Testimonials

See what people are saying.

“Hands-down, I believe I wouldn’t have landed the job I got without Marci’s help…

Her dedication to my job search and her unwavering confidence in me went such a long way. I had tried finding a job on my own, but really didn’t do well in any interviews. I then started working with Marci, talking through different answers, what story to use, how to best frame it and how to relate it well to the position at hand. I felt confident in the answers we crafted together and was ready to respond to unexpected questions. Marci’s help with follow up played a huge part in my job search. I would type up a draft email, send it to Marci and have it edited and back to me honestly within half an hour. She’s so easy to get in touch with, skilled at showing you how to present your best self on paper and in person and instills confidence in you that goes a long way in the job search.

– Wesleyan University graduate (BS Earth & Environmental Science)

“Marci is my go-to resource…

Even though I am a very good writer and have worked in that capacity in the business world for many years, it is quite a different experience when your children are involved. Who wants to listen to their parents? Marci has a very patient, engaging, yet firm way that enables her to work well with young adults and gain their respect. Her expertise not only in the nuts and bolts of finding the right job, but in how to communicate with potential employers proved to be the most essential element of my daughter’s job hunt. Marci actually SAVED our family money because our daughter was employed much earlier thanks to her encouragement, rapport and knowledge. Making the decision to use First Place Career Solutions was one of the best purchases ever!

— Parent of Indiana University graduate (BA Journalism)

  • “Marci Hackel will believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. Before working with her, I had gone over two years since being laid off and could barely land an interview, let alone make it past the first round. Given the current job market, things felt pretty hopeless. Marci approached every conversation with focus and optimism, encouraging me to take a consistent, strategic approach with well-crafted applications to carefully chosen roles. Each week she sent me thoughtfully selected opportunities and was always available to review cover letters or explore networking ideas. When those efforts began leading to interviews, her coaching truly made the difference, helping me prepare with confidence and clarity. Thanks to her guidance, I am now starting a role I am genuinely excited about and feel ready to build a meaningful, stable career.”

    – University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate (BA Political Science & Government)

  • “Before I met Marci, I had just finished my Master’s program and had been job searching for almost six months in a really tough market. After our first conversation, I knew she was the right person to guide me. She helped with everything from LinkedIn searches and cover letters to resume edits and interview prep. No matter the day or time, if I had a question, Marci was always willing and eager to help and, within a month, I was getting more interviews than I had since graduating. I received the offer for my current job within 3 months and couldn’t be happier with how the process turned out. Marci’s enthusiasm, effort, and positive attitude were a pleasure to be around, and the only regret I have is that I wish I’d started working with her sooner.“

    – Washington University in St. Louis (BA Economics/Strategy) and NYU graduate (Masters in Real Estate)

  • “Marci proved to be a wonderful asset to our daughter in her job search. Throughout the process, Marci helped her to feel confident and to focus on ways to present herself in the most positive light. Our daughter consulted with Marci before and after each interview and she was extremely helpful in suggesting interview strategies, identifying her strengths and addressing challenges. Whenever she was unsure during the process, the simple solution was always ” “just ask Marci” what to do! Indeed, Marci was always able to give good advice and with her help, our daughter is now looking forward to her first job upon college graduation!”

    – Parent of University of Maryland graduate (BS Accounting & Supply Chain)

  • “Working with Marci was one of the best decisions I could’ve made. From the moment I began working with her, I could tell I was in the hands of someone that not only knew what she was doing but cared to do a great job. No matter how hard the job search got, she was there to keep pushing and guiding me, ultimately leading me to a job and situation I love. I’d highly, highly recommend Marci to any young prospective job seeker to help with any step of the process - from cover letters to interview prep, she’s an expert at it all!”

    – Yeshiva University (BS Data Analytics)

  • “Marci was instrumental in finding me a satisfying place to work. She was able to consistently point me to increasingly relevant job postings, as well as suggesting interesting postings I wouldn’t have originally considered. Her knowledge of the workings of the job marketplace is top-of-the-line, even in fields she is not personally familiar with. Most of all, she offers persistent motivation for a process that can otherwise be draining and demoralizing. I would highly recommend Marci’s services to anyone seeking a job and wanting some guidance or motivation! Marci was instrumental in finding me a satisfying place to work. She was able to consistently point me to increasingly relevant job postings, as well as suggesting interesting postings I wouldn’t have originally considered. Her knowledge of the workings of the job marketplace is top-of-the-line, even in fields she is not personally familiar with. Most of all, she offers persistent motivation for a process that can otherwise be draining and demoralizing. I would highly recommend Marci’s services to anyone seeking a job and wanting some guidance or motivation!”

    – The Johns Hopkins University (BS Physics)

  • “Thank you for sharing your insights and for helping our daughter feel more confident about her options for the future. It was hard for us as her parents to objectively advise her and she really needed a knowledgeable third party to help get her approach and options sorted through. You did exactly that. She now has a renewed sense of her skills and capabilities and is excited about what the future may hold for her. Thank you so much for the time you took to help give my daughter her confidence back and assist her in landing a new job. I know she really enjoyed working with you.”

    – Parent of Gettysburg College graduate (BA Globalization Studies)

  • “I can’t say enough good things about working with Marci! She was an integral part of my search for my 2nd job after college and helped me land my dream position, which I never thought was possible. In addition to being an absolute joy to talk to, Marci has a critical eye for resumes, cover letters, self-marketing and overall communication with 5 potential employers. She was not afraid to push me out of my comfort zone, which led to several surprising interview invitations. Marci always made herself available to me and consistently went above and beyond to answer questions, return documents with constructive criticism, help prep for interviews and so much more. Marci’s passion for helping others and passion for life is contagious!”

    – University of Maryland graduate (BS Marketing)

  • “Working with Marci really increased my confidence throughout my job search. She helped to improve my resume so I was proud to use it in my job applications. She proof- read and edited all of my cover letters speedy fast and accurately, still wording them in a way I wanted them to be worded. Marci helped me decide which path to take in my job search and sent me great postings to apply to! After working with Marci, she will always remember you and looks to help you out more and more. With Marci’s help, I gained the confidence and job applying skills it takes to make it in a recent college graduate’s world!”

    – Syracuse University graduate (BFA Illustration)

  • “I graduated from Denison University with a major in Communications and a minor in Psychology, still uncertain about my career path. Through a mutual friend, I was connected with Marci and I couldn’t be more grateful for the mentorship, encouragement, and invaluable lessons I gained while working with her. Marci taught me how to stay organized and proactive in the fast-paced, often daunting job search process, equipping me with tools like a personalized “homework” plan and a job tracker. She consistently went above and beyond. Marci turned around cover letters in record time and helped me prepare for interviews, even with a short notice. Marci is not only attentive and insightful but also a true personal coach and friend. I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where I am in my current role without her guidance.”

    – Denison University (BA Communications & Psychology)

  • “Graduating college and preparing for a new role in the work-force is a daunting task that almost all recent graduates can relate to. Working with Marci provided me with the professional skills needed to best market myself. From resume reviews and interview prep to offer acceptance emails, I was able to fully develop myself as a candidate. I knew that whatever interview I was going into, my preparation with Marci and previous conversations with hiring managers set me up for the highest chances of success.”

    – Montana State University graduate (Masters Statistics)

  • “I can’t even begin to explain how much Marci has transformed my life. After a year and a half in my first post-grad job in Charleston, I knew I needed a new challenge—and wanted to be closer to my family in Chicago. After months of job applications with no success, I met Marci and from our very first conversation, I knew she was something special. She quickly took the time to understand my goals, strengths, and dreams. She completely revamped my résumé, rebuilt my confidence, and opened my eyes to incredible opportunities I never would have considered. Within just a month, I had multiple interviews and ultimately secured my dream job in Chicago! Marci guided me through every step, helping me prepare, grow, and believe in myself. Thanks to her, I’m now exactly where I’m meant to be—thriving in a role that challenges and inspires me. Marci doesn’t just help people find jobs; she helps them find purpose and confidence. I’m endlessly grateful for her support and guidance.”

    – University of Alabama graduate (BA Hospitality Management)

  • “Marci has been an incredible help throughout a very difficult job search. She worked with me on everything from my resume to networking with professionals at the institutions to which I had submitted applications. Despite various time conflicts, including training for a part-time job, Marci always worked with my schedule. After a couple of months applying to jobs with literally no response, the marketing materials that Marci helped me create got me a call back within the first week! I’m looking within a very specific area of the United States, but Marci was able to constantly find new postings and teach me new strategies that have helped me get interviews, explore new job areas, and learn how to market myself successfully to potential employers.”

    – Cornell University graduate (BA Psychology)

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