Resume Writing & Career Marketing Insider

Using LinkedIn for Your Job Search

About six months ago, we launched a service to help clients who had hired us to write their resume also develop or redevelop their LinkedIn profile. In many ways, the information asked for on your LinkedIn profile is very similar to your resume. We've been recommending LinkedIn to all of our clients as it can be an invaluable resource during your job search (and beyond).

I just came across a great blog post summarizing ten ways that job seekers can use LinkedIn to find a job. It is definitely worth reading: http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-use.html

Beyond the suggestions in the article, I also recommend including a link to either a downloadable PDF version of your resume or to an online career portfolio, if you have one.  Additionally, you should also join and participate in some of the relevant LinkedIn groups. For example, you might join a group of alumnus for the college you attended, a group for professionals in your industry or profession, and one or more groups for former employees of companies you worked at.

How to Hire a Professional Resume Writer

If you have been conducting a job search recently, you know how incredibly competitive the job market is right now. To really stand out from the masses, to win interviews, and to get the job offer, you have to give yourself every available edge possible. For those job searchers truly interested in conducting a fast, successful search, that includes a professionally written resume. Especially right now, when unemployment is so high, promoting yourself with a professionally written resume has become almost a necessity-not a luxury!

But, how do you hire a professional resume writer? Not all resume writers are equal in talent and experience. How do you make your choice? Here are a few guidelines to help you.

Review work samples

Would you commission a custom painting without ever having seen the artist's work? Would you hire an advertising agency to promote a new product without having reviewed examples of past ad campaigns? Of course not! Resume writing is a craft that requires a very unique blend of creativity, writing skills, and current knowledge of the job market and constantly changing trends. True professional resume writing firms never use templates. Each and every resume they create is as unique as the individual client. While it won't be identical to your future resume, you can still tell a lot about the quality of work produced by viewing examples of past resume projects. Many resume writers publish examples of their resumes online and a handful are contributors to published books on resume writing. Before selecting a resume writer, review their work and be certain you are comfortable with the quality, general style, and diversity of the examples.

Check credentials

There are several national organizations devoted to the education and professional development of resume writers. Each of these organizations offers their own version of training and certification programs. While there are good writers who remain uncertified, choosing a certified resume writer ensures that you will be working with a trained, experienced, tested professional. Do be aware that some certifications are more rigorous than others. The best have prerequisites for writers, test various areas of competence, use a blind grading process, and have CEU requirements to maintain certification.

Check references

There is a very valid, honest reason that many professional resume writers will hesitate when asked to provide references. Professional ethics and client confidentiality concerns prevent those of us who care about such things from providing the names of past clients. However, most professionals who are able to will provide testimonial letters written by past clients, using just the clients' initials, location, and job title or industry to help protect their clients' identities. LinkedIn profiles are another great place to look for references from past clients. If the writer you are thinking of working with has a LinkedIn presence, past clients may have voluntarily written references, and in these cases, the references are linked to a real person by name. Be extremely wary of working with a professional resume writer who is unable to provide you any references.

Have a written agreement and understand what is included

The agreement doesn't need to be fancy or written in legalese, but it is always a good idea to have a written agreement. That way, you can be sure that you clearly understand the resume writer's process and policies, and be sure that there are no misunderstandings about what is to be delivered and what the charges will be. Does the writer offer other services? Is he or she able to assist you with job search letters or other documents? Are they included in the fee or separate? Will you be given access to the computer files so that you can send your resume electronically or make minor updates yourself? Are there any other value-add services bundled with the project? Can the writer assist with future resume updates? Does the writer offer any other services that you might need, such as resume distribution or job search coaching? How does the writer gather information to write the resume? What if corrections or changes are needed before you can use the resume? What are the fees associated with all of this and what is the payment schedule? Make sure you know the answers to these questions before you hire a writer.

Understand the guarantee

Remember that a resume is a tool, and even the best tool in the world will be ineffective if it is used inappropriately. Once a resume has left the resume writer's office, it is completely out of that writer's control how that resume will be used-or not used. If a writer claims to guarantee a job or even interviews, be wary and read the fine print closely. While some might try to offer this guarantee with good intentions, most know it isn't a realistic guarantee and will make you jump through hoops to prove how you have used the resume before allowing you to collect. Others more realistically guarantee that you will be satisfied with the quality of the service and the deliverables. Whatever the guarantee, if any, just be sure you understand it.

Think and plan ahead

It is not a good idea to procrastinate! If you are currently in a job search or are expecting to conduct a job search soon, don't put off hiring a professional resume writer until you have a job that you want to apply for or have a recruiter requesting it. Quality takes time and the truly good resume writers are in demand and usually booked in advance. Give yourself time to research and select the best writer for the job and then plan for at least an additional two weeks for turnaround of the finished project.

And finally...

Understand that you will get what you pay for

In discussing certifications and the need to check work samples, I alluded to this issue. In most states there are no licensing requirements for a resume writer. Anyone with a computer can put up a website, and start calling himself a professional resume writer. Sadly, there are many examples of unqualified people doing this and unknowing job seekers who have been "burned" by them. Does the person you are thinking of hiring have a credible web presence? Do they belong to professional associations? Attend regular trainings and conferences? Have articles they have written or example resumes that have been published? In short, not all resume writers are equal, and those who are the experienced, respected experts in the field charge appropriately for their craft. The fee range is pretty broad, but it would not be uncommon to pay somewhere in the $400-$1200 range to have a professional resume written. Generally, the complexity of your project will have an impact on the fee charged. Some charge more and some charge less, but if it is significantly less, you might want to ask yourself why that is. Does the writer really have the experience he or she claims to have? Be especially wary about working with some of the high-volume companies that outsource all the work to inexperienced writers to whom they usually pay ridiculously low wages to produce resumes of questionable quality. Some even outsource the projects overseas, to writers who do not speak English as a first language. It is your career and all your career dreams at stake! Your resume is not the place to cut corners. It is well worth the extra money to pay for the quality and experience of a true professional resume writer.

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. May be reprinted with the following credit.

Nationally certified resume writer, personal branding, and career marketing expert, Michelle Dumas is the founder and executive director of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Through Distinctive Documents http://www.distinctiveweb.com and her Executive VIP Services delivered through http://www.100kcareermarketing.com  Based from her New Hampshire office, Michelle works virtually and has empowered thousands of executives, professionals, and managers all across the U.S. and worldwide. Michelle is also the author of "101 Before-and-After Resume Examples" found at http://www.before-and-after-resumes.com and "Secrets of a Successful Job Search" found at http://www.job-search-secrets.com

A message of resilience and the importance of having a survivor spirit!

I have a new "buddy" keeping me company in my office this week. Here's a picture of him lounging comfortably on a cushy bed given as a gift by my indulgent daughter!

This little kitten, who looks to be about 12 weeks old, has an amazing story to tell about perseverance, resilience, and surviving against all the odds!

Sometime toward the middle of December, when it was quiet in our house at night or in the mornings, every now and then we began hearing a cat meowing and crying loudly outside. I'd go outside and look and call, but I never did see it. And, considering that we've literally had several feet of snow this year, it was hard to get around and really look thoroughly. I assumed it belonged to a neighbor and cursed to myself that someone would be so uncaring as to leave a pet outside on these snowy, frigid, below-zero nights that we've been having.

Finally, this past Sunday morning, my daughter and her boyfriend (a near-permanent figure in our house recently!) decided to go out and do a more thorough search. That is when they found "Marley" who in just 2-1/2 days has found a spot in all of our hearts. He was huddled under a bush, up against the foundation of our house shivering uncontrollably and obviously starving. He had a little bare spot of frozen ground to lie on, but all around him was snow far above his head. Worse, the pads on all four of his paws were frostbitten and raw, making it extremely painful and almost impossible for the little guy to walk.

When he "meowed" we all instantly recognized his cry as the one we'd been hearing on and off for weeks. We don't know where he came from, how he got there, or how he could have possibly survived!

Of course, we did the only thing we could: we brought him in, fed him, warmed him up, and called the vet. Within 30 minutes he was purring gratefully and I don't think he has stopped since. It is pretty clear that Marley found his new adoptive home on Sunday morning!

What does this have to do with job searching? Not much! But, it is absolutely amazing that this starving, freezing, injured kitten survived for the weeks it took us to find him. And today, it has me thinking about how even when things look the darkest, and the challenges seem insurmountable, we can get through them. And more importantly, with perseverance and the right attitude, we can not only get through them, but get through them having learned important lessons and sometimes even finding ourselves in a "place" that may even be better than anything we could have imagined.

I think that's a lesson that it doesn't hurt any of us to be reminded of! Particularly right now when the world is facing such unprecedented global economic challenges.

Announcing New Resume Improvement Consultation Service

It is hard to believe that we are already a month into the New Year!

This is the time of year when we always have more activity with new clients and prospective new clients than ever. Many of you are reading this letter and know that I'm talking about you. Since January 1, hundreds and hundreds of you have reached out to us looking for advice and assistance with improving your resume and strengthening your competitive edge in the job market.

Many of you are following through with New Years' resolutions related to your career development. Some of you are getting your "houses in order" and wisely preparing because you are uncertain what this new economy may mean for your job. Others of you have already experienced a job loss and recognize that it is vital that you enter the job market with every available edge--a top-notch resume and job search support. There are still others of you who are "sitting on the fence" and getting to know us better, while you decide whether to make an investment in your career.

Whatever has brought you to us, I want to tell you that we are deeply honored by the trust you have put in us. Over the past 13 years, when I first brought my business to the Internet, Distinctive Career Services, LLC has evolved to become your full-service job-search partner. While resume development is and always will be our specialty, our services have expanded over the years to include job search coaching, personal branding, resume posting and distribution, and more.

Today, I'm proud to tell you that I've been listening to you and have just launched a new service in response to the current job market and the vast numbers of you reaching out to us for help: Resume Consultations.

If you have an existing resume and know it needs help, but aren't quite ready to invest in having it rewritten by a professional, this all-new resume consultation service is for you. I will personally meet with you by telephone to discuss your resume in-depth and give you specific advice about changes that you can make yourself to strengthen it and enhance your competitiveness. I'm scheduling appointments now, so if you are interested, please book your consultation now!

Your 2009 Job Search Checklist

As we begin 2009, the news of rising unemployment is inescapable. Hardly a day goes by without news of more layoffs. Downsizings, mergers, offshoring, acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, consolidations, and other change initiatives have required rapid adaptation, hard career decisions, and frequent transitions.

While the job market becomes more competitive, at the same time the actual process of job searching has become increasingly complex. The days of simply browsing through the Sunday newspaper and sending out a few résumés in order to win your next career opportunity are over. If you are conducting a job search today, it is likely that you are using social networking techniques, leveraging online profiles, ferreting out the best niche job posting sites, and working to enhance your personal brand. Of course, you still have all the traditional concerns such as making sure your résumé is top notch and brushing up on your interviewing skills.

While the timeframe for your job search will vary with the specifics of your situation, a commonly cited statistic is that the average job search will take anywhere from three to six months from initiation to the day you begin your new job. Another common job search statistic tells us that you can expect to spend approximately one month job searching for each $10,000 in salary you are seeking.

Are you currently in the job market or do you expect to be in 2009?  Job searching can be both stressful and time consuming. But, with some planning, genuine effort, and sincere commitment, you can minimize that stress and land a new job - one that is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding - faster than you may have thought possible.

Here is a checklist to help you achieve a fast, successful job search in 2009.

____ Set a clear target. Put yourself in the driver's seat of your career by clearly defining your job search focus. In general, the more precise and focused your job search is, the better. For most people, the best and strongest job targets will include a statement of the job function and professional level paired with other indicators, sometimes just one and sometimes more than one, to make the job target more precise and ultimately more effective. These other indicators may be criteria such as industry, company size, company culture, or geographic location. For more guidance, here is an article that may help: http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/06/establishing_yo.html 

_____ Update and revive your resume. Your resume is your first introduction to employers. Don't underestimate the importance of making a positive first impression with it! Your resume should be up-to-date, focused for the current search, employer-centered, and results-oriented. YOU are a commodity in the job market and your resume is your advertisement. If your resume needs refreshing, now is the time to do it. If you need help with your resume, that is what we specialize in, so take a look at our offerings at http://www.distinctiveweb.com or http://www.100kcareermarketing.com . If you aren't quite ready to have it rewritten, you might consider a consultation instead http://www.distinctiveweb.com/resumewritingconsult.html

____ Build your network of support. Don't underestimate the importance of having a strong support network to offer encouragement and advice, to brainstorm and share ideas with you, to help keep you accountable to the goals you set for yourself, and to help keep you on track throughout the emotional roller coaster that a job search can be. Family and friends are often included in the support network, but also consider joining a job search group or working with a career coach, particularly one who is very familiar with job search mechanics. http://www.distinctiveweb.com/careercoaching.htm

____ Adjust your attitude. Yes, job searching can be tiring and stressful, but an enthusiastic, "can-do" attitude that exudes self-confidence and a clear understanding of the value you offer in the workplace will make all the difference. Always put a smile on your face when you talk on the phone; it will shine through in your voice. Make eye contact and watch your body signals and posture when you meet with contacts in person. Your positive, confident attitude is one that people will like to be around and will make it more likely that you will be hired.

_____ Prepare your CAR success stories. Take the time to think about and document between six and twelve CAR Success Stories (Challenge-Action-Result Success Stories).  What are some of your greatest accomplishments that illustrate the strengths you want to highlight in your interview? What were the challenges you faced related to these accomplishments? What actions did you take to meet the challenge? What were the results-quantified results when possible-of the actions that you took? You will use these in your resume, during networking meetings, and in interviews. To better understand how and why you should use CAR success stories, read this article http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2008/08/3-essential-interviewing-secrets-you-must-know-to-quickly-land-your-next-job.html

_____  Create and practice your elevator pitch. You will hear the "what do you do?" or "tell me about yourself?" questions over and over, both during your job search and throughout your entire career. Preparation is the key to confidence and the key to making a lasting, positive, and memorable first impression. Be ready with a 30-60 second pitch that immediately and confidently conveys to the listener who you are as a professional and what your value proposition is. http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2008/04/how-to-create-a.html

_____ Cultivate and strengthen your professional network. With more than 80% of available jobs never advertised, it is essential that you have the ability to access the hidden job market. Your professional network will be one of your most effective sources for information and referrals relating to the hidden job market. Of course, networking is all about relationships and so you should continuously nurture your network relationships regardless of whether you are job searching or not. But, whether you have or haven't (If you haven't, building network relationships would make a great New Year's Resolution), now is the time to reach out to everyone you know to inform them of your search and to ask for advice and referrals. Consider using a website like LinkedIn to help with your effort. Once you have established your LinkedIn profile, I would love an invitation to connect with you: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledumas

_____ Put together a strong list of references. Contact each person that you intend to list and ask for their permission. Never provide someone as a reference unless you have discussed it with them first and briefed them on your current job search. Verify the contact information for each reference and ask for permission to list a telephone number and email address. http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/09/top-tips-for-ha.html

_____ Establish and promote your personal branding. At its essence, personal branding is about the authentic and unique promise of value you offer. In relation to your career, it is about the promise of value you offer that differentiates you from your peers and competitors in the workplace and job market.  Branding yourself can actually have such a dramatic effect that you will become hunted rather than being the hunter for your next job opportunity. For more help, review this article: http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/06/top_tips_for_in.html  You might also have an interest in the http://www.100kcareermarketing.com program offering which involves the creation of a branded career marketing portfolio.

____ Get organized and create a system for managing your job search. An organized plan and system will help keep you motivated, moving forward, and focused on achieving the ultimate goal. At the very least, you need a calendaring system, a system of logging inter-related and follow-up activities, a contact management system, and a filing system. For guidance in creating a system for yourself, consult http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/09/organizing-for-.html

____ Create and follow a written, multi-pronged job search plan. Answering ads or posting your resume on the Internet are the easiest, but usually least effective job search techniques. Your job search plan should include a balance of techniques to access both the published and unpublished job market. Further, it should include activities prioritized and strategically selected to fit in each of the five major job search approaches: 1) Networking and referral building; 2) Targeting and contacting employers; 3) Working with recruiters and agencies; 4) Internet job searching (which also has some overlap with the 5th technique); 5) Answering advertisements. To learn more, you should review http://blog.distinctiveweb.com/distinctive_documents_car/2007/11/revive-a-stalle.html and consider my Secrets of a Successful Job Search program found at http://www.job-search-secrets.com/

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. May be reprinted as long as the following credit is included.

Nationally certified resume writer, personal branding strategist, and job search coach, Michelle Dumas is the founder and executive director of Distinctive Career Services LLC http://www.distinctiveweb.com  Based from her New Hampshire office, Michelle works virtually and has empowered thousands of executives, professionals, and managers all across the U.S. and worldwide with resumes and job search strategies that get results and win jobs fast in competitive job markets. Visit http://www.distinctiveweb.com for many valuable free resources and to get more information about having your resume revamped and your job search revitalized.