IT'S TIME TO UPDATE YOUR RÉSUMÉ WHEN...
When your car is broken, you know you need a mechanic. If you've got a persistent cough, you call a doctor. But
you might not be able to recognize the symptoms of when your career is in trouble, or who to turn to when you need
help.
It's time to update your résumé when...
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Your current résumé isn't working. If you're not getting enough calls -- or you're getting calls, but they're for
the wrong types of jobs -- from your current résumé.
You got a request for a current résumé -- and you don’t have one. If you’re contacted by a headhunter or
prospective employer for a current résumé and you’ve never had one, or yours is not up-to-date.
You’re in the market for a career change. Especially if you’re not sure about how to position your transferable
experience and skills.
You’re a new graduate. It’s hard to land an entry-level job -- and it’s even harder to know what to emphasize on
a résumé that’s short on experience.
You’re unsure of your market worth. If you’ve been at your current company for a long time, you might have
lost touch with your value to an employer.
You’re in a rut. If you’re stuck in a position and need something dramatic to get unstuck, particularly if your
salary is stagnant.
You’re moving. If you’re moving to a new area, a local résumé writer can not only help with your résumé, he or
she can help with your job search. He or she is likely to know local companies that are hiring as well as local
resources, employment services, and web sites.
You need a résumé that stands out. If you’re looking for a position in a competitive field, like pharmaceutical
sales or sports promotion.
You’re too modest. If you find it hard to identify and quantify your accomplishments to address employer buying
motivators, it can be helpful for a third party to identify your value and express what a great find you are.
You want to search online. If you need your résumé in a variety of electronic formats (including key words)
undefined ASCII, .txt., Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat PDF.
You don’t have time to write one yourself. Which format is appropriate? What do employers want? How do I
format the résumé?
You’re self-employed and are looking for a “real” job. The “jack-of-all-trades” approach can be daunting for a
prospective employer. Target your core skills.
You’re re-entering the job market after an absence. Don’t know how to account for that lost time? Unsure
which of your skills will be attractive to employers?
You’re a senior executive -- and you have to look on paper like you’re worth that six-figure salary. If
you’re good at what you do -- and your salary reflects it -- your résumé must match that expectation.
If one or more of these situations applies to you, a professional résumé writer might be the answer. When choosing
a professional résumé writer, consider:
• Geography. A local résumé writer’s resource network can be invaluable. Be sure to ask if he or she can offer
referrals to local employment services or recruiters once the résumé is completed.
• Expertise. While most résumé writers are generalists, some specialize in a particular area or two. Ask if they’ve
written résumés for your specific career field before. A professional résumé writer should be able to direct you to
samples of his or her work, or provide enough information in a brief telephone consultation to demonstrate
proficiency with what you need.
• Style of service. Many résumé writers will work “virtually” with clients, completing data collection and client
interviews by phone, fax, or e-mail and delivering the finished documents either digitally or in hard-copy format.
Other résumé writers meet with clients in person. Pick a résumé writer whose style works for what you want.
• Pricing. Résumé services range from $75 (simple résumé formatting) to several thousand dollars, depending on
the services offered. Most people can expect to invest one or two day’s pay for a professionally written résumé.
(The national average is $400, according to industry newsletter Résumé Writers' Digest.)
Karen J. Reiff, ACRW karen@theresumestrategist.com 517.230.7343