Get to know the other resume writers in our community with our “10 Questions” series!
Today’s profile is Georgia Adamson of A Successful Career.
Georgia has been a professional resume writer since 1993. She holds multiple professional certifications, including NCRW, MRW, ACRW, CPRW, NCOPE, CERM, and CJSS. She is a member of the National Resume Writer's Association (NRWA), Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC), Career Directors International (CDI), and Career Thought Leaders (CTL).
1. Why did you decide to become a professional resume writer?
I was being asked to help people with their resumes, which I hadn’t done before. After a few of them, I decided I enjoyed creating resumes for people that made them feel more confident about themselves. Since I like to have a good idea of what I’m doing when I start on something new, I began checking into how to do this as professionally as possible.
2. How did you get into the career industry? What did you do before?
Previously I was an executive assistant in a technology company in Silicon Valley, California. I began to feel I wasn’t using all my capabilities in that role and started a business support service on the side. When we had a layoff and I lost my job, I decided to see if I could run my business full-time.
3. What do you typically wear when you’re working?
Neat but casual clothing. I work virtually and don’t see clients in person, but I feel more like working if I’m not TOO relaxed in my attire!
4. What is your best habit, and what is your worst?
I think it’s probably the fact that I’m pretty well organized and like to plan my activities, but I can still work some flexibility into the mix.
My worst? I can lose track of time when I’m talking with a client or a potential client and enjoying our conversation. That means I have to set reminders for myself to make sure I stay on target and can achieve what we need to accomplish.
5. What’s your favorite object in your office? Why?
I think it’s a little ceramic plaque that says, “Remember The Day’s Blessings. Forget The Day’s Troubles.” Either that, or it’s the one that says, “There can’t be a crisis today. My schedule is already full!”
6. What is your “go to” technique or secret when you get stuck when you’re writing a resume? How do you get unstuck?
Aside from praying for inspiration, which I often do, I’d say it’s carving out a “breathing spell” — whether it’s 5 minutes or longer (depending on my timeframe) — where I can step back from the project and focus on something entirely different for a bit. The best case is when I can let the project sit overnight and come back to it the next day. That gives my uncooperative brain a chance to refresh, recharge, and get back to work productively.
Aside from praying for inspiration, which I often do, I’d say it’s carving out a “breathing spell” — whether it’s 5 minutes or longer (depending on my timeframe) — where I can step back from the project and focus on something entirely different for a bit. The best case is when I can let the project sit overnight and come back to it the next day. That gives my uncooperative brain a chance to refresh, recharge, and get back to work productively.
7. What’s the best career advice you ever got?
Remember that it’s not all about you. You’re not the one looking for a job. Focus on the client.
Remember that it’s not all about you. You’re not the one looking for a job. Focus on the client.
8. How do you unplug?
Spend time with my 16-year-old Tibetan spaniel. Listen to classical music. Read a good book (or re-read one of my old favorites).
9. What ONE thing would you change about your business or the career industry, if you could?
In terms of the career industry: I really like to maintain what I call “people connections” in my work, and some of the technology developments (such as ATS and video interviewing) add complications I could do without. However, as the saying goes, “It is what it is,” so I focus on becoming competent in the essential elements so I can continue to produce the best quality work for clients.
Connect with Georgia on Linkedin here:
Find her company on Facebook: https://facebook.com/pages/A-Successful-Career/140959285942865
Did you miss our last 10 Questions profile, featuring Michelle Dumas