First we quiet the noise.
Then we decide the direction.
From there we build the evidence.
Top Margin helps experienced professionals develop stronger résumés and career documents through a more thoughtful, strategic process; one that begins with clarity, direction, and evidence—before writing begins.
What Makes Us Different
We start at the top margin—where thinking begins before writing does.
Top Margin is a résumé writing business built around a more deliberate process. Before documents are written, we step back to clarify direction, uncover evidence, and shape the narrative that will support the move ahead.
We examine what led you here, where you stand today, and what your next move is truly asking of you.
As clarity develops, so does the positioning, the evidence, and the narrative—sharper, truer, and more precisely yours.
That is what makes the difference.
The Top Margin Method
Reflection → Direction → Evidence → Narrative → Execution
A human-centred framework for thoughtful career positioning.
Different starting points. One thoughtful process.
Whether you are starting afresh, navigating a significant executive move, or returning to revitalise an existing narrative, there are several ways to work with us.
For new clients:
The Intentional Career Experience
A guided, self-paced, video-led experience to clarify direction, uncover your strongest evidence, and develop career documents with depth, strategy, and substance. → Explore
The Executive Career Advisory Experience
The same core experience, with an added layer of executive-level strategic support from Larry Howard for higher-stakes decisions, transitions, and next-step thinking. → Explore
Exclusively for returning Top Margin clients:
The Career Repositioning Experience
For professionals whose experience is established, but whose direction, emphasis, or positioning now needs more thoughtful recalibration. → Explore
The Career Update Pathway
For returning clients who need their existing narrative and documents brought up to date within the newer Top Margin framework. → Explore
Built on experience. Refined through practice.
Top Margin has supported senior professionals, managers, and executives since 1990.
Behind the work is Gayle Howard; résumé writer, strategist, author, trainer, and long-standing industry leader, with decades of experience helping accomplished professionals express their value with greater clarity, strength, and precision. That experience includes national and international industry recognition, published books and resources, multiple professional certifications, and a body of work shaped through real client outcomes.
That depth informs every stage of the work — from early reflection and strategic direction through to the narrative that appears on the page.
Client Reflections
What clients notice early is the difference in the thinking.
A few reflections from those who have experienced the work
Thank you for producing such an amazing set of documents and a project / experience that was nothing like I have ever experienced. The whole process can only be surmised as slick, professional and very well structured.
Ben
General Manager, Transport & Logistics
I’d been applying for roles I knew I could smash—but I wasn’t getting traction. Gayle cut through the noise. The resume she delivered positioned me as a serious contender from page one. Two weeks later, I landed an interview—and the offer soon after. Worth every cent.
Dave T.
Program Manager
A résumé should never feel manufactured
It should sound like the person behind it.
Clear. Honest. Distinctive.
Unmistakably human. Unmistakably you.