Meet Jill Valentine

As a child I remember spending hours looking at job advertisements at the back of the Guardian Newspaper and thinking, "I wonder what qualifications you need to train to become a ..'

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Some years later, I was privileged enough to be featured as a Guardian's careers expert - talking about my own effective interview techniques!

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When it comes to falling out-of-love with your job, I know exactly what it is like. I spent 16 painful months in a job that was simply not right for me. It is exhausting, thinking over and over again; What else can I do?  Would I like that job?  Would that career be too challenging? I wonder what that job involves? At its worst, this is your first and last thought of the day.

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I know the pain, heartache and work it takes to change jobs without help.

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My experience turned out to be a breakthrough. It led me to a career that I love. It began when I started helping long-term unemployed people find fulfilling careers. I adored this job and more importantly, I was good at it. I found I had the skills to help people talk through their future ideas; build their confidence and helped them to get back on their feet. From there, I gained more experience and quickly went on to qualify as a Professional Careers Coach.

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I've now been in the careers industry for over 20 years. I am privileged to support individuals in a wide range of situations, whether it's securing their first job after graduation, climbing the career ladder, or returning to work after a period of absence due to redundancy or raising a family.

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For me, it's an honour to be a helping hand on that journey.

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