Cheryl Lee talked herself into a temporary job – which lead to a great career

Cheryl Lee had always known she wanted to work in a role dealing with visitors to her home town. So when she saw a public relations consultant job come up at the Public Relations Office in Whangarei, she applied, but was shocked when she didn't get an interview.

"I actually couldn’t believe that they didn’t want to interview me! So I rang them up and said, 'I applied for this job but I haven’t heard from you!'

"You really need me – I'm perfect for that role!"

"They told me the job had gone to an internal applicant so I said 'Well actually you really need me, I’m perfect for that role!' " In the end they did see her, and Cheryl talked herself into a temporary role. She then applied for and got the job of assistant manager.

"They recognised my passion and motivation"

Cheryl is now manager of the Whangarei Tourism Trust, and employs more than 30 people. "Looking back, I was lucky the human resources manager recognised my passion and motivation when I called them about the job, and told them they needed me!"

Now, as a manager, Cheryl looks for that same level of motivation when she is employing new staff.

Read more about how Cheryl's enthusiasm for her career has lasted nearly 20 years