1. What led you to writing resumes? Do you have a background that made you an ideal fit for the industry?
My incursion to the resume writing business was not a mere coincidence. Since I was a child, I enjoyed writing stories, novels and about made up characters. I remember my aunt saying that I had a unique way of describing these characters and scenarios, in a way she could see the whole picture it in her head. She was always stating that when I grew up I was going to be a kids story writer. So then I grew up and started my professional life as a headhunter and recruiter over 14 years’ ago! I remember speaking to exceptional candidates over the phone and always needing to fix their resumes because of the lack of marketability. Over the phone screening and interview I could pick up a thousand things that they did not even notice were important and were not in the document. I was tremendously successful in selling and placing candidates in highly technical and executive positions for the pharmaceutical, medical device, service and banking industries. In a short time, I turned into the head of recruiting and later on got promoted as a Regional Manager. After several years of doing this, I noticed that of the whole process I sincerely loved rewriting resumes and contributing to my candidates career growth, so got certified. I turned out to be the 2nd Certified Professional Resume Writer in Puerto Rico; right now there are only three. There are several things that make me an ideal fit for the industry; my recruiting background is one. Because of my experience, I know exactly what the recruiter and customer are searching for in that document. My creativity is second; I do not use templates or repeat resume styles for my customers. I believe that each customer is an individual and therefore needs a branding that transcends the paper so the recruiter or hiring manager can visualize the candidate in their head. Third, I strive for excellence! I go the extra mile and create a relationship with my customer, coach and guide them through the job search process. I celebrate their accomplishments and help them with research and offer negotiation. I strongly believe that this industry has forever been part of my DNA, and I was born to do this!
2. How long have you been in the industry? Would you recommend it to others? Why?
Formally, I have been in the resume writing industry for five (5) years now. I do recommend this industry to others that as I do, enjoy writing, selling and celebrating others achievements thorough your work. It is such a remarkable and warm feeling I just cannot think in another area that would make me feel more rewarding.
3. What is the single best tool you recommend for building client relations? Building your business? Improve efficiency?
I believe that one single best tool for building client relations is living customer service. Customer communication is so crucial to me that I built a structured process to follow with all my customers which keeps them in the loop through waiting time. This process keeps them happy and informed through every step of the writing process even if it takes three weeks for them to see their draft. I also know that organization is key, so I programmed an automated online tool that keeps track of all my customers, quotes, leads, work orders, customer notes and the resumes I have sold. It even has quote templates designed to make my answering process easier and professional. This way, even if I am in China and I do not have my computer or my computer blows in pieces, I am able to assist my customer using my smart phone only. This has improved my efficiency 200%.
4. If you could share one learning experience/great lesson, what would it be?
Through these years I have learned that I cannot sell myself as an “expert” because, believe me, there are always these particularly challenging resumes that make me wonder if I am. I know that I am just an experienced resume writer with the right tools and that my customers are the real experts in their profession. Using this combination, I formulate a writing plan with them. I explain to each, and every one that I know how to research and write, I know what the recruiter/hiring manager wants and I am darned good at Microsoft word formatting, but without their contributions the whole process is worthless. I just do not create false expectations among my customers; I use them as the main tool for writing a successful piece of marketing art that will sell them effectively.
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently? Done the same?
Looking back at the begging, I would not have sold my services so cheap! LOL! I have learned that these services are worth being paid for and that my time is of significant value. Thankfully, that is fixed now! Besides that, the rest I would keep the same. Focus on the customer and never stop learning, growing and laughing!
6. What advice would you give someone just entering the resume-writing industry?
I would advise newcomers to read lots, learn from experienced resume writers, share experiences with them and never be afraid to reach out for help. This is a very warm and welcoming industry, in my experience, and you will feel just at home.
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 know for a fact that technology and social platforms are here to stay! The resume writing industry is already there! Linkedin and similar platforms that are yet to come will replace the traditional resume paper. As a resume writer, learn about technology and upcoming social platforms. See where recruiters are headed, where are they posting and finding their candidates. Follow recruiters, that is where you need to be in the next 12 months and 5 years!
Interview conducted with … Viviana Rivera-Marrero, CPRW. Advance Capital Express. Resume Writing, Distribution and Coaching. Connect With Viviana On LinkedIn.
