Get to know the other resume writers in our community with our “10 Questions” series!
Today’s profile is Nancy Segal, CPRW, CEIE, Certified Federal Resume Writer, of Solutions for the Workplace LLC!
Nancy has been a professional resume writer for 15 years and a former federal HR professional for 30 years. She is a developer and instructor for the Resume Writing Academy Federal Resume Writer Certification and is the author of three books on federal resume writing, interviewing, and career transitions. She writes a weekly federal career blog at FEDweek.com.
1. Why did you decide to become a professional resume writer?
Getting a federal job is quite different than getting one in the private sector. While there is a lot of information about resumes and job hunting available, very little is specific to the federal government. With 30 years as a federal HR professional, I saw an opportunity to share my knowledge about how to get a job with the country’s largest single employer.
2. How did you get into the career industry? What did you do before?
I have spent my career in the HR arena. This is a natural progression. And the information about the nuances of the federal job hunt, resume, and overall career process is needed by the public. I’m delighted to share what I know!
3. What do you typically wear when you’re working?
I am fully dressed every day. If I am not also facilitating a webinar that day, I am usually in jeans, t-shirt and/or/sweater. On Sundays, I don’t get dressed until late (don’t tell!), even though I typically start working fairly early.
I am fully dressed every day. If I am not also facilitating a webinar that day, I am usually in jeans, t-shirt and/or/sweater. On Sundays, I don’t get dressed until late (don’t tell!), even though I typically start working fairly early.
4. What is your best habit, and what is your worst?
My best habit is my discipline. I start work at the same time every day and I am seriously focused. My worst habit is an inability to stop, say no, and generally focus on things outside of my business when there is work to be done (which is, of course, always).
5. What’s your favorite object in your office? Why?
I have a 3 lb. hand weight on my desk. I use it when I am on the phone with clients. Arm curls, lifts, etc.
6. What is your “go to” technique or secret when you get stuck when you’re writing a resume? How do you get unstuck?
I don’t actually get stuck that often (on this, anyway) but when I do, I do a little research on the job (Wikipedia is my friend), look the client up on LinkedIn, and think about what a former client might have had as a tangentially related job to get inspired. And when it’s really bad, I pick up the phone and call someone for distraction. :)
7. What’s the best career advice you ever got?
No one cares about your “stuff.” Clients are only interested in their own issues. They don’t care why I might be late, cranky, etc.
No one cares about your “stuff.” Clients are only interested in their own issues. They don’t care why I might be late, cranky, etc.
8. How do you unplug?
I try (not always successfully) to stop working at a preset time. My favorite unplug tools are food channels and house porn (HGTV).
9. What ONE thing would you change about your business or the career industry, if you could?
I think there are a lot of people in our industry that are less focused on our clients finding jobs and too focused on finding their passion (or whatever euphemism you want to use). Most people need jobs that pay well, have benefits, etc. I consider it a bonus if people are passionate about their work but I also consider it a privilege that not many people in this country have.
I would like to see our industry be more open to everyone’s needs. I am certainly not opposed to doing work that you love (I love what I do), but certainly not everyone is in a position to do that. And sometimes what clients want is totally unrealistic; we need to be able to say that too (nicely, of course)
10. What are your favorite social media accounts to follow?
And, of course, our resume writing community!
Connect with Nancy on Linkedin here:
Find her company on Facebook:
Or follow her on Twitter at @FederalJobs101
Did you miss our last 10 Questions profile, featuring Angela Jones?
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