Is the investment made in coaching services worth it?
Certainly, your professional development pays off in the long run. Pause for a moment and consider the value of happiness and the potential consequences of delaying or encountering obstacles in your job search. Acquiring a new job promptly can increase both happiness and income, thus making the investment worthwhile.
By participating in my coaching sessions, you will gain invaluable insights that can expedite your job search more effectively than going it alone. The investment is geared towards proven strategies, useful resources, and an accountability partner throughout your career change.
The knowledge and expertise gained through our time together will benefit you for years to come, even beyond the initial coaching period, as you’ll be well-prepared to secure a new job whenever required.
What is the benefit of hiring a professional CV writer?
Hiring a professional CV writer offers the advantage of a well-crafted, structured, and compelling document that showcases your skills and accomplishments. This significantly boosts your chances of capturing potential employers’ attention and securing job interviews.
What used to work no longer works in today’s job market. Consider investing in a professional CV writing service if you face any of the following scenarios:
- Not received a response to online applications.
- Receiving inappropriate job opportunities.
- Contacted by recruiters for unsuitable positions.
If you’re attending relevant interviews but not receiving offers, it’s likely that interview coaching services will be more beneficial than a new CV.
How can I ensure that I will secure job interviews and offers?
To maximise your likelihood of securing job interviews and offers, I strongly recommend that clients gain a profound understanding of themselves—identifying their strengths, passions, and areas of expertise. This self-awareness is fundamental not only to job satisfaction but to life itself. Armed with this self-knowledge, you can confidently position yourself in the job market.
The next step involves aligning your qualifications, skills, and experience with the specific needs of potential employers. While this may sound straightforward, it necessitates thorough self-evaluation and the ability to showcase tangible impact. This process culminates in the creation of a personal brand, which extends both online and offline, forming the foundation for all job search and networking efforts. This strategic approach not only leads to interviews but also increases your prospects of receiving job offers.
As a coach, I guide my clients though this journey every step of the way. While this process isn’t an instant fix, my services have helped many clients generate interviews and contacts more efficiently than if they navigated the process independently.
I am committed to delivering services that align with my client’s expectations, and I will strive to get them noticed in the job market. However, I cannot control factors such as other candidates, hiring freezes, or unforeseen events, so I cannot guarantee a job interview or offer.
Do I need a LinkedIn profile?
Put simply, yes! Although not mandatory, having a strong LinkedIn presence can significantly enhance your job search process and improve your chances of landing the desired role.
My advice is that while LinkedIn isn’t absolutely required for job search success, it can be an incredibly valuable tool for networking, discovering job opportunities, and showcasing your professional experience.
Creating a robust LinkedIn profile helps you build your online presence and enables potential employers or recruiters to find you more easily. By utilising LinkedIn’s features such as connections, endorsements, and recommendations, you can showcase your credibility and demonstrate your expertise in various skills.
Additionally, the platform offers numerous resources like industry articles, webinars, and group discussions to keep you updated with the latest trends in your field.
Can I copy my CV into my LinkedIn Profile?
While it may be tempting to copy your CV directly into your LinkedIn profile, I would advise against doing so. Instead, use your LinkedIn profile as an opportunity to showcase your professional achievements and personal brand in a more engaging and interactive way.
From the headline and job titles to your summary and skills sections, these can be presented differently to capture your network’s attention and make a lasting impression.
These key areas go beyond the bullet points of your CV, incorporating storytelling to showcase your professional journey and unique value proposition.
Is My CV Impacted by ATS?
In a world of online job boards and portals, a significant portion of job applications are currently processed through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems track your submission at each stage of the hiring process and some smarter ones utilise CV scanning technology to parse content and filter out unsuitable CVs. Consequently, depending on the size of the organisation, the likelihood of your CV reaching a human reviewer beyond the point of online submission is minimal unless it is optimised for ATS. Fortunately, I specialise in crafting ATS-optimised CVs for my clients.
ABOUT AMELIA
What do your clients have to say about you?
My clients often express their appreciation for the personalised guidance and support I provide throughout their career journey. They value my ability to help them identify their strengths, set realistic goals, and develop actionable strategies to achieve their objectives.
Many of them have successfully transitioned into completely new roles or industries, largely attributing their progress to our coaching sessions.
Overall, clients find my approach inspiring, motivating, and energising, as we work collaboratively to enhance their professional growth.
You can find testimonials from real ABCV clients here.
Are you a certified CV Writer and Career Coach?
Yes, I hold certifications as a Career Transition Coach, Personal Branding Strategist, and Interview & Compensation Negotiation Coach, awarded by Career Thought Leaders—an organisation accredited by the International Federation of Coaching (IFC). My badges, validating these qualifications, can be viewed on Credly (https://www.credly.com/users/amelia-brooke/badges).
Additionally, I am a certified member of the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW) and an active member of the Career Development Institute (CDI). I am more than happy to provide details of my certifications upon request. Both organisations emphasise a commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and I consistently demonstrate my dedication to staying current in the field.
How long have you been a CV Writer and Coach?
I established ABCV in 2014, initially known as ABCV Solutions. At that time, the market was saturated with impersonal ‘CV mills’ that often outsourced work to underqualified writers.
Specialising in technology and engineering but serving clients across various career levels, from graduates to C-suite executives, my background in technical recruitment, manufacturing, and oil and gas allowed me to connect with clients on a deeper level.
Known for understanding clients’ goals and articulating their value within organisations, my reputation grew, and clientele expanded to include widely diverse professionals, from Nuclear Fusion Engineers to Directors of AI Development.
In 2019, a turning point came as I was nominated a finalist for a Business Excellence Award, coinciding with a diagnosis of a degenerative health condition. This prompted a re-evaluation, leading to a transition from exclusive CV writing to a comprehensive career strategy service.
Now, as ABCV – Amelia Brooke Career Vision, I cover the entire career journey, from career clarity and personal branding to job searching (including CVs and LinkedIn), interview practice, and salary negotiation. This shift allows me to spend less time typing and more time engaging in meaningful conversations—a part of my work that I truly cherish.
How are you different from other career coaches?
What sets me apart from other career coaches are four distinctive reasons:
Fresh Perspectives: I possess a unique talent for bringing fresh perspectives to challenging situations. My natural curiosity and in-depth understanding of the field’s challenges enable me to guide clients in discovering valuable and distinctive experiences.
INTJ Personality: As an INTJ personality type, considered one of the rarest by 16personalities (https://www.16personalities.com/intj-personality), I seek a career that fuels my curiosity and leverages my intellect to tackle meaningful challenges. With an ability to cut through the noise and identify the true cause of a problem, I thrive on solving complex issues.
Recruitment Background: With a background in technical recruitment, I’ve sourced top talent for prominent organisations in Australia, the UK, and Europe. This experience offers a valuable market perspective, providing critical insights for implementing smarter and more efficient approaches to career development.
Global Expertise: Holding certifications in both the UK and the US (Please refer to the above question: Are you a certified CV Writer and Career Coach?), coupled with a degree in International Business, I’ve collaborated with some of the brightest minds in global manufacturing, engineering, and oil majors. This unique blend of qualifications and experience positions me to provide holistic and globally informed career coaching.
SERVICES
Who are your coaching and writing clients exactly?
I specialise in supporting mid-level to executive professionals who are currently employed but seeking new opportunities, individuals looking to re-enter the workforce, and those navigating significant career transitions.
I particularly enjoy working with technology and leadership professionals, and my clientele spans diverse industries, including finance, pharmaceuticals, robotics, manufacturing, energy, news and media, aerospace, and telecommunications, among others.
The organisations my clients are associated with or aspire to work for are equally diverse, encompassing startups, global businesses, consultancies, social enterprises, and charitable organisations.
Whether they hold positions in IT, program management, or product development, a common thread among them is their involvement in roles characterised by constant change.
Many of my clients are pleasantly surprised when they realise the profound impact their contributions can make, and capturing this impact becomes a revealing and empowering aspect of our work together.
Are there any industries or professions that you don’t work with?
My expertise lies in guiding mid-level to executive clients through various career transitions, offering tailored guidance across diverse professional landscapes.
While I am committed to providing effective support to individuals in various fields, I typically avoid working with clients entering academia or pursuing public sector positions. On the flip side, I have successfully assisted individuals transitioning from academia to different sectors and facilitated moves from civil service roles to positions in the private and charitable sectors.
If I believe that an individual may not achieve the desired results or isn’t well-suited for my services, I make a concerted effort to connect them with my network of other certified writers to ensure they find a better match.
What coaching services do you offer?
My coaching services are offer to clients in a variety package based on their needs.
Position for Promotion: Stay competitive in your field by refining existing skills and acquiring new ones. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to enhance your skill set, keeping you ahead in your industry.
Personal Branding Mastery: Strengthen your professional identity and leave a lasting impression. Let’s collaborate on crafting a compelling personal brand that reflects your skills, values, and unique strengths.
Career Transition Coaching: Gain clarity on your long-term career goals by identifying passions, strengths, and areas for growth. This coaching service paves the way for a more fulfilling career.
Job Search Strategy: Partner with me to remove roadblocks, create a strategic action plan, and fast-track your success. In just one hour, we’ll boost your confidence and craft an actionable plan for a holistic approach to propel your job search forward.
Interview Preparation: Stay ready for unexpected opportunities with sharp interview skills. This coaching includes thorough interview preparation and strategies to boost your confidence.
Interview Practice: Put your preparation to use through simulated interviews, receiving valuable feedback and refining your approach for real-world success.
First 90 Days Coaching: An exclusive 3-month coaching service designed to equip you with the tools and mindset needed to proactively tackle challenges and seize opportunities in the crucial initial phase of your new role.
Group Coaching, Webinars, and Workshops: Whether you need an engaging speaker, a webinar for your team, or a workshop for your career fair, feel free to get in touch for a quote.
Feel free to reach out, and let’s discuss how our coaching services can support your current career objectives and future aspirations.
Learn MoreWhat if I'm not actively job hunting?
If you’re not actively searching for a new job, that’s perfectly fine! My coaching services cater to individuals at various stages of their career journey. Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional brand, gain clarity on your career path, or simply want to be prepared for future opportunities, my coaching can be tailored to your specific needs.
Beyond job searching, an up-to-date professional profile enhances networking opportunities, prompts career reflection, and positions you for unexpected prospects. Updating your CV and LinkedIn, even when not actively job hunting, contributes to a strong and forward-thinking image in your field.
What is expected of me in your coaching services?
In my coaching services, my primary focus is on empowering clients by strengthening their wisdom, thought processes, and directed action toward the future, based on their career self-identified goals. I create a supportive and non-judgmental environment to foster inquiry and hold you accountable.
This is a collaborative process that requires an open mind, a willingness to step beyond your comfort zone, connect with others, and, above all, honesty. Additionally, you are expected to:
- Dedicate the time and mental attitude necessary to the coaching process.
- Complete all pre-work assignments and submit ahead of each session.
- Attend all scheduled sessions, and in cases where rearrangements are necessary, provide as much notice as possible.
These expectations ensure the effectiveness of our collaboration and your progress towards your career goals. I will be available for support to answer any questions you have along the way, in between sessions.
Does coaching really work?
Yes. The outcome of my services is a strategic approach that empowers you to confidently position yourself, making you stand out to hiring managers and excel during interviews.
What is the process to write my CV, LinkedIn and Cover Letter?
Throughout this collaborative process, I will help you craft a polished CV that showcases your skills and achievements in the best light possible.
Once you’ve decided on the best CV package for you, place your order online. Once I receive your order, we’ll begin by having you fill out the Client Intake Form, which will give me insight into your background, experiences, and goals.
Next, we’ll schedule a Zoom or phone session where we can discuss your career in more detail and fine-tune your key messaging. I often refer to this as the deep-dive consultation.
Please note that my approach follows a first-come-first-served basis to ensure fairness to all clients. Your commitment to returning the Client Intake form promptly will expedite the scheduling of the deep-dive consultation.
Usually within 7 working days, I’ll present you with your draft CV for approval. If required, I can make two rounds of edits, before delivering final versions in MS Word and PDF.
The CV service also includes a follow up Zoom or phone session to show you how to edit the CV to suit each opportunity. Plus, I’ll always be available via email for any additional questions or concerns you may have.
For LinkedIn Optimisation, you will receive all suggested content and changes on an MS Word document within 3 working days of CV approval. You are welcome to edit your LinkedIn profile using the content provided or, if you prefer, I will guide you through each change during an online Zoom session at a mutually convenient time.
For Cover Letters, you will receive a tailored letter matching the style, tone and formatting of your new CV within 3 working days of CV approval.
How fixed are your timeframes?
As I do not outsource my work, I prioritise providing personalised and thorough attention to each client and the timeline for completion will be determined based on the volume of requests and my commitment to maintaining a high standard of quality.
While I strive to complete all writing tasks within timeframes stated above, please note that completion may vary depending on client volumes, my ability to contact you and the time of year. I cannot guarantee adherence to these timelines in every case.
If you require expedited writing services, I offer them at an additional cost starting at £500, depending on your preferred turnaround time. To inquire about expediting your order, please reach out to hello@amelia-brooke.com.
How about edits? Do I have to accept the first draft?
No, you don’t have to accept the first draft right away. While I bring my writing and coaching expertise to the table, I acknowledge that you possess unique insights about yourself. Whether you’ve recently achieved a new qualification, completed a noteworthy project, or simply want some cosmetic tweaks, I am here to accommodate your preferences.
For CVs and LinkedIn, I offer two rounds of complimentary edits if requested within 2 working days of receiving your first draft. In the absence of feedback within this 2-day period, the draft will be considered approved. I will then carry out final checks, convert it into the final version, and close the order.
Please note that Cover Letters do not include draft approval and edits.
Do you provide additional career tools?
Absolutely! Beyond expertly crafted CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters, I provide specialised professional marketing materials such as executive bios, networking briefs, e-notes and thank you notes. If you require a custom-branded career document not explicitly listed on my site, feel free to inquire—I am here to tailor my services to meet your unique needs.
I don’t have a CV or LinkedIn profile, can I still sign up?
Yes, you can sign up for CV + LinkedIn writing or career coaching packages even if you don’t currently have a CV or LinkedIn profile. The client intake and deep dive consultation process are designed to capture the essential information needed to craft your brand-new CV and profile content in due course. Simply let me know at the time of ordering, and I will ensure the process is tailored to accommodate your specific needs.
Do you work with clients outside of the UK?
Yes! Currently, I only work in English and on English CVs, but I work with clients from all over the world.
What is your refund policy?
Because my services are tailored and personalised to your specifications, the UK’s Consumer Protection ‘cooling-off’ period regulations do not apply and so I am only able to offer refunds if the request is made in writing prior to me having started the work, in this case, issuing you with either the Client Intake Form or Coaching Agreement or within 24 hours of payment having been made, whichever comes first.
I’ve checked out and paid. Will you need anything else?
Yes. Depending on your selected service, you will need to complete the Client Intake Form or Coaching Agreement so that I can deliver on our promise of a hand-in-glove fit for any of my services. These should be with you within 24 hours of receiving your order.
Take the time to carefully complete and submit the intake form and you’ll really be helping me to help you. For CV, LinkedIn and Cover Letter orders, you’ll also need to upload your existing CV plus any relevant documentation like the job ad, role spec and any other materials you’d like to showcase as part of your application.
What happens after I submit my CV and Intake Form?
I won’t waste time. Expect a handshake phone call or email usually within one working day to break the ice and set things in stone. The icebreaker call or email is my chance to introduce myself, request anything else I need, and your chance to ask questions and tell me anything else you think would be useful.
Can you send me a sample of your work?
In short, I don’t provide samples; however, I do share examples of my work upon request during the free Discovery Consultations conducted on-screen. These examples include anonymised before and after CV samples.
Moreover, I value the positive recommendations from individuals on social media. You can review testimonials and feedback from previous clients by visiting this link: Testimonials. It provides insights into the experiences of others who have benefited from my services.
