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You’ve worked hard for this opportunity. Don’t let the recruitment process hold you back. You know you're capable. You have the experience. But when it comes to applications, interviews, and competency-based assessments, it’s easy to feel stuck, second-guess yourself, or struggle to put your experience into the right words.
That’s where I come in. I help Public and Civil service professionals like you:
✔ Turn experience into compelling answers that stand out
✔ Master competency & capability - based applications
✔ Communicate your value and impact in interviews
✔ Position yourself as the strongest candidate for the position
You’ve done the hard work—now let’s make sure you get the recognition you deserve.
I didn’t set out to start a business - I set out to help people like you.
I had seen talented, hardworking professionals struggle to progress in their careers, not because they weren’t capable, but because they found it difficult to put their experience into words. Competency-based interviews can feel daunting, especially when the work you do every day speaks for itself. But I know that telling your story in a way that resonates is the key to moving forward.
I started by helping colleagues, breaking things down in a way that made sense, giving them the confidence to step into interviews and own their experience. Seeing them succeed made me realise just how many people needed this kind of support.
That’s why I created Interview Coaching HQ, to help you bridge the gap between what you do and how you communicate it. Because you already have what it takes. I just help you show it.
Work With me
With 23 years in the Public Service, I understand what it takes to succeed in competency & capability-based interviews. My expertise spans from entry-level applications to senior leadership roles, so no matter where you’re aiming, I'm here to guide you.
Each career journey is unique - and you have skills and abilities that sets your apart. My coaching is tailored to you and your competition and I will ensure your experiences and capabilities are presented in the best possible way. Your success is my priority and I'm here to guide you through every step in the process.
Garda to Sergeant Competition
I decided late in my career to go for promotion. I had no real interview experience as a candidate and was lacking in the skills and confidence to carry myself through such an interview. Helena was highly recommended to me by trusted colleagues so I reached out to her. She could see that I had the ability and experience but I needed the confidence and self-belief.
The completion of the application form was the first stumbling block I had. Her feedback transformed my form to an extremely high standard. My form was seen by a senior manager who commented on the high standard of the form. I took this credit 🤣but the credit belongs to Helena.
I did a number of sessions with Helena which were a huge learning & hugely beneficial. My progress from the first session to the last, was very evident.
Helena is very friendly and has a calming manner about her. She prepared me for the interview without adding any stress. She backed me, gave me confidence and ultimately, I passed the interview thanks to her help. I would strongly recommend Helena's Interview Coaching Services.
Trainee Garda
Trainee Garda
I have recently used the services of Helena at Interview Coaching HQ to help me prepare for Garda Trainee interview. I had never been through a competency based interview before and found the process quite a daunting task, so I reached out to Helena for help and guidance. From my first contact, Helena was very professional, calming and informative. She immediately put my mind at ease as we prepared for the interview. She reviewed my examples and showed me where I could improve them. I have no doubt that working with Helena improved my interview technique immensely. I would highly recommend Helena to anybody preparing for interview.
I wanted to contact you regarding your help in preparing me for my written report and interview preparation for An Garda Síochána. I'm delighted to say that, I placed in the top twenty after the interview.
Following the work we did, I felt confident and prepared for the written report and interview. With your insight to the interview and organisation itself, I felt confident in the material we worked through, as well as what a career as a Garda would have in store for me. I would without hesitation recommend your services to anyone looking to join An Garda Síochána, as I truly enjoyed working with you. I never once felt under pressure and you were so supportive and built confidence in my journey through the process. I would like to thank you again for everything.
Garda to Sergeant Competition
I decided late in my career to go for promotion. I had no real interview experience as a candidate and was lacking in the skills and confidence to carry myself through such an interview. Helena was highly recommended to me by trusted colleagues so I reached out to her. She could see that I had the ability and experience but I needed the confidence and self-belief.
The completion of the application form was the first stumbling block I had. Her feedback transformed my form to an extremely high standard. My form was seen by a senior manager who commented on the high standard of the form. I took this credit 🤣but the credit belongs to Helena.
I did a number of sessions with Helena which were a huge learning & hugely beneficial. My progress from the first session to the last, was very evident.
Helena is very friendly and has a calming manner about her. She prepared me for the interview without adding any stress. She backed me, gave me confidence and ultimately, I passed the interview thanks to her help. I would strongly recommend Helena's Interview Coaching Services.
Trainee Garda
Trainee Garda
I wanted to contact you regarding your help in preparing me for my written report and interview preparation for An Garda Síochána. I'm delighted to let you know that I placed in the top two hundred in the first stage and following our work together I placed in the top twenty applicants after the interview.
Following the work we did, I felt both confident and prepared for the written report and interview. With your insight to the both the interview and organisation itself, I felt confident in the material we worked through, as well as what a career as a Garda would have in store for me. I would without hesitation recommend your services to anyone aspiring to join An Garda Síochána, as I truly enjoyed the time spent working with you and I never once felt under any pressure. You were enjoyable to work with, supportive and built confidence in my journey through the application process. I would like to thank you again for everything you have done for me during my application process.
I have recently used the services of Helena at Interview Coaching HQ to help me prepare for Garda Trainee interview. I had never been through a competency based interview before and found the process quite a daunting task, so I reached out to Helena for help and guidance. From my first contact, Helena was very professional, calming and informative. She immediately put my mind at ease as we prepared for the interview. She reviewed my examples and showed me where I could improve them. I have no doubt that working with Helena improved my interview technique immensely. I would highly recommend Helena to anybody preparing for interview.
I decided late in my career to go for promotion and with no real interview experience, I felt I lacked the skills and confidence to go through such an interview. Helena was highly recommended to me by trusted colleagues so I reached out. She could see that I had the ability and experience but lacked the confidence and self-belief.
Completing my application form was my first stumbling block, but with her feedback and guidance I transformed my form to an extremely high standard. My form was seen by a senior manager who commented on its high standard; I took this credit 🤣but the credit belongs to Helena.
We did a number of sessions together which were a huge learning & hugely beneficial. My progress from the first session to the last, was very evident.
Helena is very friendly and has a calming manner about her. She prepared me for the interview without adding any stress. She backed me, gave me confidence and ultimately, I got promoted, thanks to her help. I would strongly recommend Helena's Interview Coaching Services.
Trainee Garda
I wanted to contact you regarding your help in preparing me for my written report and interview preparation for An Garda Síochána. I'm delighted to let you know that I placed in the top two hundred in the first stage and following our work together I placed in the top twenty applicants after the interview.
Following the work we did, I felt both confident and prepared for the written report and interview. With your insight to the both the interview and organisation itself, I felt confident in the material we worked through, as well as what a career as a Garda would have in store for me. I would without hesitation recommend your services to anyone aspiring to join An Garda Síochána, as I truly enjoyed the time spent working with you and I never once felt under any pressure. You were enjoyable to work with, supportive and built confidence in my journey through the application process. I would like to thank you again for everything you have done for me during my application process.
Trainee Garda
I have recently used the services of Helena at Interview Coaching HQ to help me prepare for Garda Trainee interview. I had never been through a competency based interview before and found the process quite a daunting task, so I reached out to Helena for help and guidance. From my first contact, Helena was very professional, calming and informative. She immediately put my mind at ease as we prepared for the interview. She reviewed my examples and showed me where I could improve them. I have no doubt that working with Helena improved my interview technique immensely. I would highly recommend Helena to anybody preparing for interview.
Garda to Sergeant Competition
Hear from those who have successfully navigated Garda and Public Service interviews with the help of Interview Coaching HQ
I see us as equals working together in our sessions. I respect that every career path takes its own turns, shaped by different experiences, challenges, and choices. I see value in what we've both done, and the impact we will both continue to make.
Excellence isn't just a standard, it's the foundation of my coaching. You're time is valuable and I won't waste it. I'm here to cut through the waffle, get straight to what matters & the actionable steps that will help you improve. 'Cause lets be honest -
Your success is my success.
I lead with kindness but I understand that you are here to improve. I don’t give vague or sugarcoated feedback - just honest, straightforward advice on where you shine and areas where you can improve.