People look at me strangely when they ask, “Do I really need to use a professional resume writer?”
“Come on,” they say, “I can easily just write my own resume – what are you going to do that I cannot just do myself?”
Of course it’s true that anybody can write their own resume. The same is true that anyone can attempt to build a house or change the plumbing or paint some artwork, however in each of these examples you’d prefer to call on an expert because of their specific skills, knowledge and experience in their particular trades. The same can be said of a professional resume writer.
How long should a resume be? Should I include a qualifications profile or a career summary? How many duties and responsibilities should I include for my current role? Do I include the same amount of information for all my previous roles and how far back should my resume go?
How about questions relating to “soft skills” – should you include information like “volunteered for the Red Cross”? Is this relevant on your resume? How about the fact that you were the football captain at school – is this relevant?
Have a look at your resume and see if you have words such as “hard working”, “dedicated”, “team player”, or “loyal” – do these type of words enhance or actually detract from your resume? If you are using these types of words do you think your competitors are as well?
And what about achievements – do you have any on your resume? Is a hiring manager going to take one look at your resume and be impressed with your past experiences, skills and success? Have you mentioned initiatives you introduced to the business or awards you have won?
This is what a professional resume writer can do for you. They can open doors to get that interview. Remember – resume writing is not about reinventing the wheel, it is about ensuring that you adequately highlight everything that is required to make sure that your resume is selected and you are given the chance to present yourself in the interview. Once you make it to the interview you have the opportunity to prove to the hiring manager how good you really are. Without a professional resume you may never get this chance.
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