Get to know the other resume writers in our community with our “10 Questions” series!
Today’s profile is Alana Henry of The Writique, LLC.
Alana has been a professional resume writer for more than five years. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE). She is a member of the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA), Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC), Career Directors International (CDI), and Society of Elite Resume Writers (SERW).
1. Why did you decide to become a professional resume writer?
I became a professional writer for two different reasons: my desire to serve those with unequal access to career advancement resources, and the need for a work-from-home opportunity after the birth of my first child.
I am of the belief that we are all distinctly gifted, and that we should use our gifts to help others in their life journeys. For me, a life of service and a desire to further equity in my community propels me to utilize my talents in a variety of ways. For now, I am using my skills to help others reach success with the development of resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and career coaching that helps them obtain their dream jobs.
2. How did you get into the career industry? What did you do before?
I received my bachelor’s degree in journalism from one of the top schools in the nation, but decided against joining the industry post-graduation. Out of college, I spent several years teaching high school English in a school with more than 80% of students on free or reduced lunch. As someone who grew up in the urban core, I knew all too well the importance of mentors and access to career mapping tools for successful life planning. I spent my tenure as a teacher exposing students to various post-secondary options, teaching them about college entrance requirements, providing them with personality assessments and career mapping tools, and assisting them with the construction of their very first resume. I loved it. And I felt fulfilled. Little did I know, I was serving as a career coach to these young people.
Fast forward five years, and I was faced with the need for supplemental income. I decided to utilize my skills in writing and editing to open my own writing service, focusing primarily on resume writing.
I went on to receive my master’s degree in executive leadership, expanded my business, and am proud to now have a team of writers on staff who help change the life trajectories of our clients.
3. What do you typically wear when you’re working?
I work from home with my four little ones, so you can find me in a pair of comfortable leggings and a casual blouse!
I work from home with my four little ones, so you can find me in a pair of comfortable leggings and a casual blouse!
4. What is your best habit, and what is your worst?
I am a doer by nature, so I am quick to jump in feet first. On the flip side, that can make me impulsive — and also make it hard for me to learn when to say “no” to a request or an opportunity.
5. What’s your favorite object in your office? Why?
Since I work from my home office, I would say that my favorite object is my door! It allows me to seal off the chaos of four little children and work in peace. :-)
6. What is your “go to” technique or secret when you get stuck when you’re writing a resume? How do you get unstuck?
Something that helps me when I’m feeling “stuck,” is browsing the website of the company for which the client is applying. Usually, there’s a useful nugget of information that gets my brain moving! If I am still having difficulty, I browse LinkedIn for profiles of individuals in similar roles. Sometimes, they have great information in their Headlines, About sections, or Experience sections that jumpstart my writing.
Something that helps me when I’m feeling “stuck,” is browsing the website of the company for which the client is applying. Usually, there’s a useful nugget of information that gets my brain moving! If I am still having difficulty, I browse LinkedIn for profiles of individuals in similar roles. Sometimes, they have great information in their Headlines, About sections, or Experience sections that jumpstart my writing.
7. What’s the best career advice you ever got?
“Find people, not jobs.” — Melanie L. Denny
“Find people, not jobs.” — Melanie L. Denny
8. How do you unplug?
I love to read a good historical fiction novel or non-fiction books/articles on history, sociology, or psychology. I also enjoy time watching a series on Netflix/Hulu and relaxing with my husband.
9. What ONE thing would you change about your business or the career industry, if you could?
I wish that I had spent more time networking within the industry when I began. Many of my early business struggles were figured out over time, but it would have been much more advantageous to learn from a mentor or group of professionals from the start.
I think the career industry is changing for the better, but it initially appeared to be “exclusive,” and as if other resume writing professionals didn’t want to share best practices/industry knowledge with newbies. At the time, I couldn’t afford membership to some of the major organizations, so I was left to my own devices for knowledge and growth.
10. What are your favorite social media accounts to follow?
Follow #blackphotography and #blackphotographers on Instagram
Find The Writique LLC on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewritique
Connect with Alana on Linkedin here: www.linkedin.com/alanahenry
Find her on Twitter: @TheWritique
Did you miss our last 10 Questions profile, featuring Angela Jones?
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