Today we’d like to introduce you to Nickquolette Barrett.
Hi Nickquolette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my entrepreneurial journey thanks to the encouragement of two individuals who recognized my talent and urged me to start a business.
I have worked in corporate America for over 30 years, primarily at State Farm Insurance, where I have been in leadership since 1999. In late 2013, our company experienced significant growth, bringing new opportunities. As a leader, I was responsible for providing career development, coaching, and guidance to my team, contributing to succession planning and ensuring a steady pipeline of talent.
Helping people achieve their career goals at State Farm was something I did regularly. However, during a period of rapid growth, my efforts got special attention due to many internal job openings. I worked closely with my team of 10, helping them improve their resumes and interview skills.
I asked them to send me their resumes before applying for internal positions. In our one-on-one coaching sessions, I asked about their careers, talents, and abilities, and then rewrote their resumes in real time. We also practiced their interview skills. I always told them I’d make them sound like rockstars, and it worked! Within about 90 days, all ten team members landed new positions with increased responsibilities and pay, with two of them receiving nearly 40% salary increases
Word of my success quickly spread within my department and to sister departments. I began assisting even more individuals on a larger scale, moving faster than usual due to the company’s expansion. They needed to fill new roles fast and I was off to the races almost to the point of taking over my actual day-to-day job. I would sit individuals next to me and tell them I’m going to make them sound like a rockstar. review their resume, ask them to tel
I shared my experiences and successes on Facebook, prompting many former colleagues to comment on how I had helped them in their careers. This led to numerous inquiries about my services and how much I would charge for resume rewrites. And so, as they say, the rest is “herstory.” iRock Resumes was officially born on May 25, 2014.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Entrepreneurship is far from a smooth road. While it isn’t easy, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had and continues to reward me.
The struggle for me was shifting from a corporate mindset. I always dreamed of being an entrepreneur but was mostly focused on climbing the corporate ladder. I had to learn how to build a business from the ground up, which included financials, public relations, marketing, branding, sales, operations, and staffing. I learned by trial and error. I made many mistakes but learned from them. I failed at many things but again, learned from them. I spent and wasted a lot of money trying different approaches, but each time, I learned.
The most important lesson I learned was tenacity. I believed in my business and my ability to help individuals transform from job applicants to job candidates using my skills. No matter how tough it got, I would pivot and find another way to achieve the results and success I wanted. I leveraged my corporate training from State Farm, the #1 P&C insurer and a top Fortune 50 company. I often joke that I created a micro replica of State Farm. If they are #1, why not learn from the best?
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a writer at heart. I love the art of words, whether I’m reading or writing them. I credit my ability to write well to my high school English teacher, Mr. Leroy Lovelace, from Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago. He taught us the art of writing through creative writing, showing me that words can convey exactly what you want, in any tone you choose.
Today, I have turned that passion for writing into a career in marketing and branding for professionals seeking their next great opportunity or client. I am a 5x Certified Executive Career Transition Coach, specializing in résumé writing, LinkedIn profile writing and branding, and coaching on interviewing, job searching, and salary negotiation.
In the career practitioner industry, I am known as The Get Hired Strategist because I leverage my strength of strategy as indicated by various assessments I’ve taken over the years in my work. I am an expert in creating winning strategies for my clients using the art of words. This is the very thing that sets me apart from those in the career practitioner industry – my strong competence in strategy and strategic thinking.
I am most proud of my success rate: over 98% of my clients land interviews within 60 days, and over 95% secure jobs after working with iRock. I have received four career practitioner industry awards, authored two books, and provided outplacement services to various organizations. Additionally, due to my love for what I do and my ability to help others grow their businesses in this industry, I was selected to lead the Society of Elite Résumé Writers and Coaches as President and Business Coach in 2023. I am loving every minute of this opportunity and feel blessed to be in this position.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am an avid learner. I am a proud graduate of several business programs, including Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB), Babson College’s Black Women Entrepreneurial Leadership (BWEL), and both the Challenge and Zebra Leadership programs from Founders First.
To become an expert in my field and teach effectively to members of the Society of Elite Résumé Writers and Coaches, I have earned six certifications: Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Nationally Certified Online Professional Expert (NCOPE) focused on LinkedIn Branding and Job Search, Certified Interview Coach (CIC), Certified Career Transition Coach (CCTC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation, and Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC) from the University of Texas at Dallas. I am also pursuing a Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Development. These qualifications are directly related to my business.
In my career in the P&C insurance industry, I have earned three industry designations: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Claims (AIC) from The Institutes, and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) from The American College.
Additionally, I invest in myself through group coaching, one-on-one coaching, and by reading and listening to numerous business books and podcasts.
All of these experiences have equipped me to handle the most complex client and organizational needs. In essence, I speak corporate at the highest and most eloquent level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://irockresumes.com/ and https://serwc.net/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irockresumes/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickquolettebarrett/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_3RXsqS4KomWX9UIxuDJA
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/serwc
Image Credits
Charlie Spencer of Fixed Focus Productions https://www.fixedfocusproductions.com/ for professional shots. Candid shots are by iPhone.
