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Brute Force Rarely Works, But It Can Be Satisfying

Written by Doug Phares on . Posted in Blog, Business Development.

I, like many people, identify as a Wordle Person. If you’re not familiar, the New York Times hit game released in 2021 and gives you six chances to guess a five-letter word. You get hints as you go — a green letter means it’s the right letter in the right space, yellow is the right letter in the wrong space, and grey means that letter isn’t in the word.

It’s a simple enough game, but I became completely addicted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, because I’m me, I approach it methodically every day with the same approach. I start with my designated Opening Word, which has some statistically popular consonants and vowels. Then depending on how many hits I get, I choose from a few different second-round words that will help fill in the gaps.

Most days, this process is enough for me to get the right answer in three to four guesses. But some days, things just don’t work out that way. I stick to my system, and after all my thought-out, well-educated guessing, I’m left with one yellow letter and no idea where to go from there. 

Which is when my methodology goes out the window, and I start to brute force it.

When Your System Doesn’t Work…

It’s not pretty. I start playing words that I know couldn’t possibly be right just to try and get more information. I make dumb guesses just so I can get to the next step with, hopefully, an extra scrap of information. Most often, this “strategy” doesn’t work out, and in a pique I end up blowing all of my guesses just trying to make something happen.

I still get the Wordle in 3.6 guesses on average, so I can’t be too upset that sometimes I flame out. But one day I was stomping down this familiar spiral, getting heated up as I stared down row after row of grey on my third guess, when I suddenly received a horrible splash of cold water right to the face with a chilling realization: This is exactly like my management style.

The Epiphany

Through a mix of experience and research, I usually know what to do when it comes to managing people and money. I can recognize the patterns and plan 3-5 moves ahead to get where I want to be.

But sometimes, the patterns simply don’t appear the way I expect them to. When that happens, I can start making moves that I know aren’t going to get me there. But I do them anyway, because I’m frustrated with the situation and insist on moving forward just to try and hope something works and shakes loose an answer.

This was revelatory for me — I’ve had a long career, and I’d never noticed this behavioral pattern. Using trial and error comes naturally to me, but it had never occurred to me that I could get locked into ineffectual behaviors when the patterns in the world around me don’t do what I expect them to. 

Still Learning

I’d love to leave you with a pithy answer about how to break this cycle and get out of your own bad habits, but I’m still grappling with the realization that I’ve done this behavior for X-odd years and never realized it. I hope to break this cycle one day, but I’m not at that point yet.

Instead, I leave you with a question: Could you be stuck in a box without seeing it? I certainly was, even when this pattern was manifesting in different areas of my life. Whether you’re a Wordler or not, it could be worth it to critically examine your thought process in some areas not related to how you manage. You may be surprised by the patterns that unveil themselves and how much they overlap with your approach to problems in your profession.

Finish Strong: Why Q4 Deserves More of Your Energy than January

Written by Angie Callen on . Posted in Blog, Business Development.

We kicked off September talking about the Back to Biz reset, the post-summer, post-Labor Day energy that gets clients (and us!) back into work mode. That reset isn’t just a seasonal shift; it’s an opportunity.

Now that we’ve dusted off our inboxes and kicked the sand out of our work shoes, it’s time to build. And October, my friends, is go time.

Welcome to Q4: the most overlooked and important strategic window of the year.

The Power of Q4 Planning

There’s something about a new year that makes us feel like everything resets, like we’ll finally have the time, energy, and headspace to make the changes we’ve been putting off, but we all know how that usually turns out…

While January gets all the attention for fresh starts, truly setting yourself up for success in 2026 starts now. 

72% of small business owners say the final quarter of the year is their most strategic planning period and more impactful than January goal setting (QuickBooks Annual Survey, 2023).

So, why wait?

The final stretch of the year can often be treated like a wind-down, when in reality, it can be your warm-up. Your runway. Your pivot point.

Whether your summer felt slow, your year got away from you, or you’ve been stuck in reactive mode, this is your reminder: 

You have time. You have tools. You have a whole quarter left.

Let’s use it.

Why Most of Us Get Q4 Wrong

We typically enter October in one of two modes:

  • Frantic Mode: Trying to deliver what we promised ourselves in January.

  • Floating Mode: Waiting for the holidays to pass so we can “start fresh” next year.

Neither leads to great momentum.

But what if we shifted from scrambling to strategizing?

Q4 is prime time for intentional reflection and business refinement. It’s a season of clarity if you let it. You don’t need a new year.  You need a new plan.

You’ve probably heard the stat that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February, but did you know: 

Businesses that create quarterly plans are 33% more likely to hit their annual goals than those that don’t. (U.S. Bank Small Business Survey)

Let’s ditch the someday mindset and create your 90-day runway with these five steps:

1. Set a Q4 Focus (Not a Finish Line)

Forget big resolutions or full-year catch-up. Choose one thing to move forward:

  • One service to promote.

  • One project to launch.

  • One new routine to build.

This isn’t about adding pressure—it’s about channeling your energy where it counts.

Try this: Block off a 90-minute “sprint session” each week for this priority. Name it. Protect it. Act on it.

 

2. Refine What You’re Selling Before January

Your Q1 clients are already out there; they’re just not raising their hands yet. Use this time to clean up your offer suite:

  • Update the language about your services.

  • Clarify pricing and process.

  • Repackage something small into a seasonal mini-offer.

Try this: Ask yourself, “Is my website/LinkedIn ready for who I want to serve in 2026?” If not, make the update now, before you’re buried in January inquiries.

 

3. Reignite Relationships (Without Pitching)

Q4 naturally lends itself to reflection and gratitude, which makes it a great time to rekindle authentic connections. Hey, it’s one of the reasons we tell our job seeker clients to network during the holidays! Take our own advice and: 

  • Share a behind-the-scenes look at your year on LinkedIn.

  • Send a note to past clients or collaborators with no ask—just a thank you or update.

  • Invite someone into a co-working day, podcast, or creative brainstorm.

Try this: Make a short list of 5 people you’d love to reconnect with and set a simple goal: one meaningful message per week until Thanksgiving.

 

4. Start the Year Before It Starts

January success doesn’t come from thin air. It’s built now. Carve out time for planning, not just doing.

Try this: Block a solo “CEO Day” in late October or early November to:

  • Review what worked in 2025.

  • Brain-dump new ideas for next year.

  • Map out Q1 content, offers, or themes.

It doesn’t have to be perfect, but having a plan in motion means you enter January proactive instead of reactive.

 

5. Show Up with Value

Momentum isn’t just about planning; it’s about visibility. 

Whether it’s publishing a thought leadership post, hosting a mini workshop, or sharing behind-the-scenes progress on your Q4 sprint, showing up with something useful builds trust, credibility, and momentum before year-end.

Try this: Choose one way to show your work before Thanksgiving: share a resource, a client win, or even a lesson learned. Keep it real, not perfect.

 

The Bottom Line

Q4 isn’t your last chance. It’s your launch pad.

You don’t have to squeeze a year’s worth of progress into three months, but you can make moves that carry you into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

As the saying goes:

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”

Whether it’s refining an offer, sending that email, or finally putting your CEO day on the calendar, this is your moment to put you and your business first. 

Your Challenge This Month

Take one hour this week and answer these three questions:

  1. What unfinished idea or project am I ready to prioritize?

  2. What connection or collaboration would re-energize me right now?

  3. What small shift would make my business feel more aligned in Q4?

Pick one. Schedule the next step. Make it real.

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to start.

Your Friend and Coach,
 Angie Callen, PCC, CPCC, CERW, CPRW

How to Handle Clients Who Just Want You to “Fix It”

Written by PARWCC Leadership Team on . Posted in Blog, Career Coaching.

If you’ve worked as a career coach or resume writer, you’ve likely had a client slide their resume across your desk and say, “Can you just fix this for me?” Sometimes it’s just a resume or cover letter, and other times it’s their whole career direction. The request often comes from a place of stress, and while it’s tempting to wave a magic wand and solve everything, doing so leaves you carrying the whole load. Not only does this risk burnout for you, but it also robs your client of the chance to learn, grow, and build confidence. The key is finding balance.  How can we stay supportive, set healthy boundaries, and still guide our clients toward real growth?

Your Path

Start with empathy.
When a client says, “I can’t do this, you do it,” it usually comes from stress, anxiety, or discouragement. Acknowledge their feelings to ease resistance and show compassion. Simple responses like, “I hear how stressful this feels for you,” or “I get it—resumes and job searches can feel overwhelming” validate their emotions without taking on their burden.

Clarify your role and set clear boundaries.
Position yourself as a guide, not a fixer. For example: “I’ll create a strong draft for your resume, but I’ll also need your input to make sure it reflects your voice and experiences.” Boundaries can be supportive when delivered with care: “I can revise this section for you, but I’ll need your accomplishments, so it truly represents you.” This helps clients understand you’re a partner, not a replacement.  This sets limits while showing you’re invested in their success.

Shift the focus to teamwork.
Frame the process as a collaboration: “We’ll work on this together, you bring the details, I’ll bring the strategy.” You can also invite small contributions: “How about you give me your top three accomplishments, and I’ll help shape them into strong bullet points.” This empowers clients and reminds them they’re capable of meaningful input. 

Use small, doable steps.
Large tasks feel overwhelming, so break them down into manageable parts. Instead of saying, “Rewrite your whole work history,” try: “Today, let’s just focus on your most recent job.” This keeps progress moving while building the client’s confidence.

Teach, don’t just tell.
Rather than handing over a finished product, explain your edits and the reasons behind them. Showing why you adjusted phrasing or formatting helps clients build skills for the future and feel more ownership of their career tools.

Protect your own mental health.
It’s easy to carry clients’ stress home with you. You can be caring and professional without overextending yourself.  Protecting your time and energy ensures you can keep serving clients well without burning out. 

Coming Home 

Remember: Your job is not just to “fix it.” It’s to empower. When clients participate in the process, they leave with confidence, not just a polished resume.

 

Here’s to mindful moves, 

Felicia A. Shanklin, M.Ed., CPRW

Licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructor (Adult)
Balanced Harmony Master Series Director

Budgeting Skills & Resume Space

Written by John Suarez on . Posted in Blog, Résumé Writing.

When it comes to financial planning, one golden rule is “every dollar needs a purpose”. The same is true with the résumé. Every line should add value to the story. Just as a smart budget reflects spending priorities, a smart résumé reflects the right mix of skills and experience that will help clients reach their next career goal.

 

Make the Plan

If you think of the résumé as a career capital spending plan, here is how to allocate wisely:

  • Identify Career “Income Sources”

In financial terms, income often comes from multiple streams. In career terms, “income” refers to things like technical expertise, leadership experience, industry knowledge, or certifications. By showcasing the top skills that align with the target role, you’re building a budget on a solid foundation.

  • Avoid “Overspending” on Outdated Experience

Overspending in a budget usually means paying for things you don’t need. On a résumé, it means giving too much space to old or irrelevant roles. That summer retail job from 15 years ago may only need a one-line mention, while your recent project leadership deserves several bullet points. The goal is to cut out “luxury expenses” that don’t support future career goals.

  • Prioritize High-Value Skills (Essential Expenses)

Just as your financial budget prioritizes rent, utilities, and groceries, your résumé should prioritize the skills employers value most. Job postings will reveal clues. If employers consistently list data analysis, project management, or client relations, those are the “essential expenses.” Make sure they appear prominently throughout the résumé.

  • Allocate Wisely Across Résumé Sections

Think of each résumé section as a budget category: The Professional Summary expresses the financial goals of the career target; the Core Competencies showcase the top 8–12 skill categories, just like budget line items; the Work History provides a detailed record of where the client invested their time and how it paid off; think of the Education section as a long-term savings account, adding credibility and future growth potential. Balanced allocation ensures that no one section “blows the budget.”

  • Track Career ROI

Just as financial planning always comes back to return on investment (ROI), career budgeting means highlighting measurable outcomes wherever possible. Helping clients quantify the impact of their work is the link between skills acquired and results delivered, just like an investment report provides concrete proof of performance victories and financial growth.

 

The Bottom Line

A well-structured résumé works just like a smart budget: it cuts out waste, prioritizes what matters, and clearly shows where value was created (or at the very least…COULD be created). A cluttered or unfocused résumé might require a budget reset to better allocate space for maximum career ROI. That’s where we come in.

Think of career financial planning as making sure that every word and every line of the résumé is working hard on your client’s behalf. The tighter and more purposeful the allocation, the stronger your results.

Is Your Practice Running You?

Written by Don Orlando on . Posted in Blog, Career Coaching, Résumé Writing.

“A year from now you may wish you had started today.”

 ̶  Karen Lamb

 

In our fast-paced world, it is so easy for activity to distract us from accomplishment. Every day you do so many important things. The work you do affects the lives of your clients and their families, often for years to come. We just never seem to get around to planning. But we must for this compelling reason. You are as important as your most important client. 

Please read that sentence again. If you don’t take it to heart, you lose the ability to support your practice. 

Right now, while you are thinking about it, write the answer to this question: “If my practice was the best it could possibly be, what would it look like?” Some of the goals can be measured objectively, some subjectively. But list every single one.

Compare and Plan

Now compare your practice today with what you want it to be. Find the differences. Fixing those are now your goals. You’ll get there…but only if you have a business plan.

There isn’t room for telling you everything you must know about your business plan. However, I urge you to build this indispensable tool. 

Of course books, the web, and AI can help you. But, just as you tailor every résumé to a client’s unique needs, your business plan must be fitted to your requirements. Just as you update your client’s résumé as he or she grows on the job, your business plan must be updated to do the very same things.

The analogy can go even further. Most clients think a résumé is a “magic” document, a necessary evil “…to get the interview.” You know better. Your résumés serve as clear proof your client will make the next company lots of money. They are also career development tools, helping your clients prepare for the interview in-depth and getting paid what they are worth in an uncertain economy. So it is with your business plan. 

Business plans began as a way to convince banks to lend for new ventures. But, just like a résumé, a good business plan does so much more, especially if you finance your practice. The best plans are constantly, but logically, changing, guiding your practice today to shape it for tomorrow.

Get the Right Questions

A good business plan is really a series of right questions and answers, written as clearly as possible. I’ll explore some of those questions in a moment but first let me comment on the word “right.” 

A question is right when it is so specific that you cannot misinterpret it. Fuzzy, generalized, “buzzword”-loaded questions are a recipe for disaster for a simple reason: if you don’t know what’s being asked, almost any answer will seem to fit the bill. 

Speaking of answers, the “right” ones are based on solid research, never on wishful thinking. Said another way, if the right question gives you an answer you don’t like (but you know is true), count your blessings. The outcome may disappoint you at first, but it sure beats pursuing a course that isn’t—and likely will never be—right for you.

The first “right” question is this: which business do you want to be in? Getting the right answer will involve asking more questions so you can focus everything you do on everything you want. This approach keeps you from making instant, profit-robbing, everybody-loses decisions that can easily slip into everyday operations. So, which clients do you want to serve? What value will you offer them? 

Many career professionals never ask those questions. They say “yes” to every client, regardless of the client’s needs…or their own abilities to meet those needs. Your business plan can refocus that desire into long term success. If you are new to the industry, lay out a period in which you will help people in many fields so you may gain broad experience as a writer and a coach. Then set a deadline when you will draw on all you’ve learned to find which occupations you enjoy helping most. 

Boundaries Help Decisions

Through it all, don’t forget to draw the boundaries that will focus your efforts. Some of these limits are temporary, dropping away as your business develops. Here’s an example: As I seek broader experience, I will not work with clients who want positions that require me to understand, capture, and transmit advanced ideas about a field I know nothing about at the moment. Other limits need to be sturdily practical: I will not try to work with the lazy, the stupid, or those with expectations divorced from reality. 

As you write out who you will and will not serve, you’ll describe not only what your business should look like now, but the direction it will take. Imagine the insight when you write the answer to this query: How will helping today’s clients help me serve tomorrow’s clients? That sentence leads to defining your brand powerfully.

No matter how your business develops, you are part of an industry—a group of competitors. Don’t let that word frighten you. So many job seekers need what we offer there are never enough potential career professionals to go around. 

Nevertheless, it’s helpful to know how successful practices run. Visit many sites, ask other PARWCC members questions. Take time to truly read The Spotlight. Check out the article on the PARWCC website https://tinyurl.com/57dft5du. “Mystery shop” to research prices. Your goal is to build a business that matches your excellence with your market’s needs.

You’ve identified the kinds of clients with whom you want to work. You know what services you will offer and how to price them. You even have an estimate of how you want your business to grow. Now it’s time to see if your plan meets your needs. You must estimate revenues and costs.

Don’t Forget You

How far into the future do you estimate those numbers? One or two years are all that is necessary as long as you review your projections every six months. It’s a wonderful surprise when you exceed your targets; it’s a worrisome thing when you don’t. 

In fact, here are two suggestions that will keep you on track. First, estimate revenues before you decide how much profit you can expect your business to generate. Second, estimate both your current costs and the cost of investments you must make to reach your goal. 

Keep your estimates conservative. That’s particularly true as you introduce new services because you must learn as you go. But your business plan will spur you to do more than just learn how to do something new. After you master the new skills, you will concentrate on learning how to do them better and faster—thus controlling costs and building revenue. 

You will also spend time and energy becoming digitally visible. It’s after you’ve written your tenth article, after you presented at your fourth convention, after you’ve worked your third job fair, after you’ve built a powerful LinkedIn profile, after your posts start appearing on the best blogs, only then will potential clients remember who you are and why they should reach out to you. 

Now you have a model of your company today and in the immediate future. You know who your customers are, what kind of work you will be doing, about how much it will pay, and about how many hours you must give it each month. 

But suppose the costs are just too high and the revenue too small. Suppose your dream of being a career coach doesn’t work for you. That’s a personal success. You can use your career coaching skills to guide your most important client, you, to a new and rewarding career in a different field.

If, on the other hand, you find the challenge irresistible, promise yourself you will always measure your success against your business plan. Resist the urge to compare your efforts based on a single bank statement or on how others seem to be doing.

Your clients succeed not because you control what other job seekers, or employers, do. Rather, your clients’ success rests on a solid plan—and you keep them focused. You deserve no less consideration than your best client.

Bottom Line

It should be clear by now: business plans aren’t sold “off the rack.” You tailor your own by stating your goals, measuring your progress, keeping what works, and discarding what doesn’t. Moreover, you do that every six months. 

Let me leave you with an even more enticing prospect. Years from now, take out the very first copy of your business plan and look at projected profits. Then calculate how much money you made last year. You’ll take justifiable pride in more than just the money.

Because you built a solid plan and stuck to it, every dollar represents a happier, more successful client. That happened not just because you wrote wonderful résumés or coached people very well. It’s because you care about your career at least as much as you care about your clients’ careers. You will be navigating toward great success, not second by second, but step by confident step. And each destination you arrive at will be better and more rewarding than the last.

What Does the Shift to Skills-Based Hiring Mean for Résumé Writing and Career Coaching Strategies?

Written by PARWCC Leadership Team on . Posted in Blog, Career Coaching, Résumé Writing.

In 2025, 85% of companies globally are using skills-first hiring practices, according to TestGorilla’s State of Skills-Based Hiring report. This shift places greater emphasis on what candidates can do rather than the credentials they hold. For résumé writers and career coaches, adapting strategies to highlight skills, competencies, and measurable results has never been more critical.

Reframe Résumés Around Skills

Instead of leading with education or job titles, résumés should highlight technical and transferable skills within the context of achievements. Employers respond best when skills are connected to results, so emphasize how abilities were applied to deliver outcomes that align with organizational needs.

Showcase Measurable Results

Hiring managers want evidence of impact. Writers should encourage clients to include quantifiable results, such as “reduced project costs by 15%” or “trained a team of 12 employees.” Skills become most convincing when tied to outcomes.

Guide Clients Through Career Transitions

For clients without traditional degrees or with non-linear career paths, skills-first hiring creates opportunities. Coaches should highlight transferable abilities across industries, such as leadership, project management, or customer service, and help clients articulate their value in new fields.

Balance Skills and Credentials Strategically

While degrees may matter less, they are not irrelevant. Résumé writers should still include formal education and certifications but frame them as supporting evidence rather than the main story. This balance reflects modern hiring trends while respecting employer expectations.

Prepare Clients for Skills-Based Interviews

As companies focus on competencies, interviews increasingly involve skills assessments or scenario-based questions. Coaches should help clients prepare by practicing real-world examples and highlighting problem-solving abilities that align with the target role.

Strengthen your résumé writing and coaching strategies for a skills-first era. Explore certifications, training, and resources through PARWCC to stay ahead of hiring trends.

News from PARWCC!

Written by PARWCC Leadership Team on . Posted in Blog, Weekly Newsletter.

 

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Members exclusive! If you are a private practice, these new tools will Power Up Your Practice. PARWCC has built a comprehensive toolkit to enhance your practice. Get social media templates, ‘talking points for clients’ one-pager, and testimonial request emails you can use now for immediate effect. Click here.

 

Expanded learning opportunities! Last week, Lili Foggle joined Executive Director Margaret Phares in a LinkedIn Live Session to introduce our brand new Institutes framework. PARWCC’s support for your practice has been expanded into 3 new institutes. The Resume Writing Institute, Interview Institute, and Career Coaching Institute will provide easy access to the training, certifications, and community you need.

 

Join us in November for up-to-the-minute best practices and hot tips for using LinkedIn to your advantage. Don’t have CDCS after your name? Sign up for our next LIVE cohort starting November 5th. (Please note: Certified Digital Career Strategist Office Hours are canceled for October).

 

Asynchronous trends and AI in the interview process are the hottest topic in career services right now. Join us on September 30th for a fantastic Ask Me Anything Panel to get us up to speed. This intense session focuses on the latest expectations for what your clients really need in this rapidly-shifting landscape.

 

Check out our “Things We Found Interesting” section for an article written by PARWCC member Wendy Schwartz, how to turn career upheaval into momentum, and a review of current hybrid work situations.

 

Webinars and Sessions

 
September

 

October

 

Interview Trends, Strategies, and Truths

 

1:00 PM ET
Tues., Sept. 30

 

Two interview coaches. One unfiltered AMA.

The interview landscape is shifting fast, from AI-driven screens and asynchronous formats to rising expectations for authenticity and strategic storytelling. In this live AMA, join two top interview coaches for a candid, fast-paced conversation about what’s working now, what’s fading fast, and what clients really need from us in today’s job market.

Lili and Tali will share real insights, real strategies and real talk. Expect smart takes, honest answers, and even a little tea-spilling. Whether you’re refining your interview coaching or just getting started, this session will bring insights and a whole lot of energy.

 
Register Here

The Key Career Management Tool

 

Encourage your clients to adopt the proactive career management skill of maintaining a current résumé. Teach your clients to create an accomplishment log to track their successes, which helps them recognize their value and provides the raw material for powerful resume bullets. By coaching clients to keep their professional documents updated, you can help them avoid the scramble of an “express” résumé request and ensure they are always ready for unexpected opportunities. These skills empower your clients to take control of their career narrative and be prepared for any market shift.
Read More

Things We Found Interesting

 

5 Ways to Get Your Resume to Work for You (written by PARWCC member)
Read More

How to Turn Career Upheaval into Breakthrough Momentum
Read More

Hybrid Work in Retreat? Barely.
Read More

Member News and Updates

 
The power of a community that truly has your back.

At PARWCC, you gain more than skills and certifications; you tap into a network of talented peers who share their expertise, resources, and encouragement every step of the way.

When members tell us the collaboration and support here are unmatched, we know we’re helping them make a difference every day.

Join the discussions on our LinkedIn group

 

            

 

Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches
204 37th Ave N,  #112, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Phone: (727) 350-2218
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://parwcc.com

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How Can Interview Coaches Prepare Clients for AI-Driven Hiring Processes?

Written by PARWCC Leadership Team on . Posted in Blog, Career Coaching, Résumé Writing.

According to the Insight Global 2025 AI in Hiring Report, 99% of hiring managers now use AI in at least one stage of their hiring process, from résumé screening to interview evaluation. As one-way video interviews and algorithm-driven assessments become more common, job seekers often encounter technology before they ever interact with a human. For interview coaches, this shift means preparing clients for new formats, building camera confidence, and helping them understand how to succeed when AI plays a central role in evaluation.

Help Clients Understand the AI Interview Landscape

The first step is education. Many job seekers don’t realize that AI interview platforms can analyze not only what they say but how they say it. Systems may evaluate tone of voice, pacing, word choice, eye contact, and even facial expressions. Coaches can break down how these tools work, what employers look for, and where candidates need to focus their preparation.

Train for Camera Confidence

Unlike traditional interviews, one-way video interviews don’t provide visual or verbal feedback. This lack of interaction often makes clients feel uncomfortable or robotic. To prepare them, encourage practice in front of a camera, reviewing recordings to improve posture, clarity, and delivery. Teach simple techniques like speaking directly to the camera lens, smiling naturally, and pacing answers to stay concise but complete.

Teach Structured, Impactful Responses

AI interview platforms often reward responses that follow consistent patterns. Encourage the use of frameworks like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep answers focused and measurable. Structure helps clients avoid rambling, ensures they cover key points, and makes it easier for AI systems—and eventually hiring managers—to recognize qualifications.

Highlight Authenticity and Human Warmth

While algorithms score delivery and language, employers may still review recordings. Help clients avoid sounding robotic or rehearsed. Encourage authentic storytelling, personal examples, and enthusiasm for the role. Remind them that the goal is to pass the algorithm while still impressing the human reviewer who will ultimately make the decision.

Stay Ahead of Emerging Technology

AI-driven interviews are still evolving. Interview coaches should stay current on the platforms employers are adopting, the criteria algorithms use, and the ethical debates around bias in AI hiring. By remaining an informed guide, you can position yourself as a trusted partner for clients navigating the future of job interviews.

Technology is reshaping how résumés are written and how interviews are conducted. Strengthen your practice with the PARWCC Interview Institute and learn strategies to prepare clients for success across the hiring process.

How Can Professional Résumé Writers Ensure Their Clients’ Résumés Pass AI-Driven Screening Algorithms?

Written by PARWCC Leadership Team on . Posted in Blog, Résumé Writing.

By 2025, 83% of companies will use AI to screen résumés before a human ever sees them. For professional résumé writers, this means creating documents that not only capture human attention but also satisfy applicant tracking systems (ATS) that rank and filter candidates. If your client’s résumé can’t get past the algorithm, it won’t reach the hiring manager. Here’s how you can ensure résumés are both ATS-friendly and impactful for human readers.

Use a Clean, Readable Format

AI systems struggle with graphics, tables, columns, and unusual fonts. Stick to:

  • Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
  • Single-column layouts
  • Clear section headers (e.g., “Professional Experience,” “Education”)
  • Consistent date formatting (MM/YYYY or YYYY–YYYY)

A visually complex résumé might impress in print, but it can confuse algorithms and lower your client’s chances of being selected.

Prioritize Keywords Strategically

ATS software scans résumés for keywords directly from the job posting. To maximize alignment:

  • Mirror the employer’s language (e.g., use “Project Management” if that’s in the posting, not just “Managed Projects”)
  • Include both acronyms and full phrases (e.g., “SEO” and “Search Engine Optimization”)
  • Integrate keywords naturally into achievements, not just in a “Skills” list

The goal isn’t keyword stuffing; it’s keyword relevance, matched to each target role.

Structure for Both ATS and Humans

Résumés must balance machine readability with human readability. To do this:

  • Start with a strong professional summary using role-relevant keywords
  • Place the most relevant skills and experience toward the top
  • Avoid text in headers, footers, or images (many ATS systems ignore them)

This dual focus ensures that once the résumé passes the algorithm, it resonates with hiring managers.

Keep Up With Evolving ATS Technology

Not all ATS platforms are the same. Some now analyze phrasing, context, and even formatting beyond keywords. Professional résumé writers should stay updated on:

  • The most common ATS platforms (e.g., Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, iCIMS)
  • How AI screening is being combined with skills assessments and interviews
  • Employer adoption trends by industry and company size

The better you understand the tools employers use, the better you can tailor résumés to succeed.

Add Value Through Client Education

Your clients may be tempted by AI résumé generators or quick-fix templates, but these rarely account for nuanced strategy. Use your expertise to:

  • Explain why customization for each role is essential
  • Provide job seekers with a checklist for tailoring résumés to postings
  • Offer LinkedIn optimization alongside résumé writing, since many employers integrate ATS with LinkedIn profiles

This positions you not just as a writer but as a trusted advisor who can skillfully guide clients through an AI-driven job market.

Final Thoughts

AI-driven screening isn’t going away, it’s expanding. For professional résumé writers, the challenge and the opportunity lie in blending technical precision with storytelling. A résumé that satisfies both algorithms and humans is the one that gets interviews.

Want to strengthen your expertise in creating ATS-proof résumés? Explore PARWCC certifications and resources to stay at the forefront of career services.

News from PARWCC!

Written by PARWCC Leadership Team on . Posted in Blog, Weekly Newsletter.

 

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Get the info you need to rocket your side hustle into a full-time successful business! Our informative session on the 23rd features actionable strategies to make the leap by assessing your readiness, set up sustainable systems, and consistently attract clients.

 

Our Fall Membership drive ends this week! Join or renew this week to receive a FREE Master Series self-paced class. These fantastic courses delve deep into immediately relevant material to enhance your skills in only 2 or 3 sessions. 

 

Do you know the history of résumé writing, career coaching, and career services? Check out the blog below to learn this fascinating timeline of evolution and growth. Then answer the call to determine our future as career services professionals.

 

Listen to the podcast in the “Things We Found Interesting” section to learn which jobs are safe from AI. Also check out an opinion piece on which method (STAR vs PARADE) is best for answering interview questions. 

 

Are you ready to help students on their journey from academia to their first ‘real’ jobs? Get the Certified Student Career Coach credential now to add this growing demographic to your client list. This intensive program lead by renowned Dr. Natascha F. Saunders gives you the tools you need.

 

Webinars and Sessions

 
September

 

October

 

Market Your Skills Like a Boss

 

1:00 PM ET
Thurs., Sept. 25

 

The contributions of social workers and other helping professionals are too often undervalued by society. However, like any other profession, strategy and self-marketing can positively influence job placement, salary negotiation, and career satisfaction. Learn how to navigate your professional journey as if your talents are worthy of recognition – because they are!

 
Register Here

From Then to Now:
Reflect and Decide Our Future

 

Learn how the career services profession evolved from early vocational guidance in 1909 to modern-day résumé marketing and digital networking. Notable pioneers like Frank Parsons and Sidney Edlund laid the groundwork for key concepts like matching personalities to jobs and treating job searching as a sales campaign. By studying these foundations, you will gain a deeper understanding of strategic résumé writing, self-marketing, and client support to better navigate the future of the industry.
Read More

Things We Found Interesting

 

Asking for a Friend…Which Jobs Are Safe from AI? Podcast
Read More

America Has Entered a New Kind of Job Market
Read More

The STAR vs PARADE Method for Answering Job Interview Questions – and When to Use Each
Read More

Member News and Updates

 

PARWCC Forums are a fantastic place to connect with your peers, find resources, and ask questions in a safe and diverse community.
Are you contributing to PARWCC Forums? Go say “Hi!” and connect just like these members!

LaKeisha C. Lee

Jominy J. Joseph

Karlene Roberts

Bruce Blackwell

Lelles Cordoba

Matthew J. Mroz m

Nicole Meeker

Brenda Van Vreeswyk

Miranda Etheridge

Jennifer Steed

Juliet Freyermuth

Jenniffer O. Fraga

Tarae Terry

Hoda Kilani

Phyllis Shaw

Dori Pelley

Lorenzo Young Jr

Corey L. Hopkins

 

            

 

Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches
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Phone: (727) 350-2218
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What Clients Really Look for in a Résumé Writer (And How to Deliver It)

Written by PARWCC Leadership Team on . Posted in Blog, Business Development, Résumé Writing.

Being a great résumé writer isn’t just about formatting a document or choosing the perfect action verbs. It’s about understanding what your clients are really hiring you for and delivering that with confidence.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to elevate your services, knowing what clients value most can help you attract better leads, increase referrals, and raise your rates. Here’s what job seekers are truly looking for when they hire a certified résumé writer and how you can exceed those expectations every step of the way.

Clarity and Confidence About Their Value

Most job seekers come to you with one core question in mind: “How do I position myself so someone wants to hire me?”

They want someone who can look at their work history and can connect the dots between what they’ve done and where they want to go. Your job as a résumé writer isn’t just about listing tasks and titles. It’s about telling a story that feels both true and compelling.

How to deliver:

  • Ask smart intake questions that uncover impact, not just duties

  • Connect each section of the résumé to the client’s career goals

  • Help clients articulate their value in a way that feels authentic

A Process That Feels Professional and Supportive

Even the most qualified professionals can feel nervous about hiring a résumé writer. There’s vulnerability in handing over your career story. Clients want a process that feels organized, professional, and respectful of their time.

How to deliver:

  • Use intake forms and onboarding emails to set expectations

  • Provide a clear timeline and keep communication proactive

  • Offer space for feedback and revision so they feel heard

When your process feels smooth and predictable, it builds trust before they ever read a word of your writing.

A Document That’s Strategically Written for Today’s Market

Résumés today have to work hard. They need to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), catch a recruiter’s eye in seconds, and make a clear case for why someone deserves an interview. Clients often don’t understand these nuances, so that’s where your training and certification give you a real edge.

How to deliver:

  • Write for both human readers and technology

  • Use clean formatting, strategic keywords, and clear section headings

  • Tailor the résumé for the roles or industries your client is targeting

A Feeling of Readiness

What your clients want most isn’t just a résumé, it’s confidence. They want to feel ready to apply for jobs, talk to recruiters, and say “yes” to new opportunities. That emotional payoff is what keeps people coming back and referring to their friends.

How to deliver:

  • Offer practical tips or short coaching as part of your final delivery

  • Give them both Word and PDF versions, plus a short “how to use” guide

  • Remind them of their wins during your process, sometimes they may not see them clearly on their own

Real, Measurable Results

While no résumé writer can guarantee a job offer, clients do want to see that your work makes a difference. That’s why social proof matters: testimonials, success stories, and repeat business all help validate your value.

How to deliver:

  • Follow up with clients 30–60 days after delivery to hear how it’s going

  • Ask for permission to use their anonymous success stories on your site

  • Let past results speak for your process and professionalism

Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to be the cheapest résumé writer or the flashiest. You just have to be the one who listens well, communicates clearly, and delivers documents that work. When you approach your business through your client’s eyes, you’ll start to attract more aligned clients and you’ll enjoy the work more too.

Want to strengthen your process, boost your credibility, and grow a résumé writing business that clients trust? The Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW) program from PARWCC gives you the training and recognition to stand out in today’s market.

From Side Hustle to Six Figures: Scaling Your Career Services Business

Written by PARWCC Leadership Team on . Posted in Blog, Business Development.

You started your career services business on the side, but now you’re wondering what it would really take to turn it into your full-time income. The good news is that many résumé writers and career coaches are earning six figures. Reaching that level, however, requires more than great writing or coaching skills. Here’s how to scale strategically.

  1. Define a Scalable Business Model
    Hourly billing and one-off projects can limit your income. To grow, you need packages that bundle value, offer repeatable processes, and make it easier to deliver consistent results. These can include résumé + LinkedIn + coaching, or tiered coaching packages with built-in accountability.
  2. Raise Your Prices with Confidence
    Undercharging is one of the biggest blocks to scaling. Certified professionals command more because they offer more strategy, insight, and results. Use your Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW), Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC), or Certified Student Career Coach (CSCC) credential to justify premium pricing, then communicate the value behind your services.
  3. Automate Lead Generation and Onboarding
    You can’t scale if every new client requires a custom email chain. Use tools like online schedulers, proposal templates, payment links, and welcome packets to save time and create a smooth client experience.
  4. Create Thought Leadership Content
    The more visible you are, the more clients will come to you. Post regularly on LinkedIn, publish blogs, offer free resources, or host webinars. You don’t need to be everywhere; simply show up consistently where your audience already spends time.
  5. Outsource Low-Value Tasks
    As revenue grows, start outsourcing administrative work, résumé formatting or editing, or basic project design. You don’t need to do everything yourself to stay credible. Focus on tasks only you can do: strategy, coaching, and client relationship building.
  6. Reinvest in Tools and Training
    Whether it’s a better CRM, résumé design software, or advanced certification, invest in your infrastructure. The goal isn’t just more clients, it’s sustainable and systematized growth.
  7. Set Revenue Targets and Track Your Numbers
    Treat your business like a business. Know your monthly revenue, expenses, client close rate, and lifetime value. Data will tell you what to keep doing and what to fix.

Looking to build a sustainable, full-time career services business? The PARWCC Business Academy (PBA) gives you the systems, guidance, and support to grow with purpose. Learn how certified résumé writers and career coaches build profitable practices with clarity and confidence.