Christopher J. Bilotta, from Resource Development Company, Inc., offers resume writing, LinkedIn profiles, personal branding, career coaching, and job-search assistance.
Mr. Bilotta is a retained search consultant and also works with job seekers.
He holds a BS and MBA from Drexel University and is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a CPA. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbilotta
1. What led you to write resumes? Do you have a background that made you an ideal fit for the industry?
Christopher: My main business is conducting retained searches.
When the economy collapsed in 2008, I decided to monetize the professional resume writing and career coaching that I was performing on a pro bono basis.
Based on my experience reviewing thousands of resumes over an 18-year period, I felt my background, perspective, and writing skills would add value for people seeking these type of services.
2. How long have you been in the industry? Would you recommend it to others? Why?
Christopher: I began writing resumes on a pro bono basis when I got into the recruiting industry in 1994.
Since 2008, I have been doing it for profit, although I still write some at no charge for family and close friends. I would definitely recommend this profession if you are creative, have strong listening skills, like to write, and enjoy working with people.
3. What is the single best tool you recommend for building client relations? Building your business? Improve efficiency?
Christopher: The single best tool I recommend for building client relationships is the phone.
There is no substitute for personal contact.
While social media is great, you can’t build meaningful and lasting relationships without a personal touch.
A phone call is the first step and a face-to-face meeting should follow when possible. Of course, with today’s technology, tools like Skype allow you to meet people no matter where they are, which is a huge plus.
4. If you could share one learning experience/great lesson, what would it be?
Christopher: As a resume writer, you are being paid for your experience, expertise, and opinion.
Clients depend on us for knowledge and guidance.
While the old adage that the customer is always right is usually true, be confident in your skills and don’t be afraid to give your strong opinion. Also, know when to tell the customer that the job is complete when you feel you’ve done all you can do.
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently? Done the same?
Christopher: I would have earned my certification much earlier and began writing resumes as part of my business rather than as a hobby.
6. What advice would you give someone just entering the resume-writing industry?
Christopher: Develop an uncompromising attitude toward quality and customer service.
Focus on continuous improvement and be open to new ideas.
Seek out the best practitioners to learn state-of-the-art techniques that will keep you ahead you of the curve.
7. How do you see our industry transforming over the next 12 months? 5 years?
Christopher: In 2008, I thought the written resume might have a short shelf life because of technology, social media, personal websites, and visual resumes.
Almost 10 years later, while these various tools have become more prevalent, the conventionally written resume remains the overwhelming standard.
Since I missed on my earlier prediction, I hesitate to prognosticate where the industry will be in the next 12 months let alone 5 years, but I do know that resume writers need to keep abreast of the latest thinking and be receptive to change to not only survive but thrive.
