This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jennifer Clinchy, owner of Clinchy Career Consulting. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I was a White House attorney for nine years, spanning three different presidents (Obama, Trump, and Biden). Six years ago, I started working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, but I still get teary-eyed when I think about my time in the White House. As the daughter of immigrants, I never dreamed I’d be reporting to work on Pennsylvania Avenue each day.
I loved that some of the brightest people in the country were my colleagues. I hold a dual degree in law and policy, and one of my responsibilities at the White House was to prepare presidential appointees for their Senate confirmation hearings.
In that role, I reviewed hundreds of résumés and cover letters. I helped people stand out in what’s essentially a very high-stakes job interview. Working with these incredible candidates who applied for powerful and influential positions led me down an unexpected career path: résumé writing.
I became a federal attorney for the purpose and security
My parents raised me to be self-sufficient. They were both hardworking. My dad taught me that education is particularly valuable because it can never be taken away from you; No matter what happens, you’ll always have your education.
I attended law school in Washington, D.C., where the federal government is omnipresent. I was drawn to federal jobs not only because of the perceived security, but because I felt they mattered. With this work, I could help people, defend justice, and protect the environment. After about 14 years as a federal attorney, my salary is about $186,000.
I charge $2,000 to write a résumé and cover letter
I’d been reviewing résumés for friends, colleagues, and mentees for years. Then, in early 2020, one of my friends said, “You’re really good at this. Have you ever considered it as a career path?”
His question made me realize I had this latent talent that I’d never really considered harnessing. Soon after, the pandemic hit. I was used to traveling about twice a month for work, and when that stopped, I had time to spare.
I signed up for Fiverr and started writing résumés. Initially, I set my prices low, but I soon realized I wanted to emphasize quality over quantity. Today, I charge $2,000 for a résumé and cover letter. I spend many hours reviewing each client’s history and experience to determine the best way to present them in the most favorable light.
The résumé income helps me repair my historic home
Over the past five years, I’ve earned more than $260,000 on Fiverr. I also work directly with clients, so my average annual income from résumés over those years has been about $70,000.
I now live in Seattle, where the cost of homes is very high. I worried I wouldn’t be able to afford a home on just my federal salary alone. The résumé business has enabled me to purchase a historic home and complete the costly renovations it requires, including new flooring, a new roof, and an earthquake-resistant system.
Essentially, the bulk of my résumé income goes toward maintenance and repairs on my home. My federal job pays the mortgage and other essentials.
During the recent federal shutdown, I was furloughed, and résumé writing became especially important. I generated about $18,000 in résumé writing over those six weeks.
My clients keep me doing the work
As an attorney, I work roughly 9-to-5. When I get home, I spend about two to three hours most week nights writing résumés. On weekends, I work on résumés for anywhere from five to 20 hours, depending on my workload.
If that sounds exhausting, it’s because it is. I don’t have much free time, but I’m making a conscious choice to spend it this way. I prioritize sleep and exercise, especially as I age.
The money from résumé writing is wonderful, but what really keeps me engaged are the clients. I worked with a food scientist who held a patent on a famous potato chip, and the vice president of a record label who worked with artists I hear on the radio. My most meaningful job was helping a person living in a domestic violence shelter get a job for the first time, which helped her secure a better future for her family. There’s no way to put the value of that into words or dollars.
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