Frequently Asked Questions

The Résumé Lady says "Frequently Asked Questions are just that...the ones I'm asked the most! You may have additional questions answered by filling out The Résumé Lady Contact Form".

How much does it cost?

It would be nice if everyone needed the same style and format of résumé, however they don't. I specialize in developing customized presentations, so prices vary based upon the number of pages required to tell your story in a succinct, high-impact format. We have provided a pricing structure that gives you a base price for the basic services. We will inform you immediately if the information provided on the current résumé or Inquiry and Profile Forms require any additional charges up front.

There are four distinctive factors that determine the cost.

First there is the style and format that best reflects your industry and job title - my advice is to write for the position you want - not the job you have.
Second there is what I call your "professional style" - how do you want to project your image to employers?
Third, how many pages does it require to tell your story effectively?
Curriculum Vitae or CV - This format is used primarily for those seeking positions in academia or the sciences. These are longer than standard résumés and are therefore priced according to the length and complexity of the project as it does differ greatly from person to person.

Are cover letters important?

You will increase your effectiveness 30 to 60 percent by using a cover letter that pinpoints your strengths and complements your résumé. This does not come standard with most résumés so you'll have to request it.

How soon will my résumé be ready?

The normal turnaround time is 5-7 business days however; no work is begun until payment is received in full. Also, please be aware that this is a process that requires your collaboration. I will be tenacious whenever I have need of additional information but you can keep the process flowing smoothly by your prompt response to my inquiries.

Which format is best?

Chronological- This format is valuable if there is a steady progression of skills in one industry.

Functional - This format can be confusing since it only offers a summary of your experience.

Combination - This format is usually the most effective, because you can summarize your strengths and write supporting material to substantiate your background, expertise and experience.

Curriculum Vitae or CV - This format is used primarily for those seeking positions in academia or the sciences. These are longer than standard résumés and are therefore not priced as a standard offering due to their specialty nature. CVs provide details of teaching, research and publication work.

*These are appropriate for the following:

- Application to Graduate School or as part of an Academic Scholarship Application
- Teaching, Research and University or Higher Education Administrative (Superintendent, Principal or Dept. Chair) positions
- Professional Association Leadership Positions
- Publishing and Editorial Boards
- Research and Consulting Positions

*If you are uncertain whether you need a CV or simply an addendum to your Résumé to reflect any such teaching (workshops/sessions/keynotes) or publications authored, contact our office at: 843.284.8316 for more information.

How do I begin the process?

The Inquiry and Profile Forms are a helpful tool designed to allow you to backfill your work history and to jog your memory about items you should have included in your résumé. You may receive these forms by filling out the contact form – you will be asked to confirm that you really want to receive the information. Once you confirm, you will receive these forms via e-mail. Please save them to your desktop and fill them in. Once you've completed them, send them back to me along with your current résumé via email at: info@myresumelady.com.

Sometimes, it may be necessary to telephone you to discuss your specific goals and strengths, so we can connect the dots from your past and write the résumé that focuses on your future. Most of the time though, if you've filled out the forms, that's all we need.

How do I pay for services?

You can use paypal, pay by credit card, over the phone with me, or by personal check. *Please allow 7-10 business days for the personal check to clear the bank before services are begun. All forms of payment to be made to: RésuméLady.

Click here to pay by paypal now!

Why should I have a professional prepare my résumé?

This is the second most frequently asked question that I hear from prospective clients.

With all the books that show you how to write a résumé, combined with the on-line resources why would anyone need help in creating a résumé? I have asked my clients who are professional writers this question as well - because they are good writers - really good writers with published works.

Their simple answer is that it is difficult to assess one's own strengths and then to write about them in a clear and concise manner. Ninety percent of the time, we throw out the good stuff and keep the information that should be edited out. Plus, not everyone is great at bragging up their real strengths. Let me be the one who puts the spotlight on the things you wish people knew about you and your talents without coming off like you're overconfident. Together we can get potential employers to say "Wow! What an impressive candidate!"

Is my information secure and private?

An additional reason for using a professional to prepare your résumé it that your privacy is of the utmost importance and a professional writer stakes his/her career and livelihood on the ability to remain unconditionally confidential. It is the privilege of the résumé writer to conceal your identity and communicate with you by methods you deem appropriate. Your information is restricted and not disclosed to anyone but you during and after the process. Once complete, if you provide your express permission in writing, I will put your résumé in the hands of a few recruiters within given industries I am connected with.

What if I don't like my résumé?

This is a very fair question. The standard policy is that I will write it and allow for 1 edit after you have reviewed the content. If after that revision, you are not satisfied, we will have an impartial 3rd party review it to ensure that I have not compromised the integrity of the services I provide based on the information you provided. If it is deemed that I did not perform the services as contracted, with the information you provided, I will rewrite it for free. It is very important to me that you get a résumé that you can be proud of and accurately represents you. Any gaps in your expectation should be addressed in that 1st round of edits when we discuss what you liked about the documents I provided.

You should know that... I will not knowingly falsify information for you by including anything that is inaccurate. In the maintenance and reliability industry, doing so could get you the job, but may cost you or others their lives. I may ask pointed questions to get confirmation that your certifications and experience levels are real and may in some instances contact certifying organizations to see that you are on their list of certified members.

One last thing... I want you to recommend your peers to info@myresumelady.com.

It will be my greatest honor to be referred by you to your friends and family and receive feedback and testimonials from you my valued client! If you received exceptional services or your expectations were exceeded, I would very much love to hear from you. Additionally, if you have comments or questions that will assist me in making your experience a more pleasant one, please provide that feedback to me as well. It is important that I continually improve my services and the best way to do that is to hear from you!