DILEMMA: I need my resume professionally prepared but can't afford to do so. What do I do?
Marian Bernard, CPRW, CEIP, CJSS, NCOPE
PROFESSIONAL RESUME & LINKEDIN PROFILE WRITER | INTERVIEW & HIDDEN JOB SEARCH MARKET COACH: Canada's Only While-You-Wait Resume Writer ... Helping Job-Seekers Shorten Their Job Searches Since 1985!
You can't afford NOT to retain a professional resume writer!
Why?
A bona-fide professional resume-writer has 3 audiences in mind when crafting a resume: (1) You - the job-seeker (but of course!), (2) the hiring decision-maker(s), and (3) the Applicant Tracking System, which has the power to screen in - or screen out - a resume. Ultimately, our goal is to help you positively stand out among hundreds of other job-seekers.
I was inspired to pen this article because I recently spoke with a job-seeker who apologized to me that he couldn't even afford $200.00 (way lower than my fees, BTW) to have his resume professionally prepared. My heart went out to him because he is (1) unintentionally lengthening his job search and (2) falling prey to the ever-growing number of resume-service scam artists out there, who are more than happy to take his money and produce inferior documentation in return.
Listed below are 5 (of many) ways how you can trim your budget (with little to no sacrifice), afford to retain a professional resume writer, and potentially lower the time it takes to begin landing interviews:
1 - Reduce the number of times you eat in a restaurant. Instead, discover the joys of cooking at home.
2 - Minimize the visit to the coffee shop. Although I could LIVE on a Tim Horton's Hot French Vanilla beverage, I realize it's a luxury and treat myself when the budget allows.
3 - Eliminate impulse purchases. Instead, ask yourself, "Do I WANT this item, or do I NEED it?"
4 - Evaluate your entertainment options. I can't remember the last time I watched a movie in a theatre (and gorged at the snack bar with unhealthy food options). Instead, I get together with friends and go dancing. Not only is this option way more affordable, I maintain a constant smile on my face - as well as my physical fitness levels - while on the dance floor.
5 - Consider alternative transportation options. I live within commuting distance from Toronto (Canada). When visiting "The Big City", I have discovered - to my horror - that the cost to park my vehicle has soared as much as 600% in a matter of months! Instead, I rely on local transit to shuttle me to my car and back ... and at a fraction of the cost, I might add.
Instead of viewing a professional resume-writing service as an EXPENSE, think of it as an INVESTMENT that has the potential to reap dividends for you ... in the form of more interviews and more job offers.
As a bonus, your confidence will increase because a bona-fide professional resume writer (like myself) knows how to uncover the value that you offer to a prospective employer.
Would you like to discover your value to your next employer? Then please reach out to me c/o [email protected]!
Experienced Real Estate Professional | Expert in Market Analysis & Negotiation | CRM & Digital Marketing Specialist
8 个月This was no help at all. It was written by someone who allows themselves such luxuries as eating out, going to the coffee shop, has the money for impulse purchases, has entertainment options which they can cut back on, and a job where public transportation is doable because they never have to leave the office. Does someone have better advice?
Certified Executive Resume Master ?? LinkedIn Profile Writer ?? Award-Winner ?? Job Search Coach ?? Certified Professional Resume Writer ?? Certified Graphic Resume Architect ?? Let's write your career story!
10 个月Bravo, Marian! When you consider the cost of lost wages and lost opportunities, the ROI on a professional resume is high, and the initial investment is low.
Career Storyteller | Careers Industry Thought Leader (Founder, BeAResumeWriter.com) | Everything Omaha Hockey
10 个月Great tips Marian! One of the best things about investing in working with a professional resume writer is that it can shorten the job search! This is especially important for unemployed jobseekers. Time truly is money when you're out of work! Jobseekers should consider how much *not* working with a resume writer is "costing them" in being out of work longer.
PROFESSIONAL RESUME & LINKEDIN PROFILE WRITER | INTERVIEW & HIDDEN JOB SEARCH MARKET COACH: Canada's Only While-You-Wait Resume Writer ... Helping Job-Seekers Shorten Their Job Searches Since 1985!
10 个月That is high praise coming from you, Laura! I am truly humbled that you took the time to add your words of wisdom to my post!
Know Your Worth & Get It! 6-Figure Success for Resume Writers & Career Coaches. Business Consulting, Certification, Training, Membership & Speaking. 15X Certifications, 12X Awards. Author, Resumes for Dummies.
11 个月Great advice, Marian Bernard, CPRW, CEIP, CJSS, NCOPE! A professional resume should be seen as an investment into your future; into landing a position that won't leave you in this 'I can't afford it' again position. When I started my business and even during some growth cycles I had to find things to sell, use credit cards or financing options, or ask family. If you see the value in getting to work faster by appealing more to your target jobs and likely having greater negotiating power by showing your unique brand and value, you'll gladly find the money. I know that there ARE situations where people truly are up against the wall but I've seen more often than not it being a lack of knowledge of ROI and of prioritization.