First impression counts

Bernadette Innes knows first-hand how important it is to make a good first impression.

It’s this philosophy that has resulted in her business, Proven Resume Results, being a finalist in the Telstra Victorian Business Awards for the second year running.

The business is among the regional award and micro business award nominees to be judged on July 14.

“It means that the endless hours and going the extra step every time is worth it,” the Tarneit resident said.

Ms Innes, who worked previously as a human resources manager, started up Proven Resume Results in 2011 after realising there was no resume writer in the western suburbs that wrote from a human resources perspective.

The following year she set up a Ballarat branch, headed by her sister and regional director Carmel Brown. The business also offers resume writing seminars through the Wyndham library network.

A new line of the business – Proven Recruitment Results – helps clients find work.

Earlier this year, Ms Innes was asked by the Justice Department to hold resume writing and interview coaching seminars at the Metropolitan Remand Centre.

Ms Innes said sitting down face-to-face with clients was what made her business successful.

“You must look at it from the company’s point of view.

“If the human resources manager is looking at 400 resumes, you have 10 seconds to impress … so what’s going to separate you from the 399 other people applying?”