Monday, May 4, 2009

Should You Write Your Own Resume?


A resume is a document that serves as a statement of your skills, qualifications and accomplishments to prospective employers. A resume is not a matter to be taken lightly. Resumes that simply list a summary of experience, responsibilities with each employer, and education credentials, are no longer sufficient to compete in today's job market. Your resume is perhaps the most important part of a comprehensive job search strategy to get you in front of employers that are appropriate for your level of knowledge, skill and accomplishment.

The decision regarding whether or not to write your own resume depends on your ability to effectively assess your strengths, abilities and experience, as well as your ability to communicate these qualities in an interesting and succinct manner to a potential employer. These factors mean more than producing a document that is without grammar or spelling errors that would otherwise disqualify you. It means grabbing an employer's attention within the 10 to 15 seconds they are initially willing to invest in scanning that resume by creating a desire in them to read further. Lastly, that further reading must sell the employer on calling you for an interview.

Even if you think you can do these things it may be advantageous to use a professional resume writer since professional resume writers write resumes for a living. Most people write their own resume only when they feel compelled to do so out of necessity (job loss or fear of the same, or job dissatisfaction). Finally, professional resume writers know what recruiters and employers are looking for. This is knowledge you can leverage.


Copyright © 2009, Michael G. Kelly

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