FAQS for Resume Writing Services by Nationally Certified Resume Writer

ANSWERS

1. HOW CAN A PROFESSIONALLY WRITTEN RESUME HELP ME?

Much like an accountant specializes in financial data, a certified professional resume writer is trained and experienced in the "language" of resume writing. From format, word choice, layout, positioning, strategy, to overcoming problems and challenges that each client presents, we apply our skills to your unique situation.

Most workers are never trained or study "how" to write a resume; in fact, creating a marketing document may be something you've never learned. It becomes even tougher when the subject of the document is YOU and the marketing target is a new, and better job. Matching these two components in a concise and impactful document is like walking along a tightrope between your past and your future.

I don't write "cookie cutter" resumes. Until I have all the facts about your background and past jobs, as well as your target job, I can't begin to tell you what the resume will look like. Together, through my questioning of you in a 60-minute phone interview and in your completing my proprietary exercises, reading some articles and learning what data I need, we develop a strategy for the correct positioning.

2. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU, GAIL FRANK?

The "Real Question" is, "How do I choose a resume writer?" You'll find resume writers who charge $100, and resume writers who charge $1000. What's the difference?

Things to consider before hiring a resume writer:

1) CERTIFICATION
Has this resume writer taken tests, training and submitted examples to achieve certification in resume writing/coaching?

Me: One of less than a dozen nationwide resume writers “doubly certified” in resume-writing from the 2 largest and oldest professional organizations:

· NCRW (Nationally Certified Resume Writer) from the National Resume Writer’s Association

· CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer) from the Professional Association of Resume Writers

· JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach) after completing a 3 day workshop detailing the help adults need when changing jobs and careers

· CEIP (Certified Employment Interview Professional) after completing a 2 day workshop targeted to improve a client’s ability to interview skillfully and negotiate effectively.

2) EDUCATION

Does the resume writer/coach have college and/or graduate level degrees?

Me: B.A. in Economics from Harvard University

M.A. in Adult Education/Training from the University of South Florida

3) BUSINESS EXPERIENCE & BUSINESS SAVVY

What kind of “real” business experience do they have? Many resume professionals have been out of the market for many years, never had hiring or executive management exposure, or became resume writers from administrative/secretarial positions.

Me: Over 10 years of Fortune 100 company experience with Procter & Gamble and BIC, working in Brand Management/Marketing and Operations/Purchasing. Another 8 years as a small business marketing consultant, writer and corporate trainer.

4) PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & AFFILIATIONS

What associations do they belong to? What kind of ongoing training do they receive?

Me: Ongoing membership and training in these organizations:
-Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARW)
-National Resume Writers Association (NRWA)
-Career Masters Institute (CMI)
-American Society of Training and Development (ASTD)
-Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

5) PUBLISHING SUCCESS

Have their resumes competed against peer-written resumes and been selected for compilations in resume books?

Me: Published in all books materials were submitted to, including: Gallery of Best Cover Letters, Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives, Gallery of Best Resumes for People Without a 4 Year Degree, Expert Resumes For Teachers And Educators, Gallery of Best Resumes, College Grad Resumes to Land $75,000+ Jobs: Great Resumes to Fast Track your Career, Best Resumes For $100,000+ Jobs

6) PHILOSOPHY

What is the resume writer’s viewpoint on resumes and their purpose?

Me: I believe a resume is a document that allows a prospective employer to match a person’s specific experience with a potential job opening. Strong resumes are not “general;” they are fairly specific in creating proof about experiences and skills. By showing accomplishments and outcomes in enough detail, they provide a clear picture of the person and their ability to do the job. It is a delicate balance between enough detail and too much detail. To be truly effective, they must be custom-crafted.

7) BUSINESS MODEL

What kind of turnaround, office hours, workload and time do they spend? Is it a resume mill with many different writers? Do they provide a personal interview or write it without speaking to you?

Me: I don’t run a resume mill. My business is small by choice, with no subcontractors or other writers. I treat each client individually and take the time to dig and approach the project with respect and thought. I devote enough time to craft an outstanding and customized, on-target resume. When I do coaching or teach workshops take the same approach and we customize the learning to your needs and skill level.

See all my credentials, biography and background here.

3. IF I WANT TO WRITE MY RESUME MYSELF WILL YOU STILL HELP ME?

Yes! Unlike other resume writers, I'm not offended when people want to tackle the task themselves. You can hire me on an hourly basis to critique your resume and give you tips on how to improve it. See my "HELP DESK" service to help you.

I also offer a 3-hour training class on "Do It Yourself: A Crash Course in Writing Your Own Resume" delivered via phone in two, 90-minute segments. It includes proprietary workbooks, articles, and exercises to train you in a lifelong learning skill. Contact me to ask about the course.

4. WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO GET MY RESUME WRITTEN?

We strive to make the process easy and simple for everyone. There are some simple steps:

OPTION 1: BUY IT NOW!

1) Visit my resume and cover letter writing page and see the 3 Levels of pricing for resume writing, as well as cover letters, references, resume distribution, and private training classes on job search techniques and interviewing.

2) If you are clear about which services you want and which level of pricing applies to you, simply add it to your cart and check out through PayPal using your credit card or a transfer from your checking account.

Even if you don't have a PayPal account, you can check out without creating an account with them. Easy!

Due to the nature of our creative work and input, all fees must be paid in advance of services via a credit card. Once approved and proprietary information released to buyer, the work is non-cancelable and non-refundable. See complete terms.

OPTION 2: GET A CUSTOMIZED QUOTE!

1) You contact us via phone, fax or E-mail or through our resume page. Answer a few questions and provide whatever old resume you have. We will review your resume, and your goals.

2) We will E-mail or fax you a recommendation and quote to work with us, based on what Level of pricing applies and the services you want.

3) You sign the agreement and provide your credit card number.

Due to the nature of our creative work and input, all fees must be paid in advance of services via a credit card. Once approved, the work is non-cancelable and non-refundable. See complete terms.

FOR BOTH OPTIONS, AFTER PAYMENT IS RECEIVED:

1) We will send you an email with tools to get started:

·         A set of pre-work proprietary exercises to complete on your career history

·         "Cheat sheets" for your profession to help you generate accomplishments

·         Articles and training tip sheets to train you about what is relevant for a strong resume

2) Upon receipt of your completed exercises, we'll review them. Then we'll schedule your personal phone interview to brainstorm and probe details. This 60-minute conversation will answer outstanding questions and clarify information, and we'll talk strategy.

3) Your resume is written and sent to you for approval/changes.

4) The final resume is emailed to you in 3 formats (or mailed with a disk):

1.      Microsoft Word XP, a .doc document

2.      An Adobe .PDF format, for later printing or emailing with the formatting preserved

3.      An ASCII or .txt document, a plain text version you can paste into job search websites like monster.com

5. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY RESUME WRITTEN?

It typically takes 1-3 weeks to go through the entire process. My contract states:

"Normal turnaround time is 7-14 business days from receipt of questionnaire and completion of interview. Rush charges will apply if required time is faster. We will help however possible!"

The real answer is "it depends." I'm not a resume mill—many of my competitors will sit down and crank a resume out in an hour or two, often without even talking to the client.

I attack it like the creative process it is, and sometimes that takes me time to think long and hard about it. I like to absorb the info and develop a strategy, talk with the client, then write and edit in a few different stages. It also depends on who else is "in the pipeline" and what my workload is in any given week (it fluctuates quite a bit).

I do require clients to spend time in reflection and doing some prework, I often find it is the client who is the holdup in getting the initial exercises completed!

6. HOW DO I PAY YOU?

Payment can be made several ways:

1) Right on our website, use the shopping cart feature and check out through PayPal. Use your credit card or a transfer from your checking account.

Even if you don't have a PayPal account, you can check out without creating an account with them. Easy!

2) You can request a customized quote via email, our website or fax, and we'll send you a contract for your credit card information, or you can mail us a personal check.

Due to the nature of our creative work and input, all fees must be paid in advance of services via a credit card. Once approved, the work is non-cancelable and non-refundable. See complete terms.

7. WHAT OTHER SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?

Services offered include:

· Resume writing, plus Scannable and Email Resumes

· Cover Letter Writing

· Resume Distribution via websites, recruiters, mail, and fax

· Reference Summary to present to employers

· Private Workshop: "Job Hunting Strategy: Myths and Timebusters"

· Private Workshop: "Ace the Interview: Get the Job"

· Career Assessment testing and help

· Private Career Coaching

· HELP DESK: Get quick answers and help for your resume and job search questions

· Assistance with writing your own resume

Companies can also request customized outplacement services for professionals who are going to be laid off or let go from a company. We can provide resume-writing, workshops and interview training designed to fit your budget and timing. Contact us for a customized quote.

I also do all kinds of business and marketing writing projects, from newsletters/ezines, website copy, training programs, marketing and sales materials. See www.aHiredWriter.com for samples and more information on copywriting.

8. DO YOU HAVE OFFICE HOURS? CAN WE SCHEDULE A MEETING?

I do ALL my work "virtual" via E-mail, fax, phone and mail. Even with my local clients! I find it allows us to stay very focused.

When I started my business I tried to do face-to-face meetings. It actually takes 30-50% more of my time per client to do it that way and the product I turn out is no better. I can keep my prices lower with my process.

I need to do the probing and questioning of a client AFTER they have completed a structured set of exercises I created. It may take you 2-6 hours to complete the exercises. It takes time, thought and concentration for you to go through your work history. My exercises, materials and articles provide the structure for you to do that more efficiently on your own.

I find a structured phone interview after the exercises are done and returned to me allows us to stay very focused. When we have the phone interview, I am looking at my laptop and the words and pushing you for more detail, examples and data.

With all that said, I can and certainly will do a face-to-face meeting if you prefer, with the charge being my hourly rate. Contact me if that is your preference.

If you want to chat with me by phone before hiring me, I am happy to do a short phone call for free. I understand that hiring someone and spending a lot of money with them is an investment and want you to feel comfortable with your choice. Contact me at 813-926-1353.

9. CAN I SEE SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK?

I've been fortunate to have my work featured in many "Resume" and "Cover Letter" books, where hundreds of resume writers submit a few samples and the authors compile the best examples. I've shared some of the examples and case studies on my site. However, some things to note:

· I don't have a "style": all of my resumes look really different, from the format, the words, the wording, the layout, etc. It's all based on the client's history, challenges with their qualifications and what they are trying to do.

· To simply "look" at a resume that someone wrote tells you nothing without the whole analysis. Which is why resume books aren't really helpful. Each resume has a strategy designed for the client, and it is not obvious to the casual reader.

For you to really understand the resume, I’d have tell you the whole story about why it is the way it is, why certain choices were made to overcome certain problems.....and then it would be completely different from your situation! Most likely your resume will look nothing like it.

· I limit the samples I share because too many unscrupulous people try to simply "copy" the hard work excellent resume writers do and are not willing to pay for customized service. I get people asking for free advice all the time. It's like asking an architect to mail you copies of his best blueprints.

10. CAN YOU GET MY RESUME POSTED TO JOB BOARDS? SENT TO RECRUITERS?

Yes, I can help with getting your resume out on the Internet, or you can post to job boards yourself. See Resume Distribution via websites, recruiters, mail, and fax for more information.

11. WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY/PRIVACY?

We have a written confidentiality/privacy statement that details our policy. Basically, we will never sell or rent your email address to anyone else for commercial use.

I also protect your specific identifying information. Each contract has a statement about how your resume or materials might be used:

PUBLISHING:
• By signing this agreement, you agree to have any work created used in any publications, books, websites or lectures created by Frankly Speaking. Name, address, phone and E-mail numbers will be changed.

Back to Top

12. HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?

Contacting us is easy:
Phone: 813-926-1353

Fax: 813-926-1092

Email: gailfrank@post.harvard.edu

Via contact form on website located at http://www.CallFranklySpeaking.com