Robin's Resumes (r)

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Certified Professional Resume Writer

Answers to Common Resume Questions

As a professional resume writer, I am often asked the following questions:

Q.           Everyone these days knows Microsoft Office. Should I mention Microsoft Office on my resume?

A.            While Microsoft Office skills are common, some job postings and advertisements specify that the candidate must know Microsoft Office. You should definitely list Microsoft Office when the skill is required and should consider keeping it on your resume just in case. In addition, skill in some Microsoft products (such as Visio, Access, Publisher, and Project) is considered a bonus by many employers.

Q.           If I’ve taken course work but not completed a degree, should I list the courses on my resume?

A.            If your course work is related to or required by the job you are applying for, you should definitely list it. You may list the course work under Education or Professional Development, and/or as part of your Summary. Please contact me if you need help deciding how to handle course work on your resume.

Q.           I can’t find job postings in my field at my level. What can I do?

A.           It is time to network in person and to make sure your LinkedIn profile and other online information is properly supporting your job search. As a Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) as well as a Certified Professional Resume Writer, I can help you with both your LinkedIn profile and with job search strategies.

Q.           Can I use the same resume to apply for both civilian and government jobs?

A.           Resume requirements for government jobs are very different from those for civilian jobs. For example, you must supply your social security number on federal resumes—but never on civilian resumes. Federal resumes follow a format that is much more complex than the format for civilian resumes. You may need a Certified Federal Resume Writer like me to guide you in applying for a government position.

Are you still concerned about your resume? Contact me today.

Technical Resumes: A Specialty of Robin’s Resumes®

Candidates for technical positions know they can count on Robin’s Resumes® when they are preparing to change or find a job.  I have several qualifications for writing technical resumes.

First, I am a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a BS in chemical engineering.

Second, for many years I worked as a chemical engineer, process engineer, project manager, and software developer in major corporations.

Third, as a Certified Master Resume Writer and Certified Professional Resume Writer, I have received recognition in my field not only as a writer but as a speaker and mentor for other writers.

Fourth, I understand how to present a technical career so that it will pass safely through electronic Applicant Tracking Systems and then impress both the general Human Resources manager and the specific technical manager who is trying to find the ideal candidate.

Need more reasons? Contact me today and we can discuss your specific challenges.

Certifications for Resume Writers

When you are looking for a resume writer, you want someone with credentials. Two organizations provide the industry’s finest certifications.

One is the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARW/CC), founded in 1990. As they explain on their website, before 1990, “there had been no association for career professionals to exchange information, enhance their skills, or demonstrate their commitment to providing professional services to the general public. Today, those who display the association’s logo affirm their dedication to excellence in meeting client career goals. In addition, many members then choose to seek certification to further affirm their expertise as career professionals.”

PARW/CC members must pass a timed test of their industry knowledge, writing skills and strategic thinking and submit a sample resume before they can become Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW).

Career Directors International provides certification that a writer is the “best of the best”: a Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW). The writer must first have their CPRW; write a 1000-word article or essay on resume writing; and submit seven professional resumes for review by a panel of experts who are already certified masters.

In addition to being a CPRW and CMRW, I am a Certified Federal Resume Writer, which requires completing a course in federal requirements and hiring processes and taking a timed exam.

My certifications ensure you that I am a knowledgeable, trained and respected resume writing professional. Contact me today at Robin’s Resumes®.

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