FAQS
Resume Writing Questions
Q: Who will actually write my resume? Will I work directly with Deborah or a subcontractor?
A: You will work directly with Deborah Schuster throughout the process—from strategy and consultation through writing and revisions. Your work is never handed off to a subcontractor or junior writer.
Q: What makes an executive resume different?
A: An executive resume must do more than document career history. A leadership resume is less about execution and more about strategy. This is why it isn’t enough to “refresh” your old resume. It needs to communicate leadership scope, business impact, strategic thinking, board-level metrics, global scale, and readiness for the level ahead -- while making a complex career easy for recruiters and decisionmakers to understand.
Q: Do you work with Directors, VPs, and C-suite executives?
A: Absolutely! Executives are Deborah Schuster’s specialty. As one of the few Certified Executive Resume Masters (CERMs) in the world, she has an exceptional grasp of the aspirations of top-tier executives. Her knowledge includes use of the appropriate keywords and competencies, leadership branding, position scope and challenges, metrics-based accomplishments, and effective presentation styles for executive resumes -- including Directors, VPs, SVPs EVPs, and C-suite.
Q: What about entry level and mid-level folks? Do you work with them?
A: Yes! We work with new grads -- often referred by their parents who have worked with us. Likewise, many of our clients are mid-level managers – especially those who want to position themselves for an executive role.
Q: Can you help with an employment gap, career change, or long tenure with one employer?
A: Yes. Employment gaps, career changes, and long tenures require a specific resume strategy. Deborah Schuster can help you with all of these career challenges.
Q: Do you protect confidentiality?
A: Absolutely. All conversations are strictly confidential. Deborah is a member in good standing of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, Career Directors International, and the National Resume Writers Association. We serve our clients according to the Code of Business Ethics for all three organizations. Deborah also serves on the Board of Directors of Career Directors International.
Q: What information will I need to provide?
A: It’s helpful to have your previous resume and examples of target positions. However, we work with many professionals who don’t have these documents. We’ve designed our skills profile form to bring together much of the information we’ll need and will conduct a deep-dive consultation with you before drafting your documents.
Q: Why do you use both questionnaires and a consultation?
A: We’ve found that the combination of both gets the best results. The questionnaires (skills profile and branding workbook) give you time to reflect on your background. The deep dive consultation helps Deborah uncover your brilliance by asking the right questions. The skills profile was developed specifically for your field and includes checklists of keywords that may improve your ATS scoring.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Generally, two weeks, but Deborah’s schedule is often booked for two or more weeks in advance. We recommend planning accordingly: Begin the process before you need it.
Q: Will I be able to edit the final document?
A: Yes. Your final resume and other documents will be fully editable in Microsoft Word. In fact, we encourage our clients to lightly tailor their documents for various opportunities.
Q: Is ATS used in an executive search?
A: Yes. While companies rely more on networking to fill executive roles, executive recruiters often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to search candidates. Your executive resume needs to be structured so that both recruiting technology and human decisionmakers can easily understand your experience and qualifications.
Q: Will a professionally designed resume work with applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
A: Yes. All of our resumes are ATS-friendly – even those with graphics!
Q: Can a resume with graphics work with ATS? I heard that graphic resumes were not ATS compatible.
A: A well-designed resume can include graphics and still be ATS compatible – if the document is built correctly. Deborah designs all of her resumes with ATS requirements in mind, so visual presentation and technical compatibility do not have to be an either/or choice. Caution: If you download a graphic resume template online, it may not be ATS compatible.
Q: Can I see samples of your work?
A: Yes, you can view samples of Deborah’s resumes – including her award-winning resumes – on our Samples page.
Q: Your samples are beautiful! But I’m not sure I need a “fancy” resume.
A: Not everyone needs a high-design, infographic resume. Deborah also creates traditional, classic style resumes, and can advise you on which is right for you.
Q: Do you use AI to write resumes?
A: We don’t use AI for resume writing, strategy, or positioning. We do use it to optimize workflows, consolidate complex data, and conduct research for keywords. AI supports our process -- but does not replace a professional who applies judgement, standards, and accountability. Deborah Schuster is a Certified Ethical AI Career Practitioner (EAI-C™). This credential certifies that she operates within defined AI ethics and professional standards.
Q: Should I use AI to write my resume?
A: Only with extreme caution. In a sea of bland, generic AI resumes – a human written resume stands out and has a clear competitive advantage. Most recruiters can spot an AI resume in a heartbeat – and that is a clear disadvantage. Remember: Your resume is about positioning, not just writing. AI can help with wording and grammar, but it cannot determine the right strategy or positioning for your resume. Neither can it ask you the “zinger questions” to draw out your personal brand, value, and accomplishments. That said, AI can be helpful in some aspects of your job search. For example, it is wonderful tool to learn company pain points, find contacts, or identify keywords for your resume.
Q: What is the investment for a professional resume? How much do you charge?
A: Check out our fees page which lists fees for a resume at four career levels. Your fees may vary depending on the complexity of your resume and goals. Deborah will provide an exact quote and recommend a package that works for you.
Q: What is the ROI for a professionally written executive resume?
A: Every situation is different. But financial return on investment (ROI) for a professionally written executive resume can range from 594% to 4,900% when factoring in a shortened job search and higher compensation. See the breakdown of two scenarios on our fees page.
LinkedIn Questions
Q: Why shouldn't I simply paste my resume into LinkedIn?
A: Your resume and LinkedIn profile need to tell a consistent story, but they shouldn't be identical. LinkedIn is a networking platform, so the writing should be more conversational -- while also incorporating keywords and content to help recruiters find you and understand your expertise.
Q: Will updating LinkedIn make it obvious I'm job searching?
A: The likelihood is low. Keeping your LinkedIn profile current is a normal part of professional networking and career maintenance. Many employers encourage employees to maintain strong LinkedIn profiles because they reflect well on the company. LinkedIn is primarily a networking platform, so updating your profile can simply signal that you are professionally engaged—not that you are actively looking for a new job.
Two things that could raise a red flag: 1) When updates are accompanied by an "Open to Work" photo frame. 2) When you’ve enabled a setting that shares every single profile change with your network. Fortunately, you can change your LinkedIn settings to avoid either of these risks.
Bottom Line: The likelihood of an employer looking negatively toward an updated profile is low to moderate, depending on how the updates are made and your current workplace context. Every workplace culture is different, so you are in the best position to judge how changes to your profile may be perceived within your organization.
Coaching Questions
Q: What if I don't know what I want to do next?
A: This is exactly when Career Coaching can help. It’s essential to know where you want to go before we develop your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other documents. Deborah Schuster is a Certified Career Success Coach (CCSC) and uses a framework to give you clarity for the next steps.
Q: What's the difference between job search coaching and career coaching?
A: In a nutshell, Career Coaching is for those who are not sure where they want to go. Job Search Coaching is for those who know where they want to go -- but need a focused strategy for getting there.
Career coaching may be for you if:
- You feel “stuck” in your current job.
- You’ve been downsized and aren’t sure what’s next.
- You want an internal promotion but are continuously passed over.
- You want a complete career change or pivot.
- Your job or degree has become obsolete or is in low demand.
- You’re returning to work after child-rearing or caregiving.
- You’re a mid-manager aiming for a leadership track.
- Your company has been acquired or merged and you’re facing uncertainty.
As a Certified Career Success Coach (CCSC), Deborah Schuster can help you gain clarity, insights, and options -- then create a practical blueprint to navigate change.
Job search coaching can help you with:
- Networking without awkwardness
- Maximizing your LinkedIn impact
- Developing interview stories that land
- Negotiating salary
- Working effectively with recruiters
As a Certified Career Success Coach (CCSC), Deborah can help you turn your goals into a focused, practical job search plan.
Process Questions
Q: How do I get started?
A: Schedule your complimentary consultation with Deborah Schuster, who will assess your needs, recommend a package to meet those needs, and give you a quote with several package options.
Q: How does the resume development process work?
A: Our process is deeply collaborative. Deborah Schuster will work with you via Zoom throughout the entire process, which includes:
- First, you’ll schedule your complimentary evaluation and quote. During the call, she’ll make recommendations for you and show you several package options.
- After the Zoom call, we'll send you a written quote with a payment link and an agreement to complete and sign.
- Once we receive your payment and agreement, we'll send you a proprietary Skills Profile form that was developed especially for your field.
- Next, you'll have a deep dive Zoom consultation with Deborah. During this session, she will ask questions about your background, with particular emphasis on your accomplishment stories and your unique personal brand.
- Then we’ll draft your resume and send it to you for your review. You can send back any changes or schedule a live review.
- Once we have received your authorization to finalize, we will make the revisions. You will receive all of your final documents via email in Microsoft Word and PDF format.
Q: How do I find the best resume writer?
A: Before choosing a resume writer, look for the following:
- Certification. Look for certifications such as: Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM), Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). Always verify the writer’s credentials at the awarding organization website. Legitimate certifying organizations include: https://parwcc.com/, https://careerdirectors.com/, and www.thenrwa.com
- Membership in Professional Organizations (PARW/CC, NRWA, CDI). Confirm membership at the organization’s website: https://parwcc.com/, https://careerdirectors.com/, www.thenrwa.com
- In-Depth Consultation and Collaborative Process. Not just AI or worksheets alone.
- Experience. Look for a writer with at least seven years of experience. If you are an executive, the resume writer should have at least 10+ years of experience.
- Published resumes and/or awards. The best resume writers have been published or have won awards, demonstrating that they are a recognized expert in their field. One of the most prestigious awards is the international TORI awards.
- Look at their samples. See if the samples show the value of the candidate. Does that value pop? Does the sample focus on that candidate’s unique story? Are the accomplishments prominent? Do they include metrics? Is the writing generic, or strong and original?
Q: Where are services available?
A: Anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. The Lettersmith is based in Southeast Michigan and Deborah works with clients virtually through Zoom. We serve executives and professionals throughout the United States and beyond, regardless of location. We've also worked with English speaking clients in Europe and Asia.
Q: What other career services are available?
A: In addition to resume development, The Lettersmith offers LinkedIn profile development, job search and career coaching, interview and salary negotiation coaching, and supporting career documents such as cover letters, executive bios, and networking resumes. Services can be combined to support both your immediate job search and your longer-term career strategy.