I came to resume writing after graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a concentration in writing, and working for many years as an engineer. Certifications are vital in many engineering careers—and they are vital for a resume writer as well. Certification is important because: It indicates that the holder has passed certain courses, stayed up to date in the field, continued to meet high standards, and shown a dedication to growing in the profession. It protects the public… Read More
Resume Mills versus Resume Writers
The internet is filled with resume mills that promise low-cost (or even free) resume reviews. What is the difference between employing a resume mill and employing a personal, professional resume writer? Resume Mill Usually a resume mill will run your resume through a spell- and grammar-checker (something you could do yourself) or through a single applicant tracking system. They come up with generic comments about your resume based the results, comments that do not add value to your resume but… Read More
Questions to Ask Your Resume Writer
Before you sign up with any resume writing firm, you should ask these five essential questions: Can I see examples of your work? Chances are, if you do not like what you see in the past examples, you will not like the resume they prepare for you. How long have you been writing resumes? While length of time as a resume writer is no guarantee of quality, you do not want to trust your resume to someone who is completely… Read More
Answers to Your Resume Questions
Question: “I’ll be graduating college in January. If I use a professional resume writer, I’m afraid I’ll look self-important and as if I’m exaggerating my skills. Would I be better off writing my own resume?” Answer: As a professional resume writer, I have helped many recent graduates create winning resumes. Many college graduates fluctuate between being over-confident and under-confident in their skills. I can help you find that perfect balance and make sure that you do not overlook the value… Read More
More Mistakes That DIY Resume Writers Make
In June this year, I published a blog post on mistakes that do-it-yourself resume writers make, including mistakes with numbers, punctuation, spelling and factual information. Lately I’ve seen a few more mistakes which would be easy to avoid or fix: Overloading the resume with exclamation points (!) and adjectives. Exclamation points have no place in a resume (unless they are part of a title). Adjectives are fine in limited amounts (“strong leadership skills…”) but it is far better to demonstrate… Read More
