How do I know you can write my resume?
Periodically, someone asks that question — “Have you ever written a resume or helped someone in my career?” or “Do you know how to write a resume for my kind of work?”
Some resume writers specialize in specific niches but I am not one of them. The process I use and my depth of experience allows me to understand multiple fields and capture the critical keywords and accomplishments for your career path.
In the time I have been writing resumes, the rules have evolved and the style of resume writing has changed. When a client comes back with a resume I wrote 5 or 10 years ago, it means significant rewrites to get up to speed, change the look, add more keywords, and search for new accomplishments.
My interview-based resume writing process
Every resume I write is created with a LIVE resume writing interview-based process. Though I do use worksheets to help make the client think, I write much of my content while the client is watching either here in my office or using Skype’s screen sharing option to let the client see my screen and participate in creating new content.
By asking clients the right questions, I can discover their accomplishments even if their field is new to me. In fact, that’s one of the things I like best about writing resumes — I get to meet so many great people and learn what they do.
Gleaning the client’s story
This process of gleaning the client’s story and in my case, writing while they watch so we can edit out inaccuracies has worked for more than 20 years. At any given time, I can be working with clients in as diverse fields as sales, health care, engineering, information technology, manufacturing, finance, or law. By asking the right questions, I discover the unique qualities they bring to the table and make their resume a showcase for their accomplishments (not their duties). At the same time, I interview the client to find out the right keywords for their industry or field.
To become a successful resume writer, you need to be able to draw the stories out of the client. Though different writers use different methods, the best resume writers all do this. Couldn’t you do this yourself? Sure, it just takes time, introspection, knowing all the tools and resources professional resume writers study every day.
But in the end, it is all about asking the right questions and then the client has to be invested in the process to give the right answers.
To get your job search launched with an outstanding resume, simply click here!
1 Comment
Resume Design and Job Seeking Tips
Here are Design Resumes' latest articles on job search, resume design, resume writing, and Linkedin optimization articles I've written.
Julie Walraven
Professional Resume Writer
Here are ways I can help you land your dream job.
You may be halfway across the country or the world. When you work with me, we share coffee, laughs, and concerns. This turns the scary job search into creative, consultative writing and learning sessions.
I get asked that question a lot. I think in Australia if anyone specialized so narrowly they would not be very busy.