Success Stories

Read reviews and testimonials from bookcareers.com clients and explore success stories from people we've helped with careers guidance, CVs and applications, interviews, outplacement and their working lives across book publishing.

We always turn to bookcareers for providing our outplacement support. They are so tuned into publishing, provide lots of one to one assistance and remain focussed on supporting our employees get back into work with practical guidance.

Human Resources Manager, Trade Publishing

'I was so impressed by how thorough you were by going through previous unsuccessful applications and I felt that you really wanted to help. I now have a good action plan and feel much better prepared to resume my job search.'
KP, Editorial Assistant

'Suzanne is that nagging voice that gets you out there, reviewing your CV, jobhunting and generally staying motivated'
LR, Project Manager

 

'Suzanne's advice and support has been an inspirational experience'
MT, Editor

“Suzanne’s consultation was genuinely one of the most helpful I’ve had. Her feedback was clear, practical, and really helped me present my experience more confidently while still sounding like myself. She also very kindly gifted me her book, which I’m excited to read - it's clear she really cares about helping people break into publishing. 100% recommend to anyone trying to get into the industry!"
Marketing Assistant

Thank you for your advice and guidance. When I first started I never considered my employer restricting outside activities. But you helped me navigate this and develop my ideas further into something that would benefit my employer too.

AP Marketing

You helped me think of my business differently and focus my mind on the matters in hand. Having you look at everything I was doing from emails to marketing made me change things for the better.

SC, Publishing. Services

CASE STUDY

Jean was a Marketing Executive within a trade publisher and found her probation was extended as their work wasn't up to scratch. Their employer had identified problems with prioritisation, managing deadlines and organising their workflow as well as putting across their creative ideas. Jean was told they would be let go of if these issues did not resolve immediately.

We arranged a series of coaching sessions, addressing the key issues and - using real work examples - implemented key time management strategies, as well as a clear system of when to ask for help.

Jean's employer commented 'it was like having a brand new employee' and Jean was kept on, with her employment only ending when she had decided to move on elsewhere.

I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that I've got a new job!!! It's a big change from my current job, but one I'm really looking forward to.

I wanted to say a huge thank you for all of your help and support - I found your interview coaching so, so helpful and sure I wouldn't have got this without you!

GV EDITORIAL

CASE STUDY

Andrew felt he was being bullied by his line manager. No matter what he did, it was wrong or unacceptable. Over a period of three months we worked with Andrew. We identified the areas of weakness the office bully was attacking and taught Andrew how to rewrite his emails and responses in a way that stopped the bullying altogether.

Super helpful and positive. Covers so many aspects of CVs, Cover Letters and real-life interview questions and practice. Great for a refresh and picking up new tips I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

VS MARKETING

Thank you for the advice you gave regarding my cover letter. I applied for a few jobs straight after. I was offered a temp editorial position within two weeks of fixing up my CV. I would not have been considered for interview without your honesty and no-nonsense advice.

ST EDITORIAL

I just wanted to write and thank you for the CV consultation. I have now got a job as a Publishing Assistant... it must have been my strong CV which attracted them. Thank you so much for the advice you gave me, I feel it really did help me get this job.
IC Assistant

'It was really helpful that you could read through my CVs and cover letters' NJ, Rights Manager

'Thank you for helping me create a truly fabulous CV' NR, Publisher

'Thank you so much for your encouragement and support' PC, Editorial

I just wanted to sincerely thank you so much - you were so critical in helping me visualise myself outside of an environment where I'd become really institutionalised, and giving me a vital launchpad for resources. It was the turbocharge I needed for my confidence, and really allowed me to let my skills flourish in applying - I'm so incredibly grateful to you.

Wonderfully specific and practical advice about job searching and job applications. Covered all the steps of preparing yourself as an applicant so feel more confident in job searching independently.

AB EDITORIAL

'Since our meeting I have had more interviews"'CH, Editorial

'Your help with the job description was invaluable' CH, Editorial

'This advice was invaluable' DV, Editor

'I found the session really helpful and productive' NJ, Editorial Assistant

'I'll be starting my dream job and I know what a huge part Suzanne played in it' MB, Director

'Fantastic. I thought I was asking the impossible; you made it a reality' AB Moved from Academic to Trade Publishing

'Thank you again, this is my dream job' RG, Publicity

'The support and advice Suzanne provides is invaluable to any publishing job seeker' HR, Editor

CASE STUDY

Deepak was a Publishing Director for a trade publisher and had been in their job for over 10 years. The company was at risk of takeover and they were worried that they would be the first to lose their job, as others might think they had become tired and stale. They also had other career options they were considering and just didn't know what to do for the best.

We arranged a series of 6 coaching sessions with the aim of challenging their industry knowledge and bringing their skills up to date, as well as helping them to explore the viability of other career choices. These sessions helped restore Deepak's confidence, put their skills at the forefront of industry developments, and demonstrate they would be a valuable asset in any company acquisition.

Got some great news! I was offered two jobs which means I won't be coming to the job club anymore! I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help with everything and keeping us all motivated during this long search. I have really appreciated your advice and going to the job club every couple of weeks has helped keep my spirits up during these last few months when I could have got quite down about everything.

MH Previous Attendee

The Career Guidance session was extremely beneficial, particularly with regards to focusing my career path - I'd always figured I was Editorial material but bookcareers helped me to realise that perhaps I am actually better suited to the Marketing field I already find myself in, which is very reassuring. I will also keep an eye out for International Sales type roles too now, following their suggestions.

JK Marketing

'Suzanne opened my eyes to all the different channels available to find a new job and she guided me through the challenges of finding permanent work after experiencing redundancy.' EG, Digital Manager

'The sessions were useful in helping me re-envision what the next stage of my career in publishing might look like, and I'm most grateful to for the coaching support I received after I left my previous role.'

'The advice and support has been invaluable' MH Production

'Thank you for your helpful advice' AS, Editor

"I found the session very helpful' JW, Academic Editor to Trade Publishing Editor

CASE STUDY

Otto had been signed off sick with work-related stress and burnout. Otto loved his job but had taken on too many projects and was struggling with pressures and deadlines. We helped co-ordinate a phased and gradual return and implement systems, so that the working environment became a safe space where Otto and colleagues could share responsibility and stress was minimised.

'really a dream come true and throughout both interviews (and tests) I really addressed the issues we discussed in the session I had with you earlier this year. It's clearly paid off... I'll bet you get loads of emails like these but I just wanted to thank you again for all your help' NS Editor

'I got the job as Editor and just wanted to say many thanks for your help' FL, Freelance

'Thank you SO much for all your advice' EH, Graduate

'Thanks so much, and thanks for all your help, you were fantastic' PJ, Administrator

Thank you so much for your consultation - your helpful discussion opened my eyes to new possibilities and insights regarding the industry, and your objective advice on my career path and CV continues to be invaluable.

I really appreciated the opportunity to get a bit of career coaching from someone in the industry. Suzanne's input made a huge difference to my career.

MB Director

I was starting to wonder whether I was out of touch with what was going on in the outside world. Our regular coaching sessions gave me targets and objectives to put my career back on track.

MN Publishing Director

'It was good talking to you - I definitely feel more inspired' AC, Managing Editor

'Thank you for your help, it has enabled me to grow more confident and believe in my talents' BC, Editorial

bookcareers helped me to feel much more at ease in my work. I’ve improved my efficiency, rate of productivity, organisational skills, and interpersonal relationships with their support and coaching.

NM Marketing

My major client had laid off all freelancers and I was running around like a headless chicken until I spoke to Suzanne at bookcareers. Her help and support enabled me to get back on track and find different work, which surprisingly paid more! I'm forever grateful.

LL Editorial

I have been offered the job! So it's all pretty positive - I have very much appreciated the help that you have given me.

LB Editorial

I wanted to say a HUGE thank you for your support during this time. I can hardly believe how far I’ve come from the nerves I had on our last call, to now having to choose between three offers. I am just so grateful I was able to work with you.

'It was useful to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about' AS, Career Changer

'Thanks for the advice, it gave me excellent guidance in terms of future career prospects' CH, Career Changer

'I would recommend a session with Suzanne to anyone' AK, Marketing Executive

'I was very happy with the service. I would have no hesitation in going back for some help and I would definitely recommend the service to those seeking career guidance.' E Assistant

'Our meeting was highly beneficial to me' DF, Graduate

"You were incredibly helpful and perceptive" AH, Journalist

'A BIG thank you for all your careers advice. It has been invaluable' LS, Career Changer

'Thank you - it really helped to talk to someone who knew the publishing business well". IM, Publisher

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