Feel funny about hiring someone to write your resume? Read this.

“What?! People hire you to write their resume?”
 
Yes, yes they do. And, their cover letters. And bios. Oh, and LinkedIn profiles. It’s more common than you may think.
 
Before I go any further, I need to say this: Resume writers will not misrepresent your skills and experience. Instead they will help you produce a better document that will get you noticed by the right people. And, as we know, all good writing requires proofing and editing. Resumes are no different.
 
If you’ve never hired a writer before, here are two approaches.
 
Option 1 - Ghostwriter: This means the writer designs a resume layout and writes on your behalf, with your input throughout the process. Think of it this way: the writer completes 85% of the effort, you edit the content. This ensures accuracy and that your voice resonates throughout the document.
 
Option 2: Editor-in-Chief: This means the writer gives you customized step-by-step instructions to improve your resume format and content. In this option, you perform 85% of the work while the writer focuses on editing and supporting your direction, focus, and content. This is a very hands-on service and is often for those who seek to polish their resume writing skills. It’s a somewhat cheaper option than ghostwriting.
 
Other things to know:
Hire a writer you want to work with. Most writers have no problem jumping on the phone to talk over what you’re looking for. Make sure it’s a good fit. 
 
After you’ve found your writer and discussed your needs, they should send you a timeline outlining when to expect your first draft, how many revisions you get for the price, and how they will be communicating with you throughout the process (phone, in-person, e-mail).
 
Resume writers know how online career sites work. You will want to provide them with at least one job description so they can make sure your resume has the right keywords to make it through.
 
Resume writing is collaborative. This is not a “set it and forget it” process. If you don’t have the time to dedicate to the process right now, don’t hire a writer. Like you, their time is valuable.
 
It may not cost you as much as you think. And, you can spend your time doing stuff you actually enjoy…like kite surfing or reading. 
 
Once you have your snazzy resume, you can do all sorts of things, like… be your confident self when applying for jobs, use it to inform improvements on your LinkedIn profile, and when the time comes to update, you can DIY!  
 
Voilà!
 
Hop on over to takeaimfromwithin.com/services to see what we can do for you! 

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Author
Lindsey Lathrop, Career and Accountability Coach. Your ultimate encourager and believer in your next step.