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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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8 Resume Mistakes To Avoid

A person making mistakes while writing on a notepad

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the job market has also suffered. Many people lost their jobs, and even now, most Americans are unemployed. In these times of uncertainty and a competitive job market, if your resume is not powerful and polished, you need to immediately do it.

Having a well-organized and strong resume can give you an edge over others looking for employment. It is the most important tool you have with you in your search for a job. But certain resume mistakes can be grave and need to be avoided because they can undo all your hard work in seconds.

Typos, Grammar, and Formatting Errors

Typos, grammatical errors, and any other mistakes present in your resume can be a deal-breaker for some employers. Oftentimes, people overlook the need for perfect grammar and spelling because they don’t want to get into the hassle of editing, proofreading, or formatting their resumes properly. People forget the importance of doing these things because this goes on to show your unprofessionalism to any employer.

Correct spelling and grammar, along with a properly formatted resume, are the key to landing a job. Pay attention to detail, and this will only reflect well on you. It will tell your recruiter that you’re a diligent person and are good at communication.

Ask a friend to go over your resume, so any mistakes or missing words are pointed out. Be careful about present tense and past tense. Format your resume in a professional layout and don’t make it hard to read.

A Person Holding A Resume Sitting With Another Person

Attaching a Photo of Yourself

Some jobs could require you to insert a picture of yourself or a headshot, like a modeling gig or audition for an acting job, but it is always recommended not to attach your photo on your resume. Including your photo could risk the employers rejecting your application because appearances can create a bias and distraction. Employers usually don’t want to be accused of discriminating against some candidates based on their appearances.

Using Passive Language

According to the experts at Harvard, using passive language can make the resume boring, vague, confusing, or hard to understand. It is recommended that you use active language with a lot of action words/verbs.

An example of passive vs. active language can be:

  • Passive: There was a project completion rate of 80% managed by my team.
  • Active: My time was able to achieve a project completion rate of 80%.
A Woman Interviewing Applicants

Avoid Word Stuffing or Unnecessary Jargon

It is recommended to use keywords related to the job or industry they’re applying to so their resume makes it past the applicant tracking system, which is used by 75% of the large companies as of today.

Recruiters prefer these words, but some people can incorporate too many of these keywords into their resume, which can become extremely obvious to anyone reading the resume, and they could possibly reject your resume.

It’s important to only use words that can show the employers how you’re fit for the job and avoid words that can take away the focus from your and your skills, experiences, or accomplishments.

Listing Irrelevant Skills

When you’re mentioning your skills, always make sure they’re relevant to the job role you’re applying for. This will help the hiring manager understand how you could be fit for the role. If you start listing skills that are irrelevant to the job and in no way add to your credibility, the employer can overlook your resume.

A Woman Making Her Resume

Missing Contact Information

The most important thing one should include in their resume is their contact information on top of the resume is big enough and in bold letters. If you miss out on including this information, the employer or recruiter wouldn’t be able to reach out to you, and you definitely don’t want that.

Make sure the information you include is up to date and reachable. The information should include your name, phone number, email address, and in some cases, either your LinkedIn profile or your website’s link.

Not Concise or Easy to Skim

A simple resume with black and white clear headings, proper spaces, and bullet points or lists is the correct way to format your resume. This will make your resume concise, to the point, and easy for any hiring manager to skim through. Use bold letters or italics to emphasize anything.

Make sure all your experiences are listed in chronological order, and the details of all your achievements or accomplishments are listed in order of importance.

Too Long or Too Short

Your resume shouldn’t be too short or too long. An ideal resume should not be any more than one page and two pages, at max. This doesn’t mean you leave out important experiences or achievements but keep everything brief and only elaborate where needed. Narrate everything but don’t make it sound like a novel.

If you’re a fresh graduate, make sure your resume is long enough and not too short. Include your academic projects or experiences, and don’t leave any blank spaces.

Hire the Experts for Help

If you are having trouble organizing or writing your resume, you can always utilize a professional resume and cover letter service. Sometimes, even after doing everything right and perfect to  a T, a professional’s work will be neater and on point because of all the experience and expertise they have. If you don’t want to risk losing out on an important job, you might want to consider asking experts for help.

Our expert and professional resume designer can help you craft a resume that is strong, powerful, and will surely land you an interview.

Resume Professional Writers is a resume writing company. In addition to our professional resume writing services, we also offer LinkedIn writing services and CV writing services.

Visit our website for more information. Alternatively, you can check out our services here. 

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How To Write A Cover Letter In 2021

A person writing a cover letter

You might have often heard about the importance of attaching a cover letter to your job application. A cover letter can increase your chances of getting the position you’re applying for or at least receiving a callback. However, writing a cover letter is an art that you must master, and it requires time to develop the skills to write cover letters that impress employers.

If you’ve just graduated, you might not know what cover letters are and what they entail. Likewise, if you’ve never submitted a cover letter in your career before, you might find them perplexing. Therefore, before you can write a captivating cover letter, you’ll need to learn everything you can about them.

What is a Cover Letter?

Before we proceed any further, let’s get one thing clear. Cover letters aren’t mandatory unless stated otherwise. However, many employers do prefer them. According to a survey by Resume Labs, 83 percent of human resource professionals consider cover letters to be essential. Moreover, these hiring executives also state that an excellent cover letter can compensate for a substandard resume and help you get an interview 83 percent of the time. Therefore, you can’t deny the importance of writing a killer cover letter.

Now, you might be wondering, what’s a cover letter? A cover letter is a one-page document that supplements the contents of your resume. Typically, candidates use cover letters to provide employers an overview of their job history and skills. In addition, you’ll also want to use your cover letter to demonstrate your interest in the position. Moreover, a well-written cover letter can help provide a glimpse of your personality to prospective employers. It’s also an opportunity to showcase why you would be a suitable fit for the company.

Considering unemployment soared in 2020, it’s more important than ever to attach a cover letter with your resume to stand out among a sea of candidates. According to the Resume Labs survey, 74 percent of hiring executives prefer receiving applications with cover letters than without one. If you want to increase your chances of receiving a job interview, consider drafting a cover letter.

A Professional Penning A Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter in 2021: A Comprehensive Guide 4

What Should a Cover Letter Contain?

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn about the contents of these letters. Although there’s no standard format for cover letters, most recruiters agree that a cover letter should follow some fundamental principles. For starters, you’ll want to include carefully curated career stories to provide a glimpse of your work experience and accomplishments. Moreover, you’ll also want to highlight the skills you bring to the table. In addition, you’ll want to combine these two to demonstrate how you can add value to the reader’s organization. Lastly, you’ll want to use a paragraph or two to showcase your knowledge about the employer’s work history and specify your interest in working for them.

A Hiring Manager Holding An Applicant’s Cover Letter And Resume
How to Write a Cover Letter in 2021: A Comprehensive Guide 5

Writing a Captivating Cover Letter

You’ll want to ensure that you follow a format when writing a cover letter. Here’s how to make sure your cover letter captivates the reader:

Use a Professional Header

You’ll want to make sure that you use a sleek header for your cover letter. Typically, it should include your name, address, contact information, and date. Moreover, it should also include the name and designation of the recruiter, the company’s name, and address. Therefore, it’s vital to research the necessary information before you start penning your cover letter. If you can’t find the recruiter’s name online, you can address them as Sir or Madam in your letter. However, if you do this, make sure to sign off by writing “Yours Faithfully.”

In addition, remember to keep your header professional. Avoid using email addresses that may come off as juvenile or unprofessional. If you don’t have a suitable email address, create a new one. You should also refrain from using your current work address when sending cover letters.

Write a Compelling Opening Paragraph

We can’t overstate the importance of a compelling opening paragraph. The truth is most hiring managers don’t have enough time to read every single cover letter religiously. Therefore, most recruiters will read through your cover letter’s opening few lines to decide whether it’s worth a read. A compelling opening paragraph ensures that you captivate the reader’s attention, preventing them from moving onto another cover letter abruptly.

There are several strategies you can employ to ensure your opening is compelling. You could share how you’ve been following the company’s progress over an extended period. Likewise, you could also detail aspects about the company that piqued your interest.

Detail Your Accomplishments and Experience in the Body

The body of your cover letter is a perfect opportunity for you to detail your work experience and accomplishments. You can insert career stories that showcase your best attributes more enjoyably. Remember that a cover letter differentiates from a resume. Your cover letter should be more flavorful rather than reading like a list of achievements. Highlight your areas of expertise and demonstrate how you would be the perfect candidate for the job. In addition, show how you can add value to the organization by bringing something new to the table. The body of your cover letter is your time to shine, so use it wisely. However, ensure that you don’t come as braggadocios. Instead, you want your employer to know how your past work experience can contribute to their plans.

Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Join

While highlighting work experience and past accomplishments is an excellent idea, you also want to demonstrate your eagerness to join the organization. Therefore, it would serve you well to include some aspects about the company that you like – whether that’s the organization culture, the work environment, or anything else. The hiring manager will appreciate your interest and the research you’ve done on the company’s history. One of the easiest ways to show your interest is by selecting a company fact and explaining why you find it captivating.

Finishing Strong

Once you’ve followed all the steps above, it’s time to cap off your cover letter. Utilize the final paragraph to provide your offer to your prospective employer. Consider telling the hiring manager that you’re looking forward to meeting them and discussing how you can help the organization meet its goals.

Furthermore, ensure that you finish your cover letter with the appropriate formal closing. You’ll want to refrain from ending the letter informally. Instead, opt for a more professional ending, like “Yours Sincerely” or “Regards.”

Recruiter Reading A Well-Crafted Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter in 2021: A Comprehensive Guide 6

Gain an Edge with a Professionally Written Cover Letter

Writing cover letters can be challenging. Hence, you might want to consider utilizing a professional resume and cover letter service. We can help you draft an excellent cover letter that captivates the attention of the hiring manager.

Resume Professional Writers is a resume writing company. In addition to our professional resume writing services, we also offer LinkedIn profile writing services and CV writing services.

Visit our website for more information. Alternatively, you can also contact us to learn more about our services.