Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answers I’m asked most—about how I work, what I offer, and how to know if it’s the right fit.

No hype. No fluff. Just straight answers from someone who’s done this hundreds of times.

Still wondering about something? Reach out and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Working Together

How do I know if we’re a good fit?

If your career story feels complex, hard to explain, or just not translating well on paper, we’re probably a match. I work best with people who want clarity, not fluff—and who care about getting their materials right, not just done.

What if I’ve already worked with another writer?

That’s totally fine—many of my clients come to me after a not-so-great experience elsewhere. I won’t bash their work, but I will ask what did and didn’t land for you so we can build something that actually feels like you.

What happens if I need to pause or delay the project?

Life happens. If you need to hit pause, just let me know. I’ll hold your spot and we’ll pick back up when you're ready—no pressure, no awkwardness.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. I offer a free 30-minute strategy call so we can make sure the scope, process, and personality fit. You can book directly at calendly.com/zebocs.

Can we work asynchronously?

Absolutely. If you prefer not to hop on calls, you can opt to complete my kickoff questionnaire instead. We’ll still collaborate closely—just in a way that works for your style and schedule.

Do you take on every client who reaches out?

No. If I don’t think I’m the best fit for your goals, I’ll tell you upfront and, when possible, refer you to someone who might be. I value trust, clarity, and alignment on both sides.

Services & Scope

Do you write bios, board resumes, or executive portfolios?

Yes. I’ve written bios for websites, board appointments, public speaking, and internal leadership programs. If it involves telling your story well, I’m game—just let me know the context so I can shape it properly.

What’s the difference between a resume and a LinkedIn profile?

Your resume is a tailored, formal document meant for direct applications. Your LinkedIn profile is public, searchable, and more conversational. I make sure they work together but don’t copy-paste—each has its own purpose and tone.

Can you help with cover letters for multiple roles?

Yes. I typically write one strong, reusable core letter, then guide you on how to tweak it depending on the job. If you’re applying across very different roles or industries, we can discuss creating multiple tailored versions.

Do you offer ongoing support after the resume is done?

Yes—within reason. I’m always happy to answer questions, offer feedback, or help fine-tune if you get stuck. For bigger pivots or fresh roles down the line, we can spin up a new project or do a smaller refresh.

Do you help with salary negotiation or job offer strategy?

Yes, through strategy sessions. While I don’t directly negotiate on your behalf, I can help you prepare, script talking points, and weigh options based on what you really want long-term.

Do you help people who are still figuring out what they want next?

Yes. Career storytelling is just one part of the process—I can also help you clarify what’s next, especially if you’re at a crossroads or stuck in indecision. It’s not therapy, but it is thoughtful, strategic coaching.

Special Cases

I’m a federal employee transitioning to the private sector—can you help?

Absolutely. I’ve worked with many federal professionals making that shift. The key is translating your experience into language the private sector understands—without losing the substance. I can help you reposition your work so it clicks with hiring managers outside of government.

I’m changing careers. Will you understand how to position me?

That’s actually where I do some of my best work. If your experience feels hard to translate, that’s a green flag for me. I help you bridge the gap between where you’ve been and where you want to go—strategically and without stretching the truth.

I’m not on LinkedIn and I don’t really want to be. Is that okay?

Yes. I believe in using tools that actually serve you. That said, I’ll be honest if I think it’s holding you back—and I can help you create a low-maintenance presence that supports your goals without feeling fake or overwhelming.

I’m transitioning out of the military—can you help with that?

Yes, and I’d be honored to. Military-to-civilian transitions can be tough to frame, whether you’re aiming for the private sector or a federal role. I’ll help you translate your service into clear, relevant language that captures both your skills and your leadership without losing the weight of your experience.

I’ve done a little of everything—how do we focus my resume?

It starts with what you want next. We don’t need to fit your entire career onto one page—we need to shape the narrative around your most relevant strengths. If your path has been winding, we’ll make it feel intentional.

I’ve been out of work for a while. Is that a problem?

Not for me—and usually not for employers either, as long as we tell the right story. Whether you’ve been caregiving, recovering, freelancing, or just regrouping, we’ll craft a narrative that frames your time away with honesty and confidence.

Process & Expectations

How many revisions do you offer?

As many as you need. My process is collaborative and client-paced—there’s no cap on revisions because I care more about getting it right than sticking to a set number of rounds. We keep working until it feels like you.

Will I need to provide metrics or data for my resume?

If you have them—great. If not, I’ll help you surface what matters. You don’t need to come in with perfect numbers. I ask the right questions to draw out impact, outcomes, and value—even when the wins weren’t tracked.

What format do you deliver the resume in?

Resumes are delivered in Microsoft Word (.docx) and PDF formats. If you need a plain text version for federal systems or online applications, I can provide that too.

Do I get to keep an editable copy of everything?

Yes. Final deliverables are sent in fully editable Word documents (and PDFs if you’d like). You’ll have full control to make updates anytime in the future.

Can I use the resume for multiple roles?

Yes, if the roles are similar. I aim to create a strong foundation that reflects your strengths and goals. If you're targeting vastly different paths, we can talk about tailoring additional versions.

Can you help me tailor the resume for each application?

Yes. While full tailoring isn’t included in the core resume package, I do offer it as an add-on—either per job or in batches if you're applying to multiple roles. I also provide guidance so you can make smart, strategic tweaks on your own if you prefer to DIY.

Logistics & Payments

How do I book and pay for services?

Once we’ve confirmed the scope, I’ll send over an invoice with a secure payment link. From there, your project will be scheduled and we’ll kick things off.

What’s your refund policy?

I don’t offer refunds, but I do offer unlimited revisions. If you’re not happy, we’ll keep working until you are. That said, if after a good-faith effort it’s clearly not the right fit, I’m always open to a conversation.

Do you offer retainer-style or ongoing support?

For clients going through extended transitions or applying across multiple roles, yes—I offer retainer-style support by request. This might include resume tailoring, updated materials, or strategic check-ins over time. If you think that structure fits your needs, let’s talk about it.

Do you offer payment plans?

I don’t offer formal payment plans at this time, but if you’re in a tight spot or need to split payments in two, I’m open to working something out. Just ask—I’ll always try to meet you where you are, within reason.

Do you charge extra for rush jobs?

Yes, in most cases. If you’re working on a tight deadline and need delivery within 24–72 hours, I’ll assess whether I can accommodate it—and if so, I’ll quote a rush fee accordingly. I won’t overpromise.

Do you work with international clients?

Absolutely. I’ve worked with clients across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. I adjust for time zones, cultural tone, and language preferences as needed—and I always aim to make the process smooth, wherever you are.

Philosophy & Approach

Why don’t you use resume templates?

Because you’re not a template. I write everything from scratch so it reflects your real strengths, your real story, and the kind of roles you actually want. Templates are fine for the basics—but if you’re here, you’re probably aiming higher than that.

What makes your work different from other writers?

I don’t just make your resume look nice—I make it make sense. I specialize in untangling messy narratives and helping people see themselves clearly on paper. No fluff, no jargon, no selling you on flashy trends that won’t actually help.

Do you ever turn clients away?

Yes. If I don’t think I’m the right person for your goals—or if I sense you’re looking for something formulaic or superficial—I’ll say so. I care about doing this work well, not just doing it for everyone.

Do you use AI to write resumes?

No. I use my brain. I may use AI occasionally to brainstorm or reframe a phrase, but nothing gets handed off to a machine. Every word is reviewed, shaped, and made human—because your story deserves that level of care.

What if I don’t know what my next role should be?

That’s more common than you think—and I can help. I’ll ask the right questions, spot the throughlines in your experience, and help you get clarity on what fits. You don’t need all the answers to start.

Is your resume ATS-optimized?

Yes, but not in the gimmicky way. I use keywords with intention, structure documents clearly, and make sure the content actually aligns with your target roles. No tricks. Just strategy that works for both humans and algorithms.

Final Note

If you’re still reading this, you probably care about doing this the right way—and that’s exactly who I built this for. I’m not here to sell you something you don’t need. I’m here to help you move forward with confidence. If you’ve got questions, I’ll give you straight answers.