FAQ ABOUT RESUME WRITING

Quite simply, to gain the edge over your competition! Most people have a difficult time viewing themselves, their careers, and their achievements objectively and are uncomfortable "tooting their own horn."

A professional resume writer knows how to position you for maximum impact based on your background, experience, accomplishments, and unique situation. Multiple factors must be considered, including presentation of critical information and what information should be eliminated or diminished to avoid potential obstacles.

An experienced resume writer approaches the process from the critical perspective of a hiring manager and understands the subtle nuances involved in the selection or placement of a single word or phrase. A professional is also an expert in industry "buzzwords" and strong action verbs relevant and appropriate to your profession and career level.

There are countless questions and issues a professional resume writer addresses when developing a resume-writing strategy. There are no "one-size-fits-all" solutions when developing a high-impact, accomplishments-based executive resume! Do you know the answers to the following questions?

• Which section of your resume is considered the most important during the initial scan by a hiring manager, and why?

•  When should an objective be included on your resume?

•  What criteria determines if your resume should be developed in one, two, or three pages?

•  If your career encompasses more than 20 years, should all of your experience be included, or only the past 15 years?

• Should your resume be written using a reverse chronological, functional, or combination format?

•  Why is a functional resume potentially viewed as a "red flag" to hiring managers?

•  What is the single area that career industry surveys have determined hiring managers tend to agree on regarding what they like to see on resumes?

• What is the most effective method to incorporate core competencies?

• What key information is often lacking in quantifiable accomplishments?

• How should position functions and accomplishments be differentiated?

•  In what unique circumstances can personal information such as hobbies be included on a resume?

•  If a prospective employer requests salary information, what percentage of hiring managers are likely to consider the applicant if this information is not provided?

•  What percentage of candidates fail to send a thank you letter following an interview?

Executive Resumes Atlanta has served the six figure executive market in metro Atlanta and the U.S. since 2001. We are experts in developing high performance resumes for CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CIOs, CTOs, Board Chairs, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors, and entrepreneurs. We serve executives in all fields: operations, corporate management, sales, manufacturing, business development, technology, marketing, finance, human resources, supply chain/logistics, etc.

Colleen Reyerson, Managing Director, is a Certified Expert Resume Writer, Certified Professional Resume Writer, and Certified Employment Interview Professional with 15+ years' experience in the career and publishing industries.

As certified professionals, we deliver value-driven, custom-crafted resumes, never losing sight of the impact our products have on our clients' lives, careers, and economic futures. Our operating principles are grounded in integrity, quality, service, and results. Colleen's standing as a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the past six years bears out her commitment to our customers (click here to view our BBB A+ Ratings Profile). Our success is directly linked to the quality of the products and services we provide.

In addition to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Executive Resumes Atlanta is a member of Career Directors International (CDI), the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC), and the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA). Our performance record with each of these organizations is impeccable.

A seasoned writer in both the career and publishing industries, Colleen has more than 15 years of experience. She is Georgia's only Certified Expert Resume Writer (one of only 15 in the U.S.!), a credential granted by Career Directors International, and one of only 16 resume writers in Georgia to hold the Certified Professional Resume Writer credential, granted by the nation's oldest, largest, and most respected professional resume writing association - The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). Over the past eight years, Colleen has developed results-focused, accomplishment-based resumes for hundreds of satisfied new and referral customers in the Atlanta metro area and across the U.S.

The search for a qualified, professional resume service can seem daunting. However, there are several "red flags" you can look out for that can help weed out the amateurs.

First, it's important to find a career industry specialist certified by a professional organization. Avoid jack-of-all trades generalists such as print/copy or secretarial services that provide resumes as one of numerous, non-related menu items. These services may provide either typesetting or fill-in-the-blank "cookie cutter" resume templates. Data entry by an administrative professional untrained and inexperienced in resume writing is vastly different from strategic writing by a credentialed, experienced professional resume writer.

Another type of service to avoid is the low-end "resume mill." Impersonal resume factories focused on quantity and a fast turnaround, these Internet-based companies often appear professional with sophisticated websites and credible verbiage. However, these services employ low-paid and often inexperienced subcontractors to mass-produce mediocre-to-poor template-based resumes.

Key Questions to Ask:

• Does your business provide only resume development services?
• Do you offer a free consultation or critique?
• Who will write my resume (a credentialed professional and service owner or a contract/salaried writer)?
• Is the writer a certified resume writer?
• How many years of experience does he or she have?
• Can I see sample resumes written by the writer who will develop my resume?
• Will I be able to talk with the writer on the phone?
• Is your company a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Established in 1990, PARW/CC is the nation's oldest professional resume writing organization and premier professional association dedicated to elevating the skills, credibility, and visibility of specialists in the fields of resume writing, career coaching, and career counseling. PARW/CC created the career industry's first certification program for resume professionals in 1991. Today, the Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) credential is the respected industry standard. As a member in good standing of the PARW/CC, Executive Resumes Atlanta pledges strict adherence to the PARW/CC Code of Ethics.

PARW/CC CODE OF ETHICS

Provide clients with products and services that will enhance their ability to achieve their goals and objectives, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, income. Be sensitive to client needs and compassionate in providing advice, products, and services in meeting the client's specific career goals.

Deliver to the client what was promised and be truthful in guiding, advising, and counseling clients in all aspects of the resume writing / employment industry.

Maintain strict confidentiality with each client, revealing information to others only upon written authorization from the client.

Stay abreast of employment market and hiring trends that will affect his / her clientele, providing up-to-date advice, counsel, products, and services to most effectively meet clients' career objectives.

Comply with all legal obligations in providing professional services.

Be aware that contact with the public as a PARW/CC member promotes the organization, specifically, and reflects on the entire resume writing / employment industry as a whole.

Be responsible to the community and be a contributing part of this environment through participation in community activities. Offer professional advice and information pertaining to the resume writing / employment industry as appropriate.

Emphasize the professional spirit of the organization by encouraging and promoting good relations among members.

Founded in 1997, The National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA) is the industry’s leading not-for-profit, member-driven organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of excellence in resume writing through certification, education, and mentoring programs. NRWA members are committed to continual learning in the career services field, which equates to the utmost professionalism and the highest ethical standards.

Career Directors International (CDI) is a global professional educational and credentialing organization for career professionals. CDI is committed to raising the bar on resume writing and career excellence services offered to the public. A global Certification Committee representing the best-of-the-best in the industry directs all facets of the credentialing program. Career industry membership spans all disciplines and includes resume writers, career coaches and counselors, job developers, recruiters, outplacement specialists, HR practitioners and other specialists.

The CERW credential is a top-tier resume writing designation conferred by Career Directors International (CDI), awarded to experienced resume writers who demonstrate excellence in working at an expert level of resume writing. In order to receive this advanced credential, the recipient must possess an existing industry recognized resume certification (such as CPRW), and demonstrate superior knowledge and experience in resume writing and career development through an intensive examination, professional writing and development process to demonstrate industry knowledge and resume writing skill.

Certified Professional Resume Writers are the career industry's leading experts in the development of strategic resumes and the CPRW credential is recognized as the industry standard of excellence. Offered exclusively through the Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARW/CC), certification is awarded to writers who have met industry standards for achieving client strategic goals and have mastered the craft of resume preparation, using the most current information and techniques.

A resume writer possessing the CPRW credential must pass multiple examinations that test the writer's industry knowledge, comprehension of the resume writing field, command of grammar, punctuation, spelling and proofreading, and skills in strategic thinking on resume related issues. In addition, the writer is required to develop a resume and cover letter based upon background information provided by the PARW/CC on a hypothetical client to demonstrate the highest level of skill in resume writing.

Certification examinations are reviewed and graded by a panel of CPRWs who are members of the Certification Committee Board. PARW membership is required to maintain the CPRW designation. Colleen's CPRW credential can be verified by contacting PARW/CC at 800-822-7279 or visiting their web site, selecting "Find a Certified Professional Resume Writer" and scrolling to US-GA.

CEIPs have undertaken specialized training to prepare their clients for the critical employment interview. From possibly hundreds of resumes, an employer will select perhaps 10 or so of the best candidates for personal interviews. Candidates who have practiced their interview skills and are best prepared for this decisive meeting will be more confident, relaxed, and able to make a positive presentation that leads to the job offer.

STEP #1:   Initial Client Consultation & Analysis
We begin with a brief phone consultation to assess your current career situation, discuss your goals, and critique your existing resume. Colleen will outline the unique strategy she recommends for your project, suggest career products to aid in your job search, and provide you with a project quote.

STEP #2:   In-Depth Telephone Interview
Colleen will schedule a phone interview with you (generally lasting 90 minutes) in which she'll review the key components of your background that are relevant to your current objectives. This will be a lively, interactive discussion, with Colleen asking pointed questions regarding your strengths, experience, and accomplishments.

STEP #3:   Strategic Project Planning & Resume Development
Your resume draft is developed from scratch – not a template – and forwarded to you for review, usually within five to seven business days following your phone interview.

STEP #4:   Draft Review, Refinement & Completion
Once you've received your draft, Colleen will schedule a review session with you to discuss the draft and address any needed revisions. She'll then email you the revised draft and, following your approval, send your finished career documents to you, along with tips on career marketing strategies and recommendations regarding future updates.

You will receive the draft of your resume and cover letter for review in five to seven business days following the phone interview.

The normal turnaround time is five to seven business days. Rush projects require an additional fee, which varies depending on the length and complexity of the project.

No. The entire process can be handled by phone, email, and/or fax.

We are open from 9am to 6pm ET, Monday through Friday. (Evening appointments may be available upon request.)

We pride ourselves on our highly consultative information-mining process. During an in-depth phone interview, we ask pointed, leading questions and detailed follow-up queries to clarify and expand upon your responses. This exchange provides us with not only the facts (e.g., accomplishments, attributes, strengths) but also the context in which you performed and achieved results.

We are skilled at seeing both the "forest and the trees" to extract the "story" of your career. We've refined this process over many years, and it is highly effective in not only capturing your "big career picture" but also unearthing the "hidden gems" that enable us to create a distinctive personal brand that differentiates you from your competitors.

Creating strong achievements aligned with branding statements involves more than simply asking what you did; it also extracts the specifics of how and why you did it. This enables us to fully illustrate the overall environment and situation (e.g., trends, changes, or challenges in the company, industry, and/or market) that led to the successful result.

While there's no way to predict the exact length of time for the interview, we aim for an average of 90 minutes. The amount of time varies depending on the level of your current and target position, extent of your experience, total number of positions, and overall complexity of your order.

You can view client testimonials on Colleen's profile on LinkedIn (a business-oriented networking site with 14 million members) at LinkedIn/ColleenReyerson.

After you have thoroughly reviewed the draft(s) of your career document(s), call or email Colleen to schedule a post-development review consultation. At that time we will solicit your feedback and discuss any changes or additions. Minor edits are completed during the consult, and you will receive the revision draft(s) within minutes. If areas of the document(s) require more extensive editing or rewriting, you will receive the revised draft(s) within 24 hours.

Once the review/revision process has been completed and you have approved the draft(s) as final, any package/supporting documents are created. Then, within 24 hours, all of your final career documents, receipt, and a reference document (containing career tips and recommendations) are emailed to you in a .zip folder, along with information and suggestions on topics such as saving your files and updating your resume in the future, as well as an invitation to join Colleen's network on LinkedIn (a business-oriented networking site with 14 million members) at LinkedIn/ColleenReyerson.

Absolutely! Executive Resumes Atlanta understands the need for discreet handling of sensitive information. For example, if you provide your work telephone number and give permission for us to call you at work, we will never identify our company name or reason for calling when leaving a message with an assistant or colleague.

No! Your contact information is retained by Executive Resumes Atlanta and our trusted partners and is used solely for the purpose of contacting you to obtain information during the resume development process and to provide ancillary services which you have expressly ordered and approved, such as resume posting and recruiter distribution.

Complete the Assessment & Consultation Reservation Form or call Colleen at 678-574-3271 (toll free 800-408-0024) to schedule a phone consult, or email your existing resume to ColleenExecutiveResumesAtlantacom.