Five Key Resume Writing Fallacies Revealed

OK, let's face this issue head on - professional resumes written by trained, credentialed, professional resume writers do NOT cost $50. There, I've said it - not so hard to do. If you want a well-crafted, marketing tool to help you get a job interview, you'll need to invest time, energy AND dollars into the professional resume writing process. That's the only way to develop the most important document you need to have to conduct a successful job search.

1. Resumes should only cost around $50 - NOT. (See above.) Get over the resume sticker shock. If you get a good job, what percentage of your first year's income would be your investment? One percent or less? Now, isn't it worth it to invest that much in a professional resume? Added bonus: wouldn't it be a relief to not have to stress out over drafting your resume all by yourself?

2. Resume writing is just a typing exercise - NOT. C'mon, do you really want to use a template you found on a computer to create the most important document used in your job search? To compete as part of today's saturated candidate pool, you must stand out! Your resume has to make your case for you, or you'll never get a job interview.

3. Resumes are easy to create for yourself - NOT. Even a resume writer struggles to create one for himself/herself. It's much too difficult to be objective about your own career experience and accomplishments. You need an unbiased eye to dig out what's most important to include in your resume based upon your current target market. Remember, the best resume is the one that's most narrowly niched. Employers never want to hunt for the reason why you submitted your resume to them. Actually, they WON'T do that - they'll throw away any resume that's too general and you'll never find out why.

4. Resume writing is just recording your work history - NOT. Resume writing is a form of technical writing - not reporting, essay, or poetry. It is a skill, craft, talent that is finely honed with frequent practice - after the "rules" are learned. Your "story" must be told in reverse chronological order, painting the picture of how you want to be perceived today in the world of work. It must include examples, accomplishments, and results that demonstrate your value, your problem-solving ability, and why you should be hired above anyone else. Your resume represents your career brand.

5. Resumes should be written by the job candidates themselves - NOT. This is a fallacy perpetuated by human resources. (Please - no fair throwing darts at me for this remark, HR, but your comments are welcome below.) Usually, how successful is a defendant who doesn't hire an attorney but represents himself/herself in court? Do you try to extract your own tooth to save money by not going to the dentist? How about diagnosing your own illness by researching on the internet instead of going to the doctor - how does that work for you? You are probably very good at what you do for a living and have a lot experience with talent to back up your actions. So, if you aren't good at writing your own resume - what's the big deal? Hire the best professional resume writer to partner with you on the project and I know you'll be happy with the resulting product.

I'm fully aware that my opinions expressed in this post may ruffle some feathers. However, based on 12 years of owning my boutique career services firm, I know this information to be true. Most of my clients are walking testimonials to the credibility of my remarks here. If you don't hire a professional resume writer to craft your career marketing materials, I wish you all the best and hope you prove me wrong. Tell me about your success (or not) in the comments section below. I want to hear it all!

Wishing you career success in 2011!

Meg

Comments

[Saswati]

"We believe that making a difference in one person’s life far outweighs the number of facebook likes or fans or followers. At “Look Beyond Resumes”, we help people find the careers that fit their personality and NOT just their skills and education.
Stop being defined by a piece of paper and get your voice heard."

[Shyam]

I've been frustrated looking for a job, because I've been struggling to tell my story on a resume. I'm not your typical ivy league student, but I know I have stuff to offer the world. Your concept seems like it will fit me just right. Will definitely take a look at your site. Thanks and best of luck.

[Anuttama]

Could u tell me more about Look Beyond Resumes?

[Caroline Leopold]

As a professional writer, I concur. I have written and edited 30 versions of my resume. I'm not even close to satisfied with my efforts. But that's the writer's life. I enjoy the challenge of resume writing, but it isn't something to take lightly. For me, the act of writing my resume helps me strengthen my ability to articulate my experience, strengths, and even show me where I need to gain more education and experience.

By the way, I have examined sample resumes across the internet and I haven't been satisfied. One thing that I have noticed is that younger people have better resumes in design, layout and readability. I have lifted several ideas from 20-somethings. And I try to give back by putting in a good word to hiring managers.