Who Should Write Your Resume?

This is a question we get a lot. It seems rather easy to do it yourself if you have access to a word processing program and printer and feel comfortable writing your job history.

I always wrote my own resumes over the years, for 10 successful job changes up the career ladder, as well as in 4 different states. Inherently I knew a few things about resumes ? number one being to write each resume to fit the specific job and employer. I rarely wrote what I call a "generic" resume. One time in my career I sent 6 resumes out at one time to 6 different employers, but all were for the same job title. I was successful in landing my desired job in a short period of time.

I never thought resume writing would be difficult for folks, but after 23 years as a hiring manager and supervisor of staff looking to move ahead, I was amazed by people's indifference, lack of knowledge and level of discomfort in writing their resume. Most did not have a resume, and those that did, were poorly done. Some applicants actually panicked at the thought of having to bring or send a resume. As a hiring manager, I was more apt to select a candidate who presented herself well on paper, as well as in the interview. A well written resume speaks to the applicant's interest in the position and subliminally implies how well the applicant will do in the job.

I saw very few of what I would call good resumes, and only a handful of excellent resumes. If you are seeking a job where there is a lot of competition, it is critical to have a resume that stands out. If you want your resume to stay in the pile at the top, and not hit the trash can, your resume must catch the manager's eye. Most people include too much information in their resume ? you should never lie on your resume, but there is no law that says you must include everything (that's what employment applications are for).

I used to hate job objectives ? they were either too broad and not job specific, or not well written. They told me the applicant hadn't given a thought about the job they were seeking. Job objectives must be job specific, or don't include one. If it can be job specific and employer specific, that's best.

Most professional resume writers have taken courses, read books and articles and spent a great deal of time learning and honing their craft. They join organizations to obtain continued education on the topic of resume writing. Choosing a professional resume writer leverages your chances of getting that interview. Presentation, word choice, what information to include or exclude for the specific job/specific employer are just a few of the "tricks of the trade" of the professional resume writer. Seeking an expert results in an expert resume.

If you choose to write your own resume, prepare the information you include carefully. Learn all you can about your prospective employer. Today, almost every company has a website, search it carefully for hints on the culture and mission of the organization, and use that information as you carefully write your skills and accomplishments. If your prospective employer is a for profit company, remember to include all activities in your previous employments that increased profits.

Presentation of the information is key. Make sure there are no misspelled words or poor grammar. Have someone who is good at spelling and grammar proofread your resume. Use quality paper, and make sure it is clean and un-creased. No gimmicks or "cutesy" type.

If you choose a professional resume writer, have all of your job and education history available. Know the job and employer, if possible. It is much easier and more successful to write a targeted resume. Think about your skills and qualifications. Ask co-workers and friends about your talents and accomplishments. Don't be shy, be prepared to "toot your own horn"! Telling the professional resume writer more than they need is better than not sharing enough information. After all, the resume writer's goal is for you to get the interview (and therefore, the job)through this resume.

Joan Ridley Lighthouse Resumes http://www.lighthouseresumes.com Member, NRWA (National Resume Writer's Association)

Joan has 23 years experience as a hiring manager and has interviewed and hired hundreds of applicants during her career. She has presented interview workshops, and maintains an ongoing quest for continued learning for self and others. Her supervisory positions offered her the opportunity to help staff grow and move up the career ladder.

---

Working with Recruiters: 5 Critical Words for Candidates

As professional recruiters working both retained and contingency search assignments,... Read More

How NOT to Write a Resume

You can learn a lot about how to do something... Read More

Resume Layouts ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Options for Resume LayoutsThere are many options of available to... Read More

Using Journal to Support Your Job Search

Are you searching for a job? Here are some tips... Read More

Tips For Surviving As A Corporate Refugee

In her book "Are You A Corporate Refugee", Ruth Luban... Read More

Your Goals Must Be Within Your Reach

FIRST STEP -- Set short-term, incremental goals.... Read More

Learn Some Useful Feng Shui Career Tips

As it does with every main life aspect, feng shui... Read More

Getting Your Online Health Care Administration Degree

Are you thinking about getting your online health care degree... Read More

Leaders Meet Challenge Heads-UP With Confidence --

Maybe "buck" is better referred to as the Boss' Challenge.... Read More

Avoiding 10 Deadly Interview Mistakes

Too many job seekers set themselves up for failure before... Read More

Women Who Quit Work Abrubtly After Childbirth - Are You the Type?

According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women... Read More

When The Going Gets Tough -- The Tough Keep Going

If you've been in a job search for more than... Read More

Is Your Career Your Calling or Just a 9 to 5?

Do you remember your parents asking you what you want... Read More

Using Keywords to Find Legitimate Telecommuting Job Leads

Many people are choosing telecommuting as an option to bring... Read More

The Top 10 Ways to Achieve Balance in Your Life

1. Define Success for YourselfClarify and write down what success... Read More

Seven Deadly Types of Job Recruiters

Collect them all!Over the course of six months in my... Read More

Q & A How to Find a Great Search Firm

Q & AQ: Are people sometimes cautious of 'headhunters'?A. Yes.... Read More

What Do Employees Wish for Most (And How To Get It)

What do many employees wish for at work? A bonus... Read More

5 Resume Mistakes Telecommuters Often Make

Finding a legit telecommute job can be difficult. Telecommute jobs... Read More

Yes, Ive Had Gaps In My Employment History--What To Do About It?

Yes, I've Had Gaps In My Employment History--What Can I... Read More

How To Write A Resume, Avoid These Resume Mistakes

HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #1NEVER USE THE WRONG PAPER!... Read More

How to Use Flow In The Job Search

What is "flow"? Flow as described by the psychology professor... Read More

Hello Work World, Im Un-Retiring

For many years, you looked forward to that day when... Read More

A Career in Image Consulting

You might have seen them while watching TV shows such... Read More

From The WorkWise Collection: Job Hunting in the New Economy

To succeed in today's global marketplace, companies must hire the... Read More

Stay At Home Moms No Longer Struggling To Make Ends Meet

It is hard to be a stay at home mom.... Read More

How To Become A Computer Consultant

Have you ever wanted to become a computer consultant, but... Read More

When and How to Say I Just Cant Do It!

We naturally hesitate to tell our boss when we can't... Read More

A Look At Some Out of the Ordinary Jobs

What do you want to be when you grow up?... Read More

How ToTalk Your Boss Into Giving You A Salary Increase

* If you believe you deserve a salary increase, ask... Read More

Factual Employment Screening Part 2

An Employment Screening OutlinePolicy DevelopmentA policy of Factual Employment Screening;... Read More

How To Get More Interviews In Your Job Search

Richard Bolles, job search guru and author of What Color... Read More

Managing Change -- Endings Are Just Doorways to New Beginnings

Every May we celebrate Mother's Day-a time to tell mothers... Read More