together a new CV. The next stage was interview practice to raise my confidence, the whole thing took about 3 months. I didn’t get the first job I applied for but with ongoing support I did get the fourth, working in a hi tech manufacturer. I’m loving the job and getting more money. I tell everyone that a phone call can change your life, it did mine.
Martin J.
When my husband walked out and left me with two young children I knew I couldn’t just stay at home and wait for the Courts to give me some money. I had to get a job but I didn’t want to be stacking shelves at Tesco. Before the family I’d had a decent job and I wanted one again. If this sounds as though I had got everything sorted out, well I hadn’t. To be frank I was a bit of a wreck! and the first time I phoned Barrie I kept having a bit of a cry down the phone, very embarrasing. Still we got through the phone call and I knew at once that Barrie could help me. We talked a lot about what I wanted and Barrie suggested I do a psychometric test to help workout what jobs I was best suited for and what was likely to make me happy at work. Believe me the idea of being happy was very attractive. There was no magic wand but we worked through lot of issues together and at the end I had a clear picture of what I wanted to do. We identified possible firms and Barrie helped me draw out my skills and write a CV. Then he helped me prepare for the interviews, I was still a bit fragile and I wasn’t bursting with confidence either, but after a few interviews I was feeling more my old self. I’m now happily working for a law firm in the South of England and gradually putting my life back together.
Laura D.
I was working for a regional accountants and doing pretty well but the big 40 was fast approaching and I kept wondering about setting up my own practice. I liked the idea in principle but, working in an accountants, I had seen lots of people start their own businesses with grand ideas and a business plan who then failed. Should I risk some of the capital I’d built up or should I stay in a safe, comfortable job for the next 25 years? I decided that least I should see if I was the sort of person with the skills and attitudes to be a success. It was no good speaking to the bank, they would say yes and try and loan me money. I couldn’t talk to anyone in the profession because the word would would get out and that might damage my position at my firm. So I decided to get some independent advice and my web search found Career Interview Coach. They had some psychometric tests that specifically addressed self-employment issues. For me the tests showed quite a lot of plus points and some personal development areas if I wanted to go ahead with the idea. This gave me the opportunity to tackle the development areas in advance. People say that the best time to start a new business is in a recession, well I hope that they are right. I have gone for it, not on my own but with a partner. Between us we have the range of skills needed to succeed as our own bosses. All we have to do is prove it. Even with the pressures of getting the business off the ground I’m enjoying every minute. My advice is before you ‘go for it’ get some help from the Career Interview Coach.
Andrew G.
It’s great to find someone in business who goes the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. When any of my friends start moaning about their jobs I tell them to do what I did and talk to the Career Interview Coach it really can make a difference. Keep up the good work.
Becky B.
I didn’t start by wanting my life sorted out I just wanted to look at new career opportunities. But, the more we talked and the more I started thinking in a structured way the more I came to realise it wasn’t all about the job it was about me. Barrie helped me to tackle issues that until we had started the coaching I didn’t know I had or at least I didn’t want to admit to myself that I had. Its really helped me to focus on what I want from life and yes I have got a new job and I’m loving it. Thanks for all your help.
Georgina E.
Although I’m from the UK I’ve been working in the US for the last three years. My contract is due to expire in July and I have applied for jobs in various parts of the States and the UK. It sounds kind of big-headed to say that I’m highly qualified and I’ve had a number of job offers from both sides of ‘the pond’. (I’m not boasting it just happens to be true). I also have family and friends on both sides too. My problem was I just didn’t know what to do. Barrie helped me through the process of coming to a conclusion with the help of some psychometrics and lots of emails and phone calls. I now have a clear vision and goals for the next 5 years.
Rupert T.