Evaluate for writing skills: Work only with someone who is a Certified Professional Resume Writer. Although the industry is not government-regulated, there are very reputable organizations (such as the Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches) who certify writers based on exams and review of their work by qualified peers. Also, check the background of the person you are considering to see if it contains any earlier writing or marketing experience.
Review the writer's samples: This alone will tell you a great deal about the writer's talent and understanding of resume dynamics. Be wary of writers unwilling to share samples. If they claim their resumes are "proprietary property" or are concerned about potential clients stealing their work, they are crying foul for no reason. Resume writers regularly share fictionalized samples of their work in publications and marketing websites. Look for experience that reflects an understanding of the job market: Consider how long the person been writing resumes and whether they have done so in your industry. Inquire as to whether their background also includes any human resources, career services, or recruiting experience.
Search their website for evidence of results: Read through testimonials and see if there is any aggregate results listed. Many services survey their clients as to their satisfaction.
Be careful in working with services that rely on multiple writers: If you do, obtain as much information as you can on the specific writer with whom you will be working. Large services often randomly assign writers, perpetuating the possibility of a poor match.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Advantages of Web-Based Resumes
Long gone is the day of relying on a simple paper resume. Today’s complex world of communication requires Word, ASCII / plain – text, and PDF as basic versions to have. But another alternative to consider is web-based resumes.
For those conducting a confidential job search, this type of resume can serve as a two-edged sword. A resume online for anyone to bring up in a simple Google search will open up more possibilities with recruiters who are scouring the Internet (as well as social media). However, your company’s HR recruiters can also come across your resume.
In many cases the web resume is more ideal for those whose job search is not confidential. However, VisualCV.com offers control over online access. It is a well-respected site that also posts open positions and encourages recruiter involve-ment. There is no cost, but the process is time-consuming. Aberlene Resume is available to help with this, other web-based alternatives, and any other job search document needs.
For those conducting a confidential job search, this type of resume can serve as a two-edged sword. A resume online for anyone to bring up in a simple Google search will open up more possibilities with recruiters who are scouring the Internet (as well as social media). However, your company’s HR recruiters can also come across your resume.
In many cases the web resume is more ideal for those whose job search is not confidential. However, VisualCV.com offers control over online access. It is a well-respected site that also posts open positions and encourages recruiter involve-ment. There is no cost, but the process is time-consuming. Aberlene Resume is available to help with this, other web-based alternatives, and any other job search document needs.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Choose Your Resume Writer Carefully
Whom you choose to write your resume is an important decision that will impact the impression you make on hiring managers and the salary level you can negotiate.
Our careers are central to our quality of life and our ability to support our loved ones. With that in mind, here are a few facts you should know about resume writers:
Anyone can declare themselves a resume writer. This is an industry that is not government-regulated and the background of resume writers can span from administrative support to business professional to recruiter to career counselor and more. Most writers have solid credentials based upon their history in employment counseling, recruiting, or human resources, but this should be evaluated carefully. The writer's background will be indicative of their understanding of the job market and ability to work with their clients.
Large online resume services often rely on numerous writers. That means that just as the talent of each writer varies, so does the quality.
Not every person with a history in recruiting or human resources possesses the level of talent required to craft a persuasive resume. It is an art, not a science. An effective resume writer needs a background that illustrates understanding of hiring managers and the skill to effectively write in marketing language to represent another person. No easy task.
You can be more effective in picking a writer if you know what criteria to base your decision on. See our upcoming tips on choosing a writer.
Our careers are central to our quality of life and our ability to support our loved ones. With that in mind, here are a few facts you should know about resume writers:
Anyone can declare themselves a resume writer. This is an industry that is not government-regulated and the background of resume writers can span from administrative support to business professional to recruiter to career counselor and more. Most writers have solid credentials based upon their history in employment counseling, recruiting, or human resources, but this should be evaluated carefully. The writer's background will be indicative of their understanding of the job market and ability to work with their clients.
Large online resume services often rely on numerous writers. That means that just as the talent of each writer varies, so does the quality.
Not every person with a history in recruiting or human resources possesses the level of talent required to craft a persuasive resume. It is an art, not a science. An effective resume writer needs a background that illustrates understanding of hiring managers and the skill to effectively write in marketing language to represent another person. No easy task.
You can be more effective in picking a writer if you know what criteria to base your decision on. See our upcoming tips on choosing a writer.
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