Hastings Business Service is an independently owned and operated resume service. I began operations on May 9, 1996.

     As a published freelance writer and a freelance editor, I have long experience, going back to my student years, in putting words and proposals together. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, student, or retiree, I will help you present professional, high-quality material.

     I know the demands and deadlines that job candidates face. My aim is to help you make your material look and sound better — and make it stand out. I have a strong record of successfully achieving this aim. See Testimonials page.

Jim Hastings
Owner

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     A little background: I spent most of my growing-up years in Northbrook, IL, and a few in Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties, MI. Between 1980 and 2001, I lived in Boston, MA, three times — for a total of about 18 years.

     From 1996 to 1999, I operated the business in Traverse City, MI. Then I went back to Boston for a little over two years and took the business with me. In 2001, I relocated to Huntsville, AL, and have run the business from this location since then. Most calls come from this area, but I also continue serving my former communities, thanks to telephone and e-mail. In fact, because of this Web site and referrals from satisfied customers, I have served job candidates in many states beyond the local advertised area — all the way to the West Coast.

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     People sometimes ask whether I majored in English. No — although I'm confident I would have done well at it, since my teachers recognized my language skills when I was still a preadolescent. And I can truly say that I have proved to be more than a match for a number of English majors with degrees.

     I majored in music. During this period, I auditioned twice for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, training school of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, winning both auditions. Yet, by age 20, I was beginning to feel that orchestra playing was too confining and just didn't suit my individualistic type. At 21, I decided to resign my chair and regain my freedom. Whoever my replacement was, I'm sure he or she was delighted to get that call from the administration, saying that there was an opening.

     My philosophy: If you don't like the job, get out. Someone, somewhere, wants it and will like it.

     In the early 1990s, I had several op-ed pieces published in major American newspapers, including The San Diego Union-Tribune and the Boston Herald. Since then, I haven't had much time for my own writing, because I've been busy helping job-seekers, students, and some authors with their writing.