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Real client stories – in their own words

Bill, VP

“This has completely changed the way I approach the job market.”

“In total, I met with six of the global top 20 pharma companies plus several biotechs, received multiple offers and ultimately accepted a role with a major player — beating over 400 other applicants.”

N.E., PhD, Global Programme Management

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“When I first connected with John, I wanted to pivot further into project and programme management, but my employer couldn’t offer that path. I had previously applied to several major Basel businesses, but hadn’t yet been invited to an interview and I wasn’t sure why.

We focused on my CV, value proposition and key achievements. Within a month I was interviewing with four leading life sciences companies. In total, I met with six of the global top 20 pharma companies plus several biotechs, received multiple offers and ultimately accepted a role with a major player — beating over 400 other applicants.

John’s insights and suggestions were incredibly valuable. His guidance transformed how I presented my skills and experience, and the improvements we made to my CV and positioning opened doors previously closed. His inside knowledge from years in recruitment gave me a competitive edge I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

N.E., PhD, Global Programme Management

“After many years as a successful Global HR Business Partner — interviewing and hiring hundreds of professionals — I thought I knew the talent game inside out. John proved me wrong — in the best way.”

Cristina, Global HR Business Partner

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“After many years as a successful Global HR Business Partner — interviewing and hiring hundreds of professionals — I thought I knew the talent game inside out. John proved me wrong — in the best way.

When I transitioned out of Novartis, I wanted more than the standard outplacement support offered, something modern and practical that would genuinely move me forward faster and facilitate the use of recent developments in technology.

John is brilliant at what he does. He isn’t a coach in the typical sense — he builds the CV and the networking plan for you, bringing a fresh, non-traditional view and using tech and AI to give you an edge. He challenged me to aim for the job I truly want, not just the one I might have to take.

With the CV, there’s no second-guessing anymore and a low-maintenance plan to follow for each application — it simply works, and businesses love it. That alone lifted a huge weight. From there, we took time to understand my message, clarified my differentiators and built confidence in networking so that approaching people I don’t already know feels normal. I learned more innovative interview techniques (beyond STAR), so I can tell my story authentically and with impact.

John´s approach kept me focused on the goals, ensuring every step felt purposeful. He’s also great at connecting me with relevant influential people in Basel and beyond. I’m now interviewing with several leading companies that I’m genuinely interested in, and more importantly, I have clarity, confidence and a plan I trust.

He does the work — and it works.”

Cristina, Global HR Business Partner

Robert, Senior Director

“It made me feel much more confident going into interviews.”

Jenna, Immunologist

“I feel back in control. Now I have direction.”

“John was also able to use his network to connect me with a biotech CFO, which helped refine my approach and build meaningful relationships with senior leaders in my field.”

Raluca Amrane ACCA, Finance Leader

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“After a restructuring at my former employer, I spent several months applying for roles without success. The support I received from a large outplacement firm made little difference. Working with John was a turning point. The CV he developed presents my experience in a clear, compelling way and, within weeks, I was invited to interviews with four organisations, including a major Basel employer for a role I had considered beyond my reach. His insight, drawn from having conducted thousands of interviews, changed the way I prepare. I now focus on addressing the employer’s needs rather than simply recounting my career history, and I make better use of the time in the room. I also valued the ongoing support between sessions, which kept my motivation high and ensured I acted quickly on opportunities rather than losing time. John was also able to use his network to connect me with a biotech CFO, which helped refine my approach and build meaningful relationships with senior leaders in my field. This process has given me greater clarity and a stronger sense of control over my search than I had before. Interviews are ongoing and I’m confident my approach will lead to the result I want.” Raluca Amrane ACCA, Finance Leader

“After six months of silence, my new CV landed me an interview in just four days with one of the world’s top ten life sciences companies for a Medical Affairs role.”

Eleanor Nicholls, PhD

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“When I completed my PhD and post-doc, I wanted to move to Switzerland into a life sciences role outside the lab. But after more than six months of applying — both in Switzerland and internationally — I’d had almost no interviews and my confidence had taken a hit.

I contacted John after seeing one of his LinkedIn posts and joined the Catalyst programme, adding extra interview sessions and on-demand support between meetings.

John helped me redefine my goals, rebuilt my CV and LinkedIn profile, and created a targeted application plan. We worked on light networking, storytelling techniques and a strategy I could stick to. I really valued being able to book a session quickly when I needed it — and ended up doing so much sooner than expected.

After six months of silence, my new CV landed me an interview in just four days with one of the world’s top ten life sciences companies for a Medical Affairs role. Another top ten pharma soon followed — their HR partner told me my CV ‘really stood out in the crowd’.

These confidence boosts changed everything. Just weeks earlier, I might have accepted a role I wasn’t excited about. Now I’m turning down job offers that don’t feel right and aiming higher. This is 100% all down to the CV and the work we’ve done together. From start to finish — less than three months, including summer. I’m so happy!”

Eleanor Nicholls, PhD

Tony, Consultant

“Even with a strong network, I wasn’t focusing on what companies need.”

Your story could be next.

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