Answers to Questions

 

Q: What differentiates Résumé Writers’ Ink® from other résumé writing services?

A:   Well-rounded experience and individualized solutions for maximum résumé marketing.  A few differentiators are listed in the bullets below:

  • Earned Behavioral Certification Credentials by Lominger/Korn Ferry.
  • CARW Certified (Certified Advanced Resume Writer by Career Directors International).
  • DISC Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst as recognized by DISC pioneer, Bill Bonnstetter, CPBA, CPBA, CPHDA–the original developer of the programs used today.
  • Bring current trends, resources, and real world experience into each project.
  • 23+ years in Human Resources.
  • Sr. Recruiter for Walt Disney Company/World. Has recruited executives and professionals for world class organization. MBA’s, Directors, Vice Presidents, and middle management.
  • Diversity Recruiting Strategist for Walt Disney Company/World (high touch with Finance, In-house Attorneys, media and communications, HR, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Merchandising, Operations, Resorts, Cruise Line, Event Planning, IT, and various other departments. Clear working knowledge of industry specific demands.
  • Specialized in retail recruiting for 15 years; combination of corporate and field positions for various leading organizations.
  • Offer group résumé writing sessions.
  • Executive coaching experience in the real world in real Fortune 500 organizations.
  • PHR Certified by HRCI. PHR is Professional in Human Resources–recognized by SHRM; Society of HR Management.
  • 2,500 first connections on linkedin.com and overall strong networker of resources and contacts in Orlando, Florida and nationwide (via social media, linkedin.com and life experience).
  • Interviewed thousands–yes, thousands of candidates as an HR leader, recruiter, hiring manager.
  • Career Architect with covetable service offerings. Uniquely gifted in combining:

writing content with impact + personal branding + marketing strategy + design artistry + customized + fact-based + statistical data of achievements 

Résumé Services vary depending on what they offer. Guidelines below to help you determine what you need and can afford!

 

Q: Why are some services $99 and others upwards of $999 for a résumé?

A: The short answer:  You get what you pay for. Different services offer different value and more importantly a different level of investment.  

  • Category 1 Service:  $29 – $99  generally a typing service or secretarial service.
  • Category 2 Service: $100 – $199 generally a cookie-cutter résumé mill with low level expertise and less skilled writers. Usually works strictly from notes and worksheets without any communication with the writer.
  • Category 3 Service: $200 – $299+ generally a novice résumé writer with less than 5 years of experience OR they may outsource the projects to ghost writers paying them minimally to work on your project. This level service may or may not offer telephone communication.
  • Category 4 Service: $300 – $499++ generally an established writer with 10+ years of experience in writing, publishing, career experience, attends some conferences for ongoing education. Offers both a worksheet organizer and verbal communication to walk through your skills and expertise.
  • Category 5 Service: $499 – $999++ generally an established writer with 15+ years as a writer, experienced in working on a national or international level in various career capacities, holds multiple and diverse certifications, attends conferences, is a member of several national career organizations and serves as a member on various committees, has been published in books, journals, interviewed by the media or write a regular career column as a career expert or expert resume writer. May also be highly sought after for personal branding expertise, corporate HR or recruiting experience, and award nominee or award winner as recognized by the TORI Awards (Toast of the Resume Industry).

Resume Writers’ Ink falls into Category 5.  We believe that your career is your greatest investment!

Q: Why do I need a brand?

A:  The short answer: If you were shopping for an item, and the ad for the item was poorly written, lacked quality, and left you questioning the packaging, you most likely would not buy the item.  Your résumé is your advertisement, label, or billboard. It tells your story. Your story tells your brand!

Business is competitive. Having basic skills is no longer enough to separate yourself from the competition. By branding YOU, you will boast a glimpse into your natural talents, skills, key accomplishments, and data that will improve all of the pertinent information for obtaining interviews, job offers, and an increased salary. Recruiters, headhunters, hiring managers, and CEO’s prefer eye catching, credible, visually engaging résumés. I know how to weave your brand into a customized document that represents you with all of your successes!! Branding is professional and reflects YOU. Your résumé is your advertisement. Think of your brand as paving the way for others to learn about you.

Q: Why have a targeted résumé?

A: The short answer: Competition is fierce. Candidates are a dime a dozen. Recruiters do not have time to hear your life story. You need to be focused and ready to pitch your story.

Having a targeted résumé will focus you on a line of business which will help you get closer to achieving your goal. Résumés that are general get overlooked or discarded, by the recruiter because it appears that the candidate is fishing for something vs. focusing on a goal. Hiring managers want to hire a person who is focused.

Q: Why are some résumé services more expensive than others?

A: The short answer: Quality marketing development vs. a typist. Candidates will spend gobs of money toting a designing handbag with a designers initials on it for their interview thinking they are impressing ‘somebody’ and then turn in an old school, outdated resume with ‘yesterdays responsibilities’ listed. Candidates…you need to invest in you as a brand! Your résumé must represent who you are and differentiate you from your competition.

Several factors go into pricing. Some clients need more time to talk during the résumé development, others do not.  Credentials, education, degrees, real world experience and certifications are factored into the cost.  Résumés have evolved as a strategic marketing tool to speak for you long before you are called for an interview and long after the interview.  Having a typed, plain, old school resume will not get you noticed. Would you read a magazine if it were thrown together, boring and lacked branding?  Do you buy a car, clothes or appliances without first reading the advertisement, product offerings, benefits?  You are the same as a product. What does your advertisement say about you?  Your resume is your personal branding document. Collaborating, writing, re-writing, editing, client collaboration, editing, designing format and final review.  Also, the more experience a writer has, the greater the cost. Different certifications also offer a higher price point.  You have to ask yourself…what is your career worth?

P.S. Your résumé is a legal document.  Now what is that worth?

Q: Why don’t you post samples on your web site?

A: The short answer:  Samples become outdated quickly. Additionally, I offer a broad range of customized resumes. I integrate accurate content PLUS customized branding to differentiate you. 

Samples are reviewed with clients during the consult.  Because each client is unique, samples are provided through a virtual tour together reviewing strategies behind the documents as well as branding. Additionally, different industries require different résumés. Different position titles require different résumés.  Rather than post six résumés that become stagnant, RWI shows you current resume samples in a private virtual space targeted specifically for your needs. We are a boutique service catering to your specific needs.

Q: Is a cover letter necessary?

A: The short answer: Situational.

If you are mailing your résumé to a company for a specific position, yes, a cover letter is necessary. Many online résumé submissions ask for your résumé only. Having a résumé that is scannable is the best choice to be attached via a computer submission.

Q: Do  you do all work in-house?

A: The short answer: Yes.  You will always have contact with your résumé writer throughout the process. You may work with an exemplary writer during the process. Rest assure, I touch all projects and work closely with our team of writers to ensure you are receiving a top notch, well written résumé that meets industry standards. The advantage of having team members is to prevent burn out and also bring their specialized and unique perspective. Team members have been thoroughly interviewed and evaluated for credentials, which may include certifications, advanced degrees, recruiting, interviewing, hiring experience as well as having a passion for writing and working with clients.

Q: Do you offer group sessions?

A:  The short answer: Yes. Ask about GROUP RATE DISCOUNTS. I teach in-person OR via webinar!

I offer résumé writing group sessions for individuals who like to write their own résumés. Packages are a combination of classroom instruction with the option of adding follow-up one-on-one final editing.

Q: Are you available for public speaking engagements?

A: The short answer: Yes.

Engaging groups while teaching is my passion. 60-day advanced booking is required for most events.  Please email me at: tina@resumewritersink.com to discuss your meeting requirements and subject matter.

Q: Are there really secrets to getting hired, marketing, social media, interviewing?  

A: The short answer: Yes, there actually ARE secrets.

The fact is some folks call them secrets while others call them strategies.  I like to think of it as common sense. For a comprehensive marketing tool, you need an experienced HR professional with a solid recruiting background, writing skills and real world experience.  RWI offers STRATEGY tips with all client purchases based on your needs. We do not charge extra!  We share our knowledge to help you get the most out of your experience…which is the reason we are MUCH MORE THAN WORDS ON PAPER!