Welcome to the Absolute Advantage -- website of Jan Melnik -- where we'll help give you the absolute advantage when it comes to job search, resume writing, and career management. "You'll never get a second chance to make a first impression." You've heard it often. And it's key. Be sure the first impression you make is your best and gives you the absolute advantage in this competitive market! Ready to be inspired? It's your career. It's your life. Let's get started!


The Door Opener: A Distinctive, Branded Resume
Let us help you prepare a branded resume that presents your quantifiable skills, specific qualifications, and detailed accomplishments concisely and effectively. A resume cannot be a career "obituary" -- it must sizzle with promise for what you can do to help an organization achieve its objectives. It is your value proposition. And, to be most effective, it must be uniquely you, be totally authentic, and clearly present your distinctive brand. You must display transferable skills and core competencies that speak to the reader and compel him or her to bring you in for the interview -- which is the whole point of a resume and cover letter.

You Have One Opportunity
Your resume must be able to capture the attention of the human resource professional, recruiter, or hiring authority, generally in under 30 seconds. To demonstrate a probable match between your candidacy and the job opportunity at hand, it is essential that a resume be easy to read and understand, accurate, and error-free. It must provide sufficient information to give a strong picture of your qualifications without overwhelming the reader with detail. And it must present your skills and accomplishments positively, professionally, and with immediate relevancy to potential employers.

Our Capabilities - Your Story
We are equally experienced and comfortable working with clients at all levels -- from recent graduates to CEOs. After all, the need for a professional resume (and a career search to be successful) is no different for someone earning $30K than it is for someone earning in excess of $400K. We specialize in working with senior executive-level clients, C-suite candidates, managers, and professionals and have expertise in numerous disciplines ranging from sales/marketing, high-tech environments, and manufacturing to education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial careers. We invite prospective clients to take advantage of our free assessment service (Please see "Client Services").

Be certain that the professional you engage possesses the right credentials and experience to assist you with your career search and understands what today's hiring authorities are seeking in qualified candidates. You must have a well-written, accomplishment-driven, and personally branded resume that is results-oriented and clearly demonstrates your transferable skill portfolio. Core competencies and distinguishing performance characteristics must be included in a qualifications summary/profile. Be certain that your resume works effectively via e-mail and on the internet as well as in paper presentation.




Jan Melnik is a Master Resume Writer, Credentialed Career Manager, and Certified Professional Resume Writer. She is President of Absolute Advantage (in practice since 1983), author of top-selling resume and business start-up books, including "Executive's Pocket Guide to ROI Resumes and Job Search," and contributor to more than three dozen career and resume books. She holds two undergraduate degrees in business, is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Maryland, and is a master's degree candidate at Wesleyan University. "Our business is making you look good" -- and we want to help you be as successful as possible in developing the right suite of career management tools that will assist you in competing for the right opportunity.

We'd love an opportunity to assist you. Let's get started. Give us a call today!