FAQ

I've spent over 13 years in the SaaS and Tech industry, specializing as a data analyst. My career has always been focused on leveraging data to drive change and achieve goals. However, in April 2024, I faced a layoff during one of the most volatile job markets I've ever seen. After submitting hundreds of applications with no results, I decided to dive deep into the data surrounding the entire Talent Acquisition process. I immersed myself in various resources, including: Podcasts Studies Reddit Subs Books Online Lectures Conventions Peer-to-peer conversations As I expanded my knowledge, I began cross-referencing the quantitative data I gathered with my own resume. I analyzed and refined it by running it through numerous Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) using trial licenses I had obtained. My goal was simple: optimize my resume to pique a recruiter's interest within the critical 7-15 second window they typically spend reviewing a resume. The aim was to make my resume compelling enough that recruiters would spend another 7-15 seconds on it, ultimately answering the key question they are asking on behalf of the company and hiring managers: "What's in it for me?" To be clear, I am not a resume writer. I won't tell you exactly what to say. Instead, I provide data-driven insights and suggestions based on extensive research—both my own and external—to help you refine your resume. My goal is to help you catch the eye of recruiters and stand out in a crowded job market.

As a job-seeker navigating today's turbulent market, I've grown increasingly frustrated. I'm fed up with: People taking advantage of job seekers whose funds might be dwindling due to lack of unemployment benefits, severance running out, or the extended time it takes to land a job. The toll on mental health that an unfruitful job search can bring, often leading to stress, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. Above all, I am deeply passionate about fostering a healthy balance between mental health and professional life. I've been there, and I understand the struggles. I started offering resume optimization services not just to help myself but also to remind others that, despite the chaos, they matter, and they're not alone. You have at least one advocate standing with you: me. Donation-Based, Explained: The term "donation-based" means that I offer my resume optimization services without a fixed price. Instead, I rely on donations from clients, which allows me to make this service accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. This approach stems from my desire to help others without adding another financial burden to their lives. However, there are costs associated with providing these services efficiently: Loom Premium Membership: For recording and delivering unlimited resume optimizations. Website and Booking Form: To streamline service requests and ensure smooth communication. Google Business Suite: For managing a dedicated email inbox and calendar, enabling effective scheduling and prioritization. The goal isn't necessarily to turn a profit but to recoup these operational costs. I'm also on my own job search journey and currently not pulling in any income. So, while this is a business venture, any profit made is reinvested back into the business to improve the service experience for both myself and my clients. Mental Health and the Job Search The job search can be a daunting and isolating experience, taking a significant toll on mental health. It's crucial to remember that you are not alone in this journey. I aim to create a supportive space where job seekers can find both practical help and emotional encouragement. No one should feel alone during this challenging time. I'm here to stand with you, offering support, understanding, and a helping hand as you navigate the job market. My donation-based model is a testament to my commitment to accessibility and support. Together, we can make your job search a less stressful and more hopeful experience.

Let me make one thing abundantly clear: THERE IS NO HACK OR MAGIC PROCEDURE TO HAVE ANY EFFECT ON APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS. What an ATS IS: A storage facility for candidates, their applications, and their CVs. A searchable database of all candidates for a company. A start-to-finish recruiting workflow automation program, (some) with tools to help recruiters identify the best-fitting candidates for roles they're trying to fill. What an ATS is NOT: A hyper-intelligent system that requires SEO-like formatting, that automatically approves or denies applicants based on what it reads on the submitted resume. Something recruiters put keywords into when creating a job req, that will move candidates higher or lower on the list of applicants. "Hackable." There's a lot of hype (and scams) from "Resume Specialists" around "ATS-Friendly" resumes. Keyword-matching, keyword parsing, and all those other buzzwords you hear about...ARE 👏🏼 A 👏🏼 RESULT 👏🏼 OF 👏🏼 HUMAN 👏🏼 INTERACTION 👏🏼 Do recruiters parse out keywords that might be relevant to the role? Sure! For instance, during an interview with Thomson Reuters, a recruiter mentioned that my resume kept surfacing in their ATS because it contained the specific keywords she was looking for. But again—THIS WAS DONE BY THE RECRUITER, NOT AUTOMATICALLY BY THE APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM ITSELF. While ATS may offer features to assist recruiters in filtering the most ideal candidates, they are not magical, end-all-be-all robot decision-makers that replace human Talent Acquisition team members. So, how does this relate back to your original question, and what I will provide for you? As I have (hopefully) made abundantly clear, I am not a resume writer. The responsibility ultimately lies with you, the job-seeker, to tailor your resume for each job opening, ensuring the inclusion of relevant keywords, projects, and content. One effective strategy I've found is leveraging AI to support resume optimization. AI can be a great SUPPORTING tool but should not do all the work for you. As part of my resume optimization service, I provide sample conversations with ChatGPT to help refine your work experience, resume summary, and skills based on the specific needs of the job req. I will provide you with data-driven suggestions to make your resume more appealing to recruiters as they evaluate whether your experience aligns with the position's requirements. THERE IS NO HACKING AN APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM. For more detailed insights, check out my blog post on this topic: ATS Resume Optimization Myths.

Having navigated the job market myself, especially during a time of economic uncertainty and high competition, I understand the challenges and frustrations job seekers face. The finances running low, scammers over-promising and under-delivering, influencers claiming they have the perfect "ATS hack" or "ATS-friendly resume template" (which is BULLSHIT, by the way)... My personal experience with job searching has given me unique insights into the pain points of the process and the importance of a well-crafted resume. This firsthand knowledge, combined with my professional background in data analysis, allows me to provide practical, empathetic, and effective resume optimization services. I use my experience and data analysis to help you avoid common pitfalls and create a resume that can hopefully catch the recruiter's eye, in the average 7 seconds they spend looking at each resume that comes across their screen. Let's leverage my expertise to enhance your job search journey.

While results can vary based on factors like industry, job market conditions, and individual circumstances, many of my clients see an increase in interview invitations within weeks of implementing the suggested changes. See some testimonials here. My optimization process focuses on making your resume immediately appealing to recruiters, as well as educating on what ATS systems REALLY DO, thus increasing the likelihood of getting noticed quickly. However, I also emphasize the importance of a consistent and proactive job search strategy. By continuously refining your resume and staying engaged in your job search, you'll maximize your chances of landing the right opportunity. The great thing about resume optimization vs writing, is it leaves the door wide open to make adjustments and customizations tailored to each job you apply for. Ready to accelerate your job search? Let's get started on optimizing your resume today.

Unlike traditional resume writing services, which often provide generic templates and one-size-fits-all solutions, my approach is rooted in data-driven strategies and a deep understanding of the truths and myths about ATS systems and recruiter behavior. I don't write your resume for you; instead, I guide you through optimizing it, focusing on making it compelling and relevant. My service also includes sample ChatGPT conversations to refine your resume's content - Properly. While AI is a great tool, AI should NEVER be used to do the work for you. This process not only enhances your resume's appeal but also empowers you with the knowledge to continuously improve it for future applications. Ready to stand out in the job market? Let's optimize your resume together.

Every job seeker's journey and career path are unique, which is why I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. My resume optimization services are highly personalized, focusing on your specific experiences, skills, and career goals. By leveraging data-driven insights and my extensive knowledge of the Talent Acquisition process, I help you highlight your strengths and align your resume with the demands of the roles you're targeting. This tailored approach not only improves your chances of catching a recruiter's eye but also ensures that your resume authentically represents who you are. Book a session with me to start crafting a resume that truly reflects your professional identity.

Absolutely! Transitioning to a new career or industry can be challenging, but with the right resume, you can effectively showcase your transferable skills and experiences. I specialize in helping clients identify and highlight the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to their new career path. By focusing on these transferable attributes and strategically positioning them on your resume, we can present you as a strong candidate, even if you're shifting industries. The great thing about resume optimization vs resume writing, is that optimization provides strategies that can be customized and tailored for multiple resume and career types. I'm not generating the content necessarily; I'm simply providing you resume tips and strategies that have been proven to pique recruiters' interests; these strategies can be applied to most any job-seeker, no matter their long-term goal. Whether you're looking to break into tech, healthcare, finance, or any other field, I'm here to help you navigate the transition and craft a resume that speaks to your new goals. Let's work together to open new doors.