What is the difference between a resume and CV?

In the United States, a CV is most often used for academic roles, including scientists and medical doctors and includes a lot more detail than a resume. Resumes are typically one to two pages in length depending on your experience and career level. In other countries, the terms resume and CV are often used interchangeably. Depending on the country, a more detailed resume (CV) may be required, which includes additional personal information.

How should my resume and LinkedIn profile differ?

The information in your LinkedIn profile should mirror your resume so that you don’t cause confusion - and remember that not everyone who views your LinkedIn profile has seen your resume. However, you have more space on LinkedIn than on your resume and you should use the space if your information substantiates it. The Headline, About, Skills, Projects, and Recommendations sections are all examples of areas that may not exist on your resume and/or can be enhanced in your LinkedIn profile.

Do I need to tailor my resume to every job?

The skills and terms that apply to you and are most frequently listed under requirements in job postings of interest should be reflected in your resume. If you work on this when you build your resume and feature your strengths and skills clearly so that they align to where you’re trying to go next, you shouldn’t have to go back and tailor your resume each time you apply to a new job.

How long does the process take?

The process typically takes 3-4 weeks from start to finish. When you sign up and send job postings of interest (expired or current) - if you have them, though it’s not required - you’ll receive your personalized UP: Unlock Your Potential questionnaire within 4 business days which we ask you to reflect on before doing the consultation. Once our consultation is complete, you will receive your new resume within 10 business days. You can provide feedback at that time and will receive revisions within 3 business days. After you approve the final resume, we’ll send your new LinkedIn profile to you within 7 business days. If you need your resume more quickly, we add a priority fee of $500 to place you ahead in the queue. Once our consultation is complete, you’ll receive your resume within 5 business days.

Can I get a resume only?

We do not offer a resume only package. In today’s job market, you need a complete LinkedIn profile to be competitive. In the past, we consistently found that once we worked on a resume, a client would come back and ask for a LinkedIn profile. We now provide both products at the same time because the lapse of time and knowledge results in a lower quality product.

Who will work with me during the process?

Career Valet’s writers are selected through a rigorous process and receive ongoing training from our senior writer and president. Our senior writer or president reviews and edits all materials before they are delivered to you. Each of our writers is an accomplished professional with a disrupted career due to the fact that they are diplomat and military spouses/veterans and move every few years. Check out their bios here.

Do I get to provide feedback on the documents?

Yes. We use Google Docs to share edits and comments, and ask for your feedback on each document. Sometimes a client is ready to use them immediately and other times it takes an additional review to finalize the documents.

I’m looking for two different roles. Do I need two resumes?

Typically, a client only needs one resume. Through our process of asking personalized questions and the consultation, we draw out relevant strengths and skills to highlight throughout your materials that align with your goals. However, if the positions you are exploring are different enough to warrant a second resume, we can create one for an additional cost of $350. Some examples include: business development manager and project manager; HR business partner and COO; a federal government and a private sector resume.

I don’t know how to use a lot of LinkedIn’s features. Do you provide guidance on that?

We can provide a one-hour personalized LinkedIn tutorial as part of our Premium and Concierge packages. This is not only a how-to session; we will also cover LinkedIn features that you should utilize, effective messaging to help you connect with others, and in what way to make it most effective for you.

I’m applying for jobs in the federal government. Do you help with that?

Yes. Our team has worked in the federal government and we work with many clients entering or already working in civil and foreign service positions in the government. Clients have had success getting interviews and positions in a variety of agencies. View our federal government package.

Do you help entry-level professionals? I have less than 5 years of experience.

Yes. Our team has worked with many young professionals on the best way to tell their story for employers. View our entry-level package.