Do you think you’re special because at times you find resume writing to be stressful?
Ah, no. I’m here to tell you that whether you’re new or seasoned, resume writing can be stressful.
We ALL deal with problematic clients and complicated resume projects.
The goal here is for you to identify whether you ALWAYS have stress with projects, or if your stress is isolated.
For example, a steady stream of problem clients can have more to do with you than with your clients.
I know. I know.
How the heck can that be?
Simply put, few of us handle client criticism and harsh personalities well.
[Editorial Note: Be sure to see the sales tips & scripts post to learn more about the 4 personality types of your clients.]
So, the first step is to identify if your stress is temporary or constant.
Temporary stress means a few policy/procedure changes are needed on your part.
Constant stress, on the other hand, means you have bigger problems. Possibly a career change needs to be on your horizon.
Let’s look at temporary stress.
Maybe your stress is caused because:
1) you’re new to writing resumes
2) you’re writing a high number of resumes
3) you’re handling too many clients with different issues (e.g. job hopping, career changing, gaps in employment)
4) there was a shift in the customer dynamic/maybe negotiated fee
Which of these is true for you?
If you’re new to resume writing and writing for career fields you’ve never written for, get help from those in the RBIZ Facebook Group.
Remember, you have a group of seasoned resume writers available to you when you need them.
SOLUTION: Start by purchasing every resume book in the “Expert Resumes…” series written by Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark. These books will help get your creative juices flowing when writing resumes. Then, as your portfolio of resumes enlarges, use your own writings for inspiration when working on new projects.
If you’re writing a high number of resumes, you have a few solutions available to you.
SOLUTIONS:
- hire a contract writer (post an update in the RBIZ Facebook group about your needs)
- change the due dates on less pressing projects
- raise your rates and take on fewer clients
- learn how to write faster
- use a phone intake (instead of emailed questions) and condition yourself to write the resume while the client answers your questions
If you’re handling too many client challenges, such as employment gaps and changing careers, deflect future prospects with these career challenges.
SOLUTION: Identify a colleague willing to work with clients who have challenging work histories. Ask for a 15% referral fee for those he/she turns into clients. This is a win/win for both of you.
If there’s a shift in the client relationship, a demanding and unrealistic client can surface.
We see this often when a resume writer negotiates their fee before closing the sale.
The prospect then feels they have some “control” over the resume writer and then proceeds to wield it throughout the entire working relationship.
SOLUTION: Avoid negotiating your fees or taking on clients who want to control the working relationship. You can customize services to meet the prospect’s budget restrictions; but, be sure that when you lower (adjust) your fee, the prospect is giving up something too.
Let’s look at constant stress.
Getting a daily dose of client problems is a sign of deeper challenges.
There are likely 3 primary issues that could be happening.
First, your resume writing skills are slipping.
If you feel this might be true, take a deep look at the quality of the resumes you produce.
I know what you’re thinking. But, this can be a challenge even for the most seasoned resume writers.
We all need to assess and finetune our skills.
SOLUTION: Look into additional resume writing training and stay on top of changes in the industry by joining one of the resume writing organizations available to you (e.g. Career Directors Intl, National Resume Writers Association, and the Professional Association of Resume Writers/Career Coaches.
Second, look at how and how much you interact with clients.
Clients like to be kept informed about what’s happening with their projects and what they can expect next.
Maintaining communications with clients can be time-consuming. Therefore, create template emails to save you time.
Third, you could be attracting problem clients.
SOLUTION: If you feel you’ve had more than your fair share of problem clients, it’s time to take a look at a few “channels” as to where these problem clients are coming from. Take a look at:
- The content on your website/how is it worded?
- Which sites are sending you referrals/leads?
- What keywords/keyphrases does your site rank for?
Below are a few problem-client red flags to watch out for. Avoid working with those who…
- Want to negotiate your fees
- Speak negatively about your skills
- Question the validity of your certifications or other credentials
- Want you at their beck and call
- Have worked with another resume writer
Of course, none of these on their own indicate a future problem client, however, any of these warrant further consideration.
7 Tips for Handling the Stresses of Writing Resumes
1. Peck, peck, peck.
Regardless of what you’re dealing with, peck at client projects.
Sometimes doing little improvements to a resume, such as setting up the education section or adding a header, can be a gateway to deeper writing.
Also, think about a challenging project when you’re away from your desk.
Talk to yourself about it.
Sometimes you just need to talk yourself through project obstacles.
2. Don’t leave yourself in the dark.
Ask your client for clarification on anything he’s told you.
Don’t be afraid of your client.
Sometimes resume writers are concerned that asking “what’s that” or “what does that mean” questions will make them look inadequate or incapable of writing the client’s resume.
This is simply not true. Not asking (and making an assumption) is what will make you look foolish.
Make the client put things in layman’s terms when you need them to.
3. Find a way to keep writing.
One technique I use: I close my eyes, take a deep breath and envision the client in his/her job.
I then talk aloud to mentally walk myself through what I think I see them doing.
You’ll be amazed how much this helps!
4. Find ways to relax.
Our society is designed to go-go-go. When we really should be slowing down more than we do.
Think about meditation.
Or, opt for meditation tapes. Soothing music can go a long way to calming the most troubled mind.
I use Pandora.com — a great online music service that enables me to create and build playlists based on my music preferences.
I have a calming playlist for those days I need more relaxation. And, another playlist of rock-and-roll for those days I’m pumped and driven.
Something else to try is using earplugs.
Slate.com writes that there’s a peculiar pleasure in earplugs.
I use earplugs ALL THE TIME.
In fact, I write 10X more when I’m wearing earplugs.
I can’t explain WHY. There’s something very soothing about hearing one’s heartbeat and the slight hum the ears make.
5. Know your body’s clock.
For me, I write most resumes in the evening … most often in the late evenings; between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
I’m not a morning person.
After many years in business, I’ve embraced that my body works differently — and if I force myself to write resumes at 8:00 a.m., I put undue stress on myself that eventually restricts the writing I produce over time.
I’m not alone with my unique work schedule.
Wendy Enelow wrote some years back that she would wake between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. and write 2-4 resumes, long before other career professionals were starting their days.
See what I mean?
Maybe a portion of your stress is because you’re forcing yourself to write at a time that’s not ideal for you.
Find a time of day that works for you.
6. Don’t carry all the workload.
If you find that resume writing isn’t your strong suit, consider hiring a team of contract writers.
The resume writing industry has grown significantly, and with that, a pool of quality resume writers has grown as well.
To find contract writers, contact one or more resume writing organization.
7. Not all writing starts with a keyboard.
Any time I experience writer’s block, or just have trouble putting my nose to the grindstone, I brainstorm projects when I’m not at my desk. Maybe I’m washing dishes or running an errand in my car.
Working through the logistics of a project while doing something else can help you get over the hurdle that’s between your brain, your fingers, and your computer screen. 🙂
