Why Do Career Storytellers Charge So Much?
When an executive-level prospect contacts me, some of the inevitable, “What’s in it for me? Why do you charge more than many other resume writers?” questions pop up, mostly to untangle the angst of investing in themselves at that level, and that deeply.
To assuage their concerns and questions, I often refer to past clients’ comments. For example, a recent client hired me for two substantial career storytelling packages (his and his wife’s), but also shared that for many years he never would have considered paying someone (like me!) to write his story.
Why? Because, he said …
“I don’t want to pay someone any amount–and particularly a premium fee–who doesn’t know my story like I do.“
He went on to explain that after learning about his mother-in-law’s experience and seeing her story unfold, his perception changed. He realized it is a detailed process and described the process as integral to his decision.
He would rather invest in a level of service where someone is going to take the time to get to know him.
In some instances, the value crystallizes after the resume story is delivered.
Often, careerists undersell their value or are unclear about how their last few years’ experience has propelled them to a new level in their careers. A past client summed it up SO well in her email to me:
“The ‘meaty’ resume has already helped me to step up my game. The past few days I started looking for job posts for more senior positions, instead of only ‘coordinators’ or ‘planners,’ and I am surprised how quite a few job descriptions that I found match my profile much better.
I have no idea why I didn’t do this before. I finally look at posts and I can relate to them; feels like I’ve arrived home. That’s priceless!!”
I could provide dozens more examples but don’t want to weigh down this post. The point is, the value of a premium-level professional resume is largely found in the depth and breadth of process, including detail and insight that is unearthed.
This detail is meticulously examined and sorted through to determine what is wheat and what is chaff. Or, put another way, only the threads that align with the culture scheme of the future fabric you wish to be woven into; e.g., future company in which you wish to work, will be selected to weave YOUR story fabric.
Who Even Cares About My Story?
Board members, CXO officers + executive recruiters at blue-chip companies do.
But first, I’ll explain. Many executives ‘feel’ their current resume is just fine on some levels, but they also worry that on other levels it is inadequate.
They’ve been getting a few interviews, and the resume speaks to their recent achievements with no fluff. It winnows out earlier experience to keep the design light. It is traditional, not showy (charts and graphs? no way!) and reflects the persona they perceive is ‘theirs’.
But is traditional and plain-vanilla, melding with the masses really who you are? For most Director, VP and C-level executives, those descriptors are far apart from your value proposition. Instead, you transform organizations through …
- Galvanizing teams + leaders
- Skyrocketing performance
- Influencing stakeholders
- Propelling business improvement
- Dominating the market
… and, much more.
While it is true, the initial gatekeeper (HR coordinator or other talent sourcer) may or may not need the meatier influence story, it is common for the final decision-maker at the helm of the ship to expect to be wowed. They want more.
A prospect recently shared that an executive recruiter told her she needed to have a ‘million-dollar resume.’
Another executive, a chief financial officer, sought me out after an executive recruiter advised him to power up his story to more vividly sell his value. In other words, stop being so humble. Because, while the old resume was garnering him some interviews, it wasn’t shepherding him to the home plate job offer.
Too many executives I encounter are stuck in the 80s when resumes were to-the-point and only provided sparse facts such as bottom line numbers and responsibilities; and, were devoid of context, including the who, what, where, when, why and how.
This same CFO client wrote me the following note several months after we delivered the resume:
“I wanted to pass along some feedback on a CFO position in <state redacted>. When they flew up to interview me, the CEO commented on how much they liked my resume and how it told a story.“
I think this is one of the best recent examples, because financial executives typically are tagged as needing a conservative, straight-laced resume, especially those who represent financial / banking institutions. This client fit both molds.
Finally, the story you tell in casual netweaving conversations, in emails and private chats with colleagues and good friends, on the phone and face-to-face interview meetings, etc. should be consistent and cohesive.
The process you undergo to unearth and refine the gold nuggets of career initiatives you’ve spearheaded is priceless when it comes to honing that focused story.
It is important that you internalize and be able to iterate your value, as if it were second nature, versus sounding stiff and rehearsed. A well developed executive story, formulated over time, through serious thought-work and focus, will help you achieve that natural-sounding result, leading to that breakthrough, dreamed-about career opportunity!
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Dip your toes in the water with my low-cost starter kit. Email me for more information at jacqui@careertrend.net.
I am one of only 50 master resume writers and have crafted more than 1,500 career stories that put “your value into words.” My bachelor’s degree in writing/journalism allows me to apply a journalist’s eye to your career.
Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/
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