Last week, someone contacted me asking for my CV template. That’s my fault. In my rush to write about what I’ve been reading and how it’s been inspiring me, I realise I’ve forgotten to be clear about what I actually do. This is how it goes if we work together on your documents (spoiler: no templates).
All of my packages follow a four-step process, which I’ll summarise in this image and then detail below:
Step 1: Plot, Setting and Character
This is where I get as much backstory from you as I can. Don’t worry, it’s easy and requires no preparation. This step in the process has three parts:
- You send me everything you’ve got. This might include old CVs, job descriptions you’re considering, career-related notes and thoughts, your LinkedIn profile URL, or any other relevant materials. There’s no such thing as too much or too little information here. I’ll take whatever you can dig out.
- You review my storytelling building blocks questionnaire. I say “review” because it’s up to you how deep you go here. Provide thorough answers now, or we can discuss them during our call after you’ve had time to consider them, it’s up to you. The goal isn’t to overwhelm you with paperwork, but to shift your thinking towards narratives and stories instead of job titles and dates.
- We have an initial call. Having reviewed everything you’ve submitted, I’ll ask questions to build your career story. This conversation goes deeper than typical career discussions – we’re exploring what genuinely motivates you, not just what you think should motivate you. Our exact discussion will depend on you and your goals, but questions might include: What actually drives you? What are you naturally good at? What makes you feel proud?
Step 2: Narrative Construction
Now that you’ve given me everything I need, I’ll start writing your career story. I will synthesise the information, develop an enticing narrative, and conduct any further research I need to do.
You’ll receive your first draft(s) within five business days. The package you choose determines whether you first receive a new CV (Career Boost Essentials or Professional Presence) or a Personal Brand Map (Own Your Story).
Then it’s your turn; you’ll review the documents, note questions, queries or areas for improvement, and submit your feedback. This process could be as short as a quick sign-off, or we may need a few calls to review and revise the details. Most clients need 1-2 revision rounds, though we’ll continue until you’re completely satisfied. We’ll do whatever we need to do to make sure the documents are right for you.
Step 3: Translation and Adaptation
With your core brand established, we’ll adapt and translate it for various formats. On Career Boost Essentials, that means making sure you have a brand-consistent LinkedIn Headline and About section. On Professional Presence, that’s a full LinkedIn profile, CV design, cover letter and brand positioning statement. For Own Your Story, that’s:
- CV content
- Unique CV design
- LinkedIn profile
- Cover letter
- Value proposition letter
- Short-form bio
- Long-form bio
Each of these requires their own specific focus and nuance, so we’re not just spinning out content from your CV or brand map. Instead, we position each document’s depending on its own audience, focus, and purpose, ensuring a consistent brand image that reflects your career narrative.
Like before, you can give me feedback and we’ll revise until we’re both happy with the final documents.
Step 4: Own Your Story
It has always been my belief that I have only done my job when you are confident developing, updating and editing your own documents. I’ll always explain the strategy and reasoning behind the work I’ve done, so you won’t feel stuck every time you add a new role or qualification yourself. This isn’t just an afterthought, it’s a feature of the service. Career storytelling requires adaptable documents, as your professional narrative is constantly evolving. No one stays on the same career path forever, and your documents should stay with you, whatever twists and turns your work life takes.
To help you with this, I will include strategy walkthrough videos in your customer portal, a handover call if you’d like it, and an annotated version of your CV detailing how to add to or edit it. No stone will be left unturned – you’ll understand the documents as well as I do.
Even after we’re finished everything, you’ll still have access to your portal, with all of my contact details and supporting resources for any questions you might have. For more detailed support – for example, a new career dilemma or an unexpected career change that requires a full story rewrite – you’ll also have exclusive access to my calendar, with a lifetime discount on coaching sessions and document rewrites.
Writing Services as a Development Process
Given the bespoke nature of every step of this process, templates don’t have much of a role in my work. Rather than push your unique experience into a rigid format, I’m all about finding the right way to express all of the skills and experience that make you stand out.
More than that, I hope from this process walkthrough that you can see the work not only goes beyond templates, but it also goes beyond just written documents. By taking a narrative coaching approach to information gathering and story development, and by collaborating extensively, with full transparency on their structure and strategy, our work together is a professional development process.
You’ll complete our services not just with a flattering CV, but with a clearer sense of purpose, confidence and certainty about your professional brand. These documents will showcase your true professional self and guide your career decisions and growth.
Too many of us leave our career story in the hands of managers, business leaders and colleagues. This process helps you to own your story and take control of your career, attracting the opportunities that suit you rather than trying to bend yourself into stale job descriptions online. You’re only four steps away from owning your career story.
