You’ve hired a professional resume writer. Your work is done.
That is the idea some resume clients have. They’ve paid the resume writer, so now, all they have to do is wait until “someone” finds them a job.
Let me share a peek behind the resume writing curtain so you know more about what to expect during a resume writing project. Following these 8 tips will elevate the process to a productive – and even fun – experience.
- Put the project at the top of your priority list. Your resume writer is your job search partner, but they cannot finish the project without you. Your project is likely to last two to four weeks, depending on the number of documents and the complexity of your search. Set aside several hours a week for providing information and communicating with your resume writer.
- Follow the process. There will be a process. You don’t have to make this up as you go along. Neither do you have to tell your resume writer what to do next or how to do it. If your resume writer has a good deal of experience, they already know what works best. You are definitely the expert on your career, and your resume writer is the expert on the resume writing process and product. Trust them.
- Stay on scope. One of the first things you will talk about with your resume writer is the target of your job search. You will need to make this decision early in the project. Make sure that decision is comfortable for you because once the writing starts, changing the target changes the scope of the project. A scope change requires at least an additional investment if not an entirely new project.
- Collaborate. You will be asked for information about your accomplishments, skills, and experience. The requested information may surprise you, particularly if you have not conducted a job search in a while. Your resume writer’s job is to make you stand out from the considerable competition for the position you seek. Your new resume may look different from others you’ve seen. This is a good thing.
- Be candid. Provide the information requested. Holding back or providing alternative information will delay the process and affect the quality of your documents. If in doubt, ask your resume writer if more or different information would be helpful.
- Ask: In fact, if you have any questions about the process, product, or information, please ask. Most resume writers are very helpful people. They are vitally interested in their craft and their clients’ success. They would not want you wondering or uncomfortable for a second.
- Stick to the schedule: Most resume writers I know are also very busy. When you miss an appointment or fail to provide information on schedule, you are likely holding up the entire project. This leaves the resume writer with a gap in the schedule that likely will not be filled, as other clients are already scheduled. It also may push your project to the end of the line and delay the completion date by days or even weeks.
- Remain in the loop: The majority of resume project communication is via email. It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally, an email disappears. I have initiated a policy for myself and a courtesy I ask of my clients, to answer every communication. If a client emails me a document, I email them an acknowledgement. Even as little as “Got it. Thanks.” keeps the project moving. If you don’t already do this, start.
Following these suggestions will go along way to keeping your resume project happily on track.
Image courtesy nenetus via freedigitalphotos.net.
