About Me

MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND I am a Certified Advanced Resume Writer, Employment Interview Consultant, and Careers Coach with a B.A. (Hons) in Business Studies from the Robert Gordon University, Scotland.

Like many of my clients, I’ve experienced multiple crossroads that have forced me to rethink how I can create a meaningful career.

I use my experience at international corporations, running a franchise, as a freelance business consultant, and now my own small business to help you successfully navigate the challenges you might be facing.

Professional memberships

• Career Directors International (CDI)
• I am also an active volunteer with the CDI Education Committee

Recent study

I’m a strong supporter of continuous personal development and became a Certified Life Coach in 2009, a Certified Advanced Resume Writer in 2016, a Certified Employment Interview Consultant in 2021, and more recently I completed an ICF approved Certificate in Career Coaching Practice. I have also attended intensive courses on:

Career Coaching – John Lee’s Career Coaching Masterclass

Resume Writing 

• Mastering Technology & Engineering Resumes and LinkedIn Profiles – The Resume Writing Academy
• Formatting Modern Resumes: Strategy & Distinctive Design to Win Interviews – The Resume Writing Academy
• How to Write Stand-out Sales, Marketing, & Business Development Resumes & LinkedIn Profiles –  The Resume Writing Academy
• Writing Resumes & Profiles for Career Change Success –  The Resume Writing Academy
• Ageism: Writing Strategies for Clients Age 50+ – The Resume Writing Academy
• How to Make Non-Linear Careers Shine – The Resume Writing Academy
• Branded Resumes & Profiles – The Resume Writing Academy
• Executive Resume Writing – The Resume Writing Academy

Job Search 

• Professional LinkedIn Profile Writing – The FAVAR Method of LinkedIn Profile Creation
• Writing Powerful LinkedIn Profiles – The Resume Writing Academy
• Blueprint to the Hidden Job Market – Building Job Search Plans that Work – Career Thought Leaders

Awards:

I feel honoured to have received a variety of awards for my work. Most recently these have included:

• Most Dedicated Career Coach (Netherlands) 2023 – Influential Businesswoman Awards
• Resume Writer of the Year 2022 – Benelux Enterprise Awards
• Career Coaching Consultancy of the Year 2021/22 – Corporate Livewire Global Awards
• TORI Award 2021 – Best Classic New Grad Resume, 3rd Place – Toast of the Resume Industry Awards, Career Directors International
•  Job Search Strategist of the Year 2020 – Corporate Coaching and Recruitment Awards

MY STORY

A Scottish upbringing

I grew up surrounded by beautiful countryside in the North East of Scotland. Unlike my brother who knew from the moment he could talk that he wanted to be an engineer, I struggled to decide what route to take when I was at school.

The easiest option

Later, at university, I realized that I still didn’t know what I wanted to do. And so I chose the road with least resistance: I took the first job that came along because I had bills to pay. This, I’ve since learnt, is not the way to decide on a career! At least not one where you feel fulfilled and successful.

Change and luck

After two years as an assistant accountant, I knew that I had to change direction. Again, I took the first exit that came along and was lucky to land a job as a cost engineer which I found more rewarding.

Family life

My career path took another turn when I had my two wonderful children. I went back to the same company on a part-time basis but it wasn’t long before I realised that I wanted to do something completely different. Ideally, I decided, I wanted to be my own boss.

A new direction

While I still had no idea about transferable skills or how to create a personal brand, I made some important next steps. I bought into a franchise and eventually, found an opportunity to become a consultant for businesses that needed help setting up. I sold the franchise, began my own consultancy, and loved it.

Expat life

When you do find something you love, it’s not always easy to hold onto. In 2006, my career hit another roadblock when my husband’s work moved us to Holland. I had to give up my business and a job that I loved.

It was, as you can imagine, a significant challenge for me. In addition to the challenge of moving to another country, it was also the first time that I hadn’t worked. I felt as though I was losing some of my independence and I had to find a way around it. As it turned out, this was the first time I really spent time reviewing my career journey to date and planning the way forward.

The right job

I assessed my skills and strengths, followed my interests and values and retrained as a career consultant. I now consider myself extremely lucky to have a job where I can help others get a job they love too.

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