Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christian Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christian , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

The reason that I started this business was never about money, but about helping people. And while I have helped clients of every racial/ethnic group, gender, and socioeconomic status, I truly enjoy the fact that I can help the black community. Statistically, we are behind financially and professionally, and I am helping to close the earning gap and advance black men and women one consultation at a time.

I recently had a client secure employment at Google as an Account Executive. During our consultation, she informed me that she had her eyes on a role at Google. One thing I am, is honest and direct. I assured her that I would sell her skillset to the best of my ability, but that Google is extremely competitive and I couldn’t promise that they would contact her. And even if they did, it is not uncommon for candidates to interview for multiple roles before securing an offer.

A few months later, she contacted me to inform me that she indeed had secured role at Google on her first attempt, and that this really spoke to my resume writing ability because Google has < a 1% hire rate. The résumé was key in helping her to get her foot in the door.

Secondly, I had another client during the early stages of my business (December 2018). He was a Transportation Manager at a local company and became the Assistant Director of Operations – Department of Transportation (DoT) for the City of Detroit. He was contacted for the role because of his résumé. They actually informed him that he didn’t necessarily meet all of the qualifications that they were looking for, but when they received his resume and looked at what he had accomplished and how he sold himself, that he could perform the job responsibilities. As a result, he secured about a $42,000 pay increase. I remember getting on Facebook and seeing that this client had purchased a new home and upgraded his wife’s wedding ring! This was truly rewarding to see, as I really truly did change his life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

My name is Christian Williams, and I am a Professional Development Consultant from Metro Detroit, Michigan. Upon graduating with my BSBA/MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy, I began a career in supply chain at a major automotive OEM. After self-reflection and better understanding my career direction, I realized that I was professionally misaligned in my role. Supply chain didn’t interest me, but helping others achieve their career goals did. So, I launched my business in October 2018 and decided to resign from my corporate job in April 2019.

I provide several professional services including resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, cover letters, interview preparation, salary negotiations, biography writing, and career exploration sessions. The major problems I solve for clients are articulating their skillsets and accomplishments on paper to increase their interview traction and secure top roles. I also identify transferrable skillsets to help clients transfer into roles and industries that they may not have direct experience in.

I think a few of the things that I am most proud of is firstly, the fact that I resigned from a job in April 2019 and haven’t looked back or had to return to a traditional 9-5. If I go back, it will be by choice, not force. And secondly, even my own career progression. When I first began the business, I had more entry-level clients that were in my age/race demographic. Over the last four years, I have helped clients ranging from recent college graduates and entry-level analysts to directors, vice-presidents, and CEOs.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Actually, yes. Years ago, I would’ve never talked about this publicly. Now, I use it as a testimony and source of encouragement for others. When I was employed at the automotive OEM, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), within just just 4-5 months of employment. I personally did not think that this was fair, because we were told in training that it would take nearly 6 months to a year before we truly understood what we were doing. So why was I being placed on a PIP within less than six months?

Regardless, my performance improved and I refused to allow a company to dismiss me on their terms. Within a few months, I was removed from the PIP and received a significant raise and annual bonus! My Senior Manager at the time even acknowledged that this was commendable because usually about 90% of people placed on PIPs either were eventually terminated or they resign because the role was simply not a good fit, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cjwconsultinggroup.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/cjwconsulting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CJWConsultingDetroit
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjwlmsmba/

Image Credits
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