Erin Kennedy

Professional Resume Services, Inc.

Since 2001, we have offered our clients a high-touch service with our certified, award-winning, executive resume writers. Our certified writers and editors make sure your documents are crisp, current, and error-free. 

Our team consists of award-winning, multi-certified writers, editors, career/job search/interview coaches, and administrative support. We collaborate with you on branding, resume focus, and industry trends. Your resume will meet ATS standards, as well. 

★ SUCCESSES ★

✔ Selected as one of Forbes "Top 100 Websites for Your Career".
✔ Hired and developed a team of certified executive resume writers, career coaches, proofreaders, admin support, and LinkedIn developers to meet the demands of a 500% business increase.
✔ Awarded the resume writing partnership with The Wall Street Journal (FINS Resume Service)--chosen over a dozen other companies.
✔ Industry expert and resume writing partner for over 1200 professional associations' career centers.
✔ Landed several dozen partnerships and contracts, generating increased revenue, and cultivating lasting business relationships.
✔ Consistent "Top Career Website" in Twitter groups and online forums.
✔ Develop and maintain a strong repeat/referral business with a high rate of job search success.
✔ Active blogger and contributor to multiple career websites. Conducted résumé writing workshops for corporate layoffs.
✔ We are Recruiter Approved!

CEO | Executive Resume Writer | LinkedIn Profiles |  C-Suite, Boards, EVP, SVP | Branding | 

Served as a mentor, business strategist, and trainer for resume writers and small businesses both through CDI (Career Directors International) and Professional Resume Services. 
Provided business development strategies for resume writers, career coaches, and business owners in the career industry. 

★ SUCCESSES ★

Coached business owners through the in's and out's of business and touched on what challenges to expect. Watched their businesses successfully grow and expand. Topics included:

✔ Start-Up Basics
✔ Business Planning & Long-Term Goals
✔ Certifications & Professional Development
✔ Strategy & Scaling
✔ Hiring Subcontractors & Staffing
✔ Marketing, Advertising, Media & more

Executive Resume Writer for C-suite, President, VP, SVP  | Career Strategist | LinkedIn Profiles 

Chosen out of 50+ candidates to train under the top executive resume writing firm in the industry. Gained invaluable, hands-on training in strategy, content creation, keywords, advanced formatting, client interviews, coaching, and more.

★ SUCCESSES ★

✔ Carved out specialties in a variety of areas in the executive realm including: finance/banking, healthcare, IT, educators, business development, sales/marketing, venture capital/private equity, HR, federal and military-to-civilian, and so much more. 
✔ Worked with clients all over the world learning the differences in resumes across the globe.
✔ Won the Best Executive Resume Writer Award and voted Best Resume Writer several times over. 

Extensive experience as an Executive Resume Writer, Executive LinkedIn Profile Writer, LinkedIn Profile Developer, CEO Executive Resume Writer, CIO/CTO/CISO Executive Resume Writer, CFO Executive Resume Writer, Executive Cover Letters, Executive Biographies, Director and VP Executive Resume Writer.

Executive Resume Writer | LinkedIn Profile Writer 

Forbes Coaches Council

An invitation-only organization for successful business and career coaches specializing in business services, networking, thought leadership, and mentorship.

Official Member | Executive Resume Writer | Resume Writing Expert | LinkedIn Profile Expert

North Oakland Career Center

Began resume writing career at this federally funded job search and assistance center. Case managed and facilitated the “Work First!” (formerly Welfare-to-Work) program in Northeast Oakland County. Provided clients with employability training including role-play, interviewing techniques, résumé writing, networking, application forms, job search, empowerment guidance, and career assessment. Complied with state and federal employment regulations and funding requirements. 

★ SUCCESSES ★

✔Fostered a strong resume writing referral base that led to the highest number of resume rewrites in the region. 
✔Piloted the wildly successful “Dress to Impress” clothing closet for low-income men and women. Networked with local businesses and community leaders to donate appropriate business attire.
✔ Coordinated the “Summer Youth” program that put low-income and adjudicated youth in employment for the summer while learning new job skills.

Career Coach |  Resume Writer | Executive Resume Writer | Job Search Coach

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 that my three passions of helping people, writing, and talking would eventually be my career, I wouldn't have believed you. I was hell-bent on working in a human resources office of an automotive company (I’m from Michigan—Motor City!).  

But life had different plans for me. 

It took me a bit to get here but eventually, I did (I post a lot here about my detours!).🛣️

For the last 20 years, we’ve helped 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 land the roles they wanted in the companies they chose. 

We can do the same for you.

We offer a high-touch service and work with you one-on-one throughout the process as your thought partner and career strategist. 

My team of 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱, 𝗧.𝗢.𝗥.𝗜. 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 create career documents for clients seeking opportunities from $150K+ to $1M+, from mid-level to c-level executives for just about every industry. 

We have 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 on staff to help you navigate LinkedIn’s ever-changing landscape through coaching and hands-on LI exploration.

I’m proud to say I've assembled a select team of writers, editors, and LinkedIn experts that are truly the "𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁". As the top writers and consultants in the industry, they create power-packed documents and profiles that will make you say, "WOW!! Is this really me? I'd hire me!"

▶️ 𝗪𝗘 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥:

✔ Executive Resumes & Cover Letters
✔ VP, Director, Senior Mgr, and Professional Resumes 
✔ Resumes for CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CTO, CMO, "CXO", CSO, and C-Suite
✔ Board Resumes
✔ LinkedIn Profile Writing, Strategy, & Coaching 
✔ Brand Strategy
✔ Graphic and Networking Resumes
✔ Job Search, Interview, & Career Coaching 
✔ Executive Recruiter Resume Distribution
✔ VC/PE Resume Distribution 
✔ We are Recruiter Approved!

▶️  𝗠𝗬 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗦

➖ Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE)
➖ Master Career Director (MCD)
➖ Certified Resume Analyst (CRA)
➖ Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW)
➖ Certified Executive Resume Writer (CERW)
➖ Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
➖ Certified Empowerment & Motivational Coach (CEMC)
➖ Member: CTL, CDI, NRWA, Forbes Council
➖ Former Board Member, NRWA: Experienced Business Owner, East
➖ Certification Committee, Career Directors International (CDI)
➖ TORI Judge, multiple TORI nominations and wins (CDI)
➖ 20+ years in the career industry
➖ BS,Human Resources

Call now: 810-664-1933
Or schedule your appointment at: https://www.exclusive-executive-resumes.com

CEO | Executive Resume Writer | LinkedIn Profile |  C-Suite, Boards, EVP, SVP | Branding | 

Erin  Kennedy

I'll admit, at first, I was way too nervous to show up. 

Back when I first joined LinkedIn, I did nothing more than lurk.

I didn't know anyone, save for a handful of colleagues in my industry whom I had gotten to know over the years. 

So, when I finally decided to put some effort into LinkedIn, one of the first people to extend a hand of friendship was my next guest, Jeff Young.

If you haven't heard of Jeff, well, I'd be shocked. 

Jeff Young is one of those rare LinkedIn experts who doesn’t just use the platform--he understands it at a level most people never will. 

Known as “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗿𝘂,” Jeff has helped thousands of professionals worldwide transform how they show up, connect, and build real traction on the platform. 

He’s mastered LinkedIn’s hidden features, its evolving algorithm, and the mindset shifts job seekers and leaders need to stand out in a noisy digital world. 

In our conversation, Jeff breaks down his signature “𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣’𝘀” 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵--  Profile, People, and Participate--which has become a trusted roadmap for anyone looking to elevate their presence. 

He shares 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 executives can put into play immediately, from untapped profile sections to engagement habits that actually move the needle. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 without feeling pushy or performative, Jeff is the guide you want in your corner. This episode is packed with the kind of actionable wisdom that helps leaders get seen, get remembered, and get results.

**Links to the podcast and the video in the comments.

Erin  Kennedy, MCD, CERW, CRA, CERM, CMRW, CEMC

“Describe a time when...” 
or
“Share an example of a situation where...”

We’ve all heard these types of behavioral approach questions in an interview. 

I'm sure you've been asked one, if not both, of these.

So, what should your answer be?😳

S.T.A.R. 

⭐️ Situation - Task - Action - Results

S- describe the event or Situation

T- talk about the Task, discussing the challenges

A- describe the Actions you took to overcome the problems, focusing on the skills you used without stating them specifically

R- close with the Results of your efforts

Keep your response to three minutes or less, focusing on the traits the job you are applying for demands.

Have questions about how to use the STAR formula? Shoot me a DM. We can help!

////

Bernadette Pawlik, Job Search Strategist/Recruiting Insider

CoffeeandConsult

The goal of Coffee and Consult is simple:

To give you what you need to move forward, be it an effective resume, a Linkedin profile, networking strategy, interview practice or simply a sounding board.

I know how recruiters and hiring managers make their decisions because I've been "behind the curtain" of over 200 executive hiring decisions for over 20-plus years.  First, as a senior consultant with Korn/Ferry International, the world's largest retained executive search firm, and then with my own boutique retained executive search firm:  www.pawlikdorman.com

My services are individualized and intense.  I work with no more than three clients at any given time.  The objective is not only to provide what a client needs immediately but to teach clients how recruiters and hiring managers think---when they read a resume, a Linkedin profile, evaluate a candidate during the interview process. As a consequence, my clients have a toolkit they can use for the rest of their careers.

Career & Job Search Strategist

Pawlik/Dorman Custom Search

I began my retained executive search career with the world's largest global retained executive search firm, Korn/Ferry International.  During my years as a senior consultant, I had the opportunity to conduct searches for the world's biggest brands as well as privately held companies.

My goal in founding my own firm was to provide high touch, in-depth retained search to a strategically selected group of clients. To develop in-depth long-term relationships, so that my knowledge of the culture would equal my knowledge of specific roles.  I am proud to say that 80% of my firm's business came from repeat clients.  The remainder came from candidates who appreciated that my commitment to quality was not only to my clients but to the candidate's experience.

I continue that mission of high-touch, in-depth individualized services in my career strategy practice.

Senior Partner

Coffee and Consult aims to empower professionals to navigate the complexities of hiring through tailored job search strategies and career coaching. With over 25 years of expertise in executive recruitment, including time as a senior consultant at Korn/Ferry International and as founder of a boutique search firm, the consulting approach is rooted in proven hiring methodologies and insider knowledge of hiring practices.  

By offering personalized services in career clarity, resume revision, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and networking strategies, CoffeeandConsult supports clients in reaching their career goals. The commitment to transparency and high-touch collaboration ensures clients receive individualized guidance to advance their professional journey confidently.

Pawlik/Dorman conducts retained senior executive searches for a strategically limited number of clients.  Our mission is client relationships that are long-lasting, not merely transactional.  Our goal is to understand not only our client's talent needs, but their culture, strategy and vision. 

We focus on an initial client needs assessment which requires input in writing from each member of the hiring team to conduct not only a comprehensive search but to expedite the process. 

Our goal is candidates who not only "fit", but who thrive. 80% of our business is from repeat clients or referrals. Those referrals come from both clients, and candidates who were not hired, because we believe how we represent our clients build or detract from their brand as well as our reputation--so each candidate is treated with respect.
  
We welcome your questions at pawlik@pawlikdorman.com or 773 296 0950.  In addition, we are always delighted to brainstorm on search issues, career guidance or resume effectiveness.  To do so, please send an e-mail to pawlik@pawlikdorman.com referencing Linkedin.

If you're hesitant to post on LinkedIn, then this post is for you.

Consider this:

Your life matters.

Your thoughts about your life matter.

And, LinkedIn is an opportunity to share that life and those experiences.

The caveat is this:

Please share this with the intention of helping others, not to build a following or become an influencer.

LinkedIn wants each of us to "donate" free content to keep eyes on LinkedIn and to add more profiles.  It is a business model.

But, for each of us as a human being connected with other human beings, there should be no goal on LinkedIn other than this:

To answer these questions:

What have I learned that might make others' paths easier?

What do I wish someone had told me about this challenge or that one?

That's where real community comes in.

And, whether you have 10 followers or 10,000 or 100,000...when you share to help others, you contribute to humanity...

Not to the "human race" which is all about getting and accumulating, but showing up and showing others this:

You are not alone.

#Hiringinsider, #jobsearch, #careers, #executivesearch, #jobs

Bernadette Pawlik

Job Search/Career Coaching/Career Strategist/ real expertise based on 20 plus years of hiring experience/Recruiting Mythbuster

If you're a new jobseeker you are not any of the following:

Doing it all wrong.

Making big mistakes.

Screwing up your resume, Linkedin profile or your career.

You're not.

But, if you are reading this what you are doing wrong is this:

Listening to people who are only too happy to pile yet MORE anxiety on top of your skyhigh pile.

People who tell you you are "doing it all wrong", have one goal:

To hijack your brain, tap into your fear, and separate you from your money.

People I regard highly don't do that.

These people are:

Amy Miller
Kristen Fife
Jan Tegze
Kristof Schoenaerts
Alison Passino
Sam Struan

From these you can learn how recruiting works, get a free resume template, dip into a wealth of accurate information on how recruiting works, learn how executive recruiters find candidates.  

I have over 25 years of recruiting experience, and have yet to have an unexpressed thought, so consider adding me to your list.

Finally, I do a Daily Karma Hour during which time I answer quick, specific questions regarding job search and/or careers. Just send it to me via Linked DM. 

If you would like to comment that would keep this post alive so others can learn about this real stuff from #RealRecruiters.

#jobloss, #careers, #executivesearch, #RealRecruiters

Job Search/Career Coaching/Career Strategist/ real expertise based on 20 plus years of recruiting experience/Recruiting Mythbuster

Unemployment is lonely as hell.

Even if you have significant severance or you don't need to worry about putting food on the table.

I know.

I remember how desperate I was to talk to someone---so much so that I got to know the UPS drivers, the garbage/recycling people, and every person at the various points of my day---drycleaner, grocery clerk, barista--who formerly had been invisible in my fully employed life.

For many people I know, admitting that loneliness is a source of shame.

It shouldn't be.

Work gives us community---even if that community is irritating or loathesome.

So here's what I found worked for me:

Find something to which you can commit where people notice if you don't show up.

At various points in my "unemployment career" (this includes when my search practice had no business) they were:

. Volunteering at a no-kill cat shelter.  For whatever reason, talking to animals is seen as endearing, and not weird...so many a cat listened to my complaints about my old employers!

.  Volunteering for a role in a membership organization that no one wants. For me it was new member greeter it was a role that gave me constant engagement with others, and a way to expand my network.

.  Creating something about what keeps you up at night. For me it is literacy inequity around which I founded an organization which got 75k children's books to 60 plus Chicago schools that didn't have libraries.  

Don't be ashamed to admit to yourself:

This isolation is harming my mental health.

Despite the fact that our lives are dominated by machines...

we are not machines.

Comments are always appreciated.

#HiringInsider, #jobsearch, #careers, #executivesearch, #jobs

Just for today...

let's ignite a revolution on Linkedin...

Here goes:

Don't be outraged about anything.

Don't feel a need to counter someone else's opinion with your own.

Scoff at someone's ignorance.

Look for the typo.

Laugh at the awkward syntax.

Just for today when you engage on LInkedin say:

That's an interesting point of view and I'll have to think about that.

I appreciate your commenting.  It was kind of you to take the time.

I wish you well.  These are tough times, and I admire how you are handling them.

Let's declare this:

Just for today, I lay down my sword, zip my lips, and remember:

Behind whatever foolishness I read, is a person struggling--and whatever separates us from one another---the struggle unites us.

Finally, today is Open Connection Sunday. Send me a connection request and I'll acccept. No sales pitches please. 

#Hiringinsider, #jobsearch, #careers, #executives, #jobs

Here's a big mistake I made in my career---

and whether you're a new professional or a CEO--

I caution you against making this in your career.

I thought doing the best work and delivering the most value made me secure.

It didn't.

What I ignored was this:

If people don't feel you care about them, they won't care about you.

I never took the time to develop relationships with my peers or those senior to me.

No one was "vested" in me--and perhaps one indication of this was that my office nickname was HP...for High Producer.  

Not Bernie, as it had been in school or Flash as it had been in college --because I was always speeding as fast as I could...but HP, like a robot.

So when heads had to roll, my lauded high production didn't spare me... though I did subsequently learn that it took two people to replace me.

So don't be like me.

You needn't be the office party animal, or learn how to play golf or pickleball if that is your culture's thing...but start by acknowledging and appreciating others.

See others, and let them know you see them.

And, they in turn will see you.

Comments are always much appreciated.

#RecruitingInsider, #jobsearch, #careers, #executivesearch, #jobs

Applications are AWFUL.

I mean, how close to a hellish experience can you get sitting at a desk?

Here are six dead-easy steps to make the application process easier.

1) Have a "clean" resume.  If you're looking for a good template, Sam Struan has a free one.  Sam is an experienced recruiter who now conducts resume reviews and writing services. As a highly experienced recruiter, I wholeheartedly endorse him.

2) Expect that you will have to attach this resume to almost all applications. When you read that the ATS will fail to parse resumes, resulting in rejection, that doesn't apply to clean resumes like Sam's. That most applies to those fancy ass, make me want to stab myself through my cerebral cortex resume templates you see on Canva, or alas, those "award-winning" resumes you see with the weird colors, infographics, etc.

3) Now that you have your resume, get together the following: 1) Addresses of each employer, name of supervisor, phone number/e-mail. 2) Names of your references, place of employment, address, contact info (phone, e-mail)

4)  A cover letter template.  Now you all hate cover letters.  I get it. However, here's what I suggest: If you don't know why you're investing time in applying for this job —other than you want a job —you shouldn't invest 20 to 40 minutes filling out that application. 

Spend 3 minutes on your favorite AI, and ask about the company you are applying to. Ask:  What makes this company a unique brand? That should be enough to give you 3 to 4 lines as a first paragraph.  You need two more short paragraphs: 2) Your contact info repeated and any additional information about availability, relocation, etc. 3) A thank-you closing paragraph.

5) Create a system for keeping track of your applications. I'm old school, and when working with our son on his internship search, we use index cards and an index card box with different colored dividers.

6)  Create a separate e-mail for your job search, and create files within that e-mail for Pending, Rejected, and  Follow-up

Yes.  

Absolutely none of this is "sexy" or "techy". If you prefer techy, that's your choice. (Check out #TEAL for a more techy approach.)

Just remember that the six above are simple, and I have found that simple is sustainable.

(Comments help keep my posts alive, and since I don't "pod", pretty vital. Thank you!)

#Applications, #resumes, #jobsearch, #jobsearchtips

Why don't you get feedback after interviews?

Let me make myself a target of vitriol.

Here's why:

Because to paraphrase Tom Cruise:

Most candidates can't handle the truth.

Early in my career, I attempted to give candidates who went through interview rounds some form of feedback.

I didn't want to say:

You rambled so much that we thought you had had a few too many.

You didn't make eye contact.

Your answers were evasive.

The other candidates had more of this, this, this, and this.  And, the more candidates we saw, the more we clarified that that is what would make a hire in this role outstanding.

So, I thought long and hard about how to respond constructively but kindly.

And, no matter what I did or how I phrased it, the response was the same:

A dialogue that frequently became confrontational...and almost invariably ended up with a request by the candidate to do another round of interviews.

So finally, what I landed on was this:

You have an excellent background. I know you will excel in the future and continue to be successful.  I have some free time this Friday. Would you be willing to have an open-ended discussion about possible next steps in your job search?

My niche was very limited to senior-level candidates, and I didn't conduct a high volume of searches (no more than three at a given time), so I had the capacity to do this.

A recruiter who conducts double-digit searches doesn't.

Comments are always appreciated, because comments of 5 words or more help my posts "live" on LinkedIn.

Follow me for more no b.s. Insights based upon over two decades of recruiting experience. If you're interested in working with me, please visit my website.

#RecruitingInsider, #jobsearch, #careers, #executivesearch, #jobs

Today is "Open Connection Sunday".

I previously did this once a month, but now I plan to do it every Sunday.

What does this mean?

Send me a connection request without a note, and I'll accept.

If it is a romantic overture or a "skyrocket your revenue" connection request, I will, however, block you.

Why do I do this:

1) Selflessly: I know these are challenging times with much rejection. LinkedIn seems bewildering to many people. Getting an instant acceptance helps with both.

2) Selfishly:  I write daily. I've refused multiple offers to "pod" (I like their content and comments, they like mine and comment), so my posts frequently sink under a lot of "buy my magic beans" content. Here's more stuff to be afraid of.  

I'm not going to pod, I'm never doing clickbait.  I do want what I read to reach a broader readership.  

So, do go ahead and send me a connection request.

I won't try to sell you anything — ever.

#RecruitingInsider, #jobsearch, #careers, #executivesearch, #jobs

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Erin Kennedy

Bernadette Pawlik, Job Search Strategist/Recruiting Insider

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The Battle

Erin Kennedy

Bernadette Pawlik, Job Search Strategist/Recruiting Insider

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

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