Writing a Resume

Resume Writing 101

Perhaps you've been out of the job market for a while and need a resume, or feel that the resume you've been using isn't getting the results that you want. It may be time to update your resume or even start from scratch. There are a few different way that you can go about producing a resume.

1. Write Your Own:

Find a book on resume writing and a word editing program (Microsoft word for example) and a friend or family member (or two) who is willing to proofread what you have written. You can use the online templates on Word and suggestions from the book to put together something that looks professional. Just make sure that you have someone proofread your finished product to make sure it does look professional (no typos, grammatical or spelling errors) A good resume guide is Knock 'em Dead Resumes: Features the Latest Information on: Online Postings, Email Techniques, and Follow-up Strategies (Resumes That Knock 'em Dead)


2. Use a Resume Writing Software Package:

Check out your local office supply store or online bookstore. They will have off the shelf resume writing software such as Resume Maker.

3. Use A Resume Writing Service:

If you don't feel you can produce a resume that is as creative and unique as you would like using templates or off the shelf software you might want to use a resume writing service.

This will require some research to make sure that you are getting what you are paying for.

• Check out the website first and make sure you can review samples. Also make note of the the written copy on the website. I have come across sites that are actually using broken English - this is not how you want your resume to turn out.
• Check the price. If it is extremely low you are not going to be getting one on one attention and, more than likely, they are just using the same template you could have gotten for free.
• Check their credentials. The resume writing firm should have some credentials. The most common one is the Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) designation that indicates they have passed certain required standards.
• Look at their samples. If you don’t like their samples, you surely won’t like their work. Look to see if they are focusing on your specific skills and accomplishments as opposed to just listing job duties. Ideally there will be a questionnaire and a phone interview.
  
• Do they offer a guarantee? Is there some seal of approval? Look for the BBB Online Reliability seal that shows they are a safe and reliable site.