How to Write a Professional Resume
Clients, friends and family are always asking me…what’s your best advice for someone trying to write their own resume? I even offer free resume evaluations for non-clients to give them my insight on their existing resumes. And while there’s no one key, the most common thread I see is simply that people don’t like to be self-promotional!
I can’t tell you how many clients say to me…I don’t really like to toot my own horn, or I wouldn’t say I’m the best in the world at what I do. Ummm, why not?? This is your resume! While I would never advise a client or a friend to lie or embellish in any way, remember one thing…your job is important and you are a valuable employee! We live in a democracy and no one has to hire you, or keep you on board for that matter. You do what you do well and, if you are like most of my clients, are always trying to improve yourself and your performance to create a better life for yourself and your family.
Be proud of your accomplishments and be confident in yourself. If you’re not confident in your skills or your experience, talking to a professional resume writer can help you look at your career from someone else’s perspective. You will likely be pleasantly surprised by how they see you!
If you decide not to work with a professional resume writer, you’ll have to gain some perspective on your own. Here’s a few quick tips to help you on your path to self discovery!
First, make a list of your job duties – the things you do everyday because it’s your job. Think about the things you did in the first three months of employment with your company in this role. These are the kinds of things that belong on that list.
Next, think about additional responsibilities you’ve taken on since then. Did you initiate these changes or create the need? If so, you may have an accomplishment on your hands!
Finally, do some introspection on big projects you’ve contributed to. What was your role? More importantly, what was the organizational benefit? Improved overall efficiency? Increased revenue or productivity? Bingo! Accomplishment time!
The basics are always important when writing a resume: clean, easy-to-read fonts, no typos, bullets vs. paragraphs whenever possible and clear, concise language. Getting the basics down without adding your achievements is like plain vanilla without the hot fudge…and no one wants a boring resume! A professional resume writer is always a great way to go, but not everyone is comfortable with it or financially ready for the investment. If you’re in either of those groups, follow this method and you too can write a professional resume.
