Emma (Defence Partner)
"Working with Jo has easily been one of the highlights of my year, and I will be forever grateful that I leant into the PEAP process with her. Working through her program has given me the skills to build my resume, cover letter & LinkedIn profile, and present my best self in an interview. But more then just the practical skills, Jo has been my biggest cheerleader, helping me to find confidence in my own abilities.
This process has been transformative for me, and that all comes down to the amazing person Jo is. Her experience from both sides of the defence partner employment equation is invaluable, and I looked forward to our sessions immensely. If you are on the fence, please don't let yourself overthink it - jump in! Oh & the results speak for themselves - 5 applications, 4 interviews leading to 4 offers!!”
Meet your host, Jo
Founder of Jo Macdonald Careers
As a former Defence partner turned Career Coach, I'm passionately dedicated to elevating your career confidence and success. Specialising in Defence spouse employment, I intimately understand the unique challenges faced by Australian Defence Force spouses (military spouses). Leveraging my firsthand experience and background in recruitment, I offer personalised coaching for those returning to the workforce, aiming for career promotion, or seeking career confidence and clarity. Let's navigate your specific challenges and opportunities for a fulfilling and tailored career journey.
My PEAP program is personally tailored to each defence spouse, to give you back the confidence in yourself and your career dreams. As a defence spouse, this service can be provided to you for FREE by using your Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) funding.
BOOK A FREE CHAT TO FIND OUT MORE!
Jane (Defence Partner)
"Jo’s career coaching processes were tailored and iterative. She assisted me in identifying my aspirations, strengths, needs and interests. This step was especially helpful as I had stepped away from a career field that I did not want to return to after a nine-year break raising a family and supporting my husband. Taking the time and effort to walk me through the process of finding a career that inspired me and teaching me how my skills were transferrable into that field have been paramount to my success...
With Jo’s guidance and support, I have recently been hired into a position I love. I would not have originally identified this role as a career pathway for myself, but
with a new understanding of the application of my transferrable skills and how I can use them to help vulnerable populations- here I am!"
Let this posting be the start of something new FOR YOU
I know that the life of a Defence Partner is marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to service, and I am here to help you leverage these qualities to achieve your professional goals.
Whether you're navigating relocations, seeking remote work options, or aiming to advance your career, I am dedicated to providing tailored guidance and support every step of the way.
Your career success is my mission, and I'm honored to be your partner in achieving it.Â
My Defence Partner PEAP Program includes access to:
✔️ Online Personality Career Testing
✔️ 1 : 1 Career Coaching sessions and development of a Personal Career Action Plan
✔️ Coaching on how to tailor a Resume that fits the role
✔️ Coaching on Cover Letters and addressing Selection Criteria
✔️ LinkedIn and Networking Essentials
✔️ Job Search Strategies
✔️ Interview CoachingÂ
Let's Chat. Book a Session Here
Danielle (Defence Partner)
"I attended the (masterclass) webinar and Jo honestly changed my life.
She was amazing – her knowledge, experience and compassion – she helped support me through the whole process and explained how I could access the PEAP funding to help me...Jo and I worked through several aspects of her program, and she listened with intent and care all the way. Jo’s approach leaves nothing unturned. From resumes, cover letters, my LinkedIn profile, and everything in between, Jo was my hero in showing me that no matter what, my career was important and deserved the care, attention to detail and should be celebrated as much as my husband’s career...I am now confidently working as an AHP2 Social Worker in the Department for Education in South Australia, and I couldn’t be happier."
Denise (Defence Partner)
"I can’t recommend Jo enough! Thanks to Jo’s support and Guidance I landed my dream job and very quickly...I had an old resume, no cover letter and felt sick at the thought of a job interview...Jo helped me with interview tips and I have never felt so confident during an interview! Within the week I not only got the job but received wonderful feedback. Honestly this has been life-changing and I am forever grateful to Jo. I only wish I heard about this sooner!"
Got some questions about the Defence Partner PEAP Program? Let's Chat!
BOOK IN A FREE 15 MINUTE CHATMeg (Defence Partner)
"From the time we first connected, I felt at ease with Jo and instantly reassured that she would understand my position as a Defence Spouse. Jo was able to reassure me that she too had experienced the challenges associated with being a defence spouse and trying to maintain your own career through multiple moves and subsequent upheavals. I felt reassured that Jo was the best person to guide me through the return-to-work process after a period of absence, due to multiple posting cycles and maternity leave.
Each session, Jo was able to provide a relaxed and open environment in which I felt comfortable exploring my return-to-work options. Jo provided me with a detailed questionnaire that allowed us to explore potential alternative avenues, in addition to my past experiences and qualifications. Jo also provided the scaffolding to an exciting pathway for returning to work.
Jo has recently provided me with up-to-date advice on my resume completion and supported me through this process. With Jo’s support, I will be more confident in submitting new job applications knowing that I have completed an application that is of a high standard and will be competitive in the current work force."
