manager and then project manager in less than three years. “I rose quite rapidly,” he says.
“I loved the construction world. I went from that to starting my own business.”
And that business was writing CVs. Twenty years ago, there was barely anyone who did this professionally in the UK.
But with a flair for it himself, James spotted a gap in the market and seized his opportunity.
“I was good with computers, a fast typist and I had a way with words,” he says. “It dawned on me there was a business idea in that.
“So I launched The CV Centre from my bedroom, aged 23, taking phone calls at 4am if necessary. It grew from there.
“We doubled our business every year for years. Then in 2010 I decided to go multinational and we went through a period of rapid growth – Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, the USA.
“More recently we’ve started working in foreign languages – French and German so far and going for more.
“It’s grown from me in my bedroom to 300 of us with a turnover of £5m a year.”
But as important to James is the work he does for free for those in need – Army veterans trying to get back onto Civvy Street or ex-prisoners just out of jail.
He says: “I do a lot of work with wounded veterans, even SAS guys, helping them transition from being in the Army to working in the outside world.
“They are often suffering from PTSD. They are exceptional people and have done amazing things for their country.
“The SAS are tough guys but terrified about what to do after the end of their military careers.
“Creating their CV shows them they have a lot to offer and boosts their confidence.
“Vodafone is especially good with wounded veterans. It takes on a number and does well out of it. These guys are very disciplined and know how to get the job done.
“Other organisations want to rehabilitate prisoners who have served their time as it is a good and right thing to do.”
James’s brief experience of being homeless has also spurred him on to help others in that situation.
He adds: “I met an architect who was homeless after suffering from depression. His wife couldn’t take it and left, he went into a downward spiral, got laid off from his job and that was it.
“He went from being an architect to living on the streets – it can happen to anyone. But I sorted him out and he’s now back working as an architect.”
Now every week from next Monday, the Daily Star’s Jobs Guru will be helping you.
“The first step to getting work or changing job is to take your time and go about it properly,” says James.
“Jobs are a very large part of our lives but people put so little time and effort into managing their careers. They look at a few jobs, knock up a basic CV and go about it all very half-heartedly.
“If you want to be happy in your career and a get a decent job, you need to sit down and decide what you want. Research widely.
“And for any questions on any aspect of jobs and work, come to me and I will do my best to help you.”