Kathryn Troutman founded Resume Place, the United States' first Federal resume-writing and coaching business, more than 30 years ago. She is the pioneering designer of the Federal Resume format, created after the Federal government eliminated the SF-171 form in 1995. In January 2002, she created the Ten Steps to a Federal Job® method after 9/11, which created massive interest in Federal positions to help protect America.In addition to her resume writing and coaching business, Troutman has written and published more than 30 successful books (including multiple editions) on Federal Resume Writing over the last 20 years, becoming the No. 1 Author of Federal resume books and gaining the title, Federal Resume Guru. Her books are regularly recognized as the best in Careers and Reference in competitions for publishers. For instance, in 2021, the best-selling Federal Resume Guidebook, 7th Edition, took the top Gold Award for Reference in IPBA's Ben Franklin Awards. Creating Your First Resume has been honored with four awards over the years.

Her books are innovative. Now in its 4th Edition, the multiple award-winning Student's Federal Career Guide was the earliest book for students seeking Federal careers and internships. For her The Stars Are Lined Up for Military Spouses (now in 2nd Edition), Troutman created a new Federal resume format specifically for military spouses which cleverly highlights their unique experiences and expertise.