Applying to an academic program or new job can be a lonely and overwhelming experience --
but with the right support, it can also be deeply expansive and rewarding.
Since 2018, I have worked with clients of a vast array of backgrounds and goals: from undergrads applying to law/med/grad school to grad students applying to PhD programs to empty-nesters seeking career shifts later in life. I have also worked for McGill Law's Career Development Office assisting third-year students in applying for their first jobs in the legal field, as well as for Maestra Music giving a workshop on applying for "survival jobs" as artists.
The combination of my law degree and MFA allows me to guide my clients toward telling their stories in unique and captivating ways while carefully tailoring them to the program or position in question.
My consulting services include: personal statements, cover letters, CVs, résumés, interview preparation, and general editing (including MA and PhD theses, postdoc journal submissions, artist statements, and grant applications).
to work with me or to discuss workshop and speaking opportunities,
please reach out at jillohayonediting@gmail.com.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Writing a quality personal statement is probably one of the most difficult, and important parts of applying to law school. After weeks of writing drafts and feeling overwhelmed, I reached out to Jill for some much needed guidance and support. Jill broke down this task into simple and digestible steps that helped me clearly articulate why I was a strong applicant. Her attention to detail, strong command of language, and experience writing many other personal statements were apparent throughout the entire process. Thanks to Jill I was able to submit a beautifully written piece that I knew would resonate with the schools I applied to. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone struggling with a personal statement!
— Jeremy L., Law Student
Applying to a PhD program was at first extremely daunting and difficult. Due to the programs extremely limited admission policy, I found myself stuck on how to write my letter of intent. There was so much I wanted to say, so much I wanted to prove, yet I couldn’t properly articulate myself.
Jill was a lifesaver. She made the process of writing a letter of intent so much easier and digestible. With her method of just conversing with me, she was able to gauge my interests, my academic goals, and the aspects that make me unique and an asset to a PhD program. She’s incredibly patient and calm, supportive and uplifting. Jill is meticulous with her work, and will not stop until she feels completely confident in the work you’ve created together. She has such a passion to help you achieve your goal, and goes above and beyond to help see it through.
With her incredible help, Jill and I wrote a letter that was incisive, concise, and highlighted my voice and passion. She helped me stand out amongst a sea of applications; something I did not know was achievable. Without Jill, I would not be in the PhD program I’m in today. Her advice and expertise are of the highest calibre. I cannot recommend her enough!
— Natalie M., PhD Candidate
I got in touch with Jill when I was feeling particularly hopeless about my prospects at securing an articling position in Canada. As a foreign trained law student, I found it especially difficult to properly translate my experience to appeal to the Canadian legal market. I asked Jill to help me edit my articling applications. Jill has a masterful approach to applications and resumes. She worked with me over the course of multiple sessions. We started with a detailed discussion of my academic and professional experience, which Jill expertly arranged to ensure the best parts of my professional profile were the focal point and the less important parts were left in the background.
Jill dedicates her time to things as minute as finding the perfect word for a particular point in a resume. She is a very careful and natural editor who can pick up on tone, fluidity and other nuanced concepts that may make a resume/cover letter stand out when a recruiter is working through a big pile of them. My experience working with Jill was absolutely wonderful and I am still in awe of how supported she made me feel throughout the process. It honestly feels like you have an editor that is not only excellent at deciphering the perfect way to present information, but also someone that truly cares about your success.
I also found Jill was an excellent communicator. I was in the middle of quite a busy time at work while I was in touch with her, often having to ask for last minute sessions and she was always extremely responsive, which was very useful as it meant that we were able to efficiently ping pong my application drafts to me for writing and to her for editing with intermittent sessions focused on discussing our progress together.
Jill sent me multiple job postings until I was able to secure an articling position. She was in touch with me throughout the application process and this is a testament to how much she truly cares about her clients succeeding. I would (and have) recommend(ed) Jill’s services to my friends because she is so thorough and willing to help. It was honestly such a pleasure to work with someone so encouraging and so determined to help me reach the goals that seemed altogether out of reach. I truly believe that the articling interviews and my articling offer would not have come around if it weren’t for Jill’s excellent editing services and overall support.
— Marvah F., Articling Student
I had such a positive experience using Jill’s services for my dental school application letter of intent. She immediately understood my goals and helped me express them with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Her feedback was thoughtful, precise, and elevated the overall quality of my writing without losing my voice. Communication was smooth and supportive throughout the entire process. I’m incredibly grateful for her help and would highly recommend her services!
— Nathaniel W., Dental Student
Applying to a graduate school was a daunting task for me. For months, I was anxious about making my application. I had many ideas, but I didn’t know where and how to start. That is, until I met Jill. She is an extremely meticulous, caring, and responsible person. She helped me figure out what I truly wanted to express in an articulate and eloquent way. She guided me when my mind was filled with messy ideas and stress. Jill is also exceptionally supportive. I soon realised how important that support was. As you go through a very stressful period, a little reassurance from someone else can go a long way. I strongly recommend her services.
— A.N., Grad Student
I used Jill’s services to apply to a prestigious program. Her incredible editing skills ensured that my personal statement was both engaging and concise. Not only was I accepted to the program, but now I understand better how to communicate my strengths on paper. I highly encourage you to use Jill’s services, you won’t regret it.
— C.G., Law Student
Preparing a personal statement for law school can be stressful and overwhelming. Although I already knew what I wanted to write, my mind was full of messy ideas. Writing my thoughts into a clear, concise and connected statement was quite difficult since I’ve never been through this process before. Fortunately, Jill was able to support and guide me step-by-step. Her help allowed me to demonstrate why I am a strong candidate for law school in an engaging and structured way. I am incredibly thankful for Jill and strongly recommend her services!
— A.B., Law Student
Jill is an exceptional writer with a true mastery of the English language. I trusted her to edit my letters of intent for residency applications and she provided insightful feedback. Her edits strengthened my work and improved the clarity of my letters. Highly recommend!
— Liana C., Medical Resident
Applying to any graduate program can be a tough, daunting experience for many undergrads who have never been through the process before. Jill provided me with one-on-one support through the process of writing my letter of intent, giving me the confidence and guidance I needed to write a strong, purposeful letter which portrayed my skills and capabilities in the best way. Once the writing process was finished, she carefully went through and edited everything to make sure it was perfect. Jill was incredibly patient and friendly through the entire experience, and I am so thankful for her help during this process!
— Hailey J., Graduate Student