It seems that in order to get a job, you have to have a resume. But, good resume writing is in short supply these days. Even my 16 year old niece called, no check that, she texted me a couple of weeks ago to help her draft a resume for the tanning salon down the street. I thought to myself, “seriously?” Although I would have spent less time carrying out the exercise, I couldn’t go through with it. Instead, I coached her on a much easier (and more fun) approach to getting the job.
Getting a job when you’re 16 takes a lot less effort than getting a job when you’re 46. If you’re out of work and 46, the question is “Do I have good resume writing skills, or do I need to outsource?” You can pay as much as $1,500 to have your resume professionally written. For out of work literature teachers, this seems to be a worthwhile vocation in a tight labor market. Yet, unless you are a six figure executive, you can put that money to better use.
I am frequently asked to critique resumes. Up until a few months ago, I would review a resume and provide feedback. Sometime in the middle of the night after reviewing a few resumes and providing my own good resume writing critiques, it occurred to me that I was only seeing part of the equation. I was doing what many of my peers were doing in simply asking a couple of questions and providing feedback from reviewing only the resume. I immediately began requesting the whole package. The whole package to good resume writing includes knowing who the target audience is. A copy of the specific job posting for advertised positions is essential. And, for non-advertised positions additional information is needed.
How many chances do you have at making a first impression, whether on paper or in person? As an employment coach, it is important to take a look at both sides of the equation to put into practice good resume writing skills. You have to know your audience and what they are looking for in order to craft a message that earns their interest. If you are going to outsource or call on a professional resume writer, make sure this person knows the types of positions you are attracted to. Forward copies of recent job postings you have applied to. Understand what keywords are highlighted or emphasized. Only through having a better understanding of the situation can you put together a resume that will earn the attention of your audience and put you in a better position for the interview.
