What is a Certified Professional Resume Writer?

A Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) is a uniquely qualified and highly-skilled resume professional who has earned their designation from the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches.  There are only 35 CPRWs in Canada! 

CPRWs are trained in translating career skills and selling individuals on paper, and they are committed to staying updated on current industry trends.  It is imperative that you understand the difference between someone claiming to be a 'professional resume writer' and someone with an actual designation in the industry (who has proven their expertise and been awarded recognition for achievements by a reputable professional organization). See our blog post here for more details.

What services do you offer?

We specialize in the creation of various career documents, including resumes, cover letters, executive biographies, thank you letters, curriculum vitaes, and letters of intent, as well as LinkedIn profile development.  We also offer interview coaching (see the tab at the top of our Services page for more details).   If you have a specialized career document request please let us know, we would be happy to help.

Do you write resumes for all occupations?

Yes! Our resume writers are trained to write eye-catching and interview-winning resumes for all occupations, industries, and career levels.

Do you offer in-person appointments?

Yes; we are proud to offer this unique and personalized service, although we also assist a large portion of our clients via telephone as many of our clients are located around the world!  We also conduct the majority of our correspondence via email, a necessary method of information-sharing during the writing process.  Please email us any time to inquire about our appointment availabilities.  Telephone calls are only returned during certain hours of the business day so email is the fastest way to connect with us.

What is your process for creating a new career document?

To start, we like to offer consultation availabilities to choose from (up to 60 minutes in length).  Please note that we only offer weekday appointments in the evening hours.  Once you have selected an appointment time (either in-person or via telephone) that works best for you, we will hold the appointment for you (for up to 24 hours) and provide you with an electronic invoice.  Our policy states that payment must be received to officially secure an appointment.

Once payment is finalized we will provide a comprehensive Career and Skills Assessment Worksheet for your completion.  The completion of this worksheet is a requirement for service and it must be returned to your resume writer at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time.  Failure to complete the worksheet or return it within the stipulated deadline will result in the appointment cancellation and a $75 surcharge.

At the time of the consultation we will review your worksheet together in detail and clarify your goals and career accomplishments.  After the consultation we will provide your new document(s) via email within seven business days and you are allowed two sets of revisions within 14 days of service commencement (time of consult).  All final copies are supplied after 14 days of service commencement, via email, in both Word and PDF versions.

How can I complete payment?

We provide each client with a customized electronic invoice, which will include a link to finalize payment online. All major credit cards are accepted.  A PayPal account is not required.  An electronic receipt will be provided.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a confirmed appointment?

Appointments can be rescheduled up to 48 hours in advance.  If you choose to reschedule your appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice a $75 surcharge will apply. If you choose to cancel services altogether, there is a $50 administrative fee to do so.

What if I am struggling to complete the Career and Skills Assessment Worksheet?

This is a very comprehensive worksheet that will require you to capture your relevant career history, skill sets, education, and volunteer work in great detail, focusing primarily on your notable achievements.  We ask that you do your very best to address every question in the worksheet, which will be fully reviewed by your resume writer during the consultation.   As this worksheet may take several hours to complete, please ensure you leave sufficient time to address it.  Worksheets that are not returned 24 hours prior to the consultation are subject to a $75 surcharge and appointment rescheduling.  If you are struggling to answer any questions please contact your resume writer for guidance well in advance of the deadline.

Is a cover letter required with every application?

Yes! Too often job seekers underestimate the value of a cover letter.  We strongly recommend including a carefully branded cover letter that compliments and supports your customized resume.  If you do not submit a cover letter and a recruiter was expecting one, you could find yourself at a serious disadvantage. Similarly, if you include a weak cover letter with your strong resume this could raise red flags. Always take the time to customize a new cover letter for each job application.

Why is a LinkedIn profile needed?

LinkedIn is the top social networking website for job seekers. With 200 million registered users, LinkedIn allows you to leverage the power of your network - the people you know, and the people those people know - to help you connect to the person (or people) who are in a position to offer you a job.  You need a solid LinkedIn branding page because employers and recruiters regularly engage with LinkedIn to vet job candidates.  Employers are more likely to locate and read your LinkedIn profile over your resume as your profile is public and easily accessed by anyone at anytime (or it should be!).

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

A resume is a succinct and targeted marketing tool used to secure employment within the industry.  A CV (or curriculum vitae) is a more comprehensive document that is primarily used to apply for academic, education, research, or scientific roles.

What is the value of a well-written resume (cover letter)?

The value of a stellar resume and cover letter is priceless.  Did you know that the average job search lasts 18 weeks?  Yes.  Just imagine the loss of income and resources during this lengthy search, which can be greatly reduced with a properly formatted and high-impact career application package.  The value of investing in a Certified Professional Resume Writer could mean a major difference in lost income and wasted time.  Employers are also overwhelmed with job applications these days; make yours stand out by seeking professional assistance.

What is ATS?

ATS stands for Automated Tracking System, which is an electronic application system that most major employers use to accept and screen job candidates. If you apply for a job online there is a good chance that your resume will be going through ATS. Resumes submitted through automated tracking systems are stripped down and scanned for keywords that match available job openings. We now offer ATS optimized resume services in addition to resume creations, and we recommend you invest in a separate ATS resume for each online application.

Can you guarantee that I will get a job by using your service?

No resume writing or interview service can guarantee that you will secure a job offer - there are simply too many variables in a job application process.  For more details on guarantees within our industry, we recommend reading our blog post here.

Why do you sometimes have a wait list for assistance?

At Career Impressions our professional resume writers focus on quality instead of quantity.  We like to carry a limited client load, devoting our time and attention to a limited group of clients at any given time.  There are many other 'shops' that can produce generic and fast resumes; we do not.  With our limited availability, and our unique requirements, we sometimes have a wait list for assistance.

What sets you apart from other resume writers?

We are the most qualified team of Certified Professional Resumes Writers in Western Canada (award-winning both nationally and internationally) so there are very few services in Calgary (or Canada) that can match our level of expertise.  Trust us, the investment in our services is worth it!  Save yourself time and money by getting your career documents done right, the first time.