Yesterday, a friend sent me a link to a Wall Street Journal (online) article by Alina Dizik entitled "Hiring a Resume Writer? Ask These Questions." Ms. Dizik says:
"With low barriers to entry, resume-writing services have mushroomed as job seekers who've been out of work for a prolonged period compete for the atention of hiring managers. Out of more than 400 members of the National Resume Writers Association, or NRWA, (one of the two main trade associations for resume writers), only 34 have attained the National Certified Resume Writer Credential. That makes quality tough to discern. Resume-writing services cost between $100 and $2,000 dollars, says Charlotte Weeks, president of NRWA, making it critical to know what you're getting before you pay up."
Question 1: Do you know my industry?
---Ms. Dizik says a resume for a specific industry requires a deep understanding of that industry. A resume writer should speak the language of the industry. She says to check for "previous clients or industry affiliations to gauge their industry acumen."
My Answer:
Though my expertise is definitely not limited to these areas, I am becoming well-known for my ability to compose a highly technical IT resume in terms that can be understood by any non-techie. I have written about 20 highly technical resumes. Many of these clients come to me because they have had their resume on the market for many weeks/months without success. After my rewrite, many of these clients report an instantaneous jump in calls for interviews. Though I do not have industry certifications in IT, my husband works in IT and is also a hiring manager. He has helped me learn to ask the right questions of my clients, how to discern the job functions, and how to compose the IT resumes to draw the attention of hiring managers.
I am also proficient in writing federal resumes and KSAs. A federal resume has many different requirements than a private-sector resume. Over 60% of the resumes I write are federal resumes. A fellow resume writer, who was trained by Kathy Troutman (leader in the federal resume industry) mentored me in writing these kinds of resumes.
I am starting to make a name for myself in writing military-transition resumes. My husband served in the Army and Army National Guard for a total of eight years. I learned much of the language and gained a passion for helping service members and their families. I offer a 10% discount to active duty military and Veterans.
2. Can I see samples that aren't posted on your website, please?
---Ms. Dizik says to ask for and read industry-related samples before hiring a resume writer. In addition, ask to speak to references directly rather than relying on written testimonials.
My answer:
I am happy to provide resume samples to prospective clients. I will sanitize (remove or change the names and contact information) to protect my clients' identities first. If a prospective client requests to speak to a reference, I check with the prior client first to preserve confidentiality. I do not have samples on my website, but I may add them soon.
3. Are you skilled at working with people like me?
---Ms. Dizik says to look for a resume writer who has experience working with clients in similar circumstances, i.e. executive level verses mid-level.
My answer:
I have experience working with entry level, mid-level, and executive level clients. I consider entry level to be a recent graduate with less than three years of professional experience. Most people fall into the mid-level category, which includes anyone with more than three years of professional experience but is not at the senior management level. The executive level is reserved for senior management, senior military officers, and senior enlisted service members. I also charge the executive level rate to compose a curriculum vitae, which is traditionally used by professors and medical doctors.
Question 4: How will you tackle writing my resume?
---Ms. Dizik says to be wary of resumes that include too many "amazing achievements" that make the resume look "like it's written by someone who is trying to sell you." A good resume writer should do phone or in-person interviews to get a real sense of the client's experiences. Ms. Dizik also says to ask the resume writer about their policy on future resume tweaks. Most importantly, she says "If the writer promises an overly-speedy turnaround time, or doesn't ask for information beyond a copy of your current resume, that's often a sign that you won't get a high-quality rewrite in return."
My answer:
Right away, I ask my clients what method of communication they prefer: phone or email. I do not meet with clients in person. I interview my clients extensively via their preferred method of communication. When I send an initial proposal to a client, it incudes a long list of suggested materials such as performance evaluations and transcripts. I prefer to have too much information to draw from than not enough.
I tell most of my clients I can complete their resume within ten days, depending on the time they take to review and respond to questions and rough drafts. I do not do 24-hour turnaround times like some other resume-mill companies.
Question 5: So, what did you do before you were a resume writer?
---Ms. Dizik says to ask for the resume writers background and to check his or her claims to be part of a professional association.
My answer:
If you Google "Andrea Hall CPRW," my credentials will show up on the Professional Association of Resume Writers' website, in addition to LinkedIn and A1 Resume and Career Services.
I am frequently asked, "How did you become a resume writer?" I enjoy answering this question. I have a Bachelors degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership. I enjoy helping people and I have always been a good writer. I received top grades in all my writing assignments in college. I enjoy research as well. I co-authored an article on safe-lifting behavior in major industries that was published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2004. Once having children and deciding to stay home with them, I looked for a job I could do from home. A friend, and owner of A1 Resume and Career Services, offered me a chance to try resume writing. I enjoyed the challenge looked forward to more assignments. Around the same time, I co-founded a volunteer-based group to provide free resume and interview coaching, as well as social networking opportunities, to anyone in my community. This group helped hundreds of people, and I edited many of their resumes. After two years of writing solely for A1, I started my own business.
Epikos, Inc.
www.epikosinc.com
703-625-1826
andrea@epikosinc.com
If you have any other questions for me that you would like to see answered here, please ask in the comments section below and I will answer them!
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