Welcome to the

We Do It All

Based in the Bay Area, we provide end-to-end Career Development Services for professionals of all levels of experience and across all industries.

  • Career Counseling
  • Resume Writing
  • Job-Search Consulting

We outshine the competition in terms of quality, depth of service, and results, but it’s our BrightSide approach that clients appreciate the most.

With BrightSide, you get a career coach, employment therapist, job-market knowledgebase, and your own personal storyteller, all in one.

Brian L.

Brightside gave me faith, hope, and confidence when I had none.

James M.

BrightSide’s laid back but knowledgeable approach made looking for work a lot easier. They’re like an oasis in the desert.

Denae
Tell Us Your Story

Solutions for Every Phase of Your Job-Search

PHASE 1:

Nationally Certified Professional Career Counseling

We're Nationally Certified Counselors (NCCs) with a master's degree in Career Counseling, plus years of experience offering professional career coaching and career guidance to professionals, career transitioners, and students.


Career Counseling Services Include:

  • 1-on-1 Career Counseling
  • Career Transition Strategy
  • Career Launchpad
  • Career Assessments
Learn More National Certified Counselor

PHASE 2:

Nationally Certified
Professional Resume Writing

We're not just expert resume writers delivering highly personalized, top-shelf professional resume services; we're the only company on the planet to have won the 'World's Best Resume Writer' competition. No, really, it's a thing. And we won it.


Resume Writing Services Include:

  • Resume Strategy & Content
  • Resume Formatting & Design
  • All-Inclusive Resume Packages
  • LinkedIn Profiles
  • Cover Letters
Learn More Nationally Certified Resume Writer

PHASE 3:

Nationally Certified
Job-Search Coaching

We've served as a respected job-search coach and job-hunting expert for years, helping our clients with online and offline networking and lead generation to navigate the toughest of economies (including this one!) and come out on top.


Job-Search Services Include:

  • Job-Search Video Course
  • LinkedIn Coaching
  • Interview Coaching
Learn More Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert

We Facilitate Growth & Change

Let us guide you in preparing for transition, navigating new terrain, keeping sane, elevating your perceived value, and getting people to notice you.

We want you to progress confidently into the next chapter of your life. Each of our services builds on the others. We’re always thinking one step ahead, so you’ll be as prepared as possible.

I had no idea how much my confidence had waned until I started working with BrightSide. They built me back up. They had me covered every step of the way.

Tran T.

You guys are the best. All that guesswork of what to do next, where to turn… GONE! Thanks for shining a light on the path, BrightSide!

Jake J.

The great thing about BrightSide is once we finished up the resume, they had additional services already lined up! I went with interview coaching and that wonderful job-search course!

Priya S.
Tell Us Your Story

Why Choose BrightSide?

Local Market Knowledge

As Bay Area natives, we know the markets, trends, major players, unspoken rules, and backdoors inherent to San Francisco, East Bay, North Bay, South Bay, and Silicon Valley, and we can give you an edge on the competition.

Professional Credentials

We're quadrupled-certified in masters-level psychology-based counseling, career coaching, resume writing, and online job-search consulting, we've won all the top industry awards, and appeared on NPR's California Report.

Storytelling Excellence

Drawing from training in Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Lit/Writing, as well as a belief that every one of us is effortlessly unique, we use the power of storytelling to shift perspectives. When you change your story, you change your life.

Industry Expertise

We've assisted people in getting into and advancing through Tech, AI, Biotech, Healthcare, FinTech, Media, Design, GreenTech, Energy, CPG, Retail, Research, Logistics, and more, including startups, SMBs, and enterprises.

Personalized Service

As a small team who've been working together for years, we've designed a high-touch business model with the right blend of automation, self-paced work, and 1:1 meetings. We never farm out our work; you'll work with the same people all the way through.

Extreme Customer Loyalty

Loyalty goes both ways. We love our clients and go to bat for them, and they come back to us and enthusiastically refer their family and friends. 90% of our customers are repeat clients; we've worked with some people for 10+ years.

Job-Search Insights

We keep up on the latest practices in AI+Hiring, Applicant Tracking Systems, HR, Recruiting, Interviewing, and LinkedIn so you don't have to. We're former Silicon Valley recruiters; we know the game, and how to win it.

Realistically Optimistic

We're here to deliver compassion, optimism, and hope when you need it most, but we're also committed to telling you the truth about where you're at, how you measure up, and what's in front of you.

Proven Results

Our clients not only get jobs, they get out of jobs that are killing them, attract employers and colleagues that inspire them, and find happiness, confidence, and contentment in day-to-day living.

Success at the Highest Level

Having collaborated one-on-one with executives and employees at every level of every organization in every industry, we know exactly what each company is looking for, and how to gain access.

"After working with BrightSide I landed a job with my dream company"

– Jenna, Engineer

"BrightSide tripled my salary. I'm a customer for life. Period."

-Sara, GreenTech Ops

"BrightSide got me a job offer and another interview within 2 weeks."

-Joe, Cloud Administrator

We're Based in the San Francisco Bay Area

golden gate bridge icon

Other career development agencies claim to be local, but they're not, which means they don't know their markets.

BrightSide knows the San Francisco Bay inside and out, from the Tech icons of Silicon Valley, the Peninsula, and South Bay to the feisty startups, social enterprises, and disruptors in SoMa, the Mission, the Financial District, and the East Bay to the laid back wine makers and hoteliers up in Napa.

We've coached clients through all the trends across the years: AI, ML, LLMs, VR/AR, IoT, Data Science, BOPIS, DTC, Digital Transformation, Cleantech, GreenTech, HealthTech, Telehealth, Virtualization, Offshoring, SaaS, SoLoMo...

Change is always in the air. The concepts of work and hiring are shapeshifting like never before.

Who knows what's next! But we'll be here helping people shapeshift their careers and find inspiration to ride the wave of innovation.

But We Work With Everyone Everywhere

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We guide careers, craft personal brands, and coach job-seekers from all over the US.

Our client pool streams in from all over the country: New York, Atlanta, DC, Denver, Chicago, Texas, the Midwest, and Northern and Southern California

We welcome collaboration with anyone seeking employment in The States, including people with and without work VISAs.

We're eager to empower people who don't normally get a seat at the table. We're different. Like you. And we still approach every client as if they're our first.

We enjoy teaming up with people coming through non-traditional career paths, with career pivots, detours, shortcuts, and missteps. Seated in Silicon Valley, we embrace innovation and disruption.

Bring us the challenges you can't solve with AI.

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See What the BrightSide Is All About

Yelp

It was great to work with Cliff and his team on revamping my resume and cover letter. I really enjoyed the exercises and Cliff's perspective on my career. Over the past couple years, I've started to get tunnel-vision and haven't had a chance to...
R. J.
I applied for a job with the new resume Cliff made for me, and got an interview invite 2 hours later. This bodes well for my job search!
Jerome D.
I have a long career with some amazing experiences and solid expertise. My resume is already decent from a content perspective. However, when Cliff and BrightSide were done with my resume, I was so delighted. The way they helped me quantify my acc...
Leslie H.
If I could give Cliff and Brightside more stars, I would. Always a pleasure working with Cliff (I'm a repeat client!) When I worked with Brightside 10 years ago, Cliff re-vamped my resume (which I thought was pretty darn good already!) and turned...
Mark S.
Cliff is a resume miracle-worker. I've tried all the others, he is simply the best! I've been laid off, I've been fired, I've worked in a bunch of different industries in a bunch of different roles, most didn't last long. My career has ended ...
James M.
Cliff and his team at Brightside have been there right alongside me in my career travels for 13 years. Cliff delivered with his personal touch every time he wrote my resume. Having my Brightside Resume and Cliffs Career Coaching is such a confiden...
Joseph C.
Cliff is amazing. For me, he was the combination of a career coach, therapist, job market knowledge base, and resume writer. After having been laid off for the first time, I was lost and confused. I doubted my abilities and had no direction. Cliff...
Brian L.
In thinking of what to write for a review of the services I've received with the entire team at BrightSide, I'm at a bit at a loss. A loss in a good way. I do not know how to fully put into words how beyond pleased I am with the support, level o...
Rachel L.
A close friend gave me Cliff's info after discussing our career paths. I had been seeking some guidance after a year of soul-searching and reflection. He's a true professional and gave me some great direction and feedback. I would refer him to a...
Jonathan L.
In today's job market, ensuring that you present yourself well from the outset can make a huge difference in both landing the right job and making sure that you get paid appropriately. Your resume needs to balance important details about yourself...
Robert D.
I found Cliff through Yelp and was confident he would be the best person to construct a solid resume, especially being recommended by NPR. The process was streamlined and as efficient as possible. Cliff is very personable and really has the patien...
Elite 25
I went to Cliff back in 2017 and he and his team did a wonderful job back then so I decided to to use him again to update my resume. Again, I'm more than satisfied with the end product. He has a way of compiling all the information he asks of you...
Jay Y.
My experience with BrightSide Resumes was amazing. Not only does Cliff provide specific information on careers, he educates his clients about the endless opportunities within job searching. I went into the appointment with many questions regarding...
Jasmine A.
I came to Cliff after working with another resume writer who didn't quite meet my expectations. Cliff and the team at Brightside Resumes have developed a robust process that helped them get to know me better and made me feel proud of my career ac...
Matt C.
I had a 1 hour Career Counseling with Cliff and he was super accommodating and we went over the time by 15 minutes. Cliff really cares about finding the best situation for each person. If you're lost on your career path or need help tuning your r...
Griffith F.
Cliff and his team have been great! With their help I was able to elevate my career which has helped in tripling my salary over the years. I have hired Bright Side on multiple occasions throughout the years, and will continue to go back as my care...
Scotty R.
As a recent graduate, I really needed a resume that reflected my skills/accomplishments and made me an attractive candidate for graduate school, fellowship, and job apps when I get back from Brazil. My experience with Cliff, Julianne, & Brightside...
Jonathan E.
Cliff and his BrightSide team is the 3rd resume writer I have been working with, and I got immediate results. I am extremely satisfied with both the produced content and process. You get what you pay for. BrightSide packages were the most expensiv...
Michael B.
Cliff and his team really are fantastic. I made a pretty major industry pivot moving from education into tech and had virtually no clue how to position myself. I was a resume coach in my grad program, but the world has changed. In the one hour int...
Micah J.
My father has worked the same job since before I was born - almost 35 years! When his company closed a few weeks ago, he submitted the resume Cliff had crafted for him to a large aviation company. That's all it took - one resume submission and th...
Julianne W.
"Your resume was, by far, the best resume we have received." This was said to me during an interview with the Executive Director of an agency. I wasn't surprised, I was a bit overqualified for the position and had expected that my experience st...
Paige B.
I window shopped a few resume writing services before making a decision to go with Brightside and I am glad I did my research. The service was top-notch. Whatever concerns I had with not having a face-to-face meeting with Cliff (they do it over th...
Elite 25
Cliff and team did a great job. Everyone loved the resume. This is the second time using Brightside and won't be the last :)
Ian K.
Cliff's ability to craft a thoughtful and engaging résumé is second to none. Anyone can highlight a person's past achievements and/or previous work experience, but Cliff and BrightSide Resumes go above and beyond -- they use this as an opportuni...
Jason A.
After doing some research, I found Cliff--and I'm so happy I did! He created a fantastic resume on my behalf that was extremely helpful in helping me land my dream role. Cliff and his team are professional, talented, and great to work with. The w...
Reese B.
I worked with Cliff a year ago when he crafted my amazing resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. He also coached me on some interview techniques that greatly increased my confidence. I was feeling very confused and unfocused at the time, so o...
Claudia P.
It is with great joy that I get to revisit my review of Cliff that I wrote (gulp) almost 8 years ago. Can't believe we go back that far, but it's the perfect testament to how fantastic Cliff really is. I'm not embarrassed to admit that I've go...
Courtney D.
Cliff is awesome! I've shown my résumé to many friends and colleagues and still get compliments on it. Top notch service and final product.
Jen F.
I have worked with Cliff multiple times throughout my career. His ability to translate my thoughts and needs into a resume and supporting documents is just so impressive. His writing capabilities are superb: strong, direct and to the point, while ...
Nichole C.

Google

Cliff sets the standard for his services with resumes and consulting your career-search approach. I am thrilled with the end result; the process was informative and enjoyable. I highly recommend BrightSide and will use Cliff again in the future.
Anthony Belisle
If you have a career that may seem nigh-on-impossible to weave a cohesive professional narrative, then gather the details and talk with Cliff.
Donna Fasano
If I could give Cliff and Brightside more stars, I would. Always a pleasure working with Cliff (I'm a repeat client!) When I worked with Brightside 10 years ago, Cliff re-vamped my resume (which I thought was pretty darn good already!) and the re...
Mark Shattuck
Cliff is an absolute wizard when it comes to resume writing! He was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and attentive to my needs. He took the time to understand my background, skills, and goals, and he helped me create a resume that truly sta...
Julien Vergely
I recently had the privilege of working with Cliff as my resume and career coach, and I can't recommend him highly enough. From the outset, he demonstrated a deep understanding of my professional aspirations and tailored his guidance to help me a...
Henry Robinson
Cliff and team helped me put together a fantastic and effective resume. In addition, I found the entire process to be helpful as far as reflecting on my own skills and career. Highly recommend, and now I'm back to have Cliff update my resume and ...
Devin Meadows
Cliff and his entire staff are amazing. Every part of the process of working with BrightSide was seamless and organized, and Cliff was just incredibly delightful to work with. I had gone into my meeting with Cliff feeling pretty demoralized but le...
Sarah Fidelibus
Cliff is amazing. For me, he was the combination of a career coach, therapist, job market knowledge base, and resume writer.
Icarus Fog
I can say that Cliff is a magician! Got 25 calls for my new resume on the first day of sending it out. I am so happy I found Cliff's website and that resume got me an awesome dream job of my life. Cliff does some magic and the resume is perfect!
Dina Smith
Cliff is amazing at what he does. He gets to the heart of who you are as a professional by truly listening to your story with so much empathy and curiosity. Then turning what he learns into a skillful and beautifully polished resume that showcases...
Meghan Vincent-Jones
Cliff is a resume miracle worker! I've tried all the others, he is simply the best! He fixed me when I thought no one could.
james mac
I came to Cliff in 2019 after struggling to find employment that would be anywhere near a livable wage. Feeling dejected, I had a very thorough conversation with him on my employment history and he documented everything into an amazing resume that...
Enrique Canto
Working with Cliff was an absolute pleasure. He is professional, insightful, and incredibly talented at what he does. My resume looks amazing and I feel so much more confident in my job search.
Rachel LUPOLE
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A Note From Our CEO
Re: The BrightSide Philosophy

So what’s the BrightSide all about?

Looking for work is hard.

It can be lonely and depressing. It can be heart-breaking. It can make you rethink who you are and what you have to offer.

Talking with us is going to be different from every conversation you've ever had.

Seriously, how many folks invite you to talk about your work at length, and really want to listen?

Tell us how you’re spending your days… what you’re hoping for when you wake up… what you worry about as you fall asleep.

Tell us the good stuff. And the bad.

Your story is worth talking about.

We’re not here to sugarcoat things, but we’ll find ways to lift you up, to help you remember your greatness and tell your story in a way that will get the world to notice.

At a time when you’re feeling untethered, unappreciated, and unsure, we bring light, levity, movement, and hope. That’s what we do. And we’re darn good at it.

Cliffs Signature

Cliff Flamer
CEO, BrightSide
Read Cliff’s Advice