Confidence & Self-Promotion | Denise Claxton

It has been a year since I graduated and so I thought it was about time I sent you a short Graduate Note:

I first saw the advertisement for the Proofreading and Editing course on Facebook a couple of years ago and kept it in mind as a possible future pathway to a more flexible working environment. Then, when I was unexpectedly made redundant, I made further enquiries and began the course. I was soon re-employed and continue to work part-time, but completing the course gave me the confidence to promote myself as a professional proofreader.

When my Diploma in Proofreading & Editing arrived, I posted a photo of it, with a little word of self-promotion, on my Facebook page. The next day an engineer at my sister’s workplace asked her if she knew any proofreaders. Consequently, I found myself needing to do things such as provide a quote and was very grateful for the practical support provided in Assignments 11 & 12. I proofread the engineer’s 73-page Competence Self Review and he was most appreciative.

A couple of days after completing this task, a friend of my daughter’s contacted me with regard to checking her Masters in Entrepreneurship thesis and so that became my second paid job, once again with a happy customer. I have also proofread a small book, website content and an extensive CV.

I have now been contracted to provide a service checking educational qualifications and assessments – work which pays well. Although not strictly regarded as “proofreading”, I have no doubt that my qualification and the skills and confidence that I have gained in completing it, played a major part in my ability to secure this position.