Amy Favro, a mother of three from Australia's Central Coast, has turned a resume and cover letter writing side hustle into a business generating $250,000 annually. Favro, 31, began the venture after being made redundant from her administration job in 2020, pivoting her existing side business into her primary source of income. The timing coincided with a surge in demand as the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread job losses and a need for career assistance.
Within the first three months of dedicating herself to the business, Favro reported earning $75,000. She initially advertised her services on Airtasker, with resumes priced at $50. As her client base and reputation expanded, Favro gradually increased her rates, with current resume prices reaching up to $250, depending on the client's experience and needs. The time required for each resume varies, from two to three hours for a school leaver to a full day for complex applications, such as those for government roles.
Favro noted three distinct groups increasingly seeking her services. Teachers looking to transition out of the education sector often require help translating their classroom skills to different industries. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, also frequently use her services, often seeking to advance their careers or move into related roles. Additionally, tradespeople, from apprentices to experienced workers, are turning to her for assistance.
Navigating the AI Landscape
The industry has been significantly impacted by artificial intelligence, which Favro identifies as a major pitfall for jobseekers. She observed a notable dip in business when generative AI tools like ChatGPT became widely accessible, offering instant, free resume and cover letter creation. However, she believes this trend is reversing as employers and job applicants become wary of generic, identical content produced by AI.
"The standout now is actually writing it yourself, or having someone write for you, but having that human element to it," Favro stated. She advises against relying solely on AI for applications, suggesting it can be a useful tool for generating initial ideas but should not replace the personal touch. Favro emphasizes the importance of a human element to make an application stand out.
Favro recommends that jobseekers make their resumes easy to scan, highlighting key achievements, metrics, and position titles without unnecessary jargon or sections. Cover letters, she advises, should complement the resume by explaining the applicant's motivation for the role and their unique value proposition, rather than simply repeating information already present.
Business Growth and Future Outlook
Favro manages the workload by hiring subcontractors when demand exceeds her capacity, rather than employing a large permanent staff. This flexible approach allows her to work from home and balance her professional life with her family responsibilities, a flexibility she values as some employers roll back remote work policies.
Looking ahead, Favro acknowledges the potential for AI to further disrupt her industry. She has already expanded her skill set to include copywriting, website development, branding, SEO, and social media management. She has also considered career coaching and assists her husband with his business operations. Favro's adaptability is a trait she encourages in her clients who are seeking career changes, advising them to identify enjoyable aspects of their current roles to guide their future career paths.
"If resume writing disappeared tomorrow, she said she wouldn't be afraid to pivot again."