CoreResume







Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains answers to the most commonly asked questions about CoreResume.

If you aren’t finding the information you need, or have a specific question relating to your own resume, please send us an email or give us a call during regular business hours.

We’re here to help and will gladly answer any questions you might have.


The CoreResume helped me get the interview I wanted, and the job, out of 250+ applicants. And now I’m making $20,000 per year more than I was in my last position. Thank you again. [read more] — Karen Thomas

I love the way the resume looks. Over the past year I’ve spent a lot of time working on my resume, looking at resume books, and meeting with career counselors, but I haven't come across anything like this. This approach makes the most sense, and I wish I had read about it earlier. — Sean Christy

You have really zeroed in on the essence of what makes a dynamic resume. As a marketing manger who has sifted through thousands of resumes, I can readily see how your targeted advice and design strategy will definitely help one’s resume reach the top of the pile! — Bruce Nelson

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. Before you order a CoreResume, we want you to be absolutely sure that a CoreResume is right for you.

Please feel free to email your current resume to us with your phone number. We’re happy to look it over, give you a call back, and offer a free, 10-minute telephone consultation.

At CoreResume, we take a simple, ethical approach: If we don’t feel we can help you achieve better results with a CoreResume, we won’t take the project on. [top]

Can you send me a sample resume?

Yes. Just email us to request a sample resume. Or download a free copy of our guide, How to Create a Strategic Resume. You will also receive a copy of an actual CoreResume. [top]


How long is a CoreResume?

Typically, two pages in length. But when appropriate in highly technical fields, or when the applicant has a wealth of specialized experienced, we will create longer documents.

The most important thing about a resume is not its length, but making sure that a well-crafted core message and value propositions are located at the top of the first page. That’s the critical place where the reader looks first. And what they find there will determine whether they will read any further. [top]


How much time is needed to create a CoreResume?

Right now the delivery time is three to four business days after we interview you on the phone.

In order to schedule the interview, we first provide an in-depth questionnaire that you will fill out and email back to our office. Once you return the questionnaire, we give you a call to schedule the phone interview.

After we create the resume draft, we send you a copy by email and schedule a phone review. Following the call, we’ll make any needed changes, and send you another draft to review and sign off on.

When you are 100% satisfied with the finished resume and approve it, we then deliver the complete CoreResume package to you. [top]


A good investment … expect to get the interview! A CoreResume is more than a listing of past and present employment. It’s a personal marketing brochure. A combination of substance and style, the CoreResume will capture the recruiter’s attention. Be ready for the call! — Ginger McQueen, PHR Certified Human Resources Practitioner

CoreResume is exactly what job seekers need to get noticed in today’s lightning fast business environment. This highly effective system uses proven strategic communications know-how, resulting in a resume that is truly ahead of the game. — Xochi Adame

CoreResume’s approach is a model of clarity and incisiveness. It cuts to the chase and produces a standout lean, mean, job getting machine! — Deborah Forman

Some resume writers deliver resumes in one or two days. Why don’t you?

We take a different approach. A CoreResume is not just a list of past positions and skills; it’s a real strategic document.

First, we carefully analyze all your selling points, determine which ones are the most compelling, and then create a value message. Next, we structure the resume so all the parts work together to support your message.

Since we take a strategic approach and focus on creating the strongest message, it’s not like filling out a form. We create each resume on an individualized basis, from the ground up, and think over each element carefully. We will often speak with you a couple of times before providing the first draft, to make sure the resume is as strong as possible. [top]


How are you different from other resume providers?

Please compare our website, our approach, and what we actually offer with other resume services. We believe you’ll see an immediate difference.

Creating a solid, strategic resume can take eight hours or more. While you can find plenty of cheap resume suppliers via Google search, you get what you pay for. Low-end resume shops are factory-like operations that create cookie-cutter documents as fast a possible, often using overseas labor.

CoreResume takes a different approach:

First, CoreResume is a service offered by a marketing firm, and we believe the CoreResume is the most effective strategic resume available.

Second, a CoreResume is created by a strategic communications specialist who analyzes your value propositions, based on the kind of position you’re applying for. This provides the structure for the resume, which is then professionally written and designed.

You receive a stationary design and list of references designed to go with your resume; and we provide a personalized cover letter to accompany your resume too, which you can adapt for different positions.

We take great care to create the most effective resume, provide as many telephone consultations as needed, and aim for quality, not quantity. When it comes to getting interviewed, your career and livelihood is at stake. We do everything in our power to create the best resume, so you’ll get the interviews you’re aiming for.

Note: A professional resume is a tax-deductible business expense (please discuss with your accountant or tax specialist for further information). [top]


What is the difference between the two CoreResume file formats?

You receive the final CoreResume both as an Adobe Acrobat file and a Microsoft Word document:

The Presentation Version:

The CoreResume delivered in Adobe Acrobat format (as a pdf file) is a “presentation resume.” It is expertly designed to make the greatest impact, and should be used whenever possible in your job search.

Because the fonts are embedded in an Adobe Acrobat file, everyone who opens the file or prints it out will see the exactly same design: the original fonts, and every aspect of the original design, are all accurately preserved.

This “presentation version” can be printed out for job applications sent by mail (still the best approach), it can be emailed, uploaded onto your own website, and uploaded to many job search websites.

The Text Version:

The CoreResume delivered in Microsoft Word format is a more simply formatted text document that uses readily available fonts. Its primary use is for online job sites that don’t accept Acrobat/pdf documents. You can also “copy and paste” from the Microsoft Word version into online forms.


We feel it’s always better to deal with a human being than with an online submission system; and it’s always best to use the presentation version when possible. But if you can’t submit the presentation version online in Adobe Acrobat format, there are several ways to get a printed copy of your resume into the hands of a human being. These approaches are discussed in The CoreResume Cover Letter and Strategy Guide that you receive as part of the CoreResume package. [top]


Can you update my resume in the future?

Yes. The cost for doing a minor update, such as a section edit, is $50. If you just need an address or telephone number change, we’ll do that for free. [top]


What if I need a second resume?

If you are qualified to work in more than one field or position, and want to apply for two different kinds of jobs, you probably do need a second resume, specifically tailored to the second position.

Please feel free to call and discuss your situation and how we can help; or we can discuss it during the first telephone interview.

Creating a new CoreResume for a second position or field costs $150, since it usually involves reworking much of the information. Currently, we are offering a special rate of $75 for a second resume, if it is created at the same time as the first resume.

Given what the job market is currently like, having a second resume for another field might make sense. It could enable you to make twice as many applications and get hired sooner. [top]

Do you offer additional resources?

Yes. Once you’re a CoreResume client, we’ll notify you when new career and job search resources become available. Most of these resources are free.

We will also send you updated versions of The CoreResume Cover Letter and Strategy Guide when they are released in the future, at no additional charge. [top]


What if I’m just out of college or don’t have much work experience?

If you are short on job experience but have many solid abilities, a CoreResume may be a good choice, since the focus of a CoreResume is on the value you can deliver. In a case like that, we create a resume to highlight your abilities.

We can also help clients create effective resumes if they have been out of the workforce for a long time, or if they are making a career change. Contact us for further information. [top]

How do I get printed copies of my CoreResume package?

Because the CoreResume, personal stationary, and references sheet are supplied as Adobe Acrobat documents, they are high-quality, “print ready” files that can be output on any printer and the paper stock of your choice.

For example, you can output these documents on your personal printer, output them at FedEx Kinkos, or a print shop. The CoreResume is carefully designed to look great, whether printed in color or black and white.

Upon request, we will mail you 25 copies of your resume, stationary, and references by Priority Mail when your project is complete, at no additional charge.

We use heavy 28# white stock and a Xerox color printer, so everything looks great. The documents are carefully packaged and double boxed, so they will not be damaged in the shipping process. [top]

What is Core Message Analysis?

Developed by David Fideler, Core Message Analysis® is a process that creates a complete communications strategy based on the unique features, benefits, and selling points of any business, service, or product.

The CoreResume, also developed by David, is based on the Core Message Analysis approach.

Visit the Core Message Analysis website to learn more. [top]

 

Further Questions?

Have any further questions? Please feel free to email or telephone us. We’re always glad to answer any questions you might have. [top]

 

 

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