FAQs

Section 1: Resume & Career Questions

• How much should a professional resume cost? Professional resume writing typically runs $200-$2,000+, depending on career level and writer credentials. Entry-level resumes sit at the low end; executive and board-level resumes with LinkedIn and bio work run higher. Rates track the writer's certification and time investment, not just page count.

• How long should a resume be? One page for early-career, one to two pages for most professionals, and two pages is standard (sometimes more) for executives with a long track record to show. Length should match how much relevant, recent achievement you have to say—not an arbitrary rule.

• What's the difference between a resume and a CV? In the U.S., a resume is a concise 1-2 page summary tailored to a specific job; a CV is a longer, comprehensive record of your full academic and professional history, used mainly in academia, research, medical, and international job markets.

• What should I include if I don't think I have any achievements? Everyone has them—you're just not used to looking for them. Cost savings, process improvements, team outcomes, problems you solved: achievements are often buried in what feels like "just doing the job." A good resume writer's job is pulling them out.

• How far back should a resume go? Generally, the last 10-15 years. Older roles can be listed briefly or dropped—recent, relevant experience is what employers and ATS systems weight most.

• Is it worth paying for a professional resume writer? If you're not landing interviews with your current resume, or you're moving into a more senior or different role, yes—a writer who knows ATS systems and positioning can be the difference between getting screened out and getting a call. If your resume is already working, you may not need one.

• What makes an executive or board resume different? It leans on strategic impact, P&L or org-level results, and board/leadership positioning rather than task lists—plus it often needs to work alongside a separate bio and LinkedIn banner for board applications.

• Can you help if I used AI to write my resume? Absolutely. AI can help create a resume, but it doesn't know your career, your goals, or what a recruiter is actually looking for. If AI gave you a starting point, I can help take it across the finish line—with better strategy, positioning, language, and a human perspective.

• What does career coaching with you look like? Career coaching helps you figure out where you are, where you want to go, and what it will take to get there. We can talk through career goals, changes, job-search strategy, professional positioning, or whatever you're trying to figure out next. It's practical, honest, and tailored to you—not a one-size-fits-all assessment.

• Do you work with people who are retiring or figuring out what's next? Yes. Retirement can be a major transition, even when you're not looking for another job. I help people think through what comes next—whether that's consulting, volunteering, mentoring, board service, part-time work, or simply figuring out what a fulfilling next chapter looks like.

Section 2: HR & Small Business Questions

• What size businesses do you work with? Small businesses and nonprofits, generally under 50 employees, with a focus on organizations under 25.

• What does an HR consultant actually do for a small business? Depends on the gap. Common work includes building out job roles and expectations, improving team culture and fit, handling compliance basics, and stepping in to provide outplacement support when a business needs to let people go.

• Do I need HR help if I don't have any HR problems right now? Preventive work is usually cheaper than crisis work. Getting roles, expectations, and culture right early avoids the turnover and conflict that eventually becomes a "problem."

• What's "behavioral matchmaking," and why does it matter? It's making sure people are in roles that actually fit how they work and think—not just their resume qualifications. Mismatched roles are one of the most common (and preventable) causes of turnover and team friction.

• Do you handle HR compliance and employee issues? Yes. I help small businesses and nonprofits with HR compliance, employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, compensation, retention, and other people-related issues. My goal isn't just to check the HR boxes—it's to help you prevent problems and make better people decisions.

• What's outplacement support, and when would I need it? Outplacement helps departing employees transition (resume, job search, coaching support) while showing your remaining team you handle exits with care. Useful during layoffs, restructuring, or any termination where you want to protect your reputation and remaining staff morale.

• Do you work with nonprofits? Yes — nonprofit HR needs (tight budgets, small teams, big mission) are a regular part of the practice.

Section 3: Working With Me

• Can I pay extra to rush my resume? No, I don't offer rush service. If you're in a hurry, I'm not the right writer for you—I won't shortchange your project to squeeze in a rush job.

• Why do professional resumes cost what they do? Because a solid resume takes 6-10 hours of real work—background review, strategy call, research, writing, revisions, back-and-forth, etc. I don't have a salary and benefits backing me up, so my rate reflects the actual time and expertise I provide.

• What's your resume process and timeline? Purchase, complete your intake, schedule your strategy call, and I'll deliver a draft within 5-7 business days of that call. Revisions run 3-7 days per round. Plan for the full project to take up to a month, since call availability depends on my client load.

• Do I have to complete a questionnaire? Depends on the package. Most clients do a longer strategy call instead of a written questionnaire. If you're working with a tighter budget, you can choose the questionnaire in place of phone time. And if you don't have an existing resume to work from, you'll fill out a short form first just so I have something to prepare from. Not sure which fits you? Start with the free 30-minute discovery call—that's where we figure out the right package and what you're comfortable investing.

• Where are you located? Summerville, SC — but I work with clients nationwide (and around the world).

• Do you meet resume clients in person? Not usually. Google Meet is my preferred method of communication with resume and coaching clients.

• Do you travel to visit HR clients? Yes, though most work happens by phone or Google Meet. Local travel is free; travel beyond that is billable.

• How does HR billing work? I typically bill hourly in 15-minute increments and invoice monthly. I am open to other options, if needed.

• How do you scope HR consulting projects? I customize each scope of work to what the business actually needs — but I stay flexible for things that come up along the way. Most small businesses don't realize the full extent of what they need until they see what's possible.

• What data do you collect, and is it secure? Calendly, Cognito Forms, and Stripe handle intake, scheduling, and payment, all GDPR-compliant. Your content never goes to anyone but you, unless you ask me to or the law requires it. My AI is a paid professional subscription that has "turned off" the ability to use my chats to train AI bots.