1. What led you to writing resumes? Do you have a background that made you an ideal fit for the industry?
Yes, I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism, Class of 1976, University of Rhode Island, and 3 courses toward an MBA, with a human resource management concentration, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ. I was working for the State of NJ, Department of Transportation, as a liaison to Commissioner Gambaccini, while I was working full time, and frankly, I got bored with the coursework . . . ultimately opening A Words Worth Resume Writing and Career Coaching Service about a decade later.
2. How long have you been in the industry? Would you recommend it to others? Why?
Since December, 1988. However, I round it up to 1989 since there was only one month left in December in the year 1988.
I would recommend to others who are seeking flexibility, have excellent writing skills, and thrive on truly helping people from all walks of life (from students to recent grads to mid-level managers and C-level execs, INCLUDING military personnel transitioning into civilian positions), that being in this industry is wonderful.
Why did I got into this business? Well, nearly 27 years ago, my husband and I adopted our daughter from Bogota, Colombia at 3-weeks old. I knew from the get-go that I could not be a stay-at-home mom, half for financial reasons, half because I knew I would go crazy staying home.
3. What is the single best tool you recommend for building client relations? Building your business? Improve efficiency?
Be yourself. Interject humor. Let the client know you are on his or her side. Do everything in your power you can for each and every client you service.
My personal advice? Pre-qualify so you and your client know you are a good fit. Also, I personally would never work with a resume writer who asks me to fill out a questionnaire to get the job done. I have never put the stress back on my client when I know my client has reached out to me to relieve some of his or her stress. After all, looking for a job, seeking a promotion … that’s stressful!
Improving efficiency? Just do it!
4. If you could share one learning experience/great lesson, what would it be?
Never say you are sending a final revision when, in your heart, you know it’s not a final revision, even if the client is difficult to work with.
Also, give your client 30 days from the time that he or she has received the resume, cover letter, reference sheet, thank you, letter, and / or LinkedIn profile to get it back to you. If he/she passes the 30-day timeline, monetary penalty. Updates cost money; end of story.
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently? Done the same?
Do not send a resume marked “final revision” when in your heart you know it is not a “final” revision, even IF the client is – and to this date remains — the biggest pain-in-the-neck you have ever worked with.
6. What advice would you give someone just entering the resume-writing industry?
Frankly, newbies, you’re not as good as you think you are.
It takes talent . . . skill . . . patience . . . knowledge . . . commitment. Geeze . . . it’s a LOOONG process.
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?
This is a constantly evolving business. In this business, evolve or give it up.
