Frequently Asked Questions

Due to high demand (from referrals and clients returning for their next promotion), and the time it takes to prepare a high quality resume or job application for you, I’m simply not in the position to meet ‘last minute’ deadlines.To make the process fair for all my clients, I work on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and schedule work in the order I receive bookings and information from clients.

Many resume services offer ‘last minute’ services – at a hefty price tag! I don’t offer this, as creating a top notch career marketing documents takes time. In my experience creating a job winning resume, is not something that can be rushed, or churned out in a hurry. I also want to ensure that the process is fair on all my clients. Offering a last minute service at a fee, simply allows clients to jump the queue and that just does not sit right with the client service values that I adhere to.

So if applying for a job, which has a strict deadline – please provide me with as much notification as possible, otherwise it is unlikely that I’ll be able to meet your deadline.

If I’m able to meet your deadline then I guarantee that I will meet it, once your booking is confirmed. Since business inception (back in 2003), I’ve never EVER missed a client’s deadline and I will let you know the day (even the time) you will receive your resume or selection criteria for your review and approval.

What is a Certified Master Resume Writer and does it really make that much difference?

If you look online there are literally hundreds of ‘so called’ professional resume writers, with fancy websites offering resume services. However only a small handful of writers globally are qualified resume writers and even a smaller handful are Internationally Certified Master Resume Writers.

Certified Master Resume Writers are known by many as the ‘elite’ resume writers, and the certification could be considered as the equivalent of a ‘black belt’ in resumes writing. (It can take years to get to this standard and includes online examinations, portfolio submissions and ongoing accreditation and professional development. Only 41 writers globally have made this elite grade).

If you just need your current resume reformatted, updated or presented with all the trimmings, then this is not the right service for you. I don’t just reformat your resume – I blow up your old resume (figuratively speaking) and transform you on paper!

Certified Master Resume Writers are not cheap, as creating top notch applications takes time and effort (no cookie cutter service). But if you are serious about maximising your chances of securing your ideal job, promotion or pay rise, then working with a qualified professional could dramatically improve the odds of your success!

How does the service work?

As a web based service, all services are delivered via the web, email or telephone. Clients love utilising this service and the process will allow you to:

Remove the necessity for physically coming to the office for a one-to-one consultation with me. (I work successfully with clients both nationally and internationally).

You can provide information by working through the questionnaire at a time that suits you best, rather than having to meet a scheduled time for a consultation.

Once you have booked and your booking is confirmed – you will be taken to an online page that will outline in detail the exact information that I require from you (including instructions, resources and questionnaire). Once I receive your initial feedback, I’ll see what else I need from you.

Through this intensive investigative period, my aim is to get all the relevant information from you, so I can prepare a document that truly represents your experience and skills.

If you prefer to provide the information via telephone or skype, let me know and we can arrange a time to talk. (Please note that I only schedule telephone consultations between the hours of 8.30 and 12 midday, Monday to Friday, Queensland time).

Once the information gathering process has been completed, then I will prepare your documents and send you a review draft by email. My experience shows that because so much thought has gone into producing the first draft, this draft is usually very close to the final presentation.

Once I get your feedback, suggestions, comments and amendments, I’ll make changes, and or provide feedback.

How much does it cost?

If you have spent any time researching fees for resume and selection criteria writers you’ll discover a huge variation in cost, ranging from $89 through to $1,000 plus for a resume and from $85 through to $1,500 plus for selection criteria. Refer to the answer to the question Why do resume writer costs vary so much and what is the difference between them anyway?

Your investment for selection criteria will be based on fair compensation for my high quality work, which is why I don’t have a fixed price per criterion, or base my fees on the high level of demand for my professional service. Instead, I will provide you with an obligation free quote, which will reflect the level of expertise and time required to carefully prepare an effective, high impact application for a specific government job. This system allows me to work with diverse job seekers at all classification levels.

For resumes, costs are graded to reflect the time it takes to prepare an effective, high impact marketing document.

Remember, this is your future and a poorly developed professional resume from a less qualified writer is no bargain, in fact it will cost you. Just think how much money you would lose by extending the time taken to get the job you really want. Think about how much you will lose if your dream job went to someone else, or you missed out on a higher paying job!

Why do resume writer costs vary so much and what is the difference between them anyway?

If you are trying to determine Price vs. Value in selecting a resume writer and want to know why pricing varies so much between various resume writers, then this general guideline should assist.

If a resume writer is a secretarial type of operation, or an interent-based ‘cookie-cutter’ type of operation, expect to pay up to $200. For this you will get top notch help with formatting, but don’t expect any professional writing services.

If the resume writer is not certified, and has less than 3 years experience, expect to pay up to $400. (Note many ex-recruiters and HR personnel fall into this category, because while they have seen thousands of resumes, very few know how to actually write a job-winning resume).

If a resume writer is certified, offering 5+ year’s experience with a proven reputation, expect to pay up to $500 for a resume.

If the resume writer is a Certified Master Resume Writer, with industry endorsements, a proven record of success for clients and over 12 years experience, expect to pay up to $800 for a resume. (Please note that there are only a small handful of writers that fall into this category worldwide and I’m one of them).

The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is on the whole very true in this industry. I invest time to make sure you are presented in the strongest way possible, including strategising on how to present you in such a way so that you outshine your competitors. For the time spent to ensure you are an ‘unbeatable candidate’, our prices are not expensive. Cheap services are cheap for a reason.

Can you guarantee a job or interview?

NO, I can’t guarantee a job or interview. WHY? While I can develop career documentation that is of a very high quality, no writer, (including a Certified Master), can realistically guarantee a job or interview as there are too many variables outside of my control. These include (but not limited to):

Nepotism within government (it happens); panel members that assess applications subjectively; the employer withdrawing the job; other applicants that apply for the same job that have better qualifications and experience than you; applying for jobs outside the scope of the resume; spelling the search consultant’s name incorrectly; applying where there are hundreds or thousands of applicants; how you present yourself at interview; social media alarms; your referees giving you a lousy review; errors in submitting your application or making changes to your beautiful document that damages the document. I simply cannot guarantee what I can’t control.

I can however control the development process and I will do my best to ensure that the documents represent you in the strongest way possible, based on your background and experience. This has resulted in a very high success rate for my clients – but not everyone will secure a job or even an interview.

How do I pay?

I accept payment by credit card, or Direct Bank Transfer. Payment is made in Australian Dollars only. If you prefer to pay by Direct Bank Transfer, let me know and I’ll forward my business account details through to you.

Please note: If paying via Direct Bank Deposit, it can take up to 48 hours for the funds to arrive into the bank account – so if you require your document(s) as a matter of urgency, payment should be made via Paypal.

When do I make payment?

Since I create résumés/curriculum vitae, cover letters and selection criteria for clients around Australia, I necessarily have a policy of an up-front payment before commencement of any work. If you decide to pay via 2 instalments, (deposit and final payment) full payment is required, before sending you the document(s) for your review and final approval.

How secure are my credit card details?

I use the Australian based eway Secure Ordering System, which means:

Information is automatically sent with a high level of data encryption for secure online transactions

Your payment is followed by an email confirming your transaction

Your financial identify is always protected

What is a DISC profile (Interviewing Insights/Career Planning Insights/Executive Insights/Management/Staff Insights)?

DISC profiles were developed by William Moulton Marston (Harvard University) and identify primary behavioural styles of individuals. If you opt for a DISC profile (either individually or within one of the resume packages), the DISC report will provide you with both a professional and personal insights into your natural and adapted behaviours. Through DISC, you will gain a better understanding of yourself, plus you will understand how your behavioural style impacts on your interactions with others. (Wouldn’t it be great understanding how others see or perceive you? This insight alone is incredibly powerful).

DISC is used for personal growth and development, training, coaching and by employers to determine suitability of candidates where certain behavioural characteristics are highly advantageous for a specific job, or to remedy conflict within the workplace, (for example, where differing behavioural styles clash). As a job-seeker – DISC will provide you with insight as to the strengths you offer an employer (and potential weaknesses), as well as how to interact and communicate effectively with others. It also enables me, as an expert resume writer, to tailor your resume, so these strengths are effectively reflected and marketed to potential employers.

How long will it take to prepare my resume / selection criteria?

Turnover for resumes and resume packages depends on my working schedules and how much work is involved in the preparation of your documentation. But on average you are looking at 7 – 14 working days on receipt of all your information.

For the preparation of selection criteria, if I can take your booking, I’ll ensure the final application is ready before your deadline, and I will let you know the day (even the time) you will receive your application.

Do I get a hard copy of my resume?

I work with clients that don’t require hardcopies, so hardcopies are not provided. The majority of job-seekers require a resume that can be forwarded to recruiters, employers and job-boards online or via email. The traditional hard copy job application is rapidly becoming archaic and obsolete.

If you require a hard copy, all documentation is provided in MS Word and delivered to your inbox, so you can print out a copy at home or work.

I’m also proud to note that my printer is virtually obsolete and I run a paperless based office, which is great for the environment. (Last time I used paper was to print out an application form to renew my passport).

What is telecoaching?

Telecoaching is a coaching session that takes place over the telephone or skype. This enables you to be coached from any place in the world and is very time efficient as you don’t need to leave your house or place of work to get to a consultation.

All interview coaching is done via telephone or skype and you get to work via this medium with one of the top interview coaches in Australia.

Will my information be kept private and confidential?

All information sent to me will be kept private and confidential. I don’t publish any client work EVER. For more information on my privacy policy, see my terms and conditions.

What is an Ebook?

An ebook is simply an electronic document which can be read on any computer or e-book reader. All ebooks are saved in PDF format and can be read by Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is a free program that’s probably already installed on your computer. If not, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader Here. All our ebooks are fully printable if you prefer to read a hardcopy and are available for INSTANT DOWNLOAD.

How do I download my Ebook or program?

Firstly you need to click on a ‘Buy Now’ button that relates to the Ebook(s) you wish to purchase. You will then be taken to PayPal’s Secure Ordering System that will enable you to confirm and place your order. Once your PayPal payment is confirmed you will receive an email, requesting confirmation so we can confirm your email address. Once confirmation is made you will receive an email, containing the download page, where you can instantly download your Product. You don’t need to be registered with PayPal and can either use your existing PayPal Account, or if you are not a member, simply pay by credit card on PayPal’s Secure Ordering System.

When will I receive download instructions for my Ebook?

Once you have confirmed your request for information, you will receive an email straight away providing you with the link to the download page. However, if for some reason you have not reached this page, or received an email within the hour, please Contact Us and we will promptly resolve any problems.

What if I delete my Ebook or download instructions?

Don’t worry, just Contact Us and provide us with all your details (date of purchase, name etc) and we will resend the download instructions for your PDF Ebook.

How can I be assured of the quality of the Ebook?

How to GET IN and GET PROMOTED in the Public Service Sector and Resumes that Work, both come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not satisfied, simply contact me within 60 days of your purchase and I will provide you will a full refund – No questions asked!

I note that to date, nobody has asked for a refund on either e-book product, due to the high quality of these publications. You can also check out the testimonials page for How to GET IN and GET PROMOTED in the Public Service Sector.

I have a question that’s not listed here?

Drop me a line, I would love to hear back from you and answer any questions you have about my professional services and products.