Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer

Your resume might be beautiful but if it doesn't meet some very specific requirements two disturbing things might happen. Your work could end up lining someone's trash can, or even more troubling, no pair of human eyes might ever see it. Your hours of labor and good intention to showcase your amazing talent can get you zero results if you don't know a couple trade tips and secrets.

According to a recent study released by TheLadders, Professional Resume Writers do a significantly better job than most of us producing resumes that get people in the door for an interview. That makes sense doesn't it? This is what they train to do. This is why we are willing to fork over anywhere between $200 to $600.00 to get the job done right. We know they're better than us at writing these pesky one page wonders... but why are they? What do they do that most people don't?

Here are four little things that can make a big difference in the success of your resume. If you're attempting to tackle this as a do it yourself project, incorporating these tips and strategies will better your chances of being found and up the odds that you get invited in for an interview.

Research First Write After
Any good resume writer worth her salt knows that the most important way to connect to an employer is to understand the employer. Know what they require. Understand what they need. Even more importantly, know they words and phrases they use to describe it! Before you start writing your resume go to a big job board and search for 10 different jobs that sound like the one you want to target. Make a list of keywords and phrases they use to advertise their opening. Make a list of skills and deliverables they consistently ask for. Using these key words and phrases is going to get you past that pesky applicant tracking software and communicate to an employer that you understand the nature of their business.

Create Your Brand
Create a statement, or professional summary, or profile that starts with your title first. If you want a position as Strength and Conditioning Coach then write, "Strength and Conditioning Coach" right at the very top of the resume and then focus the rest of your statement on what awesome deliverables you have to offer in this field. Don't forget to use key words from your research to do this more effectively.

Strategically Position Your Experiences
You get one page and about 6 seconds to make an impression. Use your space with care. "prime real estate" is the top half of the page. Place your most relevant experiences and most notable accomplishments there. Use bold sparingly to draw the eye where you want it to go.

Focus on Results
Anyone can rewrite a job description. The employer doesn't care what your job responsibilities were, they want to know how you can solve their problems and if you can do the job they need you to do. When you discuss your experience talk specifically about what you accomplished. Any time you can talk about cost savings, income generation, increased efficiency, strategic problem solving, or client relationship building you show your value to an employer.

You may have learned by now that writing a one or two page resume isn't as easy as you first thought. Hire a writer if you feel that you don't have the time or energy to do this on your own. If you're up for the challenge however, dust off that old resume you've been sending out, review these 4 tips and get editing!
Catharine is a Certified Professional Resume with a talent for getting 97% of her clients in the front door for an interview. She is affiliated with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches and The National Resume Writers' Association.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catharine_Craig

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