One question I am often asked is why did I plan to set up the company early in 2020 whilst the world was in turmoil. This is a question that I am always happy to answer, and which I actually think is really important. With so many people facing redundancy and losing their jobs at that time (and now), there is always potential for a gap in the market to be exploited by “professionals” who can help with getting people back on their feet. This was a natural concern of mine, that I didn’t want to be seen to be establishing a business during the most turbulent employment market.

For me, my motivation couldn’t be further apart. Working through the pandemic, both as a CV Writer (helping people to secure jobs) and an HR Consultant (largely managing job losses and redundancies), I gained a real appreciation of how quickly the world can change. I worked with so many people, on both sides, whose lives had been turned upside down. And the one thing I loved through all of it, was helping. Delivering that human approach that can make all the difference. Listening, supporting, advising and even if I couldn’t physically change the situation - understanding and empathising.

The part of my work that I love is building those relationships. Helping people identify their strengths, skills and achievements and having documents they truly feel proud of. The business is built around keeping prices fair and prioritising service and quality.

I have worked in HR for my whole career, and recruitment and selection has always been a big part of my work. Over the last 7 years I have worked as an HR Consultant, and through this I have seen the catastrophic affect that wrong staff decisions can have on small businesses. The work I do with businesses (outplacement packages, training and HR services) means I can get the right processes in place, and the right decisions made which achieves results for the employer and its recruits and employees.

So, how does this tie into cv writing? Alongside my HR work, I am also a CV Writer and Career Consultant for one of the leading CV writing companies in the UK. This experience has allowed me to see the other side of recruitment. There is such a small window of opportunity for individuals to make an impression. The job market is tough, there are record numbers of people going for every vacancy. I have witnessed first hand the pressure on those who have been in long term jobs and are suddenly redundant and may be facing interviews for the first time. The world of job searching has changed - so many jobs are advertised on line, ATS systems are a massive element of recruitment, many jobs are filled without even being advertised. For many this is a minefield that can really knock confidence at a time when it is needed the most.

Last year I completed a mental health first aider course. I have always been interested in this area, but I was astounded to realise the links between poor mental health and unemployment, the rising rates of depression, stress and anxiety and how they can affect all aspects of individuals lives.

So, after thinking long and hard about what I enjoy, and having the opportunity to develop a business it made perfect sense to focus on the areas that let me look forward to every job and proud of what I have done every day. Therefore it was the right time to launch the company and use my skills, experience and successes to help others succeed.

I do not take for granted how lucky I am to work in a job that I love, and that feedback confirms I excel at. Working with people, growing their confidence by bringing achievements to life, removing the fear and barriers of interviews, giving tools to succeed and being part of someone’s journey to achieve their goals. Equally helping companies make the right decisions and be an employer of choice.

This year more than any other has shown the importance of mutual help, networking and support. Focusing on what’s important and not being afraid to take that first step.

You might be really excited about your job search - perhaps it’s a career change or a promotion. Equally you may have been made redundant or dismissed from a job you thought was safe and finding it hard to have any motivation at all.

Whatever your circumstances, I can assure you an outstanding and flexible service, tailored sensitively to your needs, which will give you the best chance of securing your next step.

National Apprenticeship Week 2025 takes place from 10^th – 16^th February, and is a week-long celebration to bring together businesses and apprentices across the county, and raise awareness of the positive impact that apprenticeships make.

Apprenticeships can be hugely beneficial for individuals, businesses and the economy as a whole, and enable individuals to develop rewarding careers – whilst employers develop a future-proof workforce.

What roles can apprentices do?

Apprenticeships can be in any sector, and cover levels from Level 2 up to Level 6 / 7.

Level 2 apprenticeships are equivalent to 4/5 GCSEs (A*-C), and the levels progress through to 6 and 7 which are equivalent to a degree.  In degree apprenticeships the individual can work towards the degree as part of the apprenticeship.

How much time are apprentices at college?

Apprentices should study for at least 20% of their working hours, and the study time is paid by the employer. Training can be provided by the organisation, or a separate training provider.

Benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship

An apprenticeship can be a very good way to develop skills and experiences, consisting of a combination of practical experience and training. 

As you get paid for working (at National Minimum Wage – with an apprenticeship rate applicable to those under 19, and in their first year of the apprenticeship), this can make it a cost-effective way of training and gaining qualifications relevant to your specialism and field.

When you join an employer, you will be provided with an employment contract and apprenticeship agreement, which details your work terms and conditions as well as details of your training.

Remember, there is no upper age limit for apprentices, and it can be an excellent way for individuals of all ages to develop their careers.

For further information, you can visit the following websites Skills for Life: it all starts with skills | Skills for Careers or Apprenticeships

April marks Stress Awareness Month, and in 2025 the theme is #LeadWithLove – the aim of the 2025 theme is to empower you to approach yourself and others with kindness, compassion and acceptance, no matter the challenges you face.

Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as 'the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them'.

It affects individuals in different ways, but has a significant impact on productivity and attendance at work. During the 23/24 year, stress, depression or anxiety resulted in 16.4 million working days lost (the biggest cause of absence).

On average, each person who was absent with stress took over 21 days off – a significant impact on many organisations.

Across the wider population (not just working aged adults), 74% of individuals reported to feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope when suffering with stress.

Women in the UK report to feeling stressed for approximately 10 days per month, with men experiencing on average 7 days per month of stress. 74% of women, and 61% of men attribute their stress to their work.

Stress symptoms can range from burnout, feelings of being unable to cope, physical symptoms (heart disease, back pain, digestive conditions, and skin conditions), through to suicidal feelings (35% of women and 29% of men have experienced suicidal feelings as a result of stress).

How can you manage stress?

Stress can be caused by many factors both work related, and non-work related.

One of the most stressful situations you may face in your personal life is job searching, especially where this has followed redundancy or unexpected loss of employment. Often, this can lead to concerns about financial aspects (how you will afford to live, the impact on your wider family), along with feelings of self-doubt, and desperation to secure a new role.

There are steps you can take to manage your stress when job searching, including –

· Identify your strengths, look at what you can bring to a role, and the kind of roles you will apply for

· Seek feedback from applications and interviews – use this to take positive steps for future applications

· Seek support from friends, family, colleagues – share your concerns and utilise your network

· Keep a spreadsheet of roles applied for, dates and interviews – review your progress

· Seek professional support if needed

If you are in a role, and experiencing work related stress, raise this with your manager. There are likely to be many actions the company can take to support you, ultimately reducing the likelihood of the situation escalating into absences or performance concerns.