Today we’d like to introduce you to Eden Williams.
Hi Eden, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started working in sales when I was 21, and early on, coworkers wanting to be promoted would have to take management assessment tests over the phone and would pay for me to do it for them. One of my family members had a job administering employment psychological evaluations to police and fire departments, so I knew a few tips and tricks, and I had a feel for the archetype that the company was going for. I’ve always been the go-to person in my circle for help with resumes, finding a job, and strategies on negotiating pay. I’m not sure how it started, but I’ve always been resourceful, invested in helping people, and I love research, so it just seemed to organically happen.
After being in sales for 10 years, as a hiring manager for a few of them, I was always surprised how few resumes I came across stood out for even being decent. It was either improper formatting, spelling, grammar or just the word usage in general. It left an impression on me. I look at the resume now that I used back then and I laugh a little bit because I thought it was so great.
During that time, I had consistently worked a minimum of 55 hours a week with an almost 2-hour commute, and it was hard as a mother to twin boys. And then in February of 2020, life had a way of slowing things down for a lot of us, and while I had fallen in love with the extra time with my family and news of a new baby girl (at 32 with 12-year-old boys?!), I couldn’t help but start to brainstorm different ideas on making extra income. I tossed around different ideas, but none of them felt right.
My husband and his son switched jobs together and I made a resume for both, and of course, this really got me thinking. What was stopping me from doing this for everyone? It was something I was great at, no overhead, and totally safe because I would never need to leave the house.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Initially, I would advertise about 8 hours a day, and I started to build my business page. I conceptualized an overall look and feel for the page, and always try to make about a post or two a month that gives people insight into my process and what I have to offer.
For a while, I was a bit discouraged because there were so many hours dedicated to advertising with such little return, but with time I became better at marketing, finding places to advertise, referrals, and growing the audience and reviews for my business page. There was a ton of trial and error. I felt like I had a deadline to get the ball rolling because my daughter was going to be born in early February. She was born with pulmonary hypertension and a few other complications, and I practically lived at Children’s Hospital. I am so thankful that the floor had an office. I couldn’t hold her the first month, and me being able to work and provide constructive output allowed for me to feel less helpless. I modeled the color scheme of the paged based off my daughter’s room. A couple clients I got close to had been in my shoes before, so it was beautiful to help people while they helped me and allowed me to help myself.
She came home after 3 and a half months with extended medical needs, so it took time to adjust and learn how to manage my time well, but the business has really allowed for me to do work that I’m proud of while allowing me independence. And I’m happy to say that she’s 100% healthy now! She’s full of life, and she’s also the boss in a way, so worktimes get scheduled around her. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in crafting ATS-compatible resumes that are marketed towards the job title(s) being applied for. I essentially rewrite the entire resume and ensure the client’s objectives and personalities are aligned with the result. I’ve had clients enlist my services that have had larger companies do their resume for them because they’re not getting any callbacks, and I’ve successfully turned their situations around, and it feels great. I really do feel a huge sense of success and accomplishment when people rush to tell me how shocked they are with the increase and quality of replies they start to receive from potential employers. I also love to provide extended support. I do offer optimization with job searching sites, but I also think it’s important for me to be there for my clients. I like to make it known I’m here to help and answer any questions, even if it’s months down the road. I want everyone to feel confident and prepared for interviews, and I take personal investment in my clients successfully finding employment.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To not get discouraged when mistakes are made, as long as you’re applying that knowledge going forward. You can’t just hope for the best; you also must work towards it.
Pricing:
- “Novice to the Market” Resume- $40 (1- 2 beginner level jobs)
- Resume- $60
- Indeed + Monster Account Optimization- $20
- LinkedIn Account Optimization- $40
- With my price point, I strive to ensure my services are accessible to everyone. Tips are also welcome!
Contact Info:
