Emily Stroud on September 24, 2024 at 11:06 am
Coaching with Claire Hodgson was the best decision I made to kick start my career. Warm and approachable and also punchy, she challenged me to improve much more than I believed I was capable of, and then built up my confidence to perform optimally at interview. I know I would not have got my dream job in the Civil Service without her help. She’s a great coach, so do not waste another second thinking about hiring her. Do it. If you want the job, she is the key to get you through the door.
Jon on September 04, 2024 at 11:40 am
I highly recommend Elizabeth and the interview skills clinic. Elizabeth helped me prepare for an interview for a Civil Service Grade 6 role and the three sessions gave me the confidence and skills needed to get the job. As someone who has struggled with interviews in the past I now have the skills to confidently tackle senior Civil Service interviews for the years to come. Elizabeth has a complete understanding the civil service behaviours and interview format so it felt like getting insider knowledge which proved to be essential. Thanks again to Elizabeth and the team.
Ivana on March 25, 2024 at 08:43 am
Elizabeth is an outstanding interview coach whom I highly recommend. Her sessions helped me overcome insecurities as a non-native speaker working in higher education, boosting my confidence and highlighting my skills and abilities. Elizabeth’s calm and kind attitude helped me to stay grounded, but also guided me back to my strengths when I felt lost during the interview, ultimately leading to the attainment of my dream job. I am immensely grateful for her support and look forward to future collaborations.
Sonal on February 22, 2024 at 13:04 pm
Elizabeth is a very supportive coach. I was applying for a Business Analyst role and within an hour of a second interview I was called back by the company to let me know that they really liked me and offered me the job. I thought I knew how to use the STAR approach before but Elizabeth has a unique interpretation of it and I was complimented on my response. What really helped me was the way she broke the STAR up for me in a way which was relevant to the role and sector I was going for. My interview felt much more like a conversation. I learnt a lot and feel so much more confident in interviews
Aashna on February 20, 2024 at 12:50 pm
After five years abroad,I decided to re enter the London job market. Having used Elizabeth's services before, I did not hesitate to contact her again. With her guidance and support I was successful in getting offers from multiple companies. Elizabeth is sincere and cares about her clients and their job satisfaction beyond the remit of her role as an interview coach, her many years of experience give her a discerning eye and she can predict in a very short space of time what her clients need and how to get them from A to B. I would recommend her wholeheartedly. She also goes out of her way to make time for her clients and is very punctual and organised.
Alexia on February 11, 2024 at 16:38 pm
Interview coaching with Matt was exactly what I needed. My skills were rusty and I'd lost confidence. I really liked Matt's direct but supportive approach. I was out of my comfort zone during the sessions (which was good!) but through practice my confidence grew and learning took place. I now have an excellent structure to work with for future interviews. I'm very grateful for Matt's help. Thank you.
Kris on January 30, 2024 at 12:43 pm
I was feeling insecure in my communication skills when I met with Elizabeth for a mock interview. Her knowledge paired with her straightforward approach meant that in one hour we had covered a number of actionable insights that instantly boosted my confidence. I walked into the interview with a clear plan (and renewed belief in my competence) and dare I say I even enjoyed it! Thank you for doing what you do!
Yasmin on January 21, 2024 at 22:50 pm
Matthew has been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout my application process (on multiple occasions. With his support, I was able to land my first civil service role. He put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into every session. His techniques were incredibly helpful and I have learnt skills that I will continue to use throughout my career. Couldn’t recommend more.
Develyn on January 17, 2024 at 14:00 pm
Elizabeth is a fabulous coach. Following her coaching, I had two coaching sessions I got a senior programme manager role in the Civil Service, it was a very complex role. I offered the job and I was told my interview was excellent!! Elizabeth gave me such detailed and insghtful feedabck I was able to reshape all my Behaviour answers and went into the interview feeling much more confident. Thank you Elizabeth
Thomas on January 13, 2024 at 13:13 pm
Elizabeth's coaching made a huge difference. I was struggling with getting a permanent role at the University despite knowing I had all the experience I needed. The interview was challenging with lots of situational questionsand I didn't know where I was going wrong. Elizabeth was able to demonstrate how to rephase my answers in a way which the Interviewers wanted. We had two coaching sessions and her advice was invaluable, the interview went exceptionally well and I got the job. Thank you so much for your time and support.
Elizabeth is a fabulous coach. Following her coaching, I had two coaching sessions I got a senior programme manager role in the Civil Service, it was a very complex role. I offered the job and I was told my interview was excellent!! Elizabeth gave me such detailed and insghtful feedabck I was able to reshape all my Behaviour answers and went into the interview feeling much more confident. Thank you Elizabeth
Hi Develyn, I was delighted to be able to help. Interviews take a great deal of work and practice which you did by listening back to the video recordings and taking the advice on board. Well done. I am sure you’ll be a great success in the role.
Elizabeth’s coaching made a huge difference. I was struggling with getting a permanent role at the University despite knowing I had all the experience I needed. The interview was challenging with lots of situational questionsand I didn’t know where I was going wrong. Elizabeth was able to demonstrate how to rephase my answers in a way which the Interviewers wanted. We had two coaching sessions and her advice was invaluable, the interview went exceptionally well and I got the job. Thank you so much for your time and support.
Hi Thomas, I know how frustrated you felt about previous interviews and how important it was for you to get a permanent role at the University. Situational questions can be difficult to answer well and get a high assessment and you took on baord all my feedback even though it sometimes felt challenging. All the hard work paid off and you have the role you wanted.
I had never done a UK Civil Service interview, and had never worked with a coach before – and I needed urgent help to prepare for an application. I found Mathew Eastlake during an online search and I had no idea what to expect. 4 sessions later I can honestly say it was probably the best investment of my life. Not only did Matt help me ace the interview and secure the role, but during our sessions I also learned so much more about my strengths and weaknesses. In just 4 sessions I learned how to focus my answers and present myself in the best possible way. I could not have gotten the role without Matt – that is the truth. If you need help preparing for an interview you have reached the best possible team to work with. Don’t hesitate. THANK YOU !!!!
Thank you Maria. As you identified the structure of a Civil Service interview is quite unique and can be bewildering- certainly to first time interviewees. I was impressed with how you took onboard the detail we covered and practiced your answers. I hope the new role goes well.
I am so pleased I took the opportunity to have professional help with my interview technique (which I very much needed). Matthew Eastlake is obviously extremely experienced and went the extra mile to ensure his advice was personalised and appropriate for the role. I learnt so much about the kinds of questions to expect, how to answer them, and prepare for the presentation. It gave me much more confidence. It worked as I go the job!!! It was particularly rewarding to be complimented on how well I interviewed afterwards. Its definitely an investment in the future. Thank you Matthew!
Congratulations on securing your dream role and importantly the feedback on your interview was hihgly complementary. I enjoyed working with you and seeing your confidence grow so you were ready for a range of challenging questions.
Having been in a temporary senior role for over 2 years I was keen to secure the position on a permanent basis. I knew my interview skills needed work and Matthew was able to coach me in just 3 sessions from a nervous person who hated interviews to someone confident with how to approach the interview and give a good account of myself at a strategic level. His support, guidance, helpful tips and insight meant I felt confident throughout the interview and I am delighted to have secured the role! THANK YOU!
Well done on securing the permanent position. As is often the case moving from a temporary position to being permanent is not a give as the competition is so fierce. With preparation and practice you were able to remove your interview anxiety and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
I had never used the services of an interview coach before but had an approaching interview for a role as a coroner that was very important to me so I wanted some help. I was very impressed with Matthew Eastlake. He gave very sound advice on how to answer specific types of interview questions and to portray myself in a positive light. I felt myself improve over the sessions. He was extremely personable and I would highly recommend his services.
This is great news, I believed from the outset that you would make an excellent coroner and together we unlocked the skills ( which you already prosess) to demonstrate that you are able to lead a successful team and office. Well done again.
I recently had a couple of coaching sessions with Matthew in preparation for interview. Matthew was so helpful, giving me honest feedback sensitively, encouraging me to take a really honest look at myself in terms of presentation, animation, pitch and tone. It was all great advice which helped me greatly during a really challenging process. I am so grateful for the valued support and guidance.
This is a significant, high profile and extrememly important role for which I am very pleased you have been selected as lead. Accepting feedback and acting upon it is one of the traits of the confident and competent leader that you are. Good luck as you head up this key department.
I found Elizabeth on Youtube and I wasn’t sure at first whether I coudl afford coaching. I could only afford one session even though I struggled with previous Civil Service interviews. I got the job!!! Thankyou for your help it was such a game changer! I went in with my answers and they where amazed how much i covered and couldn’t think of any further questions 😂 It’s the best investment of £180 i ever made.
Hi Josy, what can I say. I am glad you found our Youtube channel and that I was able to help you in time for your interview. Often just understanding what the Behaviours really mean and how you are being assessed can make a big difference in a Civil Service interview. I hope I will be able to help you again when you are looking for promotion.
Georgina was incredibly helpful and experienced in what she does. Georgina was easy to contact and went out of her way to make time for me often with little notice. I highly recommend this to anyone who is going through the job application and interview process. 10/10
Hi Sammy, thank you so much for your review. I’m absolutely delighted that you managed to secure such a competitive role with such a prestigious organisation! I wish you every success in the future, it was a pleasure to work with you. Georgina Kvassay
I had no idea that there were interview coaches before my meetings with Elizabeth. I am so thankful I was referred to her. She cut straight to the chase and with limited time helped me get the job I wanted. I look forward to working with her in the future in any way, shape or form.
Thanks Dexter, well done. Remember you found me a bit scary! But it was worth it because you are now starting a new career. With interview coaching we have such a limited time to help a client get the job that sometimes we have be quite directive . You took all the feedback on board and prepared brilliantly. I look forward to working together in the future. Elizabeth 🙂