Katrina Brittingham, M.B.A., MSA. CPRW, JCDC, JCTC, VentureReady LLC.
Katrina’s skills and areas of expertise include career and job coaching, resume writing, interview techniques, business letters.
She received two Masters degrees in Business Administration and Accountancy from Rosemont College and the University of Phoenix as well as certifications in resume writing and career coaching.
“I honed my skills by continuing my education in the career industry and getting certified. I am also a behavioral consultant with DISC which assists me with effectively assessing my client’s needs.”
1. What led you to write resumes? Do you have a background that made you an ideal fit for the industry?
Katrina: I would write resumes or rewrite resumes for my friends, family, and co-workers.
This turned into a love for helping people find a career or job of their dreams. It is so fulfilling when people go from not getting responses or response that they don’t want to get interview calls for the job or career they want.
I worked as a team leader and had to review resumes on a regular basis.
In addition, I worked in HR and heard firsthand what hiring managers were looking for on candidates resumes.
I also had training through career services programs at my university and through career conferences/workshops.
2. How long have you been in the industry? Would you recommend it to others?
Katrina: I have been in the industry for almost 10 years.
I would recommend this industry those who want to help people get the jobs that they have been seeking and love coaching people.
Why?
I think it is a very fulfilling career.
At the end of the day, they will feel like that are not just working for a paycheck. They will be transforming the lives of the people they serve.
3. What is the single best tool you recommend for building client relations?
Katrina: For me, the best tool in building client relations is providing excellent customer service.
This is key to keep a client happy and provoke them to come back if they need assistance in the future.
They will also refer friends, family or someone they meet that needs help with their resume. I have gotten clients who informed me that someone I assisted recommended my services when they overheard the individual needed help with writing his/her resume.
My clients pay it forward with strangers they meet in passing.
Building your business?
Networking and word of mouth advertising help, but social media (Facebook and LinkedIn) has brought in many new clients. This is through a general search for resume writers, or they have read an article that I have written on these platforms.
Improve efficiency?
The best tool for improving efficiency is research and professional development. I found that the more I research this industry and link with other resume writers and career coaches, I learn ways to do things more efficiently.
Continuing my education in career services has opened up industry trends and provide me with a referral network in my area of expertise.
I also have a lifeline to a subcontractor when I get an overflow of clients.
This keeps customers happy because they are receiving the services that they need when they need it.
4. If you could share one learning experience/great lesson, what would it be?
Katrina: Don’t be afraid to step out and accomplish a dream.
For years I was afraid to start a business because I did not think I would do well selling a product/service. However, I found that I can sell this service because it fills a need.
I believe what I do makes lives better.
I have met people who have been out of work for up to 3 years and once they get a job, it enhances their lives and increases their confidence to transition to a new career or reach for that promotion they always wanted to do after.
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently? I would have believed in myself sooner. Done the same?
Katrina: I would have taken the resume writing and interview skills training sooner.
I would have taken the step that I coach my clients to take without hesitation. I realize looking back that I was my first client. I had to teach myself to have confidence in myself and my potential.
What I would have done the same is building my network through professional associations and using social media to grow my business.
Looking back, I realize that having the courage to step out of my comfort zone was the best thing I could have done to have a more rounded life.
6. What advice would you give someone just entering the resume-writing industry?
Katrina: Be patient — sometimes work is intermitted.
Subcontract to develop your skillset and become a stronger writer during your slow periods.
Network and build relationships with more experienced resume writers who own a business.
Their advice is invaluable. They will help you grow as a business owner and will spark your creativity.
Stay on top of the trends in the industry by attending workshops and conference.
This will help you build a support system. No one is an island. Don’t try to do everything on your own.
7. How do you see our industry transforming over the next 12 months? 5 years?
Katrina: I believe that the industry is going to be more challenging.
Networking is a must.
In 5 years, I believe that professional resume writers are going to be more in demand as the workforce becomes more competitive with millennials entering the workforce and those of retirement age transition to new careers or contracting roles.
People will embrace services like LinkedIn as companies recruit through these sites more.
8. What do think resume writers need to know in order to survive?
Katrina: From my experience, I learned companies are outsourcing training for resume writing, professional development, and interview skills.
I think in order to survive, resume writers will have to learn how to attract business from corporations as well as individuals.
Writers will have to learn how to adjust to the “gig” economy as more companies seek contracted talent instead of full-time employees.
We will have to embrace technology as we move to the Cloud and adapt to a global clientele as social media opens us up to professionals in other time zones and countries.
Pick up skills and acquire software and systems that help us work smarter not harder.
