Typical Coaching Session

Interviews | Personal Statement | CV
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How the coaching process works 

Although every client and role is different, there is a clear structure to how I work.
The detail varies. The rigour does not.

Whether we’re preparing for interview, refining a personal statement, or strengthening a CV, the process is focused, structured and designed to help you present your experience with clarity and credibility.

Interview coaching

Interview coaching is live, analytical and practical. It is not scripted rehearsal — it is preparation under pressure.

1. Preparation

Before we meet, I review the job description and any materials you send (application form, CV, previous feedback).

This allows us to focus on what the panel is most likely to test — and where the real risk or opportunity lies.

2. Clarifying the brief

At the start of the session, we agree what success looks like:

  • the level of the role
  • the likely panel expectations
  • where you feel confident and where you don’t
  • This ensures we use the time properly.

3. Live practice

We work through realistic interview questions — often under timed conditions.

  • This is where we:
  • test the strength of your evidence
  • refine structure and clarity
  • strengthen leadership language
  • remove vagueness
  • ensure your answers land at the right level

For senior roles, this may include strategic, stakeholder or judgement-based questions rather than purely competency examples.

4. Forensic feedback

Feedback is direct and specific. We look at:

  • clarity of thought
  • quality of evidence
  • structure
  • language
  • impact

The aim is not to make you sound rehearsed.It is to ensure you sound credible, thoughtful and ready for the level you are applying for.

5. Follow-up

After the session, I provide written notes summarising key adjustments and priorities before your interview.

Application coaching – personal statements

 Aplication coaching – personal statements

Strong applications are structured, selective and aligned to the brief. My role is to help you make strategic decisions about what to say — and what to leave out.

1. Clarifying the brief

I review the job specification and propose a structure for your statement (typically 20–30 minutes).

  • This is where we decide:
  • what the panel is really looking for
  • which examples carry weight
  • how to structure the narrative

2. First draft

You draft the personal statement using the agreed structure. The voice must remain yours.

3. Detailed review

I review your draft and track recommended changes (usually 60–90 minutes). This focuses on:

  • strengthening evidence
  • sharpening language
  • tightening structure
  • ensuring alignment with the role

4. Discussion

We meet on Zoom (30–60 minutes) to talk through the recommendations.

This is often where the real value sits — understanding not just what to change, but why.

5. Final refinement

You revise the statement.

I complete a final review (45–90 minutes) and provide written feedback by email. I do not write statements for clients.
My role is to challenge, refine and strengthen your work so it represents you at your best.

Application coaching – CV 

A strong CV is selective and forward-looking. It positions you for your next role — not simply documents your last one.

1. Detailed review

I review your CV and track recommended changes (typically 30–90 minutes depending on length and seniority).

This focuses on:

  • clarifying scope and scale
  • sharpening impact
  • strengthening leadership and delivery evidence
  • aligning your profile to the target role

2. Discussion

We meet on Zoom (30–45 minutes) to agree refinements. We consider:

  • positioning
  • emphasis
  • structure
  • what to foreground or remove

3. Revision

You revise the CV to ensure the language remains authentic and fully yours.

4. Final review

I complete a final review (30–60 minutes, email-based) and confirm readiness.

A note on tailoring. There is no fixed formula. The structure above ensures rigour and clarity.
The content always adapts to the role, the level and your specific strengths.

If you are unsure which type of coaching would be most useful, we can discuss this in your initial consultation.

Anthony on August 09, 2025 at 13:05 pm

Elizabeth is truly exceptional. I reached out to her after being told by an interviewer that “interviewing was obviously not my thing”—hardly encouraging feedback, especially at my stage in life. Her training helped me understand my communication style, demystified the interview process, and equipped me with practical tools I could apply immediately. She made herself available at very short notice, even over a weekend, and helped me secure a role that was a significant step up. Worth every penny. I only wish I’d done this sooner—I mourn the opportunities lost by not having had her guidance earlier. Thank you, Elizabeth!

Samuel on July 13, 2025 at 21:26 pm

I had just turned fifty years old and was at a very difficult stage in finding a new career. I had not applied for a job, sat an aptitude test or had an interview in almost twenty years. Elizabeth was highly professional and guided me through the obstacles I was likely to face which encouraged me to prepare just that bit harder for each stage of the selection process. Having come 9th out of approximately 1,500 candidates in the aptitude tests, the final hurdle was the interview. I had two sessions with Elizabeth. The first was where she acted as my interviewer and then constructively examined my responses at the end . The second was similar, though now my responses were tailored to her advice from the first session and further refined. The actual interview for the job went so well, I began to suspect it had gone too well as towards the end, the interviewers almost stepped out of character and began making small talk about how I would find the day-to-day pros and cons of working for the organisation, however Elizabeth had cautioned me to remain professional, polite and keep to my brief. In total, fifteen people were successful out of the 1,500 and thanks to Elizabeth, I was one of them. I highly recommend her services and professionalism which are beyond reproach. Above all, if you make the effort and follow her advice, you will be confident before and during the interview which combined with answering the questions competently, will give you a high chance of success. Thank you again, Elizabeth.

Chloe on February 18, 2025 at 11:36 am

Hi Elizabeth, I just wanted to let you know that my interview took place yesterday and today I was offered the role! According to my new G6, the panel agreed that I ‘knocked it out the park’ in the interview, and I beat nine other interviewees to the position. A huge thank you for your coaching, advice and encouragement. Without it, I can categorically say I wouldn’t have been offered the role. I’ll be back in a few years’ time, when I’m looking for my next role!

Fabiula Rifiski on October 16, 2024 at 09:16 am

Elizabeth is truly amazing. She has not only helped me stand tall but also completely transformed how I approach interviews and view my skill set. As an interview coach, she goes beyond the basics of preparing for a role. She helps you tailor your skills to fit the specific roles you’re applying for, but more importantly, she opens your eyes to what you’re truly capable of. Sometimes we underestimate our natural abilities because they come easily to us, but Elizabeth shows you how to express these in a way that highlights their full value. She helps you see beyond tasks and focus on the big picture - especially on soft skills, which are crucial in today’s job market. When I first worked with Elizabeth, I received offers from three major companies immediately after our sessions, and I was able to choose the role that was the perfect fit for me. When I later went through a career change, she helped me again, and I successfully landed the job I was aiming for. I highly recommend Elizabeth. Her insights and guidance are invaluable!

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.

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