One of my favorite parts about running Resume Assassin is talking to so many people with incredible, impressive, and impactful backgrounds and experiences.
People seek out resume writing for a variety of reasons. There are people who are looking for a resume spruce up as they prepare to be promoted. Others are switching to an entirely new career path.
Some enjoy writing their own resume, but want to take it to the next level. Then there are those who absolutely loathe the task.
No matter which category you find yourself in, everyone has questions.
After being in business for over 10 years, I decided it was time to formally address some of the questions I frequently receive.
If your first question is ‘Why should I hire a resume writer when I can do it myself?’ then head over to this post for the answer!
Read on for more questions and answers. If your specific question is not addressed, please reach out today! mary@resumeassassin.com
FAQ’S
How Does the Process Work?
The process of getting an interview-winning resume from Resume Assassin is simple.
- You select your plan.
- Receive a “Next Steps” email with a link to upload your current resume, target job links, and additional information.
- We start working immediately and stay in contact from start to finish to make sure your resume accurately portrays you, your career goals, and why you’re the perfect fit for the job.
- You will receive your final document in both PDF and Word format within 5-7 business days with free revisions for up to 1 week.
Which Plan Do I Choose?
We offer 4 different plans. Each one includes your new and improved resume, 12 highly customizable cover letters (a $100 value), 1 thank you template, and 1 references template.
The plan you choose depends on where you are at in your career, and the types of opportunities you are targeting.
The professional resume is targeted toward early to mid-level professionals. This might be someone who is starting on their career path to those having been working for approximately 5-10 years.
If you are moving into a management or leadership role, then the management resume option will best serve you.
Those who are moving into an upper-management level will choose the director resume.
The final option is for people who are currently in and/or targeting vice president or C-Suite positions.
What is the Difference Among Management, Director, and Executive?
At the very basic level, it depends on your career level and the types of opportunities you are pursuing. My writing style, formatting, and positioning will be a bit different for each level.
In general, here is a brief description of the differences:
A manager hires, trains, and manages staff to ensure company standards are being met.
A director creates business strategies, provides managers with the resources they may need and makes sure they are in compliance with policies and procedures, and oversees the overall performance of a department.
An executive directly assists the CEO/president of the company, helps manage companies finances and financial goals, and acts as the messenger for important points from board meetings that need relaying to the rest of the company.
There is A LOT more to each position, but for brevity purposes, this is the gist.
What if I Pick the Wrong Plan?
Absolutely no worries! I will follow up with you and make sure we are in agreement as to which resume will be best for you and your career level and goals.
Do I Have to Fill Out the Personalized Form RIGHT NOW?
Once you have selected the package that best suits your needs and submitted payment, you’ll receive an e-mail from Resume Assassin. In that e-mail is a link to the form to fill out at your convenience.
Keep in mind that the sooner you complete the form, the faster we can get to work on your new resume.
What Do I Need for the Form or What Do You Need from Me to Get Started?
There are 5 short pages to complete the form. We need, and want, to learn all about you to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly while accurately reflecting your experience and impactful achievements.
Here is a list of what is needed to fully fill out your personalized form:
- Up to 10 links to positions you are targeting.
- Detailed descriptions of your current and previous positions. You’ll want to include as much information as you can.
I will encourage you to consider your achievements using a CARB approach – Challenge, Action, Results, Benefits.
- Educational history and achievements.
- Additional pertinent information such as: Computer skills and languages, foreign languages and proficiency level, any certifications and/or licenses, publications, professional organizations and affiliations, awards, etc.
Please know that not every single piece of information will make it on your resume. We heavily consider word economy to maximize how your information is conveyed and to keep it laser-focused on the positions you hope to land.
What is Your Turnaround Time?
Once we’ve received your information and form, we get to work immediately.
Standard turnaround time is 5-7 business days.
I understand that some positions require urgency and do not want you to miss your opportunity.
Expedited services are available.
Please contact us to make sure we have availability to get to you right away!
How Do You Stay in Touch Throughout the Process?
We communicate primarily through e-mail. I am available by phone and am happy to set up a time to talk.
I’m Ready to Get Started. How do I Proceed?
Once you are ready, select the appropriate package. A pop-up will appear asking for your name, e-mail, card number, and referral code (if you have one). Next, click on the ‘pay’ button to initiate the process.
What is Included in My Order?
Each order comes with a custom written resume, 1 week of free revisions, 12 cover letter templates, 1 thank you template, and 1 references template.
All other products are a la carte.
This means you’ll either need to purchase each separately or I can set up one invoice for multiple packages.
What Happens After I Order?
After you’ve made your order, you will receive a welcome e-mail with the subject line ‘Resume Assassin-Next Steps’ that includes a link to upload your current resume, target links, and additional information.
Once you’ve filled out the information needed on your form, I will begin building your resume. I will send a follow up email to let you know when you can expect the first draft, and we will be in contact throughout the entire writing process.
Do I need an Updated Resume to Get Started?
No! An old one will work. Or none at all as you will get a specially crafted new resume for the final product.
You will need to fill out the personalized form in its entirety. The more information I have, the better.
I want to create the most accurate picture of who you are and what you are capable of for your future employer!
What Does ‘ATS OPTIMIZED’ Mean?
ATS is the applicant tracking system.
When you submit your application online, you might notice iCIMs, Jobvite, Taleo, or any other name that seems unrelated to the position you’re applying for.
Those are just a few of the many applicant tracking system software that is available to recruiters.
Hiring managers use this software to search through all the resumes submitted using very specific keywords. When your resume has been optimized, it will make it past ATS and get to the top of the pile, in front of the hiring manager.
If you do NOT have an ATS optimized resume, the search function the hiring manager uses will bypass your resume and you will get passed up, despite being highly qualified.
What is LinkedIn Optimization?
We work hard on your LinkedIn profile to make sure every part of your page is complete.
We help create your personal brand that makes it clear to employers who you are and what you are an expert in.
We include SEO content relevant to your industry, making it easy for recruiters to find you and helps you to rank higher.
With a fully optimized LinkedIn profile, you’ll find stronger connections, establish better relationships with customers (helping you close deals), and it’ll make you stand out!
How Are You Different from Other Resume Writing Companies?
Resume Assassin is a woman-owned, small business. I make sure every single one is above and beyond industry standards.
I put so much into every client succeeding that the thought of becoming a resume writing farm is unfathomable.
What is Your Success Rate?
My clients have an incredibly high success rate. Although I can’t quantify to the exact number, I do collect reviews on Google and recommendations on LinkedIn.
I encourage you to check out these reviews when you get a chance. I am also happy to connect you with a previous client in your field if you would like to learn more about their experience working with me.
Do I Need a Cover Letter?
Most employment listings and descriptions will indicate whether or not you need a cover letter.
If the cover letter is listed as “OPTIONAL,” then it will be best to be safe than sorry and include a cover letter.
We do include 12 cover letter templates in each resume package that you can personalize.
Otherwise, I can help in writing a custom cover letter for you too! The option is available under the pricing tab.
You may purchase this on its own if you are already satisfied with your resume or in addition to one of our resume packages.
I Have a Unique Situation, Can You Help Me?
The answer is likely YES!
Reach out today and let’s see what I can do for you.
www.resumeassassin.com or marysouthern@resumeassassin.com
Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern