Working Virtually

Ever since the summer of 2004, I've worked virtually with my clients. With the exception of a few friends that I've written resumes for, no resume client has met with me in person since 2004. But every once in a while, I wonder about my decision.

The "pros" are obvious -- I work in my cow slippers most of the time, I occasionally have my pajamas on at noon (although that usually means I came down to my home office around 8 a.m. and just haven't made it back upstairs again), and if I need to finish writing a resume at midnight, I don't have to worry about making that long, scary walk to the car that I used to do when we had a "real" office.

The downside: In working with some older clients -- particularly a recent executive -- they prefer to work "face to face." It's old school. It's comforting to some to see the face that they're sharing all their personal data with. Seeing clients in person can also be a selling tool. A recent client asked me what the difference was between me and a national firm. If I saw clients in person anymore, I could say, "You can see your writer!"

In fact, I recently wrote a resume for a new grad seeking an entry-level position in the mental health field after getting her master's degree. Coincidentally, she joined a mental health association that I've managed since 1996, and we had a networking event last week ... where I met her in person for the first time...several weeks after finishing her resume. I don't think I would have ahcnaged a thing on the resume if I had met her before writing it.

Which is a good thing. I think I've done pretty well at overcoming the obstacles of not seeing clients -- trying to pick up on "body language" cues over the phone. Developing rapport with someone I probably won't ever meet. And, most difficult for me -- getting the project wrapped up without a second face-to-face appointment scheduled. That used to be the big thing for me -- I would schedule the "pickup" appointment after meeting with the client for the first time and gathering information. Knowing the client was going to show up in my office that day put the pressure on me to have the draft ready. That pressure isn't necessarily the same nowadays.

But I wouldn't change the virtual experience for the real world again. Especially since the rent I used to pay on my small office pays the mortgage now.

More on the Fake CPRW Controversy

I still haven't received a return phone call back from Marilyn Maslin, nor has she corrected her post on Jobing's Denver blog page...but there is some new information.

Apparently, Ms. Maslin may have been under the impression that by paying her $150 dues to join the Professional Association of Resume Writers that she was "earning" her Certified Professional Resume Writer credential. If that's true, Frank Fox (owner of PARW) better work on his marketing materials that clarify the difference between membership and certification.

Stay tuned...

More Fake Career Associations?

I can't say for sure that this organization and certification credential are "fake," but I can tell you that I can't find any information about their organization, apart from these logos, posted on the website for "ResumeServicePlus.com."

Has anyone heard of this organization or certification?

Attracting Corporate Clients

All economic downturns are temporary. Companies that need to cut costs today will be hiring again -- maybe not tomorrow, but soon. When companies are forced to lay off employees, they want to keep the employees' goodwill ... and offering outplacement services is one way companies help their employees, even when they're showing them the door. Research shows that clients who use outplacement services find new positions much faster, making the expense of outplacement an investment for employers.

Penetrating the corporate outplacement market can be a good target market. While some outplacement services include comprehensive career management (assessment testing, resume writing, coaching or counseling, resume distribution services), it is possible for the sole proprietor resume writer to land an outplacement contract. In fact, there is an underserved market for targeting small-to-midsize companies that may only lay off 1-20 employees at a time. (Large auto manufacturers like GM, for example, may layoff hundreds at a time).