Bartlett business owner assists in resume writing, interview skills
An interview with Laura Kuehn, owner, president of Executive Employment Solutions Inc. in Bartlett.
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: I offer applicants help with resume writing, interview coaching and at times job placement. On the employer side, I can help them fill job openings and am also able to offer virtual project assistance to businesses. People don’t realize that the resume they used 10 years ago is not the formatting companies are looking for today which is the reason they need a service to provide assistance. I’ve met with companies and discussed what they look for. In addition, so many people are in need of help when it comes to their interview skills — what to wear, how to shake hands, what to say when asked particular questions and so on.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: I came from 11 years in the staffing industry and after three years of supporting another industry, decided I love helping people create a resume that will get them results as well as helping them feel comfortable with the entire interview process. At times, through the efforts of my networking, I meet companies who are hiring and when I am able to make a “career connection” it is an added benefit.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: The industry I chose to start my business in. The job market in Illinois is still not good and we all know how the state ranks overall in the USA. My biggest obstacle is finding businesses who are willing to pay a fee for my company to help them fill their position.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: I love it when I am able to write a resume that gets the candidate results and my passion is preparing candidates for their interview process so they feel comfortable and know how to handle themselves in a professional manner without the jitters.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young?
A: I never would have imagined myself meeting with people and helping them with the tools they need to find a career, although, I always knew I wanted to help people in some way. I always thought I would be a dental hygienist and here I ended up in sales and service!
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Thinking outside the box about how I can change things up so I myself get the results I want for my business
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Always be creative in your thinking, step out of your comfort zone, expand your thoughts and try new things until you find what works.
— Kim Mikus
Ÿ Every Monday we feature a small, suburban business. We would like to hear about yours. Email Kim Mikus at kmikus@dailyherald.com.
Business: Executive Employment Solutions Inc.
Town: Bartlett
Owner: Laura Kuehn
Year business started: September 2011
Web address: executiveemploymentsolutions.com
Email address: laurak@executivees.com