Common Mistakes that New Resume Writers Make That Fuel Confidence Issues (and How to Fix Them)
Vicki Clothier 
As a resume writer, your expertise can be invaluable to your clients, but many resume writers unintentionally fuel their own imposter syndrome and lac
As a resume writer, your expertise can be invaluable to your clients, but many resume writers unintentionally fuel their own imposter syndrome and lack of confidence by making avoidable mistakes.
I’m Vicki – mentor for Australian Resume Writers, and founder of Resume Writers Australia. I support resume writers to do their best work through our RWA community, 1:1 mentoring, coaching, and education. Having supported dozens of resume writing start-ups to begin their business journey, as well as many experienced writers to scale and grow theirs, I observe many patterns and similarities between us all – including trouble with confidence.
Here are five common pitfalls, why they’re problematic, and practical ways to address them.
1. Trying to Be an Expert in Everything
Why it’s a mistake: Look, I fell for this one early on, and it is hard to change your mindset. But, understanding that by spreading yourself too thin by trying to cover every possible industry or resume style, ultimately dilutes your expertise. Instead of building deep knowledge in a few areas, you end up giving clients broad, less impactful advice – and often it’s not the most up-to-date advice either. This often leads to imposter syndrome when you’re expected to deliver top-tier results in areas outside your expertise, but your information is falling short.
How to fix it:
- Leverage a niche: Specialise in a few areas where you can excel. Whether it's executive resumes, tech industry professionals, or mid-career pivots, honing a niche helps you deepen your expertise and build a reputation for excellence. Tip: Base your niche on your own lived experiences. This will give you a further edge in understanding your client on a deeper level, having been through what they are experiencing.
- Know your scope: Be honest with yourself and your clients about what you excel at. Refer out clients who need services you’re not confident in. Your reputation and confidence will grow as a result of providing high-quality, focused services – and your professional network will support you back, too. Do not be afraid of ‘losing’ clients this way.
2. Not Setting Client Expectations and Failing to Hold Boundaries
Why it’s a mistake: Failing to set clear expectations can lead to scope creep, frustration, and burnout. If you don’t establish boundaries early, clients may demand endless revisions, expect faster turnarounds, or push you to take on more than you can manage. You will attract clients who want to take the drivers seat, and they will not respect your professional recommendations and may expect miracle results where they cannot be guaranteed.
How to fix it:
- Communicate upfront: Outline your process, revision limits, and timelines clearly at the beginning. This helps the client understand how you work and what to expect, reducing misunderstandings down the road. This should all be outlined and agreed to via a Client Agreement or Contract. This contract should be signed and agreed to by all parties – this means, both you as the business and your client.
- Hold firm on boundaries: If a client pushes past your set boundaries, politely but firmly remind them of the agreed terms. This keeps your workload manageable and protects your mental health. If they continue to try to negotiate your terms, you should have a break contract process in place to politely move them on – again, this should be stipulated in your terms of agreement.
3. Not Having Clear Onboarding Processes in Place
Why it’s a mistake: A lack of structure can leave both you and your clients confused, leading to delays, miscommunication, and frustration. When you don’t have a clear onboarding process, it can erode your confidence as you struggle to stay organised and deliver on your promises.
How to fix it:
- Create a consistent onboarding process that reflects both your needs and your clients: Develop templates for intake forms, welcome packets, and client agreements. Have a defined set of steps that every new client follows, from initial consultation to project completion. This ensures consistency and helps build trust.
- Automate where possible: Project management tools and CRM’s like Dubsado, Calendly or Acuity scheduling can streamline your bookings and make the onboarding process smoother for both you and your clients. Imagine waking up to completed onboarding forms and a phone consultation in your calendar – along with payment made. You can focus on delivering your resume service, rather than worrying about whether they’ve provided the information you need, if they’ve paid (or when they plan to). By automating some of these steps, you can cut out administration time and improve your turnaround times.
4. Discounting Your Services to Win More Projects
Why it’s a mistake: Constantly offering discounts not only devalues your work but also sets a precedent that your services are negotiable. It can lead to financial instability, lower confidence, and burnout from overworking for less than you’re worth.
How to fix it:
- Know your worth: Set rates that reflect your expertise, experience, and the value you bring to your clients. Confidence comes from knowing you’re compensated fairly for your time and skill.
- Attract the right clients: Focus on clients who are willing to invest in quality work rather than trying to appeal to everyone. Your ideal clients will respect your pricing when they understand the value you provide. Remember: This is where a well established niche becomes more valuable to you as a business owner – because your WORK and KNOWLEDGE is more valuable to your ideal clients.
5. Giving Clients Too Many Service Options
Why it’s a mistake: Offering too many options can overwhelm clients and make decision-making difficult, leading to delays and frustration. For you, it can lead to unnecessary customisation and a lack of focus, which undermines your confidence.
How to fix it:
- Streamline your services: Offer a limited number of well-defined packages. This makes it easier for clients to choose, and it also allows you to focus on delivering your best work.
- Guide clients through the process: Be a consultant, not just a service provider. Help your clients understand what they need, so they aren’t left sifting through too many options. You can offer free 15 minute consultations as an introduction to you and your business, or create information packs to distribute to potential client leads.
Building confidence as a resume writer means streamlining your processes, defining your niche, and valuing your work. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing practical solutions, you’ll build a stronger business and maintain healthier client relationships. Confidence can improve through knowing where you hold your expertise, setting clear boundaries and processes, and being clear about the value you bring to your clients.
