Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Silins.
Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally, I pursued a career as a Choral Conductor or Professional Vocalist, and have two, separate college degrees targeting those specialties. I never realized the value my vocal training would have for both my day-to-day profession as a resume writer and career coach, and my health.
I was diagnosed with severe asthma at two-years old, and have been on medication since that time. My parents were devoted to my living as normal a life as possible, and never allowed me to be owned by my health condition. They cheered on my vocal and wind instrument training, and that has paid huge dividends in my being able to work.
Asthmatics at my severity level can rarely work, and take a lot of medication to control the condition (I take seven medications daily for the asthma). We also spend a great deal of time in the emergency room and on dangerous medications like prednisone.
My vocal and wind instrument training and its impact on my breathing has allowed me to stay out of the emergency room, and to run my business. It’s also created a secondary opportunity, my position as a Church Choral Conductor for Calvary Lutheran Church and the ability to sing professionally on the side. This simply would not have been possible without my parents encouraging me, along with my husband Andrew, friends, family members, and doctors, being the biggest cheerleaders in my life.
I discovered while working in “Corporate American” in Human Resources, that most individuals submitting resumes, calling about available jobs, and interviewing, lacked many of the skills necessary to be successful in a job search. Whether management and sales positions, or traditional hourly positions, I saw the potential to help.
Already writing resumes for family, friends, and acquaintances, a good friend in the same office where I worked suggested I should become a full-time resume writer. In 1999, I took the plunge and learned there was also a new complementary business that would offer an additional service to my clients, Career Coaching.
It’s been a fantastic ride since 1999, and I still love my work, waking up wondering how I can help my clients daily. I am blessed to have found this industry and my amazing colleagues, while also pursuing a second role in music. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the future.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a business owner has rollercoaster-like challenges, particularly with income. You never know where your next client will come from, and there can be many ebbs and flows based on economic conditions. Besides dealing with managing my health (asthma), during the first five years of my business I was also taking care of my mother. The experience taught me so much about patience, and that little victories can mean so much. My rock has been my husband Andrew, who has the traditional corporate job with health insurance. He is a sounding board, a cheerleader, and my biggest supporter, and rides the rollercoaster with me. From 9/11, to the Great Recession, to COVID, to the current economic uncertainty, there have been many challenging times for clients as well, and I walk with them through those moments. They know I am always a phone call or email away.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Providing both resume writing and a variety of career coaching services to my clients, I offer video and phone interactions over multiple sessions and all services are tailored to the client’s needs. I’m very proud that my clients can count on the fact I write personally for them, personally interview them, and/or personally coach them. No subcontractors! I have been in business since 1999, and besides the high-touch service with direct interaction, I am also know for my packages that offer multiple options for clients depending on their particular circumstances. Lastly, I always perform an in-depth, free consultation with each potential client, getting to know more about their situation, allowing them to ask questions, and giving them an exact price for services. Whether resume writing, career exploration and transition coaching, career management coaching, interview coaching, life coaching (procrastination, time management), or business marketing coaching, my range of services are unique as is my approach.
What makes you happy?
My family, friends, church, music, clients, creating custom made cards and jewelry, and our dogs! Family, friends, and church are all about community, something that many are missing in their life today. That community offers great comfort when times are hard and great companionship and fun in times of plenty. Music has always fed my soul, and being able to express myself through singing, playing an instrument, or by conducting choir is very fulfilling. Clients can come to me in very difficult situations, and they quickly realize I will stand with them through the job search, career transition, or other coaching needs. Designing custom made cards and jewelry feed a creative outlet. Lastly, my husband and I rescue abused and neglected German Shepherd mixes. They find their forever home with us and give such love for having been through terrible circumstances. Ultimately, we are not single-faceted in our career, and our life is supposed to be a rich tapestry. That tapestry includes people you ultimately “weave together” with in community, but you must get out your door and participate first to experience it.
Pricing:
- Pricing is tailored to the package and person’s needs, nothing is cookie cutter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.careerandresume.com
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/APlusCareerandResume
- LinkedIn: KarenSilins
- Twitter: KarenSilins
- Email: karen@careerandresume.com
