The following is part of a colleague spotlight series. A new colleague spotlight will be published each Monday. To read all colleague spotlights that have been published thus far, simply visit the colleague spotlight category.
1. What led you to writing resumes? Do you have a background that made you an ideal fit for the industry?
This was a career transition for me—a departure from the corporate world at an opportune moment. With children grown and on their own and a deep-seated desire to use my talent for writing and experience in marketing, I embarked on this new solopreneur journey. I found an online call for resume writers, studied the website’s samples, and styled a couple of my own. My submissions passed the test and the rest is history!
2. Now that you’ve been in the industry for a while, would you recommend it to others? Why?
Only if they are skilled writers, yearn to work independently, enjoy meeting people from all over the world, and embrace customer service.
3. What is the single best tool you recommend for building client relations? Building your business? Improve efficiency?
Patience and understanding. Networking, setting goals, and asking for help. Develop a backup system.
4. If you could share one learning experience/great lesson, what would it be?
On rare occasions, I get a client who I can’t do anything “right” for. I’ve learned it’s okay to let them go, sometimes money and all.
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently? Done the same?
Looking back, I did what I had to do given my life situation, and I have no regrets!
6. What advice would you give someone just entering the resume-writing industry?
Enroll in Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark’s Resume Writing Academy … ASAP! Louise, Wendy, and the RWA were pivotal in getting my career off the ground. They changed my life.
7. How do you see our industry transforming over the next 12 months? 5 years? What do think resume writers need to know in order to survive?
The trend toward leaner and cleaner resumes will continue. Branding is here to stay and is an essential part of client marketing. Infographics is a phenomenon that creatives will use more and more in marketing clients. As a resume writer, I must continue to build my network, stay in touch with the SMEs of the careers industry, participate actively on LinkedIn, develop my online presence, and grow my client relationships.
Interview conducted with … Marjorie Sussman, MRW, ACRW, CPRW, Dover Productions. Services: resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, and any other career-related documents. Specialties: finance, business development, sales, and operations for all professionals, entry-level to C-level.
See my work in Resumes that Pop! Designs that Reflect your Personal Brand, Sales & Marketing Resumes for $100,000 Careers, Step-by-Step Cover Letters: Build a Cover Letter in 10 Easy Steps using Personal Branding, and more.
