INFOCUS

Alana Henry, founder of The Writique

THE WRITIQUE PROVIDES

CAREER-ADVANCING MAGIC

WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT / PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

With a knack for communication and forward thinking, Alana Henry gives clients the tools to reinvent themselves—and their lives.

This woman-owned business helps you achieve success and a gratifying career through résumé writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, cover letter writing, and more. Each person is unique, and the staff treat them as such, with a personalized process from the start. The Writique analyzes their clients’ needs and offer ideas and recommendations based on various factors, like how long you’ve been out of the workplace (if at all), if you are changing careers, or if you are entering the workforce for the first time.

“LinkedIn is a professional networking tool. A lot of recruiters are searching for a professional LinkedIn profile that makes candidates stand out,” explains Alana Henry, owner of The Writique. “It is critical that a LinkedIn profile is written well and targeted to their specific industries, so those individuals pop up on targeted platforms. We also help with documents like thank you letters, e-notes, and professional bios.” Henry has an extensive background in writing and communication as a journalist and English teacher. She understands the importance of telling a story that connects with the audience. “Most job seekers have a simple résumé that serves as a duties list,” says Henry. “But a simple résumé doesn’t tell all of who you are and the value you bring to a prospective employer.” Henry considers the writing from the reader’s perspective.

Originally from Kansas City, Henry grew up in the urban core where

the median household income was under $30,000, and many students attended schools without the resources they needed to think about life after high school.

“I earned my broadcast journalism degree from the University of Missouri in 2011, with a minor in Spanish,” explains Henry. “I joined an organization called Teach for America, which places teachers in schools around the country. I was part of their 2011 corps program and taught in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.” After completing the program, Henry married her now husband, taught English for a few years in the Rio Grande Valley, and had their first daughter. She decided to stay home and use her skills to write for hire.

“My company was originally called Alana’s Writing and Editing Services,” says Henry. “I worked on statements, grants, essays, résumés—anything. Then I found a niche in résumé writing. I had always loved working with my students to help them think about their life trajectory and career development.”

Henry enjoyed working with many underserved and underprivileged individuals in Texas to assist in developing their career path, not just getting a job. She spent time designing curriculum and activities that centered on life mapping and life planning. Henry moved to Indiana in 2017, and she and her husband came up with her new company name, The Writique. After living and working for a few years in Indianapolis, they moved back home to Midtown Kansas City in April 2021.

When thinking about a résumé, Henry says to identify a clear target for your job search, whether by profession or industry. Speak to the needs of that employer. If this becomes a challenge, consider seeking the help of a professional—but be sure to vet your résumé writer. Testimonials and reviews are important, and consider a certified writer who may have had more professional training.

“Many of my clients have résumés that are simply a duty list or glorified job description. An employer wants to know the value you bring to them,” continues Henry. “Make sure you stand out. Make sure you keep track of any data about your efficiency. Keep a ‘brag file’ on a Google Doc or folder. If your performance reviews are good, put a copy in there. If your manager has something good to say about you, include that. Any data on an initiative or project you did is great to give to your résumé writer.”

For example, this means if you are a dental assistant you want to be the best dental assistant on the planet, not just another telephone answerer or appointment maker. Explain how you established a process or a system that improved the customer experience or the company. Did you set up a play area for children, developed a new customer care program, or streamlined billing? A strong résumé will tell the reader what sets you apart.

“I have a fact-specific style. I bring this strength into everything I write, which is why customers have had such a great experience with our company, and why we have had success in our placement of candidates,” reiterates Alana. “We connect and tell their story.”

Client Stephanie Sweer says about her time with The Writique: “This was an amazing experience. Just the first draft alone gave me such a boost of confidence to apply to jobs and to hopefully land myself a job. I already received an interview.”

“Just the first draft alone gave me such a boost of confidence to apply to jobs.”

The Writique, LLC • thewritique.com • 317.207.0224 SIMPLYkc special: 15% off with code SIMPLYKC