There are many brilliant things about my job. Campaigning is great fun and helping businesses and charities develop and deliver their stories is challenging and rewarding. But helping candidates prepare for interviews has to be the best part of my job. Getting the jubilant text or phone call is one hell of a buzz – whether it’s from a graduate getting their first job or an established executive making a successful career change.

What is quite funny is that no-one is ever “cool” about getting a new job. Both first-timers and alleged grown-ups totally lose any semblance of composure when they contact me – they generally sound as if they are bouncing around on a pogo stick. Interview preparation is so personal, so immediate, so black and white – it’s simple. Like sport. You win or lose. You punch the air or you are thrown to the floor. My stomach always cramps when I see an incoming call from a client after they have come out of an interview or in the weeks afterwards – I know that I will either be celebrating or consoling.

Yesterday I received this testimonial from a client – he had applied for a job, got it and also negotiated a great package. In fairness he was a great candidate in every way – but like most candidates he wasn’t great at telling his story at all. He was so delighted when he called me that he sounded like a kid who had overdosed on jelly babies and he gave me a fantastic and symbolic thank you gift as well! I was over the moon too – a happy day all round!

“Peter was an OUTSTANDING and no-nonsense coach. He showed me how to sell my experience at an interview. The interview. For THAT job. Investing in Peter’s coaching obviously worked because I was successful and am absolutely over the moon with my new role. He also guided me through the process of negotiating my salary up which saw an increase of over 35%. I would highly recommend using Peter if you are seeking a new role.”

Head of Public Affairs at a FTSE 100 company.

author avatar
peterbotting