Category: resume writer

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Key Components Of An Effective Resume

Writing a resume

An impressive resume has a much bigger impact on employment prospects than most candidates realize. A hiring manager only reads your resume for a minute or two before deciding whether you are worth interviewing. A good resume has to convey your most prominent qualities and present your flaws in a way that does not hinder your chances of going further. Every employer has a checklist in mind when skimming through any resume, and the profiles that tick the majority of boxes on this checklist end up successful. Here are a few features recommended by resume makers to make any profile attractive to an employer.

1. Easy to Read

No matter what format you choose and what font you go with, your resume has to be easy to read to make an impact. Most HR executives have to go through hundreds or even thousands of resumes during the hiring process. Unless your resume has a visual appeal, it is highly unlikely to be noticed by anyone. Ensure the headings, the spacing, and the fonts all look coherent, and there is no disruption within the format. You can take the help of a resume writing company to make sure your resume is free of any such flaws.

2. Free of Jargons

The only jargons a resume should have are the ones used within the hiring company or the industry. Using abbreviations or shorthands for important terminologies might confuse the reader. You won’t get a chance to clear any of these confusions unless you get called for an interview. And the chances of getting interviewed are substantially reduced when an employer isn’t convinced of your talents by reading your CV or resume.

Hr Analysis

3. Supplemented with a Cover Letter

Some employers specifically ask for a cover letter, whereas others leave it to the applicants. Whichever might be the case, you should always submit a cover letter along with a resume. A cover letter can be helpful when a hiring manager wishes to inquire further about your qualifications without arranging for an interview. It showcases a candidate’s willingness to go above and beyond for getting hired. It indicates dedication on the part of the candidate that is bound to improve your prospects. Professional resume writing services encourage job applicants to always supplement their resumes with a cover letter when applying for a corporate position.

4. Professional Finish

There is no room for informal or casual language when writing a resume for an important job. From the vocabulary to the grammar, everything has to showcase the professionalism of the applicant. The email address you add to your resume must be professional (not something you came up with as a teenager), and the phone number must have a formal voicemail message to greet the callers. These details might seem irrelevant to an applicant but leave a lasting impression.

Effective Resumes

5. Be Objective

When mentioning your soft skills and personal abilities, use objective terms to describe your qualities. Avoid adding fluff to the resume that might not have any quantifiable value. Mention instances of when you impressed your previous employers. Give real-life examples of when you solved problems that were presented to you at your past job. A resume services company can help turn subjective characteristics into objective qualities and make your resume seem exceptional.

6. Incorporate Keywords

Look for the soft or hard skills an employer has mentioned on the job ad. Incorporate these terms into your resume, so your profile is easily matched with the related job description. A resume review service can help you come up with smart terms that will naturally point towards your qualities that fit a particular role.

7. Explain Gaps Shortly

If you have a short gap in your resume, it is advisable to avoid its mention in the CV. However, if the gap is significant, you may give a short explanation without extending your resume further than two pages. Professional resume builder services can present any gap in your career in a way that will address all concerns of your prospective employer.

New Employee Getting Interviewed
Key Components of an Effective Resume 4

8. Relevant Experience

You might have interned and worked at numerous organizations before, but there is no point in mentioning any such experience that doesn’t show a connection with your current application. It makes your resume unnecessarily long, and the reader might lose interest before getting to the relevant points in your profile. Mention the experience that might make you an attractive candidate for the job and omit any irrelevant internships or volunteering experience.  

9. Set Realistic Expectations

There is a difference between confidence and exaggeration. Do not make claims in your resume that cannot be supported by proof or references. An experienced hiring manager can spot false claims very easily and might not believe any of your other qualifications because of it. Companies that offer resume writing help can formulate a profile for you that captures all your exceptional abilities in a realistic manner.

10. Omit Salaries

It gives your CV an unprofessional finish when you mention your previous salaries or your future demand in a CV. Experienced HR executives and managers are already aware of industry norms. They have a clear idea of how to decide on a salary, so you don’t need to mention it yourself.

11. Avoid Mentioning Negatives

Any failed business or employment attempt might not be suitable for mentioning on your resume. Additionally, if you worked for an employer for a period of fewer than six months, abstain from adding this experience to your resume. Switching from one employer to another too quickly leaves a bad impression on your resume. Try to stay neutral when discussing your reason for leaving a job or career, and do not talk negatively about your previous employer either.

Resume Professional Writers is a resume and cover letter service provider that offers you a chance to impress any hiring parties with your qualifications. Our online resume services can be availed by any employment applicants across the country who wish to land a job in their desired industry.

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Considerations For Choosing The Right Resume Writing Service

A resume next to a coffee cup

When thousands of people are applying for the same job, it can be hard to get noticed by a prospective employer. Hiring executives search for unique capabilities within each candidate’s profile, and there might not be a second chance for you once your CV is overlooked.

Taking the help of professional resume writers might be a viable option for those unfamiliar with the job sector they are applying within. Here are a few helpful tips on hiring professional resume writers.

1. Look for Certified Professionals

Anyone can claim to be a resume writer without having certification to support their word. Certified professional resume writers understand the industry they operate in. They know what each employer expects from a job applicant. They are aware of changing industry trends and alter their approach accordingly. A certified professional will not only design an exceptional CV for you but also help you familiarize yourself with industry norms and trends you might be unaware of.   

2. Opt for a Targeted Resume

A resume could have all the qualities one can imagine, but it won’t stand out if it is not tailored to individual characteristics. A resume that expresses your personality, values, skills, and qualifications in the best way can only be made by an experienced resume writer. Find a resume writing service that knows how to match your unique profile with that of a particular job description. Don’t settle for companies that only know how to make generic CVs.

Components Of A Resume

3. Ask for Samples

Most reputable resume services already have samples available on their websites to give you an idea of their work. You can ask for more samples that are specific to your career field and make a well-informed decision. Examine these resumes carefully and analyze the quality and relevancy of the content. Make sure the company you hire for resume writing help uses state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date software. A technologically up-to-date resume can significantly impact your job prospects, especially if you’re applying for a tech job.   

4. Decide on a Budget

Affordability is an important factor when choosing the services of a CV writing firm. Draw up a budget ahead of the process and find a service that falls within that price range. Additionally, do not go for a company that sets the price ‘per page.’ A resume is best kept short and precise, so there is no point in paying higher for adding more pages.

5. Ask for Personal Interaction

The professionals creating your CV must communicate with you in person and customize your profile accordingly. Resume services that make you fill out a lengthy form often design similar resumes for all their clients. Ask to meet your resume writer personally, and discuss your qualifications, skills, and goals to help them write an impactful resume.

6. Ask Questions

Before hiring a professional resume writer, ask them questions about your industry and determine if they are knowledgeable enough for the task you are assigning them. Instead of talking to their sales team, ask to get in touch with a writer directly. Assess the skills of this writer based on your interaction, and don’t get your resume done by an anonymous writer. 

Interviewing A Client

7. Use your Contacts

People working in the human resources department often know about companies that are experts at writing professional resumes. Ask your friends or acquaintances for recommendations for resume writing services before making any decision. Only choose a company that has a high success ratio of getting their clients placed in desired organizations. Use online review forums to inquire about a particular service and steer clear of those with too many negative reviews.

8. Look for Testimonies

Every successful resume critique service has numerous testimonies from satisfied clientele available on their website. These testimonies can assure you of the capabilities of a professional resume writer and address any concerns you might have. You will also notice certain qualities that are the most preferred by their clients and the features that make their service unique.

9. Don’t Stick to Locals

There is no guarantee that a local will do a better job than a resume writer providing services across the state. Explore all your options online, and if a reputable firm operates from a different city or state, don’t hesitate to avail their services. You can maintain contact with the writer by any virtual means and get the same results as you would from a local company.

10. Talk to Multiple Writers

Before making the final decision, talk to at least three writers from the related company. You may think you have struck gold when interviewing the first writer, but there might be better in store for you. Most companies employ a mix of resume writers who are all unique in their capabilities. Only by comparison can you realize which writer measures up to your expectations. Avoid hiring resume writing services that do not let you compare writers, so you don’t have to make any decision half-heartedly.

Terms And Conditions

11. Read the Terms Carefully

Before signing up for a service, make sure you read their contract carefully. Know exactly what you are paying for so there are no unexpected outcomes at the end of the process. When you are paying for executive resume writing services, make sure the services they provide are worth the price they charge.

12. The Process

Determine how long they take to complete a resume and the steps involved in the process. You certainly don’t want to add another arduous chore to the job hunting procedure that is already hectic. Make sure they deliver on the timeline you decide and don’t prolong the process.

Resume Professional Writers ranks among the top resume writing services in multiple states of the U.S. due to their exceptional track record. Their competent resume writers have successfully gotten numerous candidates hired within some of the most prestigious organizations in the country.

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Should I use a template for my resume? Do resume templates work?

Should I use a template for my resume? Do resume templates work?

As an executive resume writer, savvy professionals hire me to help them with their resumes for various reasons.

Some people are short on time, some professionals need support unearthing their achievements and positioning their career stories, and other individuals don’t have a good grasp on Word formatting.

All of these top professionals recognize that writing a resume takes more strategy than just ‘filling-in-the-blanks’.

Yet, some people have a good grasp on their brand and related achievements and using a resume template has been effective in getting them interviews.

 

 

As a person who writes executive resumes for a living (from scratch), it may seem odd that I am writing on the topic of resume templates.

Yet, I want to shine a light on one of the most widely searched — and used — career files on the internet. Resume templates brought up 151,000,000 results when I searched for them on Google. 

Resume templates are everywhere. Not all are created equal.

 

I hear from job seekers that they aren’t always sure what template would work best for them. Some templates are lovely to look at but hard to use. Is a resume template even work trying?

To start, it’s essential to focus on the file’s content if you decide to use a resume template. Not just the design.

What the resume looks like is secondary to what the resume shares (content).

If you buy or download a resume template and still don’t populate it with strong, related content — it doesn’t matter how pretty, fancy, or colourful the file is — it may never get read.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of resume templates in more detail.

 

Reasons Resume Templates Can be Helpful

 

They can save time.

There is nothing worse than stumbling across a posting for your dream job but not having a resume on hand. Downloading a resume template can make it faster to put this critical career file together.

 

The formatting is done for you.

Good resume templates are formatted for you, so if you are not strong with designing a file in Word – that is easy to read and pleasant to look at – then a template can be a lifesaver. They often have sections already determined, so you don’t forget to add the necessary details.

 

They can help you look more professional.

Resume templates are typically more eye-catching and professional versus a basic black and white typed Word file. They can help you raise your image and better guide a reader’s eye.

 

Reasons Resume Templates Don’t Always Work

 

They may not be ATS-Friendly.

I’ve come across a few resume templates that only download as PDFs or image files once complete or include text boxes, all of which may not allow resume content to be properly parsed in ATS (applicant tracking system). 

If you are uploading your resume to an online posting – you want to ensure your resume is formatted in a way that can be effectively scanned by both the system and the eventual human reader.

 

The design may be distracting.

Some templates are over the top, really busy or excessively bold. Instead of helping you look more professional, these heavily designed files can have the opposite effect. 

Choose a format that is easy to follow, keeping in mind that if a reader struggles to read it, it may not get read at all.

Fancier isn’t better. Consider the appropriateness of the design for your industry and target audience. 

 

They don’t account for personal strategy.

You are unique; therefore, your career and offerings are unique as well. Some career histories can not conform to a resume template. You may need a unique and distinct strategy to present you as the best candidate for a role.

For example, career changers may want to highlight earlier or more related history strategically near the start of the file. Students may need to spotlight project work or education differently than an experienced professional.

Some resume templates are rigid and don’t enable people to move content around in a way that works best for them and their careers.

 

 

Reasons to Use a Resume Template

 

You are short on time = you need a resume ASAP.

Templates are quick to download. Simply plug and play.

 

You don’t have a lot of money to spend on a resume.

Many good templates are very inexpensive.

 

You have a clear job target in mind. 

An absolute must! General resumes don’t work. 

 

You have specifics, metrics, and achievements ready to share.

The only way the resume will work is if you have the right content and examples to share in it.

 

You know your personal brand and how it aligns with the role’s pain points.

It is imperative to understand what you are ‘selling’.

 

You feel confident in your writing ability.

You can write light and tight – saying a lot in a short amount of space, in a way that resonates with each reader. This includes using the right language and keywords.

 

You do not have a unique career situation. 

Templates don’t always account for different strategies. 

 

 

 

Reasons to Partner with a Professional Resume Writer

 

You want to invest in a completely customized career file.

Resume writers work to create unique career files that marry your best content into the best format. 

 

You have time and funds. 

Most top writers book several weeks out and take several days to write a stand-out executive resume from scratch, which costs top dollar.

 

You need assistance unearthing related career achievements.

Professional resume writers know what questions to ask to help you identify key metrics and specifics. 

 

You are not completely clear on your personal brand.

A good writer can identify your career theme in relation to a target job.

 

You need help powerfully telling your career story.

An experienced resume writer is more than just a typist. They write career stories.

 

You want to take your resume to the next level.

A strong writer knows how to transform a resume from a basic ‘here’s what I’ve done’ to ‘next-level personal marketing tool that presents you as the clear candidate of choice.’

 

You have a clear job target in mind!

Again, having a clear job target in mind is an absolute must. General resumes don’t work and top writers don’t write them.

 

You are not confident in your resume writing skills.

A good resume involves strategy: what content to include and leave off, what keywords to integrate, and what language and terminology to employ. How to write tight, create strong statements, work within space requirements, and utilize design components to guide the reader’s eye.

A resume writer can own the entire process for you, collaborating with you closely to learn who you are, how your skills align to the target role, and building a file that delivers on all levels. 

 

 

I’m curious, have you ever used a resume template successfully (gotten an interview)? 

I took this question to LinkedIn and asked it in a poll. Below are the poll results. It was a fairly close race, with 40% of respondents having luck with resume templates and 43% not having any luck.

 

 

Comments in the poll ranged just as much as the results:

“I went to Etsy and found a design for 7 bucks. And boom, interview on Wednesday.” – Michael Kurilla

“…there are tons of resume templates on Etsy. A very, very large percentage of them are an absolute usability nightmare, but there are some nice ones!” – Diana Alt

” I have yet to find the perfect template which is also ATS friendly.” – Haneen Ayash

“I’ve been using a template with no success, even for positions for which I am perfectly qualified or overqualified.”  – Josh Talbert

“It’s not the flash on your resume that gets noticed but the value you have on offer and once you workaround that you’ll notice the shift to your job applications.” – Varshaa RT

 

One of my favourite comments is this one from Bogdan Zlatkov:

I love the above comment because he stresses that a resume template is a good option for resume building, but the file needs great content added to it for it to really work.

If you are interested in reading more responses, check out the post.

 

Trusted Resume Templates

If you are on the hunt for a trusted template, I strongly recommend the diverse resume templates at Job Search Journey (JSJ).

Top resume writing professionals have put together the resume templates on this site – many with recruiting and hiring backgrounds.

Some of the templates on JSJ come with guides to help you strategize on the content for the provided template design and the resume templates are ATS-friendly, easy to use, and have generated positive feedback from job seekers.

Remember to populate your resume template with good, related content and clear examples of success. Resumes that are generic, general, fluffy, or hard to read = rarely get read.

 

How Much for Resume Writing?

Many job seekers are not aware of the cost of investing in a professional resume written by a professional resume writer. With the average resume taking 8-12 hours of research and writing time – costs typically run in the high hundreds of dollars into the thousands of dollars. A great resume takes a lot of strategy to create.

Experienced resume writers understand modern resume trends and formats. They also identify why the resume is required, who the target audience is, and they work closely with job seekers to understand their unique offerings, value, and achievements. The writer decides on the best resume strategy and how the resume is prepared.

 

How Much for Resume Templates?

Resume templates on the other hand are very affordable as these are true DIY, plug-and-play files. Prices for really good resume templates typically run around $10-$25.

 

Final Resume Templates Tip!

Here’s the thing. If you don’t have a good grasp of the 3 KNOWS, I recommend working through these BEFORE putting ‘pen to paper’, or filling in a resume template.

You need to KNOW yourself, KNOW your audience, and KNOW what matters most to effectively position yourself as the top candidate of choice in a resume. Again, a professional resume writer can help you with these 3 requirements. 

For help with the 3 stages above, check out the workbooks I have for sale in my shop. 

Finally, if you are a manager, director, VP, or C-suite professional who would prefer to partner with a resume expert on the creation of a custom resume – reach out and let’s discuss!