Is It Time to Hire a Professional Resume Writer?

Most job seekers looking for work make it a habit of writing their own resumes. This is actually a good thing because it allows you to be hands-on in how your professional message is being delivered. But there are times when a seeker may need additional help with the writing process and want the help of a professional resume writer. How do you know when you’re ready to hire a professional? Continue Reading

How Much Should a Resume Service Cost?

When considering the cost of a resume service, consider first what you have gone through to get where you are. Assuming you have a college degree, then you have spent tens of thousands of dollars on your education so why would you skimp now. Though you may be extremely good at what you do, you may not be able to adequately write a resume that expresses your strengths in a way that employers want to see them. This is nothing to be ashamed of as few can put in words what a professional resume service can.
Knowing how much a resume service should cost is really a matter of what you are expecting from that resume service. Resume services can range from very little money to huge amounts and each resume service will offer a variety of services for you to choose from. While price is important, you should not go with the cheapest resume service you can find as they will undoubtedly do a sub-par job and thus cost you potential interviews. Here is a look at what should be considered when contemplating the cost of a resume service:

• Capabilities: A good resume service should not only be able to write you an amazing resume, but it should also provide you with a cover letter and personal statements. Make sure that the resume service you decide to go with has all of these things online and plenty of samples for you to look at before you give them any money.
• Personal Touches: With any resume service you are paying for, you should have direct access to the person who is actually writing your resume for you both by telephone and by e-mail. It is after all your resume and having direct contact with an actual person allows you to give the most amount of feedback possible to ensure your resume comes out the best it can.
• Ease of use: make sure that the resume service you go with has easy to use interactive worksheets for you to fill out about yourself. If you go with a resume service that has a jumbled and confusing worksheet, then chances are that is exactly how your resume will turn out.

Now that you know what to look for, exactly how much should your resume service cost you? The prices for resume service will of course vary from company to company and it is a very competitive business. This is to your advantage. There are some resume services that have prices starting at just over $100 and there are others that will charge you up to $700. When it comes down to your choice, you have to make sure that all your concerns are addressed and that you will be happy with the services provided by the resume service company. Once you are comfortable with what is offered, find some more resume service companies with the same services being offered and then do your comparative shopping. Whatever you do, never go with the cheapest resume service you can find that offers you the world, because if it looks too good to be true, that is probably because it is.
Whether you are fresh out of college or just looking for a new beginning, your resume is the tool that will market you to all your potential future employers. You owe it to yourself to do your homework and ensure that if you cannot write your resume adequately that you seek the help of a resume service and find one that fits both your needs and your cost budget as well. With the proper resume service in your corner, you will land more interviews and ultimately your dream job.
Read reviews and compare prices of the best resume services.

What Counts in a Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is a commonplace aspect of conducting any job search. When you apply for a job, even if the prospective employer does not ask you for one, it’s good to send one as a way to give them a little more insight into who you are and what you’re capable of.
But despite the fact that people write them everyday, many still are unclear about the more important aspects to keep in mind. So to help you out, let’s look more specifically at what counts in a cover letter.
Good Use of Grammar
There’s not much that stands out more in a cover letter than how it has been written. Yet, you’d be amazed by the number of individuals who send theirs out without having edited it – big mistake.
Remember, when sending a cover letter, writing is the only way to get your point across. This means this mode of communication needs to be perfect. Improper grammar usage or misspelled words can say a lot about how efficient an employee you are likely to be – at least in their eyes. So unfortunately, you may be an excellent employee who won’t even be required to rely on written communication when working, but because of your cover letter being poorly written, you may not be called in for an interview.
Avoiding Fluff, Cliches, and Generalities
It’s a well-known fact that prospective employers don’t have much time on their hands when reviewing cover letters. So it can be irritating when they’re trying to read through yours to get a good sense of your skills as well as desire to work for them, and all they get in return is ” … and like my grandmother always says, you can’t make anything of yourself unless you be yourself …”
In other words, while it’s nice to know that you listen to your grandmother’s words of wisdom, it really doesn’t have a place in your cover letter. And neither does showing how many big words you know or being too vague about why you’re applying for the job. Your best bet when writing about yourself is to be specific about what skills you bring to the table (mention an example or two if possible). This way the employer doesn’t have to dig through a bunch of fluff just to figure out why they should hire you.
Being Honest and Clear in Your Intentions
One aspect of writing that any prospective employer can respect is being honest and clear about the contributions you hope to make at their company. This means there is no room for template answers. Your cover letter should be tailored to their company, and honestly speak as to why you’re applying and how you want to make a difference. Of course, doing so will require research on your part. But if you really want to be considered for the position then this is a step you should not overlook.
Writing your cover letter can be easy if you keep in mind what really counts. So dive in and write yours with care. Making a real effort to speak directly, clearly and honestly to a prospective employer will work wonders in getting you the call back you’re hoping for.
About the Author:
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Need a resume service? Compare the top companies in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

Optional Resume Sections: Deciding When (and Which) to Include

Writing a resume can be complicated if you’re not sure how to convey the message that you’re the right person for the job. A good way to get this accomplished, however, is by choosing the right sections to include in your resume.
Choosing the standard sections (contact information, objective, work experience/skills, and education) is typically a breeze. But optional sections like career highlights, interests/hobbies, professional/community involvement, awards, and technical skills can be more of a challenge to decide between. So to help you get on the right track, let’s look at some ideas for choosing your sections.
Consider the Position for Which You’re Applying
When thinking about what sections to include in your resume, it is a good idea to first look closely at the position you’re applying for. Why? Because this can help you determine which sections will help you provide the most thorough information regarding your skill set.
For example, if you’re applying for a position that requires several years of professional experience in Corporate Communications, and also a strong writing background, there are a couple of ways you can take advantage of resume sections. Of course, you can use your standard Work/Professional Experience section to showcase the jobs you’ve worked in the field. Then if you have standout writing accomplishments, you can include a separate section (ex. Writing and Distribution) strictly for your writing accolades.
Likewise, if you are interested in furthering your career as a software developer, you could include a “Certificates and Training” section strictly for showcasing all of your Microsoft, Apple, and other certifications. This way you can highlight your standout skills and paint an accurate portrait of your potential abilities.
Think About the Message You Want to Convey
When thinking of optional sections to include, it is also a good idea to consider what message you want to offer the employer about the type of person you are. This is especially true if you know that getting hired for a position might rely partially on your personal interests.
For example, you may want to apply for a manager position with Girl Scouts of America and have extensive professional experience as a manager, though not with a non-profit organization. However, in your spare time, you’ve sat on the boards of multiple non-profits in your community. This would be a great opportunity to include a “Professional/Community Involvement” section that could showcase your understanding of non-profit organizations coupled with your strong professional background as a manager.
If You’re Thinking of Using a Template …
If you are brand new to writing resumes, or simply want some help creating a new design, a template can provide a good starting point. However, it is smart to avoid following the template to a tee. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not critically thinking about each section in reference to each job you’re applying for. This can result in your resume looking carbon copied – and ultimately ending up at the bottom of the stack.
By exploring what the company is looking for, and deciding what message you want to convey, you can have great success in choosing optional sections for your resume. So take your time and think out your purpose. You will find that doing so can help you create your perfect resume.
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.