More lessons from the Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge. Here are some essential questions to ask prospective writers - and yourself - before you hire someone to conduct a re-write. WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS? Understanding how the resume writer works will increase the odds that you will be satisfied with the final product. Aside from asking is you are entitled to re-writes and edits, it's important to know... HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO COMMIT? When I say 'YOU' I mean you the resume owner. Depending on the writer, I spent anywhere from four hours to two minutes involved in the process. Whether it was fielding questions, completing questionnaires, or exchanging e-mails, I strongly advise that you be honest with yourself on how much time you are willing - and able - to commit. I personally felt that the writers who spent more time with me did a better job, but the panel of Jobacle judges didn't necessarily see it that way. Ask what the writer's process is and how much … [Read more...] about 6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Resume Writer
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7 Versions of the Same Resume – Which Is Best?
All of the entries for the inaugural Jobacle Resume Challenge have been unveiled. I want to thank the participants, our judges, and most of all YOU, the reader. As with most experiments, we learned a lot about how we can improve the exercise for next time: and there will be a next time. In fact, the next go around will feature a lucky reader's resume getting the royal treatment. Many job seekers have e-mailed me asking what my verdict is; is hiring a professional resume writer worth the money? While I'm hesitant to give a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer, I can say that the challenge has given me a new appreciation for what resume writers do and the process involved. The decision to hire the help really comes down to what your goals are, where you are in your career, and most importantly - who the resume writer is. Over the next few weeks, there will be additional posts on resume writing and how you should go about hiring one. We also invite you to check out my resume re-written SEVEN … [Read more...] about 7 Versions of the Same Resume – Which Is Best?
Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 7 of 7
About: 12 resume writers accepted the challenge of rewriting my resume. Who will win? Leave a comment with your thoughts and try to sway our panel of Jobacle judges. Read more about the inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge here. Contender #7: This resume was submitted by Resumes Guaranteed, owned and operated by Andrew Greenstein. In his own words he is a "Successful Entrepreneur, Writer, Motivational Speaker, and, most importantly, Husband & Father..." Their slogan is "Nobody is IMperfect!" And we agree! The Process: The resume was written by two of Resumes Guaranteed top writers. All of my communication, however, was with Andrew Greenstein. The firm worked independently, requiring nothing from my end. The only question I was asked was regarding the format for the final deliverable.I also received a bit of advice (which I planned on and agreed with):"I recommend not posting it until all contest entries have been submitted by all contestants--so that one doesn't influence the … [Read more...] about Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 7 of 7
Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 6 of 7
About: 12 resume writers accepted the challenge of rewriting my resume. Who will win? Leave a comment with your thoughts and try to sway our panel of Jobacle judges. Read more about the inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge here. Contender #6: Cliff Flamer is a certified resume writer, career counselor, job-search coach and the Executive Director of BrightSide Resumes. His goal is to help job candidates find the bright side of their work history while positioning themselves for successful and rewarding job searches."I see you're taking a different approach to career development. I agree the industry could use a breath of fresh air from the usual rigmarole that career experts spew. I take the same perspective. I like helping people be successful and be themselves at the same time." The Process: My initial contact with Cliff had him stating that he likes to 'help people be successful and be themselves at the same time.' As someone who doesn't like to play games or put up phony … [Read more...] about Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 6 of 7
Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 5 of 7
About: 12 resume writers accepted the challenge of rewriting my resume. Who will win? Leave a comment with your thoughts and try to sway our panel of Jobacle judges. Read more about the inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge here. Contender #5: David O'Neal is considering launching a resume-writer-for-hire service, charging a lower rate than other writers. His full-time job is outside the realm of career services. The Process: David worked independently. I sent my resume, and received his edited version several weeks later."I found your resume to be largely an effective representation of your career progress, with the obvious caveat that I know nothing else about you... I did not make substantial changes, but did reorder some elements and did a bit of general clean up work. Unless there are glaring issues, I generally try to keep the author's work intact to the degree possible when I do (currently pro bono) resume edits."The final version can be downloaded or viewed … [Read more...] about Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 5 of 7
Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 4 of 7
About: 12 resume writers accepted the challenge of rewriting my resume. Who will win? Leave a comment with your thoughts and try to sway our panel of Jobacle judges. Read more about the inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge here. Contender #4: Rachel Kokosenski, M.Ed. is a Career Counselor/Coach with over eight years of experience. She has written thousands of resumes, coached hundreds of job applicants, and provided thousands of hours of training to job applicants of all levels of education and skill sets. The Process: Rachel worked independently. The process was quick and painless. I sent my resume, and she sent me back the new version. Case closed.Along with the revision, Rachel said the following:"I would also like to suggest that you put the 'select career highlights' information into your cover letter, rather than your resume."The final version can be downloaded or viewed below. Opinions: ANDREW G.R.: Nice touch moving the blogs to the top … [Read more...] about Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 4 of 7
Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 3 of 7
About: 12 resume writers accepted the challenge of rewriting my resume. Who will win? Leave a comment with your thoughts and try to sway our panel of Jobacle judges. Read more about the inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge here. Contender #3: Miriam Salpeter owns Keppie Careers and has been helping clients with their resumes and job hunts for over 10 years as a speaker, blog author and coach. She earned a Master’s degree from Columbia University where she trained in career advising and counseling. The Process: Miriam was the only resume writer who wanted to see my resume before committing to enter the challenge. This instantly gave her some credibility. She also suggested that my career experience would lend itself well to an online resume created at visualcv.com. (I've attempted to set up a page several times, but I find their interface quite cumbersome).After reviewing my resume, Miriam asked me to send her several job … [Read more...] about Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 3 of 7
Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 2 of 7
About: 12 resume writers accepted the challenge of rewriting my resume. Who will win? Leave a comment with your thoughts and try to sway our panel of Jobacle judges. Read more about the inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge here. Contender #2: Teena Rose is a certified 9-year resume-writing veteran who owns Resume to Referral. Her favorite clients to work with are those who control their careers through education, by embracing new techniques and those who strive to outperform, outdo, and outwit. The Process: Teena proved to be a real trooper, dealing with delays caused by Hurricane Ike and then a nasty case of the flu.I received eight questions from Teena after she reviewed my original resume. These included clarifications on my ideal positions and industries, a request for more details on my current company and a request for me to expand on my skills.A second e-mail included an additional 11 questions pertaining to my current job.A third e-mail asked eight … [Read more...] about Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 2 of 7
Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 1 of 7
About: 12 resume writers accepted the challenge of rewriting my resume. Who will win? Leave a comment with your thoughts and try to sway our panel of Jobacle judges. Read more about the inaugural Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge. Contender #1: Michelle Penn is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and experienced job search consultant who founded Resume Results in 2007. The company services clients ranging from recent grads to top-level executives. The Process: Michelle was very sensitive to the fact that I was dealing with so many resume writers at once, a clear indicator that she understands the time that goes into the process. She floated the idea of a phone consultation or to handle things via e-mail; I opted for the latter.I had to fill out a 12-page 'Resume Results Questionnaire' comprised of multiple choice and text box questions. (I've been asked not to post it here, as it contains proprietary information). Some of the requested info … [Read more...] about Jobacle Resume Writing Challenge – 1 of 7