professional resu'me' writers?

**musclestack** · 11-10-2014, 12:15 PM

So, I've been looking for a new job for quite some time now, especially these past few months. I've applied for many jobs, but no luck yet. All of these jobs that I've applied for, according to the job description and requirements, I'm more than qualified. I understand that there may have been better candidates, but I really need to analyze all angles of this and see where I'm falling short. I want to make my resume as attractive as possible. Right now, it's one that I put together about a year ago and, in my opinion, it looks good, but who knows? There may be details that aren't in there that should be, there may be details that are unnecessary in it that don't need to be there, maybe I need to reword it, be more specific about things, etc, etc. The point is I don't know, and I would like to give it to a professional who can fine-tune it for me.

Does anyone have any ideas on who I should contact, or where to look? I would search locally, but I don't even really know who I'm looking for. Professional resume writers?? Is there such a thing?

**RigPig** · 11-10-2014, 12:25 PM

just dumb down your resume to get your foot in the door then become the instant success when you get the job and out perform everyone around you, in turn getting promotions. Nobody give a shit about how great you are when applying, all they seem to want is someone who isn't a threat to their job security.
It's all about getting in, making it past your probation period then lighting it up!

**musclestack** · 11-10-2014, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by RigPig

just dumb down your resume to get your foot in the door then become the instant success when you get the job and out perform everyone around you, in turn getting promotions. Nobody give a shit about how great you are when applying, all they seem to want is someone who isn't a threat to their job security.
It's all about getting in, making it past your probation period then lighting it up!

Right, but the problem is I haven't landed a job yet. Knowing that, you're suggesting that I make myself look less qualified in my resume? I UNDERSTAND the psychological tactic you're implying by making myself not seem like a threat; I'm just not so sure I AGREE with your suggestion that it would actually work.

**thisAngelBites** · 11-10-2014, 03:39 PM

Get some friends who work in several jobs (hopefully in fields related to where you're looking) to have a look and tell you what they would do to improve if it was their resume?

**GirlyGymRat** · 11-10-2014, 06:51 PM

Does your resume focus on accomplishments? Are your accomplishments quantifiable?
Do your accomplishments start with a verb?
Do you use descriptive, captivating words?
Does every word have a purpose?

Have others in the biz look over it for you and there are plenty of reference materials. I don't think you need to hire someone. There's ton of free information on internet.

**Bonaparte** · 11-10-2014, 07:07 PM

You could start by omitting the apostrophes in the word "resume", and using these: "é"

**RaginCajun** · 11-10-2014, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Bonaparte

You could start by omitting the apostrophes in the word "resume", and using these: "é"

Haha

**musclestack** · 11-10-2014, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by Bonaparte

You could start by omitting the apostrophes in the word "resume", and using these: "é"

So that's where I was going wrong all this time!! Nevermind everyone, Bonaparte gave me the advice I needed! Lol

**Times Roman** · 11-10-2014, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by musclestack

So, I've been looking for a new job for quite some time now, especially these past few months. I've applied for many jobs, but no luck yet. All of these jobs that I've applied for, according to the job description and requirements, I'm more than qualified. I understand that there may have been better candidates, but I really need to analyze all angles of this and see where I'm falling short. I want to make my resume as attractive as possible. Right now, it's one that I put together about a year ago and, in my opinion, it looks good, but who knows? There may be details that aren't in there that should be, there may be details that are unnecessary in it that don't need to be there, maybe I need to reword it, be more specific about things, etc, etc. The point is I don't know, and I would like to give it to a professional who can fine-tune it for me.

Does anyone have any ideas on who I should contact, or where to look? I would search locally, but I don't even really know who I'm looking for. Professional resume writers?? Is there such a thing?

Job hunting is an art

First, don't fall into the trap that you only have one resume. Customize your resume for each positon you are applying for. Save that resume, along with the job description and cover letter in a folder on your hard drive.

Prepare a sixty second sales presentation that you hammer on in your cover letter and in your first few moments in an interview.

I know all the proper steps that get me hired at a very high % when I'm not too lazy to use them. The problem is that there is a tremendous amount of prep time, from the time you initially apply to the time you get an interview.

The lazy way, what most people do is only one resume, a weak cover letter, and then email that mess out. Which is the result you are apparently seeing now.

**musclestack** · 11-11-2014, 08:22 AM

Thanks for the replies. GGR and TR, great advice; thank you (you too, Bonaparte). I'll use the combination of what both of you have told me and see where it takes me.

**Times Roman** · 11-11-2014, 08:41 AM

I have a fairly inexpensive book I use every time I can send you a link to. PM me for the link

it goes into great detail this concept of the sixty second presentation. I believe in it so much, I write out my presentation, memorize it, record it into an audio file, time it, and if over sixty seconds, edit it. The presentation is based on the five most relevant qualities the company is seeking, and you HAMMER on these over and over in your cover letter, presentation, during the interview.....

mate, the bottom line is you are selling product. YOU. And with any selling, there are certain techniques.

**GirlyGymRat** · 11-11-2014, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

I have a fairly inexpensive book I use every time I can send you a link to. PM me for the link it goes into great detail this concept of the sixty second presentation. I believe in it so much, I write out my presentation, memorize it, record it into an audio file, time it, and if over sixty seconds, edit it. The presentation is based on the five most relevant qualities the company is seeking, and you HAMMER on these over and over in your cover letter, presentation, during the interview..... mate, the bottom line is you are selling product. YOU. And with any selling, there are certain techniques.

I have this memorized also...tell me about yourself. I have a 60 second and the 30 second elevator speech. I've used the elevator speech and got me a hot date instead of a job interview. :P

**Times Roman** · 11-11-2014, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by GirlyGymRat

I have this memorized also...tell me about yourself. I have a 60 second and the 30 second elevator speech. I've used the elevator speech and got me a hot date instead of a job interview. :P

so what are your five relevant talking points you use to secure dates?

let's see:

5) I prefer to pick up the bill when we go out
4) It doesn't bother me if you stand me up to go watch a football game
3) I'm a "glass is half full' kind of gal and welcome the opportunity of the challenge when your ex stops by unannounced
2) I like to wash your Harley while wearing my sexy string bikini
1) I've got a hot roommate that likes to party with us when you come by

**GirlyGymRat** · 11-12-2014, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

so what are your five relevant talking points you use to secure dates? let's see: 5) I prefer to pick up the bill when we go out 4) It doesn't bother me if you stand me up to go watch a football game 3) I'm a "glass is half full' kind of gal and welcome the opportunity of the challenge when your ex stops by unannounced 2) I like to wash your Harley while wearing my sexy string bikini 1) I've got a hot roommate that likes to party with us when you come by

Nothing like that...what can I say. I have a nice smile, fun loving,conversationalist, interesting, easy on the eyes....

**Times Roman** · 11-12-2014, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by GirlyGymRat

Nothing like that...what can I say. I have a nice smile, fun loving,conversationalist, interesting, easy on the eyes....

yeah, but Dave Letterman wouldn't approve of this format. It's gotta be numbered sequentially or else you never make the show. here let me help you. I'll polish up some of what you said and format it correctly:

5) Makes Kelly Rippa's smile look like a wrinkle
4)

damn! I got nothing. Let's stick to washing the Harley in a sexy string bikini and fetching beers for me and my bros.

..............wait! did I just say that out loud?

**GirlyGymRat** · 11-12-2014, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

yeah, but Dave Letterman wouldn't approve of this format. It's gotta be numbered sequentially or else you never make the show. here let me help you. I'll polish up some of what you said and format it correctly: 5) Makes Kelly Rippa's smile look like a wrinkle 4) damn! I got nothing. Let's stick to washing the Harley in a sexy string bikini and fetching beers for me and my bros. ..............wait! did I just say that out loud?

Omg. Sooooo badddddd.

**Times Roman** · 11-12-2014, 08:37 PM

well, it doesn't really count if I *winked* at you when I said it, right?

**jesse4466** · 11-12-2014, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by musclestack

So, I've been looking for a new job for quite some time now, especially these past few months. I've applied for many jobs, but no luck yet. All of these jobs that I've applied for, according to the job description and requirements, I'm more than qualified. I understand that there may have been better candidates, but I really need to analyze all angles of this and see where I'm falling short. I want to make my resume as attractive as possible. Right now, it's one that I put together about a year ago and, in my opinion, it looks good, but who knows? There may be details that aren't in there that should be, there may be details that are unnecessary in it that don't need to be there, maybe I need to reword it, be more specific about things, etc, etc. The point is I don't know, and I would like to give it to a professional who can fine-tune it for me. Does anyone have any ideas on who I should contact, or where to look? I would search locally, but I don't even really know who I'm looking for. Professional resume writers?? Is there such a thing?

All you have to do is Google it then take one you like and use that as a template and just customize it to suit you personally.

Not hard should take 20-30 min.

For example, just specify the category your focused on and put that in the search :

'Sales resume template'

'Customer service resume template'

Etc....

Then check out the links and also look at the photos - it will show u resume examples.

Just copy and paste and change the details to you and job history obviously..

Resumes are supposed to catch the eye of the manager and get you in the door, that's all really. Ive hired dozens of people. All we look for is a professional, eye catching, organized resume.

Keep it to 1 page also. Good Luck.

**musclestack** · 11-13-2014, 08:54 AM

Thanks for the advice, Jesse. I'm going to do this. I'm also going to reduce it from 2 1/2 pages down to 1 lol! Short and simple, right?

Question: When listing your qualifications/work history, do you prefer to look at a resume that is very detailed and gives examples of what you've accomplished, or rather keep it vague?

**jesse4466** · 11-13-2014, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by musclestack

Thanks for the advice, Jesse. I'm going to do this. I'm also going to reduce it from 2 1/2 pages down to 1 lol! Short and simple, right? Question: When listing your qualifications/work history, do you prefer to look at a resume that is very detailed and gives examples of what you've accomplished, or rather keep it vague?

Yes, they won't even read a 2.5 page resume. And no matter how good it might be 2.5 pages is over kill. You're basically creating a headache for managers. They don't have time for it.

Keep your job history short and sweet. But highlight your accomplishments if any. If you only have 2 jobs for example you can bullet point your accomplishments and fluff it up.

Try to limit the jobs within the last 5-10 years max. And make sure they are relevant to the job. There is nothing more annoying then getting resumes for a sales position and all that's on the resume is cooking job history...

Hope that helps..

**GirlyGymRat** · 11-13-2014, 12:05 PM

I have a 2 page resume. The first page is the one that matters most.

**lovbyts** · 11-16-2014, 01:34 AM

Originally Posted by GirlyGymRat

I have a 2 page resume. The first page is the one that matters most.

Yeah but yours is an 8x10 glossy.

I HATE doing resume or worse yet interviews. I have been lucky and always got the jobs I wanted with minimal effort. I have a friend who could be a professional resume writer and expert on interviews. Ive never known someone who has had so many interviews and turned down jobs as him. lol

Best of luck with the job hunting.

**Times Roman** · 11-16-2014, 04:23 PM

mine is a two page as well. nothing wrong with the second page IF it is due to solid experience/credentials/education. Strip all the BS outta there, unless just a kid out of college and need fluff to fill the first page. Mine is very dense/compact

Just keep in mind, many hiring managers have others prescreen your CV. it is either a go/no go. most are no go. once you pass that barrier, many times, the hiring manager will read your resume after you have already secured the interview. Prior to that, a quick scan.kk

Make your resume "scannable". Make the relevant sections pop, and the explanatory detail not so much.

Bolding
Different size fonts
Underlines

all are acceptable and can help your main points stand out.