We recently connected with Joana Donovan and have shared our conversation below.

Joana, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started you own firm sooner?

If I could travel back in time, I wouldn’t hesitate to start this business 10 years earlier. Back then, I was at an identity crossroads—like so many professionals, I was figuring out who I was while simultaneously reinventing myself. My career was a patchwork of experiences in different industries, each offering a lesson or skill that I couldn’t fully appreciate. Financial constraints limited my ability to pursue additional education or certifications, and finding an economic path forward was a constant challenge.

My parents instilled a sense of entrepreneurship early, and I experimented with various business models over the years. But something truly clicked once I stepped into resume writing and career coaching. It’s been the most successful and rewarding venture I’ve pursued—a perfect intersection of my passion for helping others and my professional expertise.
The growth would have been transformative had I started this journey a decade ago. I imagine having a more significant following and a robust referral base by now, with a business easily reaching six figures. I’d likely have a team of employees, enabling me to handle the volume of clients with such a strong foundation.

Yet, looking back, I also realize the importance of the winding path I’ve taken. You can’t simply declare, “I’m a writer, hire me,” and expect to succeed in this industry. This work requires more: credibility, lived experience, and the ability to foster that all-important “Know, Like, and Trust” factor with clients. My journey—filled with career changes, industry exposure, and lessons learned—equipped me to offer the support and advocacy my clients need.

While I wish I’d started sooner to reap the benefits of early momentum, I also acknowledge that those 10 years of exploration were vital. They gave me the tools to build a business on skill, authenticity, and wisdom. Starting earlier might have sped up success, but the journey shaped the professional I am today—and for that, I’m deeply grateful.

Joana, 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?

About Me and Propel Resume and Career Services

Hi, I’m Joana Donovan, the founder of Propel Resume and Career Services, LLC, located in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida. I specialize in providing tailored resume writing, cover letter creation, LinkedIn optimization and training, interview preparation, and career coaching services. My mission is simple: to help professionals at every stage of their careers—from college graduates to seasoned executives—position themselves for rewarding opportunities, negotiate better compensation, and find clarity in their career journey.

I came into this field through a winding yet invaluable career path. My sense of entrepreneurship inspired me to explore various business models. However, it wasn’t until I discovered resume writing and career coaching that I found my true passion. I’ve always had a knack for storytelling and a deep understanding of how to help people articulate their values. Pairing those skills with years of experience across industries, I’ve built a business that thrives on collaboration, authenticity, and measurable results for my clients.

What Sets Propel Apart

The personalized, collaborative approach I bring to every client interaction makes Propel Resume and Career Services different. Crafting career tools isn’t just about listing qualifications—it’s about telling a compelling story. I believe in empowering my clients through strategic branding, highlighting their unique skills and experiences while aligning with their career goals. My clients trust me to write their resumes and help them navigate the job market confidently and effectively.

I also integrate a sanity-saving approach to the job search process. Searching for a job can be overwhelming, but with Propel, my clients feel supported and equipped to tackle every step of their career transition. Whether it’s helping them reframe their experiences for a new industry, guiding them through tricky interview prep, or optimizing their LinkedIn profiles for maximum visibility, I’m here to simplify and strategize alongside them.

The Problems I Solve

I work with clients facing a range of challenges, including:

Career transitions: Whether pivoting to a new industry or aiming for a promotion, I help them reframe their experience to match their goals.

Job search struggles: From overcoming ATS roadblocks to crafting attention-grabbing resumes and LinkedIn profiles, I ensure they stand out.

Confidence barriers: Many clients come to me wondering how to market themselves. I empower them with the tools and strategies to feel confident in their value.

Interview preparation: I provide customized coaching to help clients articulate their stories, handle tough questions, and leave lasting impressions.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m incredibly proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing someone land a dream job, transition into a new role, or negotiate a better salary with the tools we’ve developed together. I’ve had clients return years later to share their continued successes and refer their friends and family—a testament to the lasting impact of our work together.

What I Want You to Know

Propel Resume and Career Services isn’t just a transactional business—it’s a partnership. When you work with me, you gain a dedicated advocate committed to your success. I draw on my experiences of career reinvention and industry exploration to provide realistic, actionable guidance.

My goal is to help you not only land the job but build a career you’re proud of. Whether navigating your first post-graduate job, shifting industries, or aiming for the C-suite, I’ll be your partner in showcasing your brilliance to employers who value your talents.

If you’re ready to Propel your career forward, I’d love to connect and help you take the next step. Let’s make your career dreams a reality! www.propelresume.com

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

LinkedIn has been my best source of new clients, hands down. It’s the perfect platform for connecting with professionals looking to advance their careers or transition into new roles. By consistently sharing valuable insights, showcasing client success stories, and offering actionable advice on career development, I’ve built trust and established Propel Resume and Career Services as a go-to resource for job seekers.

What makes LinkedIn particularly effective is the direct engagement it fosters. People reach out not just because they need a resume or career coaching but because they feel connected to my expertise and approach. I’ve created genuine, meaningful interactions that often lead to long-term client relationships by leveraging features like LinkedIn articles, posts, and even personalized messages.

Additionally, my speaking engagements have been instrumental in reaching new audiences and sharing my expertise. I’m a regular guest speaker for the Society of Technical Communications (STC.org) and participate in local conferences where I guide teens and college graduates in navigating their career paths. These opportunities allow me to inspire young professionals to take actionable steps toward building their futures while demonstrating the value of career planning and personal branding. These speaking engagements strengthen my connection with the community and reinforce my passion for helping others succeed.

LinkedIn’s professional community, combined with the visibility and credibility gained through public speaking, has been key to growing my business and making a meaningful impact in the lives of my clients.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been rooted in advocacy and partnership. I don’t just provide a service; I become a support system for my clients, helping them navigate the often overwhelming process of career transitions. Many of my clients come to me emotionally wrapped up in the challenges of employment separation—whether it’s the sting of a layoff, the uncertainty of a career change, or the pressure to move up the ladder. This emotional weight can make it difficult for them to see their strengths or envision their next steps.

By taking a partnership approach, I offer more than practical tools—I provide guidance, encouragement, and clarity. Together, we break through imposter syndrome, field their questions, and uncover their unique strengths and stories. I help them find their voice, allowing them to approach the job search process with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. This personalized, collaborative approach makes me more valuable than the national brands that offer low-cost, cookie-cutter services. Where those companies provide templates, I deliver tailored strategies. I invest time in understanding my client’s goals and challenges, ensuring their career tools reflect their unique stories and resonate with hiring managers.

This partnership doesn’t end with a polished resume or LinkedIn profile. I’m at the finish line, celebrating with them when they land the position they’ve worked so hard for. My clients know they’re not going through this journey alone and that advocacy and support are at the core of what Propel Resume and Career Services stands for. This deep, collaborative relationship builds trust, fosters success, and ultimately drives the growth of my business through referrals and long-term connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.propelresume.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propelresume/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PropelResume/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanadonovan/
• Other: Tik Tok: @joanadonovan