Tammy Shoup, a multi-certified resume writer and Founder of Breakthrough Resume Writing Service. She specializes in helping job seekers, career professionals, thought leaders, rising stars, and executive-level candidates with the development of customized, branded resumes and other career marketing documents.
1. What led you to write resumes? Do you have a background that made you an ideal fit for the industry?
Tammy: I’ve always had a great love for the written word and when I left my position as an Executive Assistant with an innovative, renewable energy manufacturing facility, I launched an executive support firm. I later turned my focus toward resume writing —and that’s how Breakthrough Resumes was born.
2. Now that you’ve been in the industry for a while, would you recommend it to others? Why?
Tammy: I would definitely recommend the career services industry.
The various professional organizations provide networking opportunities, access to subcontracting / referrals, and a way to stay abreast of new trends.
We have a very supportive, engaging group of professionals who freely share information and advice.
3. What is the single best tool you recommend for building client relations? Building your business? Improve efficiency?
Tammy: For me, social media and blogging have been key in building client relations and my business.
4. If you could share one learning experience/great lesson, what would it be?
Tammy: Starting as a subcontractor helped me hone my resume writing skills.
I worked under the guidance of editors who provided feedback, so I could continue to learn and grow.
5. Looking back, what would you have done differently? Done the same?
Tammy: I would have made the move to my own client base and joined the National Resume Writers’ Association and Career Directors International sooner.
6. What advice would you give someone just entering the resume-writing industry?
Tammy: Join the various professional associations and go through at least two certifications processes.
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?
Tammy: To survive, resume writers need to keep pace with employment trends and technology and offer more services than resume writing.
