Navigating the New Job Market: When to Hire a Resume Writer, When To Go It Alone (And HOW)

On a recent episode of TechCurrents ( https://linktr.ee/techcurrentspodcast ), Sam Cavaliere and I dove into a question many job seekers wrestle with: Is it worth hiring a professional to rewrite your resume after a layoff or an unceremonious exit from a tough workplace? Sam brought firsthand experience to the conversation. As part of his severance package, his former employer provided outplacement services. Sounds helpful, right? Unfortunately, the result was, at best, underwhelming.

The resume he received looked polished - modern formatting, sure - but it lacked substance. It didn’t speak the language of today's job market. No metrics. No results. No action-oriented storytelling (think "I achieved X by doing Y"). It was the kind of resume that might pass a quick glance but wouldn’t stand out in a sea of applications. It was "meh" at best and it needed to be outstanding, because put simply Sam is an outstanding professional and human.

It’s possible the consultant simply ran Sam’s old resume through some generic AI tool, tweaked the layout, and called it a day. It wasn’t that is was wrong - it just wasn’t right.

Sam and I took some time to rebuild his resume together. We focused on what mattered: tangible achievements, measurable impact, and a clear narrative that answered, “Why should we hire Sam?”

Did our rewrite directly lead to his new role? Hard to say. But the fact is, he landed a great new job at an amazing company in one of the toughest job markets in modern history. And that tells me we were likely on the right track.

Reminder: Your resume isn’t just a document; it’s your story, your calling card. You don’t want to end up binned due to a lack of effort. And if you're going to let someone else tell it, make sure they truly understand who you are and where you want to go.

The Evolving Landscape of Resumes

The digital age has revolutionized how employers assess candidates. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are now standard, scanning resumes for keywords and formatting before a human ever sees them (not all companies rely on this but many do). Understanding and adapting to these systems is crucial for job seekers. Note that many companies still provide resumes to human recruiters as an opportunity to validate that the system didn’t toss out some wheat with the chaff.

To pay or not to pay, that is the question.

Let’s talk about the reasons WHY it may make sense to have a professional work on your resume rewrite, things to look for and questions to ask and when it might make sense to go it alone with the tools, videos and best practices available for free.

When to Consider Hiring a Professional Resume Writer

Hiring a professional resume writer can be an invaluable investment in your career, especially in scenarios where expertise, objectivity, or specialized knowledge is required. Beyond the common challenges of being new to the modern job market, there are several other situations where bringing in a pro makes sense:

If you find yourself:

• Unwilling to Learn New Resume Norms: The modern resume requires knowledge of ATS-friendly formats and industry-specific keywords. If you're not inclined to invest time in this learning curve, a professional can bridge the gap.
• Lacking Confidence in Your Skills: A skilled resume writer can objectively highlight your strengths, ensuring your qualifications are presented compellingly.
• Feeling Overwhelmed and Unsure Where to Start: Professionals can provide structure and clarity, transforming your experiences into a coherent narrative that aligns with your career goals.
• Inability to use tools (free/freemium) or a lack of desire to subscribe There are many tools online that will give you a small example of what they offer in free tiers.? Whether they be ATS scanners that provide you a score on how ATS friendly your resume is, to AI tools to rewrite sections of your resume with key words from the job description to interview tools that will ask you questions to craft your resume using - you guessed it - AI. But the enhanced services traditionally require payment of some kind - AI isn’t free now is it?

Professional Resume Writers offer a service

When I need work done around the house, I don’t just pick the first contractor I find. I ask neighbors, check references, and have conversations with a few contractors before deciding. It’s not just about finding someone who can do the job - it’s about finding someone who aligns with my needs, values, and expectations.

The same principle applies when choosing a resume writer. Don’t just hire the first person who promises to “spruce things up”. Don't choose the chattiest on LinkedIn or the one with the slickest Youtube shorts. Have a conversation. Ask about their approach. Is this their passion or a side gig? How do they work with their clients? What sort of personal engagement can you expect?

You’re not looking for someone to give your resume a facelift; you’re looking for someone to deeply understand your story and help you craft a compelling resume that showcases it. A great resume writer will ask the right questions, dig into your experiences, and help you craft a document that truly reflects your unique value. It’s not about making it pretty - it’s about making it authentic, compelling, and you. Choose wisely.

Sample questions they may ask and you need to be prepared to honestly answer :

• Are there specific job descriptions you want your resume tailored to?
• What industries or roles are you targeting in your job search?
• What are the key accomplishments in your most recent role?
• Can you quantify your achievements (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, process improvements)?
• What challenges have you overcome in your career, and how did you address them?
• Are there any specific projects or initiatives you’re particularly proud of?
• Have you received awards, promotions, or special recognition?
• What makes you stand out from other candidates in your field?
• What feedback have you received about your work from colleagues or supervisors?
• Are there any gaps or transitions in your career we need to address strategically?

A few folks whose work I have seen and can recommend (free to talk with and see if it's a fit):

• Ed Herzog
• Lisa Dupras

Transitioning Careers or Industries

If you're shifting from one field to another, trying to translate your experience into the language of your new industry can be daunting. A professional resume writer can:

• Identify transferable skills that are relevant to your new target role.
• Reframe your experience to resonate with hiring managers in the new industry.
• Use industry-specific keywords that ensure your resume passes ATS filters.

Example: A teacher transitioning into corporate training may need help emphasizing skills like curriculum development, presentation delivery, and stakeholder communication in a business context.

Returning to the Workforce After a Gap

Career gaps - whether due to parenting, caregiving, illness, or other personal reasons—can raise questions for employers. A professional can:

• Strategically address gaps in your work history with a strengths-focused narrative.
• Highlight skills or achievements gained during your time away (e.g., volunteer work, freelancing, certifications).
• Use formats like functional or hybrid resumes to de-emphasize the gap while showcasing your qualifications.

Example: Someone re-entering the workforce after a 5-year caregiving break might benefit from showcasing project management skills developed while organizing community events during their time off. Things that you deem as 'not worthy' of a resume call out are overlooked and you do yourself a disservice.

Targeting Executive or High-Level Positions

High-stakes roles such as director, VP, or C-suite positions demand a polished resume that conveys strategic leadership, quantifiable impact, and executive presence. Professional resume writers can:

• Craft executive summaries that immediately capture attention.
• Highlight achievements using metrics (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, team performance improvements).
• Tailor your resume to align with the expectations of corporate boards and decision-makers.

Example: A senior marketing manager aiming for a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) role needs a resume that clearly demonstrates their contributions to revenue generation, brand growth, and market share gains. A DIY resume may not properly up-level the message or have the right optics. A professional with experience and a proven track record of executive communications can truly make your resume stand out.

Applying for Roles in Competitive or Niche Markets

In fields like technology, law, healthcare, or academia, the competition is fierce, and resumes often require specialized knowledge. A professional writer experienced in your field can:

• Understand and incorporate industry jargon, certifications, and technical skills.
• Tailor your resume to meet the expectations of recruiters or hiring committees in niche industries.
• Emphasize niche expertise that differentiates you from the competition.

Example: An IT professional applying for a cybersecurity role may need a writer who understands technical certifications like CISSP, CISM, CISA or CEH and can highlight relevant project experience.

Struggling with Writing or English Language Skills

If writing is not your strong suit, or English is not your first language, communicating your value effectively can be a challenge. A professional can:

• Ensure proper grammar, spelling, and clarity.
• Organize information to create a logical, compelling flow.
• Help you articulate your unique story in a way that connects with employers.

Example: A non-native English speaker with strong technical skills but limited writing ability can work with a writer to present their expertise in a polished, professional way.

Navigating a Challenging Work History

If your career history includes challenges like frequent job changes, demotions, or terminations, a professional can:

• Create a narrative that explains these challenges in a positive, forward-looking manner.
• Focus on your skills, achievements, and growth rather than the negatives.
• Use strategic formatting to de-emphasize problematic areas.

Example: Someone who was laid off multiple times due to company downsizing may need a resume that highlights consistent performance and adaptability across roles. We all understand the layoffs are pretty common these days, BUT, some people seem to be continually unlucky, a professional resume writer will be able to present your job history in a different manner than a mere chronological list.

Preparing for International or Remote Opportunities

If you're seeking roles in different countries or remote positions, you may need to adapt your resume to align with international standards. A professional can:

• Adjust formatting, tone, and content for global markets.
• Include details like language proficiency, cultural adaptability, and remote work tools.

Self-Help Resources for Crafting Your Resume

(Yes, You Can Do This)

Okay - if you’re still with me, kudos. You’re clearly committed to figuring this out, and that’s half the battle. Congratulations, you’ve decided to roll up your sleeves and tackle your resume on your own. That’s fantastic, because no one knows your story better than you do. The good news? There are plenty of tools and communities out there to help you shape that story into something recruiters can’t ignore. Here are some resources that I’ve seen work wonders—no strings attached, no affiliations, just practical options that get results. These come from personal experience helping others rewrite their story, paired with honest feedback and proof that the right effort, paired with the right tools, can lead to real results. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Leveraging AI to Customize Your Resume (we wrote about this before)

Artificial Intelligence offers tools to personalize your resume for each job application, enhancing your chances of passing through ATS and catching a recruiter's eye.

• AI-Powered Resume Builders: Platforms like Enhancv or TEAL utilize AI to help you create resumes that align with job descriptions, ensuring relevance and coherence.
• Resume Tailoring Tools: Services such as HyperWrite's Tailor Resume to Job Description AI analyze job postings and suggest modifications to your resume, highlighting pertinent skills and experiences.
• Become a prompt guru and engage your favorite AI tool to distill the key requirements of a job description - we had an earlier article on this - then write accomplishments that showcase these skills as you craft your tailored new resume.

3rd party sites and resources

JobHero

JobHero offers an expansive library of resume templates and examples tailored to different industries. It also provides expert advice on how to structure your resume and highlight your strengths. If you’re stuck on what your resume should look like, this is a great starting point.

Novoresume

Novoresume is more than just a resume builder - it’s a modern, user-friendly platform that walks you through the process of creating a professional resume. It also offers tips on formatting and content to make sure you’re hitting the key points hiring managers look for in 2024 and beyond.

Career Reload

Career Reload features free resume templates and cover letter examples that you can customize for your needs. Their blog includes advice on how to navigate the job market, making it a one-stop shop for DIY resume builders.

Reddit (Yes, Really)

Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Reddit has active subgroups (like r/resumes or r/EngineeringResumes/ ) where users can share their resumes for feedback. While you should never post your full resume with personal details, you can post an anonymized version to get honest (and often brutally honest) feedback. Engineers, tech professionals, and creatives in particular seem to find value here. It’s a bit unconventional, but the hive mind can sometimes offer insights you won’t get elsewhere. As with all things Reddit/crowdsourced remember some people enjoy tearing others down. Never ever take anything personal on these sites.

LinkedIn Premium (and Beyond)

LinkedIn isn’t just for networking; its Premium tier offers resume insights, job-specific keyword suggestions, and competitive analysis of job postings. While I haven’t personally used it, my friend Heidi Miller wrote a detailed article about her experience with LinkedIn Premium and how it helped her refine her approach. It’s worth checking out if you’re serious about leveraging the platform. (Read Heidi’s article here).

AI as Your Resume Sidekick

AI tools are a game-changer for customizing resumes. Services like Enhancv and Rezi help you tailor your resume to specific job descriptions, ensuring it’s optimized for ATS and recruiter eyes alike. Another favorite is Jasper AI, which can help craft achievement-driven bullet points that stand out.

Microsoft and Google Resume Templates

Sometimes the simplest tools are the best. Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer professional resume templates that are free and easy to customize. Pair these with some of the advice above, and you’ve got a solid starting point.

Resume Review by Professionals (If You Want a Second Opinion)

Sites like TopResume offer free resume reviews where professionals will assess your current document and provide suggestions. While they might nudge you to pay for their services, the initial feedback is often useful and free.

Pesky ATSs

Once you have a carefully crafted CV you might want to see what it looks like through the 'eyes' of an ATS scanner. Several of the sites above have ATS simulators and recommendations based on the scan. Your mileage and costs will vary so I don't have a specific favorite but look at the above sites and also Indeed has a free(ish) scanner - they want you to create an account here https://www.indeed.com/career-services/resume-help/instant-report

Self-Help

Links broken - but - Greg Langstaff has very good educational videos https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/greglangstaff/ and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbqOFQ5u-ZiT6kgwo9viP2Q

Final Thoughts: It’s All About YOUR Story - who better to tell it?

Whether you use a polished tool, plop down a credit card, ask strangers on Reddit, or go old school with Word templates, remember this: your resume is your chance to tell a compelling story. None of these approaches are wrong. The tools and experts exist to help you refine your story.

Start with these resources, experiment, and make it uniquely yours. A resume that feels authentic -and aligns with what recruiters are looking for - is the one that opens doors.

Have more to add? Please reply and post your thoughts and tools that have worked for you.

#personalbranding #jobinterviews #technology #YOU_GOT_THIS