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.

Related News

CSM Awarded $1 Million High Growth Job Training Grant - Bay Net CSM Awarded $1 Million High Growth Job Training Grant Bay Net, MD -9 hours ago The College of Southern Maryland has been awarded a $1-million High Growth Job Training Initiative grant through the US Department of Labor’s Employment and ... Good News for Your Retirement? - Motley Fool Good News for Your Retirement? Motley Fool -9 hours ago Like pensions, hybrid plans use formulas based on salary and length of employment to determine the total benefit owed to each employee. ... Help for school leavers - Huddersfield Examiner Help for school leavers Huddersfield Examiner, UK -14 hours ago SCHOOL leavers who are undecided about their career choices will get a helping hand at two events next month. Kirklees and Calderdale Careers Service is ... The cost of changing jobs - Canada.com Canada.com The cost of changing jobs Canada.com, Canada -10 hours ago "The idea that careers are changing and there are no lifetime jobs any more was sold as good for workers as a way to jump-start their careers, ... Famous spies and snitches - CNN CNN Famous spies and snitches CNN -10 hours ago Upon arrival, Vanunu served in the Israeli army before finding employment at the Dimona Nuclear Research Center in the Negev desert. Happy to have a job, ... Braving the Fear of Networking - phillyBurbs.com Braving the Fear of Networking phillyBurbs.com, PA -11 hours ago ... putting résumé on an Internet career site – 4 percent, sending out resumes at random –7 percent, and going to the employment office – 14 percent. ... Corrections Corporation of America Recognized as Employer of ... - MarketWatch Corrections Corporation of America Recognized as Employer of ... MarketWatch -5 hours ago "It is heartening to know that CCA is not only dedicated to hiring veterans, but also helps them prepare for their post-military careers by participating in ... Still seeking a university place? Help is at hand - Belfast Telegraph Still seeking a university place? Help is at hand Belfast Telegraph, United Kingdom -14 hours ago Writing for today’s UCAS supplement, Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey urged students unhappy with their grades to give serious consideration ... Best employers - New Vision Best employers New Vision, Uganda -Aug 18, 2008 ... to develop their careers, with payment coming as second priority.” They regretted, however, that the graduates were not interested in self-employment. ... GIA's Career Search Engine Goes Global - Jewelers Circular Keystone Online GIA's Career Search Engine Goes Global Jewelers Circular Keystone Online, NY -5 hours ago This online service represents the largest free online employment database in the jewelry industry. Currently, eight different companies representing 13 ...