How can you work with a resume writer to create a standout resume?

The most important experience a Resume Writer can have is an understanding of how decisions are made on the other side of the table. They need to have an understanding of which skills and experiences are critical and how those skills are used within the context of the role. Without that, they resumes they write are just keyword soup. If the person doesn't have real-world hiring experience in your industry or field, I would steer clear.

To work effectively with a resume writer, follow their method and answer the questions they ask. The goal is to reveal and quantify how you have solved problems for your employer. A skilled writer will help you do this. Skilled writers also will take time to know what is relevant in your industry, so they can help you highlight (with your partnership) what is relevant. Resume writers come from a variety of backgrounds. Ask questions when hiring one. Find out how if they are certified and ask how they go about developing the resume. It is not necessarily true that recruiters make the best resume writers. I belong to a highly regarded professional organization (thenrwa.org) that provides cutting-edge professional development.

There are lots of people who offer resume writing services. Find one whose style makes you comfortable. Look for a resume writer with great recommendations. Look for a resume writer who has some experience in recruiting, hiring and/or HR -- that brings added expertise that can be used in your resume. Writing a resume is about more than good writing skills. A good resume writer should work to understand you, your skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals, and will have the knowledge to understand how to highlight those for a future employer. Here's something to beware of -- no one can guarantee you that their resume will get you a job in X days. Take that with a grain of salt. No one can guarantee that.

Start with what your expectations are for finding a suitable job for your qualifications and let the resume writer overperform to bring out your best qualities that takes you to the next level you could not see from your viewpoint but need an independent opinion and thought process to help you achieve that level.

I work with my clients in real time for this exact reason: Your resume is a living record of your career journey, changing as you grow and gain more experience. Working with a resume writer is not just about getting a polished resume; it's a learning experience. Pay attention to how they craft effective summaries and bullet points, how they choose and place keywords. These are skills you can apply every time you need to update your resume. Understanding the 'why' behind these choices helps you maintain that professional touch in the future. Also, learn the art of highlighting your achievements. It's about more than listing duties; it's showcasing your impact and value.

As a job search coach, I work with people to help write their resumes. To me, this has to be a collaborative approach. We'll work together on the resume, formatting it and targeting it for a specific position, while talking about how and what to change for other positions. Having a job posting to refer to is important in the process. I use it with the client to highlight relevant skills and keywords for use in the resume, cover letter and interview prep, and teaching them what is important and why. The goal is to have a resume that can be used immediately, as well as one that the individual can confidently customize moving forward. (Of course, if someone wants help customizing for other positions moving forward, I am happy to help!)

If you are paying me for a resume review, none of this is necessary. You gave me money, I gave you a new resume. We can continue to work together on other parts of your job search, or we can part ways as friends. Referral, testimonial, or review is nice but absolutely not required.

Depending on what you looking, find a resume writer that feels right for you. You get to leverage their experience and not waste time reinventing the wheel. Most have a free consultation call so speak to a few to see which one resonates with you. Do your research because this is a results based business and they should have testimonials and recommendations. To show how their process has helped candidates land interviews and jobs. There’s also different types of resume writers as well. Some will write it for you, and others will work with you to show you how to tailor your resume for yourself. The latter means this is a skill for life and won’t need another resume writer again.