Karen Parker - The Interview Expert

I help people at all stages of their careers including:

⭐ UNIVERSITY ADMISSION INTERVIEWS

Expert coaching for university applicants on how to give the best impression at interview and ensure they secure their chosen course. I work with students to identify what the interviewers are looking for and how best to align themselves with the course requirements by drawing on relevant personal knowledge

, skills and experience and delivering these in an impressive way.

⭐ GRADUATE JOB APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS

Expert careers guidance and advice for students at all stages of their university studies.

• I work with first and second year students to ensure they are
building the CV they need to get the job they ultimately want;
through advice on securing relevant work experience and
identifying and developing the skills required to be successful in
their graduate job applications. I work with them to develop an
action plan to ensure they have obtained the skills and experience
needed to stand out from other candidates by the time they come
to interview for graduate jobs.

• For final year students and graduates, I provide expert interview
training and CV advice to ensure they are fully prepared and can
present themselves in the best way possible. This includes
guidance on how to prepare for interview, training on how to sell
themselves to the interviewer and demonstrate that they are the
best candidate for the job, advice on how to talk about their CV,
practice at dealing with difficult interview questions and a mock
interview session to perfect their technique.

⭐ LOOKING FOR AND SECURING A NEW JOB

Expert interview coaching and CV/application advice for professionals looking to move jobs (or progress internally). I can help at all stages of your job search including:

• how to work successfully with recruiters,
• how to ensure you are fully covering your job market,
• how to tailor your CV for each opportunity and ensure it has the
content to stand out to your potential employer,
• how to use your CV to guide the interview and demonstrate your
suitability for the role,
• how to prepare for interview including advice on effective research
and successful interview techniques,
• how to present your skills and experience to demonstrate that you
are the best candidate for the job.
• mock interview sessions to deal with common and difficult
questions and ensure you are fully prepared.

⭐ PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS AND CAREER PROGRESSION

Expert advice on presenting your case for career progression, whether in an appraisal setting, promotion interview, salary review or change of job internally. I can advise you on preparing your pitch or business plan in the most persuasive way, identify and build the evidence you need to support this and advise you on how to successfully present it to achieve the result you want.

⭐ RETURNING TO WORK-following redundancy, parental leave, change in career etc

It can be daunting returning to the workplace after a period of leave and I offer comprehensive refresher sessions to give you the skills, confidence and market knowledge to get you the job you want. This includes:

• advising on your CV to ensure it reflects market expectations and presents you in the most effective way,
• updating you on current recruitment practices, how to work effectively with recruiters, the use of social media and direct applications in getting you the job you want,
• how to prepare for interview including advice on effective research and what to expect from your interviewers,
• refreshing your interview technique to ensure you are presenting yourself in the best possible way,
• advice on tackling any areas of your CV you may find problematic, including how to talk about any gaps on your CV,
• mock interview sessions to deal with common and difficult interview questions, ensure you are fully prepared and boost your confidence.

⭐ CV SURGERY

Your CV is your sales pitch to potential employers and first impressions count! It is your opportunity to showcase yourself and set yourself apart from other candidates and is therefore your most effective tool in your job search. Whatever stage of your career, I can advise on how to build a CV that will open doors for you and ensure you get noticed.

• For undergraduates and graduates: I help you to build and develop the CV you need to get the job you ultimately want.
• For job seekers/career progression: I will help you create a tailored CV that will stand out to your potential employer and include the key content needed to enable you to steer any interview to your advantage.
• For performance appraisals/salary reviews: I can advise you on preparing and presenting your business case in the most effective and persuasive way.
• For those returning to the workplace: Whatever length of time you have been away from the workplace, I can put you in the best position to return and ensure your CV presents you in the most impressive way. I work with you to identify your skills, strengths and experience and convey these in a convincing way that reflects market expectation.