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

Janine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents migrated from Panama, the Republic of Panama, to the United States in 1987. I was the only child at the time, and Panama was starting to experience political unrest. While my parents had stability in the country, they decided to leave because they did not want to experience the harmful effects of political unrest; like increased violence, corruption, inequality, and socioeconomic hardship. They wanted to provide me with opportunities that the United States offered. Moving to America and becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is one example of my parents’ actions that impacted and shaped my life. Furthermore, the most impactful demonstration of love my parents showed my younger sisters and me was presenting us with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that some plant the seed, others water, but it is God who gives the increase. My parents planted and watered the seeds of salvation in my life at a young age. I’m grateful because I now know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and strive to be obedient to His word, a living example of my faith, and a light to others. This was the ultimate gift and most important legacy my parents provided.

Janine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Certified Federal Career Coach and Certified Federal Job Search Trainer. My business, Resumes By Neen, LLC, provides resume and career coaching services for individuals transitioning from a private sector to a government job. We also provide resume services for service members transitioning from the military into a federal or civilian or federal role. My business is set apart from other Resume Services because we specialize in federal government resume writing only. Initially, I began by crafting resumes for all positions; however, niching down allowed me to perfect my craft and stand out as a resume-writing business. Imagine having a heart condition and going to a Podiatrist instead of a Cardiologist. Although the Podiatrist is a licensed physician, he does not know the heart’s ins and outs. He knows some things, but his specialty is feet. On the contrary, a Cardiologist specializes in heart matters and can address specific heart issues. Likewise, a federal resume writer like myself addresses federal job announcements, application processes, federal interviewing and salary negotiation, and best practices of federal resume writing.

I started my business as a side hustle, helping family and friends. As I progressed, I realized resume writing is a high-demand service. I decided to name my business Resumes By Neen because Neen is the nickname my friends and family call me. I want my clients to have a personable experience when they encounter my brand.

In January 2021, I transitioned from the corporate sector into the role of a full-time entrepreneur. I could not do this without the help of God, my supportive family, and my team. Building a business has taught me to remain focused and move at my own pace. I’ve learned that life is not a race.

I want the world to know that this may be the first time you hear about Resumes By Neen, LLC, but it will not be the last. My business is evolving daily. This is my calling and my purpose. I’m passionate about clients landing federal employment, and I plan to change the world one federal resume at a time.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’m an introvert by nature; I probably would not be on social media if I didn’t have a business. It’s hard to believe, but sometimes social media can be exhausting. However, we live in a social media age. Everyone and their grandma is on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. As a business owner, I had to step out of my comfort zone to use social media for marketing my business. I’ve built a significant following on social media. I did this by being authentic and providing value through tips. Additionally, I provide humor in the form of jobseeker or workplace jokes.

The most important tip I can provide to those starting to build their social media presence is to be yourself, build trust with your audience, and show up! No one will know about your business if you’re hiding. When you’re building your page, you must show up every day and multiple times a day. Don’t get wrapped up in likes and followers because they do not equal paid invoices. Focus on interacting, making a connection, and reaching out to individuals to build a relationship that will eventually bring multiple sales.

Furthermore, you have to identify who your audience is, how they expect to receive content, and the time of day they view posts so you’re not posting aimlessly. Your audience is waiting for you to show up. Don’t overthink it. You’re the expert, so post content that displays your expertise.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I have a team, but I don’t consider myself a manager. I’m a leader. There is no task my team members complete that I do not know how to complete myself. This is because I built my business from the ground up. Not only am I experienced in all aspects of my business operations, but I’ll jump in any time and help. Serving my clients is excellent, but I take pride in serving and helping my team members. An anonymous quote says, “If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you.” I lead by ensuring my team is doing well. I know from experience that our personal lives can affect our morale and overall disposition. As a result, I often start conversations with “how are you” and end with “please let me know how I can support you or help.” My team knows that I’m here for them. I also ask my team for feedback on how I can improve my organization. My advice for leading a team and maintaining high morale is simple –have empathy, be human, and treat others how you want to be treated.

Contact Info:

• Website: resumesbyneen.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/resumesbyneen
• Facebook: facebook.com/resumesbyneen
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/JanineWiggins
• Other: TikTok: tiktok.com/@resumesbyneen