Quality resume-writing is critical to presenting yourself well when searching for a new job. Your resume is the single-biggest factor that will determine whether you will even “get your foot in the door” to be considered for that all-important job that you so desperately want.
In fact, your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter, are the master keys to opening the prospective employer’s mind and door so that you can proceed to the next step in the process – the big interview!
People ask me to write or edit their resumes on a regular basis. Almost every time, when I review their “draft” or “old” resume or cv, I find one or more of the following common problems:
COMMON RESUME PROBLEMS
- It is almost always too long.
- It doesn’t focus enough on what you can do for the new employer “today”, in the job at hand.
- It tends to give equal weight to “ancient history” with not enough emphasis on recent experience.
- It does not focus enough on actual results achieved in the various job experiences described.
- It does not make a clear statement as to what the applicant is looking for job-wise and career-wise.
If you have spent any time looking around online for resume writing info and help, you will be well aware that there are literally tens of thousands of self-proclaimed resume writing “experts” out there, all of which claim that they can write the winning resume for you. So, who do you choose, and why?
To further complicate matters, if you look closely at the sites of those “experts” who actually share their philosophy and approach to resume writing, you will find a number of different viewpoints as to how a resume or cv should be written and presented. It’s not always easy to know what to do.
So, what I have done here is put together this central “resume writing resource page” containing links to various resume writing resources that are hidden away in various parts of this site. For each resource I briefly describe what you will find there, followed by the clickable link.
RESUME WRITING RESOURCES
Resume Writing Tips
This article summarizes my personal approach to resume writing; brief, focused and to-the-point. These are the 10 rules that I always apply when I write resumes for clients.
http://writingprompts.com/resume-writing-tips.html
Resume Writing Tools
This is a short-list of a few resources that I have come across that I believe will help you write your own resume should you choose that route.
http://writingprompts.com/resume-writing-tools.html
Resume Writing Services
This is a short-list of what I consider to be some of the best resume writing services available online, should you decide to have your resume written for you by a professional resume writer.
http://writingprompts.com/resume-writing-services.html
Resume Writing Samples
Just to get you started, I have posted 12 to 15 sample resumes online, based on actual resumes that I have written for clients. These should give you an clear idea of my focused and to-the-point approach.
http://writingprompts.com/sample-resumes.html
Self Employment – A Real Option
I realize that you likely came to this page looking for resume writing help to apply for a job. That’s great for you. I just want you to be aware that these days there are hundreds of thousands of people (including me) that are making their living online. Check out this link to find out how:
http://writingprompts.com/self-employment.html
Jobs For Retirees
This website encourages its visitors to find happiness with their ideal retirement jobs, for income or for satisfaction, by following their passion. Site covers retirement planning, cash gifting, traditional jobs search, entrepreneur jobs, online ideas, building websites, volunteering, connecting with family, hobbies and education.
http://enjoy-retirement-jobs.com
Remember, no matter which way you decide to go; whether you choose to purchase a tool to help you write your own resume, or you end up hiring a professional to write it for you; the old truism “…you always get what you pay for”, is especially true for a resume or CV.
Your resume and cover letter are two of the most important documents in your life; so my advice to you on this one is DO NOT nickel and dime yourself out of the job and/or career that you really want just to save a few bucks.