FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about services, pricing, timelines, policies, and our AI tools—answered.
Getting Started & Process
How do we get started?
Order via the Shop page, complete a short intake, and schedule your first Zoom call. We’ll clarify goals, target roles, and brand positioning. Then you’ll receive your first draft in Google Docs within 24–48 business hours, with revisions included.
What’s the project timeline?
Most projects wrap in 7–10 days depending on scope and your feedback cadence. Drafts are typically delivered within 24–48 business hours (Mon–Fri). I don’t offer “rush” services so quality stays consistent.
What’s the exact process after purchase?
- Checkout → instant landing page with next steps.
- Share job URLs + answer a few questions.
- Schedule our first Zoom (typically 60 minutes).
- Receive a draft in Google Docs within 24–48 business hours.
- Revise together, then complete any add-on services you purchased.
Do you work with executives and career changers?
Yes. I work with new grads through C-suite leaders, including pivots across industries and functions.
Services & Pricing
What services do you offer?
Résumé writing, LinkedIn optimization, cover letters, job search coaching, interview coaching, personal branding, résumé distribution, CareerLab coaching, AI headshots, and our custom Résumé GPT.
How much does it cost?
- Basic (Résumé): $550
- Core (Résumé + LinkedIn): $800
- Pro: $1,300
- Elite: $3,000
- Apex: $9,000
- LinkedIn: $500
- Career Labs: $200+
Add-ons: Résumé distribution $300 (included in Apex); LinkedIn update service $100 (can be added to Core or included with Pro, Elite, and Apex); Cover letter $100 (included in Pro+); AI Headshots $29–$39 (Included with all LinkedIn services); Résumé GPT $29 lifetime; Returning client updates $100/new role + $50 template refresh.
Do you offer payment plans or discounts?
Payment plans are available via 0% short-term financing (Klarna) and other longer-term options. I don’t offer discounts—pricing is already competitive for a CPRW-level service.
Which industries do you specialize in?
Entertainment, HR, tech/AI, finance, marketing, nonprofits, teaching transitions, government/military—and more. For niche examples, book a consult and I’ll share what’s most relevant.
Résumé Distribution & AI Tools
What is résumé distribution and who is it for?
It’s an optional add-on ($300; included in Apex) that promotes your résumé to real recruiters and hiring teams aligned to your target roles—great for accelerating outreach once your materials are polished.
Tell me about Résumé GPT (AryaPro).
Résumé GPT is my custom AI trained to write like I do—no cringe AI-speak—ideal for DIYers who want pro-level content. $29 lifetime. Pair it with a CareerLab session if you want expert polish.
Learn more or chat with Arya now.
Do you offer AI headshots?
Yes—AI headshots ($29–$39). No photoshoot required. They’re included with LinkedIn services or available standalone. See AI Headshots.
Policies & Other
Do you guarantee a job or interviews?
No job guarantees. I stand behind top-quality work and measurable improvements to clarity, positioning, and traction. You can read reviews on the site, LinkedIn, and Fiverr.
Refunds & terms?
Please review the Terms of Service for refund details and scope.
Can I see examples first?
General samples are on the Résumé Examples page. For industry-specific work, schedule a quick consult so I can tailor what I show you.
What are your qualifications?
Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW), Certified Digital Career Strategist, Certified Personal Branding Strategist, and Certified Interview Coach. Former Fortune 50 recruiter; now full-time personal branding & recruitment consulting.
Career FAQs: Résumés, ATS, LinkedIn, Interviews & More
Real questions people ask online—answered clearly and optimized for search + AI overviews.
How long should my résumé be?
Most professionals land in the 1–2 page range: early-career keep it to one, experienced candidates often need two. What matters most is relevance—cut filler, lead with impact, and tailor to the role. Need help? Explore our Résumé service or the Core package.
How far back should my work history go?
A common guideline is ~10–15 years of relevant experience, focusing on recent, measurable impact. Older roles can be summarized briefly if they reinforce your fit. Not sure what to trim? Book a Career Lab.
PDF or Word: which file type is best for online applications?
Follow the employer’s instructions first. When unspecified, .docx is the safest for ATS parsing; many systems handle text-based PDFs too. Avoid scans/graphics-heavy layouts. For ATS tips and checklists, see Free Resources.
What makes a résumé ATS-friendly?
- Use standard headings, simple layout, and web-safe fonts.
- Avoid text boxes, tables, graphics, and headers/footers that can break parsing.
- Mirror key keywords from the posting (skills, tools, titles) naturally in your bullets.
Want a done-for-you option? Start with Résumé Writing (ATS-ready) or upgrade to Core for LinkedIn + more.
Should I include a photo on my résumé?
In the U.S., skip the headshot unless a posting explicitly requests it. Use photos on LinkedIn instead—and if you need one, try our AI Headshots.
How do I write bullets that actually get read?
Lead with action + impact (“Increased retention 12% by…”) not duties (“Responsible for…”). Keep line length tight and quantify. Grab our free Word Bank & Tip Sheets.
Do I really need to tailor every résumé?
Light tailoring pays off. Keep a master résumé, then tweak the summary, top skills, and a few bullets for each posting’s language. If you’d like expert help, start here: Résumé service.
What’s the best way to apply—job boards or referrals?
Do both: apply online and pursue a warm path (employee referral / hiring manager outreach). Referrals convert at higher rates. Want a plan? Book Job Search Coaching or a Career Lab.
Are cover letters still worth it?
Yes—when you have a specific story (why this team, how you map to the role). Keep it concise; don’t repeat your résumé. Need a head start? Use our Cover Letter GPT or grab a bespoke letter via the Pro package. À-la-carte option: Cover Letter.
What should my LinkedIn headline do?
Signal your target role + value with searchable terms (e.g., “Product Marketing | GTM & Positioning | Fintech”). Skip vague slogans. Want a pro tune-up? See LinkedIn Optimization or Launch Pad for students/new grads.
Which LinkedIn sections boost recruiter search the most?
Headline, About, Experience bullets, and Skills (top 5 + pinned to roles). Keep résumé/profile keywords consistent. For step-by-step setup, start with LinkedIn Optimization and browse Free Resources.
How do I structure interview answers?
Use STAR—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to turn experiences into crisp stories with outcomes. Practice with Interview Coaching or a Career Lab.
What should I prepare the night before?
- 3–6 core achievement stories (aligned to the job’s problems)
- Smart questions about team, roadmap, and success metrics
- Logistics: time zone, link, contact, résumé copy, portfolio links
If you’d like a dry run, book Interview Coaching.
How does career coaching help beyond the résumé?
Coaching accelerates clarity (targets), improves execution (strategy, outreach, negotiation), and shortens iteration cycles—so effort turns into traction. Explore Career Labs or Job Search Coaching.
Can I use AI to write my résumé?
Use AI for brainstorming and drafts, then human-edit for accuracy, voice, and ethics. Try AryaPro — AI Résumé GPT, then polish with Career Lab if you want a pro finish.
Do “ATS score” tools matter?
They’re a useful diagnostic for keyword gaps and formatting flags, but there’s no universal ATS score. Prioritize clarity, relevance, and the role’s language. For hands-on help, see Résumé Writing and Free Resources.