Should I Hire a Professional Resume Writer

Should I Hire a Professional Resume Writer By the time many people contact me, they have already decided to hire a professional resume writer. However, when I tell people that I write resumes as part of my business, they sometimes say, “People pay you to do that? I just wrote my resume myself.” And, another common question is the following, “Why should I hire a professional resume writer?” The answer to this questions depends upon your unique situation. Do you hire a professional for plumbing work? Do you hire a professional to repair your vehicle? Most of us choose to go to a professional in both these instances. So, why would you not hire a professional to write the document that will help you in your employment search? Unless you feel extremely confident and competent in your writing abilities, hiring a professional resume writer should be a consideration. I explain to clients that it can be easier for an outsider to come in and objectively review the information and craft a resume that accurately depicts the candidate. Read further for three reasons why you should hire a professional resume writer. First, many people don’t like to talk about themselves. While you would assume it would be easy for someone to list their accomplishments and strengths, it is not always easy to do so. Most individuals don’t like talking about themselves and feel like it is boasting. I tell my clients that this is the time to really shine with your information â€" after all, if you don’t do it, who will? A professional resume writer will be able to ask you questions that help define those accomplishments and accolades. Next, a professional resume writer will be up-to-date with formatting, buzz words, and the latest information in today’s resumes. A legitimate writer will belong to a professional association, such as the National Resume Writers’ Association or the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. And, if you want someone that has credentials, look for a certification such as the Certified Professional Resume Writer designation. Seek a professional that belongs to an organization and stays current on the latest trends. Finally, hiring a professional resume writer should ease the stress associated with creating your job search documents. Be sure that you research the writer you are hiring, understand the costs involved, and ask for references or testimonials. Unfortunately, there are many “professionals” listed on the Internet that simply re-format your document and/or don’t make appropriate changes. The next time you need to update or write your resume, consider hiring a professional resume writer. Utilizing a professional is smart, efficient, and may help you showcase your skills in the best possible format. Should I Hire a Professional Resume Writer So often in life, we try to ‘get by’ with doing things ourselves. Whether it is making birthday decorations for your child’s party, painting your kitchen, or landscaping your yard, we are always looking for ways to save money, maximize resources, and take pride in work we completed ourselves. However, have you ever thought that doing all of these things can actually COST you in the long-run? Hiring a professional resume writer may be one of those instances. Read further to discover WHY you may want to hire a professional when designing your new resume. Consideration #1 â€" It’s challenging to write about yourself. No matter how objective you are as a person, it’s almost impossible to be objective about yourself. And, a good resume writer can assist you with extracting information you didn’t consider; the writer can help you identify your strengths, focus on accomplishment, and write about your skills in a way that makes an impact. Consideration #2 â€" Do you know the latest formats and technology? If you haven’t written a resume in 15+ years, everything has changed. You will need to know the correct key words to include, formats that work with Applicant Tracking, and what should and should not be included on your resume. For example, if you are still including an Objective or the line, ‘References Available Upon Request,’ we should chat NOW. Neither of those are typical on today’s resumes. Consideration #3 â€" You are losing money every day you don’t have a job. Or, you may continue to be miserable at a job that you DESPISE. So, yes, a professional resume writer will cost you money; however, I see it as an investment. If you pay someone else $300 or $500 to write your resume and you get a job within four weeks, think how much money you are saving by landing a job sooner. As an alternative, you can continue to stare at your resume and try to figure out how to change things for three months and not have one interview. As someone who truly enjoys doing things for myself, there are things that I have now outsourced to others. After reviewing how much time it takes me to do those things, I realize that it makes more sense financially (and lifestyle-wise), for me to hire others to complete the tasks that I don’t enjoy the most. For example, I hired someone to clean my house twice per month. Instead of me worrying about how I’m going to find the time to clean while work piles up on my desk, I look forward to those two days that someone else takes care of the deep clean. And, while that is happening, I can finish work projects and focus on helping others. If you are ready to outsource your resume project and want to move forward, contact me today! And, if you prefer to complete your own document, download this PDF that will provide you with key words, skills, and examples that will help you as you develop your new resume!