Frequently Asked Questions by Leaders and Executives
Senior leaders approach career decisions differently than earlier-career professionals. The questions below reflect what executives and board-level leaders most often ask when considering executive resume writing and career positioning support.
If you don’t see your question here, I’m always happy to discuss your situation directly and confidentially. Please reach out.
Adrienne, what specialized services do you offer?
The focus of my work, and my passion, revolves around the creation of various executive-level career documents, including resumes, biographies, cover letters, LinkedIn profile content, and board resumes. All of my service packages include a customized resume, written exclusively for you by me.
My services are highly custom and high touch, and I work closely with every client to identify their value and position them powerfully 'on paper'.
Some of my packages include LinkedIn profile development, cover letter creation, resume distribution, and/or thank-you letters.
In addition, I provide resources and guides to help you learn current job search strategies and keep your resume up-to-date, increasing the success of your new career documents.
How long does the process take?
Each executive engagement takes several weeks from discovery through final delivery.
This timeframe allows for refinement and alignment. Executive-level work benefits from deliberate pacing rather than rushed execution.
Service Selection and Booking: To start, select a package and inquire about my strategy session availability; sessions are 60 minutes long. Once you have selected an appointment time that works best for you, I will hold the appointment space for you (for up to 24 hours) and provide you with an electronic invoice. A 50% deposit is required to secure services.
Worksheet Exploration: Once the deposit is finalized, you will receive a Career and Branding Exploration Worksheet for completion. The worksheet is required for service and must be returned at least 7 days before your strategy session.
Although detailed, this worksheet will help you capture all basic career details and brainstorm relevant results and achievements. It's a good idea to schedule several hours to complete the worksheet. Late worksheets may delay services.
Strategy Session: The strategy session is designed to build on the information in your worksheet, gather additional content, and zero in on your unique offerings. Each session lasts up to 60 minutes. Any remaining fees must be finalized before the strategy session commences.
Document Preparation: After the consultation, I will prepare your customized career documents and email them for review within seven (7) days. You are allowed two (2) sets of revisions within 14 days of service commencement (time of consult).
All final copies are supplied 14 days after service commencement via email, in Word and PDF formats. Additional modifications or consultations will incur extra costs.
How is executive resume writing different from standard resume writing?
At the executive level, resumes are positioning documents, not summaries of responsibility. Executive resumes must clearly communicate leadership scope, decision authority, business outcomes, and readiness for complexity.
In my work, the focus is less on listing what you’ve done and more on clarifying how you lead, the scale at which you operate, and the value you bring to the organization.
This distinction is one of the most common gaps I see when executives come to me.
What if I am struggling to complete the Career and Branding Exploration Worksheet?
This comprehensive worksheet will require you to capture your relevant career history, skill sets, education, and volunteer work, with a heavy focus on notable achievements and measurements.
Although great detail is not required, do your very best to address every question. Capturing the basics upfront will save time during the strategy session, allowing you to focus on your value and personal strengths.
If you are struggling to answer any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me for guidance before the deadline.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In North America, a resume is a succinct and targeted marketing tool to secure industry employment.
A CV (curriculum vitae) is a more comprehensive document primarily used to apply for academic, education, research, or scientific roles.
I do not write CVs, only resumes.
Do you guarantee interviews or job offers?
No ethical executive career professional can guarantee outcomes.
What I do provide is clarity, strategic positioning, and materials aligned with how executive hiring decisions are made. Outcomes depend on many factors beyond any resume, including timing, market conditions, and fit.
Resumes alone do not get jobs.
What sets you apart from other resume writers?
I work hard to stay on top of current resume and job search trends as a Canadian and US executive resume writer.
As a testament to my commitment to this practice and industry, I have received numerous national and international resume-writing recognitions. I was also named a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search & Careers, and my resumes have been published in 7 different books.
Leveraging over 15 years in the career services industry, a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, multiple certifications, major media mentions, and my contract work with LinkedIn, I stand apart as one of the select few in Canada with this level of expertise.
Many resume writers provide career documents and leave you trying to figure out the rest. Yet resumes and cover letters must be combined with effective job search strategies to increase success. As an employment strategist, I provide access to comprehensive job search resources to help you conduct a modern-day job search in less time and with less stress.
How can I complete payment?
A customized electronic invoice will be supplied with a link to finalize payment online. All major credit cards are accepted. A PayPal account is not required. Alternatively, you can complete payment via transfer.
A 50% deposit is required to hold your appointment and secure services. All remaining fees must be paid in full before the strategy session.
Do you work with clients outside of Canada?
Yes. I work with senior leaders across Canada and the United States, and occasionally with executives pursuing international roles. Executive hiring expectations are often global in nature, and positioning must reflect that reality.
Can you help if I’m currently employed and need discretion?
Yes. Many of my clients are currently employed and navigating confidential career moves.
In fact, I work best with those planning ahead.
Discretion is a core part of how I work. Communication, timelines, and materials are handled carefully to protect your privacy and professional reputation. If you have any concerns about details, let's discuss.
Will you use AI to write my resume?
All work is written by me and developed through direct collaboration.
AI tools can be helpful for early drafts, research, or ideation, but executive positioning requires strategy, nuance, and context that only come from experience. Many executives come to me after using AI-generated content that failed to reflect their leadership accurately.
Why is there often a wait for assistance?
Focused on quality instead of quantity, I carry a limited client load, devoting time and attention to a select group of clients at any given time.
There are many other 'shops' that can produce generic and fast resumes; I do not.
My unique offerings and select level of service mean there is sometimes a wait of several weeks.
I work best with proactive and forward-thinking professionals planning for their next big move *before* they need it. If your needs are urgent, certainly let me know; accelerated service may be available at an additional cost.
If I'm unable to assist, I'm always happy to provide recommendations to other trusted resume writers in my network.
Who do you typically work with?
I work exclusively with senior leaders, executives, and board-level professionals. Most of my clients are Directors, VPs, SVPs, and C-suite leaders navigating competitive job markets, confidential searches, internal promotions, or strategic career transitions.
I partner best with top professionals with clearly defined job goals and role targets.
If you are not a senior-level professional and think the services at Career Impressions are still a good fit for you, please contact me to discuss.
How do I know which service or package is right for me?
That’s something we can determine together. Simply reach out and share more about who you are, what you are looking for, and any concerns. I am happy to provide guidance on service selection.
Will you interview me live?
Yes. All engagements include a one-on-one telephone strategy session between you and I.
In addition to a deep-dive homework session (done by you), we will spend at least one hour overviewing your work history and career skills.
I spend time getting to know every one of my clients in detail. I want to know more about you, what skills you are structured with, what sets you apart from your competitiors, and what specific details and results you can share to back up claims.
This process is a partnership.
Additionally, I am the only person you will engage with during services as I write all resumes and files myself.
Why is a LinkedIn profile needed?
LinkedIn is the top social networking website for job seekers. With 500 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 profile page because employers and recruiters regularly engage through LinkedIn to search, vet, or evaluate candidates passively. You want to ensure your profile is fully complete and on-brand.
I offer customized LinkedIn profile writing services, but clients are responsible for setting up, populating, and managing their own online accounts. I do not access other people's accounts as it is against LI's terms.
Hired by LinkedIn in the past to author ongoing articles on job search topics, I have also been named one of the Top 15 Job Search Experts to follow on LinkedIn two years in a row and a LinkedIn Top Voice.
I know what it takes to get noticed on the platform and how to leverage the platform to increase visibility and opportunities.
As part of my services that include LinkedIn profile creation, I share meaningful insights and resources to help you effectively navigate the site and increase your visibility!
Do you write resumes optimized for ATS?
Executive resumes must balance technical compatibility with human decision-making. While I ensure resumes meet modern formatting and parsing standards, the primary audience is always recruiters, executive search firms, and senior decision-makers.
At senior levels, clarity and credibility matter far more than keyword density alone.
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ATS stands for Automated Tracking System, or Applicant Tracking System, an electronic application system that most major employers use to accept, store, and search for job applications.
If you apply for a job online, there is a good chance your resume will be screened by an ATS.
Resumes submitted through applicant tracking systems may be stored for a period of time and/or searched for keywords that match available job openings.
If we work together, I will ensure you have an ATS-optimized resume file for online applications.
What are the benefits of resume distribution, and how does it work?
Resume distribution works for all types and levels of job seekers. My resume distribution service will help connect you with recruiters based on your location, salary requirements, industry, and desired position.
Most recruiters work nationally and may have well-aligned opportunities in other parts of the US or Canada. You can narrow your contacts to those who work in your industry or specialties of interest.
The number of recruiters reached for each distribution will vary based on your unique job search criteria, averaging 200-2000 contacts from a database with over 37,000 contacts.
All contact is made using your personal email address. This is a highly customized process. When the distribution is finalized, you will receive a spreadsheet with the names, addresses, and contact information for each recipient so you can follow up or track activities -- this in and of itself is worth the investment!