Where are all the Jobs?: Should You Hire a Resume Writer?

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Should You Hire a Resume Writer? | Career Rocketeer

Link to Career Rocketeer - Career Search and Personal Branding Blog

Posted: 12 Aug 2011 03:30 AM PDT

Many job seekers struggle with one major aspect of the job search: selling themselves. It can feel weird to talk yourself up during an interview—and, to most, it feels like you're "bragging" about your accomplishments and past experiences, which can feel uncomfortable.
But an employer won't know how you'll benefit the company unless you tell them, which is why you must effectively sell yourself at the first chance you get: your resume.
No one really teaches you how to write a resume. Sure, your mom might have sat down with you during high school and helped you create one for a part-time job, but that resume won't suffice once you're looking for an internship or entry-level job.
Plus, there's conflicting advice out there about how to write your resume. Do you include an objective statement or not? Should you stick to one page, or can you go a little longer to show off your extensive experience? Do you use templates to organize the information, or are templates tacky? These questions can be daunting when you're competing with hundreds of other job candidates for each open position.
So, the question is: do you hire a resume writer to help you show a potential employer why you're the best candidate for the job? Here are a few things to keep in mind about resume writers:

Yes, they cost money. I realize that many job seekers don't think that they have an extra dime to spare on things like career coaching and resume writing. However, if you look at it as an investment in your future, you might feel that the money is worth it in order to land a paying job in your field. Would you rather be unemployed for six months, or spend a hundred bucks to land a job in two? The choice is up to you.
They can help you write about yourself. A good resume writer works with you to identify strengths, accomplishments and skills in order to show your fit for an open position. This is the most difficult part of resume writing for most job candidates—and it can help to have an outside opinion to help you put your best foot forward.
Not all resume writers are created equal. If you choose to hire a resume writer, do your research. While some folks know exactly what today's employers want, others might be out of touch with the latest resume trends. Look at their testimonials and reviews. Ask your network who they would recommend. You don't want to spend your money on someone who doesn't do you justice. You want a professional resume writer that can make you shine among other candidates vying for the job.

Have you used a resume writer before? What was your experience like?

Guest Expert:
Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for organizations with products that target job seekers and/or employers. She is also the author of Lies, Damned Lies & Internships: The Truth About Getting from Classroom to Cubicle (2011), #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for numerous outlets.