Resume Coaching & Cover Letter Review & Building Techniques
A large number of the clients who contact me for “resume help” finding a job or figuring out a smart career move inevitably wind up redoing their resume at my urging, even if they are perfectly satisfied with the way they’re presenting themselves. That’s because most resumes tend to focus on functions performed rather than on impact. Using my resume coaching approach will ensure that you communicate not simply that you did stuff, but that what you did made a difference! And that’s going to impress a potential employer a lot more.

What to expect from Resume Building Services
Resume Building
Even the most accomplished professionals can find it challenging to translate their talents and achievements into a compelling, results-driven resume. That’s where I come in. Through my resume building services, I help clients elevate their professional story, creating resumes that go beyond job descriptions to clearly communicate strengths, impact, and unique value in today’s competitive marketplace.
Partnering with me means gaining access to expertise shaped by years in the marketing and advertising, where presentation, strategy, and precise messaging make all the difference. I don’t just refine the language of your resume; I craft a polished, visually professional document designed to capture attention and leave a lasting impression.
My resume building services extend beyond the development of printed resumes. I work closely with each client to adapt and tailor their deliverables for specific roles and industries, maximizing relevance and appeal with every application. I also provide guidance in building a LinkedIn presence that reinforces your professional brand and amplifies your reach.
If you’re ready to strengthen your competitive edge and present yourself with clarity, confidence, and distinction, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to transform your credentials into a powerful tool for career advancement.
Client Reviews
I received a promotion and pay raise after working with Jim to help me move forward in my career! Jim was a great help when it came to reaching my career goals. Together, we revamped my resumé and cover letter and put new interviewing skills to practice. Jim is very easy to communicate with and is very punctual. He was a great help in moving me forward in my career!
As an executive search/headhunter I have been lucky enough to partner with Jim on a number of occasions. I have referred several local and remote (Skype, etc.) mid-level to executive-level candidates to him who have reported back to me with rave reviews. Jim has also consulted with me whenever my executive search expertise has been a helpful element to his full-service thoughtful career advice he provides his clients. 100% class act and worth the investment.
I’ve introduced Jim to many colleagues and friends – from recent college graduates to CEOs. In every instance, he’s offered sage advice, solid direction, compassionate support leading to superb results.

Why Choose Me
As your Interview Coach
As your coach, I bring to the table an unparalleled combination of wisdom, experience, empathy, and insight. That’s what’s enabled me to help many hundreds of clients achieve a level of career success that eluded them before we began working together. With my extensive background in marketing I particularly excel in persuasive communication, which is what successful interviewing is all about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Normally, sessions are 50 minutes long, although arrangements can be made for longer sessions.
The answer to that question depends entirely on the issue(s) you are seeking to resolve. If you’re coming in for something fairly straightforward, such as networking or interviewing coaching, or to improve your resume/LinkedIn profile/cover letter, you’ll probably need to meet with me once or twice. If you’re looking to tackle a more complex issue (e.g. if you’re dissatisfied with your current career but don’t know what alternatives would make sense, and/or if there is a significant emotional block like low self-confidence or debilitating anxiety) we’re probably looking at somewhere between four and eight sessions. After a preliminary conversation with you I’ll be able to give you a reasonable estimate.
It’s one of my particular specialties. The key to a successful interview is to be laser-focused on emphasizing how you meet your prospective employer’s needs and the value you will bring to the organization.
For the foreseeable future I am only conducting sessions virtually (FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, or phone). I have found virtual sessions to be just as effective as in-person, in addition to being more convenient for both my clients and me. I can schedule sessions just about any time between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays, and even on weekends if necessary.
My rate per 50 minute session ranges from $300 to $500. The rate varies according to the complexity of the issue(s) we will be working on, and your ability to pay.
If, after our initial meeting we determine that multiple sessions make sense, I will be happy to discuss a package with a reduced per-session fee.
If you are eligible for insurance reimbursement (i.e. if our work together involves a significant emotional or psychological component, and if you have out-of-network mental health benefits), I will be happy to provide you with the documentation necessary for reimbursement. Unfortunately I will not be able to determine whether you have coverage as there are hundreds of types of plans offered by insurance carriers; you will need to contact your carrier or HR department to determine whether your plan provides coverage for my services.
Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, check or cash.
The primary tasks in our first session will be:
- Agree to a goal (s) for our work together.
- Get to know each other so as to ensure that we’re a good “fit” (it’s very rare that the fit isn’t good).
- Agree to next steps that will begin to move the ball forward. I believe that every session should include assignments that will result in progress towards our agreed-upon goals.
Absolutely.
I have had 4 successful careers – as advertising executive, psychotherapist, non-profit president and career counselor, so I know the challenges inherent in launching and thriving in different jobs. And having built fulfilling lives in 3 vastly different cities- NY LA and DC – gives me valuable additional perspective. Plus having coached many hundreds of clients in just about every conceivable field and through all kinds of challenges I have an unmatched breadth of career knowledge and insight.
Insight – my training as a therapist allows me to better under my clients and helps me provide them with superior guidance. Tone of voice, facial expression, body language, the stories you use to illuminate your history and the way you express yourself – confidently, tentatively, modestly, with an edge – all help me understand you and allow me to tailor our conversations and the homework I usually give so that they achieve maximum impact.
Creativity- I thrived in advertising, a career in which creativity is the most important attribute. It’s one I cherish .Helping my clients think in new ways, see new patterns, and identify opportunities that are sometimes unorthodox are skills that have repeatedly borne fruit.
Intelligence – it’s uncool to boast but as a Phi Beta Kappa, Harvard graduate and Jeopardy winner I think my background speaks for itself.
Curiosity- I’m interested in a huge range of topics ( that really helps on Jeopardy!$ I’ve been to all 50 states and over 80 countries. I speak 5 languages. And what drew me to psychotherapy and career work was the chance to hear the stories and share the experiences and the world view of an astounding variety of people. I love learning about them and coming to understand them.
Achievement orientation ~ I’ve always been motivated by getting results., whether grades, honors, fluency, mastery, or concrete contributions to others. Providing specific, actionable guidance to Help my clients find greater satisfaction in their lives is more than a job – for me it’s a joyous endeavor.
“I will coach you on the techniques you need to do it beautifully.”
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Ready to Begin?
The first step is a complimentary 15–20 minute conversation — completely free, no obligation. Fill out the form and Jim will be in touch personally. No pressure, no scripts, just a genuine exchange about what you need.
Phone
(202) 667-0665
Jim@DCLifeCounseling.com
Main Office · Alexandria, VA
2405 Brentwood Place
Alexandria, VA 22306
Part-Time Office · Washington DC
1633 Q St., NW, Suite 200
Washington D.C. 20009