The ABC's of Resume Writing | "S" is for SEEK

S: Seek Professional Help

Most of you probably agree that writing your resume is not one of your favorite tasks to complete. In fact, most of you probably do not even think about your resume until it is time to look for a new job. If it has been some years since your last career transistion, you may not realize that the “rules” of resume writing have changed. For instance, you no longer list personal information on your resume; you do not necessarily list every job you have had; and you no longer include the phrase “References Available Upon Request.” With these and so many other changes as well as the fact that there is so much more competition in this job market, it may be worth it to seek professional help and engage the services of a professional.

How to choose?

There are literally thousands of professional resume writers in the country and it is my opinion that you should choose a writer that is certified. Certification ensures that the resume writer you select has passed minimum requirements and is committed to the resume writing profession. A certified resume writer should be skilled in the ability to ask you the right questions that will enable them to create a powerful interview-generating resume for you. It is not necessary for the writer you choose to be located in your local area, unless however, you place high importance on meeting the writer face to face. In my practice, I have written resumes for clients as far away as California. Before selecting a writer, request to see samples of their work and ask if they have experience writing resumes for your profession. Also, ask how long they have been in business.

Typical fees

Fees in the resume writing industry vary quite a bit. Depending on your geographical location and profession, you could find prices any where from $100 to more than $800. Just do not let price be your only determining factor when choosing a resume writer. Do your research. Contact other resume writers and request to see samples of their work, ask if they have experience writing resumes for your profession, and ask how long they have been in business.

What to expect?

You should expect a high level of professionalism and ethics from your resume writer. You should also expect your resume writer to be well versed in the latest resume writing trends. The process used to create your new resume should not be complicated. Some resume writers utilize worksheets to gather your information; others capture your information via a face-to-face or phone consultation. Both methods can be effective. Some people believe that your new resume should get you a job. This is a misconception; the resume you receive will not get you a job, but it should generate interviews for you. However, it is important that you use the resume effectively. Don’t just post it on Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com and wait for someone to contact you. Take your new resume and utilize the full spectrum of job search methods available to you, such as applying to relevant classified ads, contacting employers from your “wish list” to inquire about opportunities, attending networking events, and career fairs, and soliciting the help of recruiters.

Keep these tips in mind when seeking help from a professional resume writer.

And that is the art of the job search!