A resume is a very short document, but nothing is more important than a properly-formatted, well-thought-out resume if you’re job hunting.
Writing a resume can be a daunting task because you need to make sure you include all the necessary information while keeping the document to a manageable size. Even if you’ve worked hard to write your resume and think it doesn’t need improvement, it’s helpful to have it reviewed by an (objective) experienced professional.
Where to Find Resume Writing Help
There are a number of options available for getting help with your resume to ensure the final draft is going to get a second look by employers. You may be excellent at your job with the credentials to prove it but if your resume doesn’t shine, it may end up at the bottom of the pile, or worse.
College Career Offices
If you’re a college student (or alumnus) the career services office at your school or alma mater may be able to help you write your resume or provide you with useful feedback. The staff in a career office has a lot of experience helping professionals, as well as recent grads, and they know how to polish a resume to make it stand out.
They are also familiar with hiring managers, how managers scan resumes, and the resume software managers use. These career counselors can also provide guidance regarding the best way to format your resume and the best keywords to use to set you apart from the competition.
Career professionals also know that active verbs (such as managed, supervised, developed, and produced) are keywords that will better position you in the marketplace.
Professional Resume Services
It may not seem worth it to spend money on a resume service, especially if you are unemployed and on a tight budget, but your resume is your first impression before you even get the interview.
For a fee, professional resume writing services will either write your resume for you or edit the one you have.
State Resources for Resume Writing Help
Every State’s Department of Labor website offers free resume writing services for new employees, the unemployed, those returning to the workplace, and military veterans. Google “Yourstate Department of Labor” for help producing your resume and other career services. Local government websites will likely also offer sample resumes, sample cover letters, interview tips, and other pertinent information helpful for your job search.
Other Resume Help Options
When you set out to write your resume, it’s helpful to review samples in order to get an idea of the kinds of resumes appropriate for different kinds of employment situations. The sample resumes and templates provided below are an excellent source because of no matter what kind of job you’re looking for, these examples work for nearly every job situation.
Tips for Writing a Resume
Even if you plan to hire a professional to help you develop your resume, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the resume writing process. Here are some resources to help guide you in writing effective resumes and cover letters, including worksheets, resume samples, cover letter samples, skills lists, content, appearance, and proofreading checklist.