In today’s competitive job market, many jobseekers who used to write their own resumes are now reaching out to professionals to improve their job search results. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t get burned.
1. Template resumes work best for clones.
Each of us is unique —in regard to the value we offer an employer as well as our individual career goals. Be wary of resume mills that promise a complete resume within 24 — 48 hours. A resume created this quickly must surely be a template and those are rarely effective. You need to stand out from the competition to win an interview. How can you differentiate yourself with a resume that looks like everyone else’s?
Make sure you get to speak to the person who will be writing your resume. You want to work with someone who takes the time to get to know you and your individual needs. A successful resume writer will schedule a 60 — 90 minute client intake session to discuss your skills, interests and career goals. Think about it. If they do not know you, how can they possibly market you effectively?
2. “One size fits all” solutions rarely fit all.
Some jobseekers have a clear idea of where they want their career to go and only need a well-written resume to jump start their job search. Others need help focusing their job search efforts, training on how to use social media effectively in their job search, or interview preparation.
Select a professional that offers a variety of services. A la carte options are a great way to customize a package for your individual needs. Why pay for something that you don’t need?
3. Value is not the same as Price.
Make sure you know what you are getting for your money. Be sure to ask these types of questions and make sure you are comfortable with the answers.
– What sort of results do other clients typically experience?
– Does the company offer client testimonials?
– Will you receive your resume electronically so that you can update it yourself in the future — or must you return to the company and pay for future updates?
– Is the resume writer trained on the current best practices?
– Will your resume be optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems?
Your resume writer should be easy to work with and want her clients to succeed. In addition to creating a stellar resume, she should provide tips on effective job search practices and navigating the online application process.
The take-away:
In this highly competitive job market, a professionally written resume can accelerate your job search and result in jobs offers with a higher starting salary. Due your due diligence to make sure you are working with someone reputable, who comes highly recommended.
Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people develop the tools, strategies and confidence to build satisfying careers. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she helps her clients articulate their unique value to stand out from the competition, and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful. www.the-resume-resource.com
In resume writing, less content is almost always better than more. It is important to make your point succinctly and then move on. But brevity poses its own challenge. You must be very intentional with your language and carefully consider every word choice. That is where my professional training and years of writing resumes come in.