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Your Career Coaching, Job Search, and Resume Questions Answered

I’ve put together a few commonly asked questions you may have about my services. If you have a question that is not listed, please get in touch with me using the form below.  Providing your email will sign you up for my free newsletter!

Lisa Answers FAQs
  • What will we discuss in the free information session?
    We discuss your career needs in the free informational session. All my services are customized to client's needs, and are never a one-size-fits-all solution. Our discussion topics range from job search coaching, resume updates, career pivots, to interview help. I am certified in optimizing LinkedIn profiles, so I can help job searchers or new business owners set up their profiles or business pages so that they get noticed by recruiters and share critical information to potential employers. What's most important is that you receive the customized help, pinpointed to help your career issue. After our initial meeting, I will provide a detailed proposal with agreed upon service, cost, and delivery date. Take a look at the services I offer.
  • What makes your career coaching and resume writing services unique?
    I have 20+ years of experience working in HR and IT in the healthcare and pharma industries. I understand how recruitment and compensation processes work in companies of all sizes. I am familiar with all types of technical jobs and positions. I've been a people manager and understand how to mentor and coach clients for successful outcomes. I have practical insights based on real-world experiences, and I use that experience to meet your needs. I view career coaching as a collaborative and personalized experience. More about me and the clients I help.
  • How to make your resume stand out to recruiters and hiring managers?
    My general process: *Work together to craft the best strategy to get noticed by recruiters and potential employers. *Rewrite the resume to be focused on quantifiable accomplishments, not responsibilities. *Focus the content on the target job emphasizing important keywords. *Build out searchable skills lists that best represent your abilities. *Create an impeccably formatted, visually appealing resume, that is free of spelling and grammar errors. With my background in HR, I know what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in a resume. I ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, visually appealing, and contains content that matches posted jobs. By showcasing your skills, accomplishments, and business impact, I help your resume get noticed for the right reasons, increasing your chances of landing interviews.
  • What are the next steps if we decide to work together?
    Once we agree on working together I send a client agreement form and invoice. After that paperwork is complete, we can meet. Most resume writers require clients to fill out long forms with detailed information. I don't ask my clients to fill out any forms. After we chat for 1 to 2 sessions, I create the first draft of the resume. After another session, I'll send the final version for signoff. I don't have set-in-stone timelines, processes, or prescribed meeting lengths for finishing your resume. We do need to keep it moving though! More on how I write resumes.
  • What can I expect with your job coaching services?
    First and foremost, you can expect a personalized approach to navigate your unique job search challenges. We will work together to develop a tailored strategy that addresses your specific needs. I don't do out-of-the-box solutions! My coaching goal is to provide you with the right tools, insights, and confidence to enhance your job search and achieve your career goals. More on my services for job search coaching.
  • Wouldn't it be easier to sign up for LinkedIn Premium Services?
    LinkedIn is in the slow process of reducing the services job seekers receive for free profiles. LinkedIn Premium currently offers more services but at a cost (currently $30/month if purchased for a year in advance). I can provide personalized services, expert guidance, and a collaborative experience that exceeds what LinkedIn offers. One hour of my job search services will far exceed what you can get on your own from a few months of LinkedIn Premium. Get your free job navigation guide and analysis of what LinkedIn Premium offers vs what my services can provide.
  • How can job search tips and coaching help if I'm not getting interviews?
    If you’re struggling to get interviews, job search coaching can help by identifying and addressing potential issues in your resume, LinkedIn profile, or job search strategy. Working together, we can usually find a root cause and steps that can help improve your situation. Every person is different, so I always provide an analysis and recommended and detailed job search strategy with LinkedIn profile update services. If you are having additional struggles with getting to the second interview, I also provide interview preparation services. More information on my job search services and my free job navigation guide.
  • What is the benefit of your LinkedIn Profile optimization services?
    An optimized LinkedIn profile is crucial for attracting the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. A well-written profile will enhance your brand, increase your visibility, and help you stand out in a competitive job market. Many folks don't know that certain LinkedIn profile fields are searchable by recruiters. We leverage those fields and integrate keywords for your target job, showcase your skills, and present a professional image, which improves your chances of being discovered by recruiters and getting noticed by potential employers. I also offer insights into lesser-known tips and tricks for passive job searching that will allow jobs to come to YOU. This includes how to get noticed by companies, how to find networking contacts, maximize your profile settings for your search, and efficiently filter and search for jobs. Take a look at my LinkedIn Optimization services.
  • How do you support job search strategies?
    I provide one-on-one coaching focused on making your job search more efficient and effective. This includes tailored resume updates, LinkedIn profile optimization, networking strategies, and a detailed job search plan. With my guidance, clients have successfully landed jobs quickly, like a Network Engineer who received an offer from the first job they applied to after using their streamlined resume. Get my free Job Search Strategies Guide to jumpstart your search now.
  • What services do you offer for interview preparation?
    My interview preparation services include personalized mock interviews, practice sessions, salary negotiation strategy, crafting impactful responses, and providing tips on delivering confident answers that showcase your value. All sessions are personalized for the client and the specific target job. More information on interview preparation services.
  • Why are resume writing services so expensive?
    I see many complaints on LinkedIn about the cost of resume writing, LinkedIn, or coaching services. The job market is tough right now, with the average search time over 5 months. Sometimes folks need a little help, a second opinion, or the assistance of a professional to improve their odds of success. Why not choose someone who is focused on you and your success? Many folks are using ChatGPT or resume generators. Like any product you buy, you can always find a service at a lower cost. Would you rather have your neighbor or a Master Mechanic work on your Ferrari? :) It IS important to research coaches and resume writers very carefully. A few things to keep in mind when choosing someone: *Is the professional certified in coaching, or LinkedIn profile writing? *Do they belong to a professional organization? (I below to the National Resume Writers Association, a great group resources and best practices *Does the professional have experience in your industry? *Does the professional have experience in HR, recruiting or real-life? I offer flexible hourly rates. Free job search plan. Free job search 45 minute session with LI and resume purchase. Working with a career coach is NOT always $1000 proposition! Check out this blog article about the potential return on investment that can be accomplished by working with a professional resume writer. I love working 1:1, so my clients get my undivided, personalized attention. Working with a professional career coach/resume writer is more than an extra cost, it's an investment in yourself. ​
  • What if I don't need a full resume rewrite service?
    I love when clients return! When we discuss the scope of services I will usually recommend a reasonable hourly rate for updates. I offer this flexible option so that clients can get their career needs fulfilled more efficiently. Click for a list of services.
  • How does your resume writing process work?
    The resume writing process begins with an in-depth interview, where we’ll discuss the overall strategy, your job responsibilities, target job, skills, and accomplishments. We usually spend extra time discussing how to quantify and showcase your accomplishments. Most resume writers require clients to fill out long forms with detailed information. I don't ask my clients to fill out any forms! After we chat for 1 to 2 sessions, I create the first draft of the resume. After another session, I'll send the final version for signoff. I don't prescribe the number of meetings or length to finish our work. I don't mind if there is extra back and forth or an additional meeting to finish our work. The whole process takes about 2-3 weeks. More information on my resume process with clients.
  • Will my resume be optimized for the applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
    All resumes I create are designed to be ATS-compatible. I avoid using columns, text boxes, and graphics that can cause loading issues with ATS systems. I focus on creating clean, well-organized content that naturally incorporates relevant keywords. For resumes to be shared in person, I can add simple design elements like graphs and quotes that enhance the impact of your accomplishments. As a previous IT professional who has worked with ATS systems, I am very interested in how they impact the job seeker. Here is a popular blog I wrote to describe the impact of AI on job searching.
  • How do you tie resume accomplishments to business goals?
    I focus on separating responsibilities from accomplishments in your resume, then work with you to quantify your achievements and tie them directly to business goals. This ensures your resume ties your accomplishments to business goals and objectives, rather than just listing duties. I also incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your accomplishments, showing mastery of the required skills for your target job. This approach showcases your true value to potential employers. Take a look at some sample resumes to illustrate how I show value.
  • What industries do you specialize in for resume writing?
    With my 20+ years of HR management, compensation, recruitment, and IT background, I understand the business processes, responsibilities, and career paths for many jobs across many industries and sectors. I have held jobs as a Business Analyst, IT Project Manager, IT Account Manager, HR Manager (over recruiting), and Compensation Analyst I'm experienced in the following industries: Mortgage, Banking, Finance, Sales, IT, Non-Profit, Pharma, Healthcare, Government, Learning, Commercial Real Estate, HR, Engineering, Operations, and more. My specialty is writing resumes and coaching folks in technology-related jobs. The more complicated the resume the better!
  • How long does it take to make resume updates?
    The resume writing process typically takes about two to three weeks, depending on the complexity of your career history and how many revisions are needed. I'm flexible and can work with shorter time frames if needed. We will work together closely during this time to ensure the final product accurately reflects your skills, experience, and career goals. I prioritize quality and attention to detail to ensure your resume positions you for job search success. More about how I write resumes.
  • What can I expect from your career coaching services?
    During our coaching sessions, we will collaborate to develop a roadmap for your career growth, career transitions, and overall development. I focus on actionable strategies, from improving your job search to overcoming barriers to success. My coaching sessions start with client evaluation, choosing target jobs or outcomes, mapping and gapping (looking for where you might need additional training or development), executing the plan, and performing the job search. Note - Since coaching services are flexible and personalized, the actual coaching plan may vary. Whether it’s preparing for interviews, gaining confidence in negotiations, or strategizing for long-term career development, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
  • How does your coaching help with a career change or pivot to a new job or industry?
    Career pivots can be difficult to navigate alone. It's often helpful to have the services of someone who can provide concrete information and advice on how to accomplish your goals. A few ways I can help: *Discuss and strategize how to help the client meet their goals. *Evaluate potential career paths that leverage current skills *Perform concrete research on potential salaries and compensation *Evaluate skill gaps and assemble a learning plan to reach the target job *Update LinkedIn profile and resume to transition client to new target job Check out my coaching mission and vision, and happy client results.
  • How do you help with salary negotiations and evaluating job offers?
    Drawing on my experience as a Compensation Analyst, I offer comprehensive salary market research, strategic negotiation coaching, and job offer evaluation. I can help you be completely prepared with information that backs up your salary request and negotiation. I’ll guide you in understanding the full value of your offer and help you maximize your earning potential, just like my past client who secured a 30%+ salary increase after successfully negotiating their promotion. Here's a blog I wrote about resources for salary negotiations.

More Questions?

Let's talk about how we can translate technical achievements that showcase your business impact and drive your career!

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