Delivering your best ever resume......

Why do you need a professional resume writer?

Chances are that you've already written a resume or two.  Maybe even chosen candidates from resumes you've been screening.  While this may be the case, as a professional resume writer I'm always surprised by the difficulty people have selling themselves in print. Maybe it's modesty.  Maybe they just aren't sure what separates a job description from a statement of differentiated accomplishment. Maybe they are focusing on their own resume and can't imagine how it will across to the recruiter reviewing 100 resumes.

When we meet or do a call I'll interview you to discover the important stuff you've left out, and enable you to shine.  Having a great resume creates confidence, and confidence is one of the most desirable traits in a college or MBA applicant or job seeker.

Who are my clients? 

  • High school students who need resumes as part of college applications

  • College students applying for internships and jobs post graduation

  • MBA applicants

  • Jobseekers from entry-level through to nearly retired

  • On-ramping parents

  • Internationals seeking to "Americanize" their resumes

  • Folks in every industry you can name

  • Mature professionals seeking to "youthen" their resumes

Do you do more than just resumes, Resumemama?

I can work with you on every piece of collateral in the process.  I've assisted with application essays, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and thank-you notes.  As a career advisor I also conducted hundreds of mock interviews, and I'm happy to work with you on interview practice as well.  I minored in Drama, and can play the recruiter role from start to finish if you like.

What's your philosophy Resumemama?

I'm not a fan of gimmicks, and I don't like resumes that scream for attention with colors, graphics, and unusual formats.  If you're working in a creative profession some unique design elements can be introduced, but for most people it's best to let your content shine rather than your design.  An ideal resume is no more than two pages unless you're an academic. It features a font that is clear and easy on the eyes, and a decent amount of white space.  It shows measurable achievement and results, though these may be reflected in many ways including $, #s, percentages, or scale.  Professional and academic performance indicators should be included.  Drama will help your resume stand out. Humor is fine in small doses.  One major issue that many jobseekers have is not understanding how a resume and Linked In work together.  They should complement and not contradict each other.  Whether you request it or not, I'll review your online profile to see if elements can be incorporated in your resume, and which elements work best in each.

 

 

 

Janet Raiffa

Who is Resumemama?  

Resumemama is the not so secret identity of Janet Raiffa, a corporate recruiter-turned MBA career advisor-turned resume writing superheroine.  After years of gatekeeping for a top investment bank, two law firms, and two consulting firms, I discovered that I loved helping candidates succeed. I knew what recruiters liked and what they didn't.  I wanted to share this inside knowledge with jobseekers.

How does this work?

Send me your resume at: janetraiffa@resumemama.com   

I'll review it from the perspective of a recruiter, but spend more than the average 30 seconds of a first pass.  What comes across clearly? What don't I understand?  What might be suspicious?  I'll then draft a suggested revision and contact with you to review.  This can be done in person or on the phone, and takes about an hour. I've worked with folks all over the US and in many other countries including Brazil, Greece, Japan, Kenya,  and South Africa. During this session I'll interview you for more material and we'll discuss your job search process. I'll then turn around a suggested final version in a day or two.

How much does this cost?

Some resume services charge as much as $500 or more.  Not your Resumemama.  Depending on your level, your resume package will run from between $125-$200.  Further services are $65 per hour.  Resume packages include revisions until you are happy with the final version. I believe that charging less than the competition decreases my advertising costs--my business comes largely from word of mouth.