Photo by aprillynn77 via Flickr
Quickly skimming one of the many LinkedIn group discussion digests I receive each week, one topic caught my eye. A jobseeker shared, after having his resume professionally prepared, he didn’t recognize himself in the final product. He wondered, out loud, on the Internet, if this was the typical experience.
I couldn’t let his question go unanswered. While not every process and every writer is a good fit for every resume client, the end result should not leave the careerist wondering, “Who is this?”
“Hi Davyd –
I’ve been a professional resume writer (hold 3 certifications) for 12 years. I am careful to capture the voice, and dare I say, ‘spirit’ of my client when creating their career documents. I work closely with clients to ensure I convey the tangible and intangible value they bring to their target positions. I have many colleagues who deliver the same result. To say what you experienced is “typical”, is inaccurate.
Partnering with the correct professional should bring an experience akin to trying to a new look, style, or behavior — clothes, hair, make-up, exercise, education, any change, really. Experiencing something new or seeing yourself in a new light is usually (always) uncomfortable, at first. But, as you get used to the new look, routine, or way of viewing your value, you realize it’s you, only new and improved. Not recognizing yourself, at all, is usually not a desired outcome for change. Whether it is a new way to convey your value in regards to your career, changing your diet, or trying a new style of pants, the end result should be a different, yet comfortable fit.”
There’s a big difference between someone who types, rearranges, and formats words, and someone who creates a strategy and presentation ensuring you’re putting your best foot forward. Partner with the right professional, and you’ll not only recognize yourself; you’ll like what you see.
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I agree 100%. It’s all about presenting the jobseeker in a new light, but making sure the jobseeker accepts it. There is nothing worse than someone who is uncomfortable about the change – so much so that his/her feeling of unease is conveyed to the interviewer.
On the other side of the coin, we must also be careful not to completely revamp him/her. Especially not when it means that the truth is stretched very, very thin. It reminds me of one of the episodes on Golden Girls when Rose was looking for a job and her friend Dorothy spruced up her resume for her by completely making things up.
Hi Leah –
The memory of that Golden Girls episode made me smile. You’re spot on. Polished and improved, not completely unrecognizable is the goal. Thanks for taking a moment to comment.