Computer information systems sophomore Johann Beishline co-founded LineShed, which is a company that helps unemployed people obtain jobs. (Photo by Cameron Tattle)A desire to combat unemployment led two entrepreneurs to create a résumé and public relations firm.
Computer information systems sophomore Johann Beishline and Melbourne Business School graduate Ronjon Bhattacharya created LineShed because they noticed that many people seeking jobs did not know how to create a résumé.
“(If I’m a hiring manager), in about five to 20 seconds, I decide if I’m going to interview you or if I’m going to throw you away,” Beishline said. “Getting through that window is really, really important.”
Beishline said he noticed that many of the résumés he reviews don’t have the proper format.
“That reflects poorly on your character,” he said.
Beishline said including numbers in a résumé can make people appear more clear, yet many résumés don’t include this information.
The company launched in July and has helped 56 clients since, Bhattacharya said. All but two of their clients now have jobs.
Beishline said they plan on expanding to e-books and electronic media in the future. Their e-book on how to write résumés will be released soon.
The company charges anywhere from $5 a day to $1,200 or more for services like résumé writing, interviews and LinkedIn profile advice.
The pair donates 25 percent of its services to helping the unemployed.
LineShed partners with companies like Dress for Success, which provides interview clothes and services for low-income women, for their services, Beishline said.
This partnership allows the company to work with more people, he said.
LineShed’s clientele consists of mid-career professionals who lost their jobs or want to switch careers, he said
Bhattacharya said he started LineShed because he wanted to give back.
He left his job as a hiring manager for Bain Capital, a management firm founded by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, to make a difference.
“What LineShed is really is a way to help people out,” Bhattacharya said.
He said the company gets most of its business through word-of-mouth.
Bhattacharya and Beishline work out of Co+Hoots, a collaborative working space located in downtown Phoenix.
Co+Hoots director of operations Kelsey Wong said the space supports entrepreneurs during the exploratory stage of business growth.
Wong introduced Bhattacharya to LineShed’s web developer.
“(Bhattacharya) is the perfect example of collaboration,” she said.
Bhattacharya said students should focus their résumés and start getting experience working.
“Your experience matters a lot more than your GPA,” he said.
Reach the reporter at mncosta1@asu.edu
