Do you have an existing resume? Maybe it is a few years (or a few decades) old and you would like to freshen it up. Or maybe you recently created it and have found you aren't getting the response you anticipated when you submit it to job openings. In either case, a resume rewrite is likely in order. Let's examine what you need to do to rewrite your resume.
Think Through the Goal of Your Resume
Why are you rewriting your resume? Are you anticipating searching for a new job? Do you want to change careers? Do you just want a resume on hand in case a desirable job suddenly becomes available? Or, have you been looking for a job for 6+ months without getting a response, and you think your resume might be to blame?
Your "why" may impact how you proceed, so it is worthwhile spending some time thinking through what your goal is with your new resume.
Research Job Openings
Look at current job openings in your field or the field you are trying to get into. What types of skills are they looking for? What are the qualifications required and preferred? Do you see any common keywords that pop up frequently in the job postings? Make note of these things so you are able to properly align your resume with the role you are seeking.
Research Current Resume Standards
If you last wrote your resume 5+ years ago, you need to spend some time looking into the current standards. Hiring managers expect resumes to meet guidelines appropriate for 2023, not 2015. If you submit a resume that is outdated, you look outdated and you may be passed over even if you have amazing skills and qualifications. A few indications that your resume is not up to current guidelines include:
You have included your street address
You start the document with an objective statement
Your bullets are a list of job responsibilities instead of actions and results
You end your resume with "references available upon request"
You have your photo on your resume
You include the words "I" or "My" anywhere within the document
Consider Hiring a Resume Writer
In many cases, job seekers have the good intention of rewriting their own resume, but they run into roadblocks. Some just don't have the time to commit to the project. They didn't realize the amount of work it would take and they become overwhelmed. Others recognize they are not skilled writers. They may be highly qualified for the job they are seeking but aren't able to express their capabilities on paper. Some that are skilled writers may struggle to write about themselves because it feels like bragging, and end up creating a resume that undersells their strengths.
Many job seekers have trouble identifying exactly what they want, and the resume they create ends up being too general. In all of these cases, a resume writer can be of assistance, helping the job seeker successfully achieve the job of their dreams.
Revision Resume meets job seekers where they are by offering a variety of service options:
Resume critiques can highlight where problem areas lie in your existing resume, and point you in the right direction to fix them yourself.
Resume creation is for those who have never written or haven't updated their resume in a while, as well as for those who are not satisfied in general with their existing resume. We begin this process with a Zoom meeting to gather background information and discuss the goal of the resume. Often, through this process, we help our clients identify what it is they are seeking. We also thoroughly review the job postings our clients are interested in and ensure that the resume we create highlights their qualifications and is matched to the opening(s).
Cover letters, value proposition letters, and LinkedIn assistance are also popular services our clients use to boost their job search to the next level.
Keeping up to date on industry standards is part of our job and something we take pride in, so you can be confident you are submitting a document that meets current guidelines when we write it for you.
We would be happy to assist you in the job search process! To learn more the services Revision Resume offers, click here. Or email us directly at info@revisionresume.com to find out how we can assist you in your job search!
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