1. What led you to writing resumes? Do you have a background that made you an ideal fit for the industry? Fresh out of college the first position I landed was as an Operations Coordinator for a staffing agency. I got my feet wet in recruiting and hiring and loved HR so much I made it my career. Five years later I was the HR manager for an International company that produced lumber and my friends were asking me to write their resumes to help them find new careers. That’s how it all started. I believe that my background in the hiring sphere gives me a competitive advantage in the industry. I know exactly what a hiring manager and recruiter will be looking for in a candidate’s resume.
2. How long have you been in the industry? Would you recommend it to others? Why?
I’ve been in recruiting and human resources management for 12+ years. I’ve owned and operated Great Resumes Fast for a little over 5 years.
3. What is the single best tool you recommend for building client relations? Building your business? Improve efficiency?
Hands down, social networking and blogging. I’ve built my business almost exclusively on both. For improving efficiency I’d say automating your social networking. That way it’s still going while you’re having some down time.
4. If you could share one learning experience/great lesson, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to try new things to see what works! I believe in continuous process improvement and I am constantly testing new ideas, content, pricing, and more on my website to find out what converts more client sales.
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently? Done the same?
I probably would have done more industry research. When I first started my business I didn’t even realize there was a resume writing industry or career associations that you could join and resources that you could get your hands on.
6. What advice would you give someone just entering the resume-writing industry?
If they have limited experience writing resumes then I suggest finding a great company that employs new writers so they can get their foot in the door and learn the industry and how to write the most effective resumes. I love adding ambitious newcomers to my team and training them to write resumes the way I prefer them written. Plus, it helps them get the experience they need to be able to get other subcontracting work or to feel confident taking on clients of their own.
7. How do you see our industry transforming over the next 12 months? 5 years? What do you think resume writers need to know in order to survive?
I am not one of those that believe resumes will go away any time soon. However, as social networking changes and hiring trends change I can see additional service offerings being added. For example, when I first started five years ago we didn’t offer LinkedIn profile development but now it’s one of our most popular services. 90% of the clients who order from us choose a package that includes it.
