1. What led you to writing resumes? Do you have a background that made you an ideal fit for the industry?
Simply … I love to write! I love talking with people! I was in Corporate America for over 25 years, writing … writing … writing … policies and procedures, instruction manuals, real estate copywriting, assisting Technical Writers, emails, memos, letters and writing for executives also. Friends and relatives were always asking me if I could write their resumes. I thought … gee … I could make money at this! I knew layoffs were coming in my last corporate job so I researched becoming a CPRW while working, paid for my equipment, ads and promotional materials and when the day came … I was already writing resumes part-time so it was an easy transition.
2. How long have you been in the industry? Would you recommend it to others? Why?
I have been “officially” writing resumes for about 4 years now. If you have a knack for writing and truly want to help others it may be for you.
3. What is the single best tool you recommend for building client relations? Building your business? Improve efficiency?
To build client relations – I would say try and be available to your clients for questions and advice and always do a great job so they will refer you. To build my business – I am still in the process of doing that, and still learning about how to get more clients. I think devoting a little time to your business each day (even if you don’t have resumes) is important. You can always be doing something, advertise, write articles, etc. To improve efficiency, I would say to get and stay organized
4. If you could share one learning experience/great lesson, what would it be?
Get payment up front! I learned this the hard way. I did a resume for a Police Officer, and in his core competencies I wrote … honest, high level of integrity, moral character, etc. And … he never paid! It was in the early stages of my business, so I added PayPal and now only accept clients that are willing to pay up-front.
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently? Done the same?
I would have added PayPal earlier and now I have a really nice Project Agreement (which I didn’t have initially). What I would not change is that I’m glad I started the business while working full-time so when I was really ready, everything was paid for and I just had to start writing!
6. What advice would you give someone just entering the resume-writing industry?
To write a few resumes for free and see if you have the knack then get a certification.
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?
I think resume writers will have to be well-versed in LinkedIn Profiles, Bios and be computer savvy.
