From JJ, December 2009

Sherida,

Well, I’ve been delaying this email for sometime but I would like to say THANK YOU! After submitting my application with [Queensland Government Department] I was invited to an interview; 8 were selected from 90 applicants for the four positions that were available. I went through the interview in mid-November and just received a phone call about 30 minutes ago saying that I have made the position.

Once again, thank you so much, I have no doubt that the KSC that you did was what got my foot in the door.

Thank you so much once again, merry christmas and best wishes for the new year.

JJ
24 December 2009

This news was a great Xmas present, and a great way to end 2009.

From GS, December 2009

Hi Sherida,

Thanks for these, and for your advice. I’m a lot more confident about applying for positions now.

Regards,
G

This client is an academic with a PhD.

From DN, December 2009

Hi Sherida,

Thank you so much for my daughter’s resume. L. works in Pharmacy as a Dispense Technician, and with the help of your very professional and honest resume and criteria selection help, L. applied for 5 positions and was successful in gaining interviews for all positions, she now works in a major Hospital Pharmacy. With her living so far away from her family, your help was very much appreciated.

Kind regards,
D

From TG, November 2009

Hi Sherida,

Thank you so much for your help with my application. I wanted to let you know I have an interview with GD. Fingers Crossed.

T

Prepared resume and responses to selection criteria for this highly sought after position.

From MH, November 2009

Dear Sherida

Hello, how are you? I am the …. Officer from MI who was trying to get a position back in Brisbane with the [Queensland Government Department]. Hope you remember me …

I would like to ask you a couple of things but first I would like to tell you that I obtained not one positions but two positions and chose to commence at the …. Thank you very much, I am so grateful for the work you did for me.

Kind regardsMH

This client was having an extremely difficult time all round when she came to me due to the regional office refusing to support her application for a transfer to Brisbane, so that she was left in limbo, no longer able to live and work in a remote rural area but not able to obtain a position in Brisbane with her employer. It seems that the blocking walls dissolved once she had the right type of application.

From FH, October 2009

Thanks Sherida, I really appreciate all your help and advice. I will definitely keep you in the loop!

I have referred a few friends and colleagues your way over the past few months, and will continue doing so.

All the best,
F

I prepared a QTAC application for this client.

From IS, October 2009

Hi Sherida

Just to let you know I had an interview on Friday regarding this job. Thanks for your help, just hope I did enough to get through on the day. It was hard, scenario briefing Exec for 30 min on the processes to take in implementing …….

Will find out over the next couple of weeks.

Regards,
I

This client, and his wife, have used my services successfully in the past.

From DC, October 2009

Sherida,

Just a quick note to let you know that I have an interview with the APS on Tuesday following my application and selection criteria you carried out for me.

Thank you for your help.

DC

This client is one of the many people within the Aerospace Industry who use my services and refer their colleagues to me.

From KD, October 2009

Hi Sherida

Just advising you that the above selection has finally been completed, and I have been successful in this role.

I would like to thank you so much for your assistance with the Selection Criteria and Resume and also giving me the confidence to remain positive and secure to perform the duties in light of the “loss of my application” and the trauma this caused me.

Please add me to your long list of success stories – I am very proud to be part of it.

Again thanks
KD

This refers to an APS 6 application as an internal applicant.

From SM, October 2009

Sherida

I met with you several years ago whereby we went through my work history and formulated a professional CV which I might add had outstanding results!

I need your assistance again …

Kind regards
SMcC

This client works in corporate management at a national level.

From JA, September 2009

Dear Sherida,

Many thanks for your wonderful work. Your eloquence with language is beyond compare, that’s why I keep coming back to you whenever I need assistance: because of you, any position upgrading that I have applied for has always been achieved.

Once again, many thanks,
JA

This client has a professional role within the Queensland public sector.

From MD, September 2009

Hi Sherida

Sorry, got busy, am on break now. Got file, all good. I think, as it goes it will be the person reading the application and how they think it should be. My feelings are that it reads very fluently, spells out what I want to say without being self serving.

Thank you for all your efforts. I will let you know how it all goes.

Thanks, M.

This client works in the Queensland public sector and is applying internally for a position outside his experience.

From KC, August 2009

Thank you very much. I now have a full time position at … Hospital.

Again, Thank You Very Much.

K

One of my many clients who work in administration within Queensland Health.

From RH, August 2009

Hi Sherida

Just a quick note to let you know that I was not successful in getting an interview for that job. Anyway, their loss. Thanks for everything and at least I have a fantastic resume.

Cheers
R

This client was referred to us. His application was a long-shot and I explained to him, during our interview, why this was most likely the case.

From RVR, August 2009

Dear Sherida,

It looks amazing, quite different from the one I had for so many years. I do not want to make any changes.

My husband (a doctor) is so impressed with my new “look” resume, he is thinking of getting his done in the near future.

Thank you once again.

Regards
R

This client works in administration in the Queensland public sector. This was one of those times when I agreed to work by distance because the client lives in a regional area.

From BK, July 2009

Hi Sherida,

I have just finished reading my CV over again with my husband and I wanted to let you know that we are both delighted with the work you have done.

I particularly like how you have captured my personality and dedication to my nursing. It seemed to me today that you are also dedicated to your work with a natural gift for your writing.

Thank you so much for the extra time you have me today. I will not hesitate to recommend your services to my colleagues in the future.

Kind regards
B

This is just one of the many nurses who use my services.

From MF, June 2009

Hi Sherida

I have just forwarded you an email but wanted to follow up with this one as well. I am wanting to make an appointment with you as I am looking at applying for an AO5 position that was advertised in Smart jobs on Friday 05/06. The position is …. – Applications close on Monday 22/06/09.

Just wanting to organise a time as soon as possible. You previously prepared an application for me at least a couple of years ago for the Team Leader role at … which I was successful in obtaining and as I know the quality and standard of your work is absolutely fantastic would not consider going anywhere else to have this application for this particular position prepared for me.

Hoping to hear from you soon.

M

This client is one of my many clients within education and trianing, and has used my services successfully on two occasions. Hopefully this June 2009 application will be third time successful.

From DR, June 2009

Sherida

Really impressed with the resume have made changes that needed to be done in the referee section and made it red so you can see the change. Thank you very much for all the hard work you have put in I am very impressed with the finished product.

Thanks again

D

This client is a Mechanical Supervisor in the mining industry. The resume was prepared by distance, one of those rare occasions when I agreed to forego the requirement for a face-to-face appointment due to his location in Central Queensland.

From KL, June 2009

Hi Sherida,

Just wanted to share some good news with you! Your wonderful application letter has garnered me three interviews (so far) over this week & next! Everyone has mentioned it’s a sign of an excellent application letter, so I have you & your expertise to thank for that!

I’ll drop you a newsy note after these interviews to let you know the outcome, and pop over to enjoy a cuppa with you to celebrate! How are your sweetpeas coming along! I hope they survived the torrential rain. I imagine they’ll be loving these chilly mornings & sunny days!

Oh! to be a sweetpea!

Hope to have more good news to share soon!

All my best …….. K

This client has a background in reasonably senior roles within finance and administration in both the public and private sectors.

From LB, April 2009

I’ve just finished the rest and am really happy with it. Thank you so much. It is such a difficult style to do for the first time, thank you for such a wonderful statement.

I will be sure to let you know how I do with this.

Many thanks
L

A subsequent email

I have received my hard copies and they look great. As promised I will advise of my outcome and should I need to I will be sure to be back in contact with you. I’ll also be sure to recommend you to anybody needing help with resumes and applications.

Regards, L.

I prepared CV and a four-page statement for an AO3 position within Queensland Government for this client who lives on the Sunshine Coast. This was one of those rare occasions when I was able to prepare the application by distance because of the quality and depth of information the client was able to provide to me.

From MM, April 09

Many thanks!! This is an excellent letter. I will call you tomorrow to settle payment.

Thanks, MM

Email one day earlier:

How are you! I received a phone call this afternoon – they offered me the job! THAT IS a good thing! I appreciate your help to succeed to this stage. I am in the middle of a workshop and they want me to write a case for appointment at the maximum salary, and they want it today. If you have time, please, would you write the letter for me. Please let me know ASAP.

Earlier email:

I just received a call from [QLD Govt Dept] for interview. I need your advice. I know you are busy, but please let me know if you have time this Friday afternoon.

This client, an Accountant, has used my services on four occasions. Initially for preparation of CV, and then in swift succession responses to selection criteria, interview skills counselling and, then, letter negotiating appointment at the top scale at the level of appointment. He has now successfully made the transition from corporate accounting to Queensland Government. And the letter was successful – he has been appointed at the top end of the pay scale.

From ML, March 2009 (2)

Sherida,

Wow, Wow, Wow and more Wow!

There is no way I would have been able to put something as powerful as that together to show all my strengths and experience on my own.

I now know I have been doing things so wrong – I must of looked so unprofessional in what I was sending to prospective employers. I do the usual .. “I would like to apply for the advertised vacancy” … This is really powerful and cuts out all the unnecessary guff when you are trying to sell yourself to the govt.

This really gives a great snapshot of me and how I can relate to the positions.

No changes required – I am still trying to close my jaw – it is amazing!!

I’m that more confident now that I stand a real chance at getting an interview. I will definitely let you know how I go.

Thanks again – what you have done is FANTASTIC!

M

This client refers to two two-page statements I prepared for her, for Government applications at AO3 level. As she lives in a regional city, I prepared her resume, and then these statements, via email and telephone conversation. It was only possible to write the statements without her presence in my office because I had previously prepared her resume; and, too, AO3 level is relatively simple when only a two-page statement is required.

From TP, March 2009

To Sherida

Thank you for your assistance in preparing my resume this month. I have now secured employment at a school and am very happy with the results.

Yours sincerely, TO

This client attended our office on 6 March and wrote this email on 30 March. He is a school teacher who graduated in 2007 and has now obtained a teaching position in the private school system, having recently returned from 12 months overseas travel.

From MC, March 2009

Thanks Sherida, I enjoyed working with you. I will keep you informed as to how I go with the shortlisting process but I know that I am definitely on my way now thanks to you.

Thanks again, M

This client is a Senior Police Officer and I prepared responses to selection criteria for her, as part of the internal promotion process.

From AH, March 2009

Hi Sherida,

Thank you for your prompt response!

Unfortunately I didnt receive the [QLD Govt Dept) position – however they did call me and tell me how impressed they were with the application! I just didnt have enough experience.

I did however gain employment at … as a marketing assistant. I am looking at updating my resume so I can start applying for a few government jobs.

Kind regards
AH

This client first used our services as a Graduate with dual qualifications in business communication and business management.

From TB, February 2009

Hey Sherida,

Just wanted to let you know that I was successful in gaining the Senior Business Improvement Analyst role.

Thank you for all your help…..

Regards
T

Although this was an internal application, the field was extremely competitive.

From ML, March 2009

I can not thank you enough for taking on my job against your normal practices and at short notice too. I really do appreciate all your effort. I’m not sure how you did it but you surely captured my personality and work ethic and showed it in the resume. Somehow you knew the type of person I was before talking to me.

You sure have found your calling in life as you seem to have a great relationship with words and using them to paint a picture in a resume sense.

While talking through the resume just now, l can see how the resume logically progresses for a prospective employer and the more I look at it the more I say … ‘WOW’. The resume just says so much more now than just my lists.

Like I said, It is SO different to what I sent you and it is EXACTLY what I needed. Something that made me saleable and you surely did that.

I hope to talk with you soon.

ML

This client lives in a regional area, and this was one of those rare occasions when I agreed to prepare a resume by distance.

From SC, March 2009

Dear Sherida

You do make it look easy and you are very good at what you do. I had so hoped for your help. What you have given me before has been fantastic.

Thankyou so much for the previous criteria. I very much appreciate it.

Till I’m in Brisbane again – maybe.

Kind regards
SC

This client, who now resides in NSW, requested that I prepare responses to selection criteria by distance, having previously prepared them for her when she visited my office. I unfortunately had to decline because the depth and quality I provide can only be achieved when clients are with me in my office.

From RH, February 2009

Thank you Sherida.

The resume is excellent. … I will be recommending you to all of my friends and family.

Regards,
RH

This client is a Sydney-based Sales Consultant seeking to move into an account management role. The resume was prepared via email and one short telephone interview.

From SK, February 2009

Hello Sherida,

Thank you so much with your assistance. I just popped into the office to send off my application.

I look forward to working with you in the future.

Kind regards
S

This client currently holds an AO4 position and is applying internally for an AO5 position within Queensland Government.

From MV, February 2009

Hi Sherida

I did attend the interview last Friday but unfortunately wasn’t successful. The good news was that I was shortlisted to four interviewees and you contributed significantly to that achievement.

I obviously require some interview skilling at the Director level though.

Thank you for your wishes.

No doubt I will be in contact in the near future.

Kind regards
M

This client was applying for an executive level position within Queensland Government.

From EA, January 2009

Hello Sherida,

Once again, I am so grateful for all your help in putting together my CV!! Every time I read it I realise just how much I could NOT have done this all by myself!!

Regards, E

This client is an English teacher and was referred to me by two of her teaching colleagues.

From PJ, January 2009

Hi Sherida,

Just a quick email to let you know that I was successful in the job that I applied for back in August with [Queensland Government Department]. I’ve been meaning to write and thank you for your work with the job application letter and resume.

Many Thanks, PJ

This client is a Speech Language Pathologist for whom Sherida prepared both CV and responses to selection criteria.

From TS, January 2009

Hello Sherida,

I had all the intentions of writing and updating you on my career progress, after you completed my resume, but thanks to your skills I have been very busy working as a full time public servant with [Queensland Government Department]. Not only was I offered a full-time permanent position straight up, which is very rare in the position that I applied for, I was also successful in two other job applications! WOW!! What a difference a great resume makes. You are very talented and have found in life what you should be doing.

Thank You for helping
(not just doing a job!)

Regards
TS

This client is a Youth Worker who has now successfully made the transition from an NGO to the Queensland Public Sector.

From JF, January 2009

Hi Sherida,

I would like to thank you for helping me with my cover letter and resume writing a few weeks ago. I was short listed by [Queensland Government Department] to attend an interview. Although I thought I could do better in the interview and am still waiting for their response, I really appreciate the interview opportunity , this could not be gained without you. Thanks again for your excellent writing and I look forward to once again seeking help from you.

All the best !

Regards, JF

This client is an Accountant with two years professional experience.