Topic: General Posts

Submitted on 12-10-10 11:24 am.
Message:
Although there are books out there that can guide you through the process, I am glad I had mine re-written by a prorfessional. I frequently get compliments and most importantly, it has given me more confidence knowing my career is being presented in the best possible light.

I had mine rewritten when I was a member of the ladders. It cost around $600 but it was worth it for me knowing I had a good resume. To me, it is really personal preference but the most important thing is being confident about your resume. If you feel comfortable doing your own research on the matter, go for it. I did not have a comfort level and I also did not have the time to do the research. It was money well spent for me.

Also, I think the certifcation you want in a resume writer is CPRW, Certified Professional Resume Writer.

Good luck!

Submitted on 12-10-10 1:21 pm.
Message:
Gary,
I also used the Ladders resume rewrite service (also for $600), however, I was less impressed/satisfied than you were. It seemed to me that the writer seemed to engage in “buzz word bingo,” using cliché terms that provided no insight and who displayed a very limited understanding of business.

For example, my most recent position was as Corporate Controller; the writer began the summary of responsibilities as “Proactively provided comprehensive support to the CFO….” Similarly, he summarized my former role as head of internal audit with “Progressive career path in leading successful large-scale internal audits and proven track record in implementing targeted action plans to maximize performance and profitability.” Does the latter clause sound like internal audit?

So, if someone chooses to use a resume service, I would offer a caution that you need to be prepared to “rewrite the rewrite.” The Ladders’ writer did bring some good formatting ideas to the resume and did give me a strong shove from passive tense to active tense but my “final” resume bears little resemblance in terms of word choice to his initial drafts. Ultimately, you need to be sure that the final product carries your voice; in other words, does the vocabulary and phrasing makes sense for you and to you? To ensure that it does, you can't just accept the writer's draft --- you also need to be an active participant in the process.

Marc

Submitted on 12-13-10 7:54 am.
Message:
Dear Gary and Marc,

Thanks a lot for your thoughts and experience related. I needed this for making up my mind and move on. I really do believe both of you have excellent insights and I'm considering having my resume professionally written but, using my own words so (rewritten by myself...). Thank you,

Marcelo

Submitted on 12-20-10 11:36 am.
Message:
Marcello,
I spoke with Ty Norwood from Global consulting about a treasury management job in MI. This may be the same person, as he also approached me about having my resume professionally prepared.

I declined and my reasoning was that, if it got his attention, then it must work. Also, my resume has been getting quite a few bites since about May.

If you want to have your resume reviewed, I think it's best to rely on your most trusted colleagues, or former managers. They know how we think and, best of all they'll be honest and won't charge you. Good luck. Best Regards, Ray Calabrese

Submitted on 12-21-10 11:57 am.
Message:
Dear Ray,

Thank you for your comments! I'll definetely submit my resume to one of former bosses for their comments. Regards,

Marcelo

Submitted on 12-23-10 2:14 pm.
Message:
Don't forget the FREE FENG resume review service ...

Regards
Brenden Hill
214 354 5832

Submitted on 12-27-10 7:23 pm.
Message:
Thank you, Brenden!

Marcelo

Submitted on 12-30-10 8:37 am.
Message:
There are a lot of bottom feeders out there waiting to take advantage of folks that are in job turmoil. I utilized about a hlf dozen of the free services, most of which were fronts for a more involved fee-based service. I did not employ any of the fee-based services, but gleaned whatever perspectives I could off the free info. Generally they do give some good advice to entice you to sign up. Marketing yourself is such a personal thing, you really need to get input from a variety of sources to assemble the best view of yourself. Good luck.

Submitted on 12-31-10 10:06 am.
Message:
Hi

Thanks for bringing up this subject. I too have struggled with this question. I finally settled on the side of not using for a paid review and rewrite service. This was mainly on the grounds that someone not in the industry would use generic and "glossy" terms to describe core accomplishments. Just my bias.

I like the idea of having former bosses or colleagues review the resume - in addition to other benefits, it helps keep me honest!

Good luck!

Submitted on 01-08-11 10:32 pm.
Message:
I "retired" in 2008...but have used a resume that was initially prepared with the assistance of a(n) (company-paid) outlplacement firm....in 1999. I initially was quite hesitant to have them redo my then current resume, which was, of course, outstanding--at least in the eyes of the author. Nevertheless, the assistance provided was outstanding...we did not change the phrasing or the overall contents significanty, but it was more concise and consistent, and the reformatting was key...and, up until the advent of Word 2010, was extremely easy to update and maintain on a current basis (though it did grow to alkmost 3 pages).

Matt's ongoing suggestion to send it to an acquaintance (or even yourself on a different computer) was key to discovering...and correcting for...the Word 2010 problem. I still use the resume today...have added one 9 yr trip to Califiornia, my escape and retirement, and 2 board positions..and it continues to serve me well as I look to grow and expand my horizons (and I follow most of Matt's recommendations, with all employment, all graduation dates, and so forth, though I have resorted to .75 inch margins and 11 point type!).)

As noted up-front, I did not personally pay for this professional preparation, and if I had to make the decision back in 1999, likely would have stuck with my homegrown version...but I truly have benefited from having had it done, and would recommend that we all can benefit from qualified assistance in this area....

Bill Regan

Submitted on 01-30-11 9:09 am.
Message:
Over the past decade I have been contacted by firms that offered to review my resume among other services. All at a cost of several hundred to several thousand dollars.

My suggestion is to use the greatest free resource available to executives - the F.E.N.G. Besides the networking opportunities and qualified job postings in the nightly newsletter, we have many members who are qualified and willing to help review your resume, provide guidance on conducting job searches and even try to connect you with the right people in the right companies.

Please note that my comments mirror those of our chairman, Matt Bud, who has cautioned against such services several times in the nightly newsletter. Use your money for causes that will have a positive impact on your job search, such as buying a new "interview suit", having professionally looking business cards made or joining a fitness center to get in shape and energize your search (not that I'm implying that you're out of shape). Best wishes on your search and remember to network, network, network.

Submitted on 10-11-12 8:50 am.
Message:
Messaging today must adhere to our ADHD, smart phone, and text world. By that I mean that a 30-second ad on TV is a 3-second ad on the Internet. Think about your interview as the 30-second scenario and the resume as the 3-second.

The top half of the first page of your resume is THE most high-value piece of resume real estate. If you haven't sold them by that time (again, thinking 3-second ad), then you have probably been round-filed in favor of the next resume in the pile.

Submitted on 10-11-12 1:55 pm.
Message:
Marcelo, good luck with the opportunity in Michigan. I agree with most comments, esp. Rocco and Cindy, but Dholakio hit the nail on the head. "Core accomphishment" not position responsibilites and tasks are what are key. Your summary and competencies need to support your value added skills. Don't neglect your LinkiedIn URL, you can put a vast amout of expereince on LinkedIn and keep your resume short and to the point.

Submitted on 10-18-12 11:44 pm.
Message:
Dave made an excellent point that is very up-to-date. Taking in mind Cindy's recommendation to keep the resume easy to digest, you must create a resume that is very focused. You must very quickly get the rapt attention of the individual reading your background. Keep your resume tight and sharp. Only provide relevant data. Avoid flowery, superfluous words and most buzz words.( Use buzz words sparingly, only as shorthand.) It's advisable, to create multiple versions of your resume to demonstrate your qualifications for each opportunity, each networking meeting or informational interview, each posting.

The good news is you can provide more extensive information in your LI profile by uploading samples of your work, white papers, graphics, etc. When describing your achievements, do not assume that the reader is familiar with your area of expertise: it's important to show, not tell, who you are and what you do by presenting the challenge, describing the actions taken and then reporting the results.

I think one of the most difficult parts of creating a resume is parsing all those years, all those achievements and choosing the examples most likely to make a favorable first impression, show you are trustworthy and intrigue the reader so they want to meet in person. Having a business colleague or manager read and react to your resume is solid advice. Remember, your resume is a marketing document, not a historical record. It is not a job graveyard, it is a career teaser.

Debra Feldman, www.jobwhiz.com, Executive Talent Agent