Reviews

Customer Reviews

Wherever you are at in your career, we give you everything you need to quickly and successfully make the move.
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Anonymous member

I’m on my way back from an interview I’ve just had out the force and I am buzzing!!! I honestly believe my confidence has come from everyone’s positive stories on this group. I posted several months back about not having any joy in the market, kept getting rejected so I went away and started applying for jobs with competency based application forms. This has resulted in this interview today and I’ve left feeling super proud of myself. I listened to podcast 42 and they were super impressed by my reflecting back and talking about lessons learnt! Even if I'm unsuccessful (the idea of possibly accepting something is terrifying in its own right) I just want to thank everyone. A year ago I believed I was institutionalised and had nothing to offer but finding this group and constant affirmations of transferable skills has enabled me to believe as a police officer you are capable of so much more. I won’t find out until next week but right now I’m just feeling incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved and the confidence I displayed in interview! Everyone else keep going – you’ve got this!!
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Tim C

Realising from the many others involved in the academy & Blue Light Leavers contemplating or having done similar that there was ‘life outside the job’ was a massive confidence boost
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Blue Light Leavers

Hi Andy, just thought I’d let you know that I’ve been offered a job in the NHS. It’s a new team that are carrying out workforce investigations. Looking at the job spec it sounds like a perfect fit for me and I’m really looking forward to starting. Your advice and Charlotte’s work on my CV really helped so thank you.
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Thivaharan

Great value for money. I highly recommend for job seekers who want to set them apart from other candidates in the very competitive job market.
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Facebook Group Post

Just wanted to say thank you to this group. Since the beginning of the year following some major life stuff I reevaluated everything and finally decided to start looking for something else. All the advice and podcasts etc.. have been invaluable and now after nearly 14 years I've resigned and start a new job with the civil service in October. Excited and nervous. Comment (Blue Light Leavers): So happy for you [name blurred], many congratulations and really pleased the podcast and group helped, well done!
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Andrew T

Andy and I had our first clarity call at the end of June 2022 and I was in a pretty dark place. I was very unhappy at work, and I’d applied for over 150 jobs and barely got an interview. Andy spent time with me to really look at what I’d achieved and helped me focus on what I’d need to do to successfully move on. Soon afterwards, I got invited to interview for a new role, so Andy and I went through an interview prep session together and signposted me to the Blue Light Leavers podcast, which is full of useful information. I also joined The Academy from Blue Light Leavers which has been really helpful. This support has resulted in me being offered a fantastic new role, which I start in November. The Academy and the Blue Light Leavers Facebook community is such a positive, supportive network and has really helped me focus, and given me the confidence to apply for roles that otherwise wouldn’t have applied for, as I thought, all I could ever do was be an investigator.
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Facebook Post (Member 1)

First of all, thank you for setting up this group Andy Labrum as this is where I found my new job, which I'm starting shortly. I am really looking forward to the new challenge! Secondly, it’s my last week in the police, feels rather strange but I know it’s the right time for me to leave after around 12 years in different roles. Mixed feelings of excitement, nervousness and worry following this big decision. Thirdly, if anyone is seriously looking for a new job please attend the Blue Light Leavers Conference (I promise it's worth every penny) – it will give you a wealth of information and invaluable tips when looking for a new role.
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Blue Light Leavers

If you are preparing for a job interview, may I highly recommend you listen to Andy’s podcast. The advice is fantastic and the mnemonic for structuring your responses is gold-dust. I followed his advice, and tomorrow I start my ideal job. Thank you Andy.
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Anonymous

On Sunday 12th March I retired after 32 years service with West Midlands Police. Today I started a new position as Loss Prevention Analyst with GXO Logistics. I just wanted to thank Andy Labrum and this group for the massive support in obtaining a new role. The advice personally given by Andy, the podcasts and people who I have contacted through this group who have genuinely wanted to help and support. I can only recommend that anybody changing career or finishing their police career listen to the words of advice, don’t be afraid to contact people, ask for help. Even though some of us are no longer service we are still a family. Thank you BLL and especially Andy.
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Facebook Posts

Hi folks. I just wanted to share my experience and thank Andy Labrum for all of his help. I used Andy’s one to one interview prep service, which was very thorough and detailed for the job I was going for. Unfortunately, I let myself down, didn’t do enough prep & didn’t get the job (imposter syndrome at work). Another job came along, so I pulled my socks up, took on board what Andy had previously said and listened over and over to his podcast on interviews. They were so impressed, they offered me a job 2 hours later which I’m due to start soon. I’d thoroughly recommend Andy’s one-to-one services to focus on your skills and help answer interview questions.
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Facebook Post (Podcast 42)

It works!! This morning I had confirmation of a job offer. I've secured myself a role with a major power company as an analyst. Although nervous as hell in the interview, I stuck to the script. So, despite being booted after a 23 year career, there is still life in the old dog! Just do not give up. Believe in yourself. Know your potential. Network. Reach out. Ask questions. Believe in the power of 42.
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Facebook Post

Thank you from the sidelines After 13.5 years I resigned from a job I loved. I began a new career this week and the support, positive attitude and strength in diversity is amazing. This morning my Ops Manager text to wish my daughter well in her GCSE results. I have a job that cares about not only me, but my children too. Yes these organisations do exist To say I’m happy is an understatement. So, to Andy and this group I want to say a huge thank you The podcasts have been invaluable, listening to other experiences and taking the snippets I need to help me has enabled me to walk away and carve a very beautiful future. The advice and support has been amazing. Even when just reading posts and feeling inspired by others’ journeys. The community. Andy you have created an amazing space here. The knowledge and positive attitude is an absolute credit to you.
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Jo M

As someone who left the police and was beaten down with little-to-no confidence and having been rejected for even simple roles, I was at my lowest point. Andy and The Academy sessions have really helped with my CV, my self-confidence and much more, and I’ve now secured a new job I never thought I would have. The sessions are invaluable, and you can rewatch them at any time, and they give you the chance to interact with the guests and ask questions suitable to your own circumstances. I cannot rate The Academy sessions and Andy himself highly enough, for the support throughout, and the confidence the sessions have given me to be myself again and I’ll be eternally grateful for his help and support throughout. Thank you!
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Carl

My wife and I can’t thank you enough for the help and support you’ve given me. I have the utmost respect for what you’re doing and what you’ve done for me.
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Nicole

I now work as a Whistleblowing Manager within Compliance in the Financial Sector. Andy from Blue Light Leavers was a fantastic source of advice and encouragement for me and helped me have confidence in my abilities. Thank you Andy, to both you and your brilliant network!
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Claire

I was genuinely overwhelmed when I received that phone call to say I’d got the job and the feedback was amazing. Such a confidence boost! Andy’s advice and support does not end once you get the job offer! Never underestimate your worth!
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Jason

Thanks for Blue Light Leavers and all your support! It's made a great difference to me and I know it's putting so many others in a better place.
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Anonymous member

Morning all. I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank Andy Labrum and this whole group for giving me the support to have the courage to start my journey in leaving the job I once loved. 19 years all on response and I’ve had enough. For the sake of my own health and my family, I’ve applied for a role in local government. Strange feeling to apply for something out of the job and even if I don’t get any further, it’s the first step to hopefully a new career and life. Good luck to you all who are in a similar position and I wish you all the very best in your endeavours
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Blue Light Leavers

Evening everyone, I just wanted to thank Andy Labrum, Ian Grant, Andy Whelan, Teri Kelsey and Alicia Herbert for the help they offered me following my post last week regarding being interviewed for a public service lecturer role. Following their guidance and that of the brilliant podcast #42 I was offered the job. It’s a small team and the college are looking to expand the course. I will be getting funded for my teacher training and they were really keen to use my police experience. The micro teach and interview with the head of department and the principal went well and got a really good feeling. The two others I am working with have already contacted me and I am meeting them next week. Thanks for all the help I really do appreciate it and I have passed on my thanks to those that helped me and given up their time.
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Hannah W

I was directed to the blue light leavers Facebook group after going through a bad experience at work where I was treated badly and not supported by my organisation. At this time, my mental health was in a pretty bad place. Although I knew I needed to leave the police; I didn’t know where to start. After reading other officers’ journeys and listening to Andy’s podcasts I wrote my CV and secured an interview for a role in security. I continued to listen to the podcasts and was successful in securing the role. Life is now a lot different, and I am happy for the first time in a long time! Andy’s Facebook group and podcasts were a shining light in a dark place, and I will be forever grateful.
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Gamechanger111

I started listening to Andy’s podcasts to find ideas on how to leave the police, and instill confidence about ‘life on the outside’. Having now successfully transitioned out of the police, I eagerly look forward to each new upload because I still learn something new from each episode which helps us all recognise how valuable our skills and experience are, which aren’t always recognised within ‘the job!’
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Lynne

I have just been offered my first non-police interview for a job since leaving the police service. Thank you Andy for all the advice to get me to this point!
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Facebook Post (Member 2)

So after almost 5 years in the Met Police, I’m really happy to say that I am now two weeks for leaving and I have a new job with Lego in the UK at their head office. I really wanna thank Andy from the group for a call and chat I had with him which made me really weigh up if this was the right world for me, and I cannot wait to start my new role in September. It took nearly two years of searching for jobs and roles and applying constantly. I never got any interviews anywhere but I managed to get an interview and “smashed” it according to them. So absolutely buzzing. Keep going everyone if you're still trying ... as I said took 2 years for me but got there in the end.
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Top Contributor

Congratulations Andy. This is a brilliant group, which has helped so many people. You'll be aware that I often come here seeking candidates and I've successfully recruited several members of the group over the last few years. Candidates who take on board the various tips and advice offered by BLL really do stand out at both sifting and interview stages. Keep up the great work! Best
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Anonymous Group Member

Thank you to this group for giving me the confidence to apply for another job this week. I don’t know how it will go, but I'm putting myself out there in a way that I wouldn’t have had the guts to do without reading all the success stories here! 15 years in the cops, half as uniform and half as a DC. Mum of three and exhausted! I still love parts of the job and don’t want to leave, and if I'm not successful I'll stay without question, but this is a leap of faith and I wouldn't have done it without observing the friendliness and support here.. thanks guys!
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Facebook Post (Certificate of Service)

And that’s a wrap!! Today was my last day, feeling emotional, reflecting on what has been life for longer than it hasn’t. This group and Andy Labrum has been amazing, reading everyone's stories and seeing the support that everyone offers is what being a part of the blue light family is all about. I will remain in this group as hopefully I will be able to support those thinking about other options. Stay safe and remember how amazing you all are!
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Blue Light Leavers

I have delayed writing this post until today, as today I started my new job. I retired in Dec 2016 as a Detective with West Midlands Police and since Spring 2017 I have been working as a Seasonal Immigration Officer at Birmingham Airport. This work came to a halt in March 2020 due to the pandemic. I took the opportunity during lockdown to think about a change of employment. After reading this site I sought advice from Charlotte Eve of CK Futures Ltd and she compiled a CV for me. I did this as I wanted an independent professional to assess my skills and draft them in the correct way, as I have a tendency to undersell myself! Whilst searching for a role I wanted a specific type of employment and I am now working for the Disclosure and Barring Service. I would like to thank Andy for this site which has been very informative and for signposting me to Charlotte Eve CK Futures. Employment prospects are challenging and it’s worth investing in yourself to achieve what you want. Thanks again Andy and Charlotte.
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Becky

After a 16 year career as a police officer I realised that it was no longer for me. I followed Blue Light Leavers on Facebook, reading how people had managed to ‘make the break’ and it gave me the belief that I might be able to do it too. I finally reached out to Andy who helped me prepare for my first interview and I can honestly say I used the tips that he provided and I was over the moon to be offered the job. Thank you Andy for taking the time to help and guide me through what was a life changing interview’.
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Dan

Thanks for all the work you're doing with Blue Light Leavers. I listened to your CV podcast a couple of weeks ago and really took away a lot from that which allowed me to completely rewrite my CV. Today I handed in my resignation after 12 years' service. I leave to take up a team managers role for a new government project. I have been so inspired by the stories and comments from others and all the resources you have on offer. Thanks again!
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Emily Jane

Andy’s support and coaching this year has been unparalleled. As a Blue Light Leaver, and during a particularly challenging time in my life, Andy has gone the extra mile to provide me with guidance and encouragement. He is genuinely the most compassionate, sincere, and industrious individual you could ever encounter. I’m deeply appreciative of all that Andy has accomplished for me, and I consider myself privileged to now call him a friend.
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Lynda

In October last year, I was made redundant from a role that I had been in for eight years. I must admit I was completely daunted at the prospect of searching for a job in the middle of a pandemic, when there were so many others in a similar situation as myself. I contacted Andy on a number of occasions and he offered really constructive guidance with regards to my CV, applications and covering letters. I was invited to attend Zoom interviews for both positions. Andy took the time to coach me via video and phone calls, with regards to interview preparation, the importance of evidencing my skills and abilities and the all-important relaxation techniques. As a result I found myself in the enviable position of being offered both jobs! Something I never would have thought possible. I can only offer my heartfelt thanks to Andy for his amazing support, guidance and positive encouragement. Hand on heart I know that without his help I would not be in the happy situation I am now.
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Nick

Just wanted to say a huge thank you. I completed 30 yrs in 2020 and my wife and I followed our dream to West Wales. In Sept I decided I needed a small job to stay sane. My Achilles heel has always been interviews, however, thanks to your podcast, I did my best one ever. I am now 3 weeks into my new role and loving life.
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Anonymous member

So tomorrow is my last day. And whilst I’m sad to say goodbye to the people I am not sad to walk out from under the grey cloud and claw back my old self. Whether the grass is greener or not it can’t possibly be any worse. I want my mental and physical health back to how it used to be and its time I put my children, partner, family and friends before an organisation that doesn’t care about me. Reading all the posts in this group helped give me the nudge to just do it and resign and get a role back working in the public sector. All the best everyone. Genuinely cannot wait to walk out the door tomorrow
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Lily

When I first enquired with Andy I was completely lost on my career trajectory. After 5 years in policing, I knew I wanted to do something else, but my confidence was rock bottom and I didn’t think I would be employable anywhere else. I was having a difficult time in my personal life and work was adding to the stress. After our first call, I immediately felt more optimistic and clearer about my future. Andy helped craft my policing experience into transferable skills for the private sector, discussed interview techniques and even gave me advice for negotiating salary on my first job offer – which was successful! After months of reading others’ success stories on the Blue Light Leavers Facebook page, I was finally able to post my own! I’m now in a new role in consulting that I never could’ve imagined this time last year. Andy was fundamental in me securing a job outside of policing and I haven’t look back since
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LinkedIn-style Long Testimonial

I thought I'd give an update on how life is 6 months after leaving with the help from this group. After speaking with Andy and getting onto LinkedIn and writing my CV I found a role in loss prevention in a large multi national. This was my first application and I had a couple of interviews before landing the job. The onboarding was fantastic, everything was ready for me on my first day. Since then I’ve got to know the business and role at my own pace. My manager is ex job also and has been really supportive. The difference between public and private sector couldn’t be bigger. I feel respected, appreciated and valued. I've less stress, am better off financially and enjoy my time off not having to think of work. If you're thinking of making the jump I’d say do it. I had almost 19 years in but the changes to the pension made this an easy decision in the end. Seeing the constant vilification of police by the media and knowing the stresses and strain that you all are going through does not make me miss the job one bit. The world is a big place and our skills are sought after, do your research, the jobs are there.
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Claire

I was genuinely overwhelmed when I received that phone call to say I’d got the job and the feedback was amazing. Such a confidence boost! Andy’s advice and support does not end once you get the job offer! Never underestimate your worth!