It's already Holiday time and you're sitting there
wondering where the year went, right? Perhaps you're looking at what
you've accomplished over the last 12 months and where to set your sites
on for next year. Part of your big plan could be to get a new job.
If
that's the case, how's your resume looking? Is it ready to live up to
the expectations of garnering you interviews? If not, or if you're not
sure, then you need to take action. There's nothing worse than starting
off your job search all gung-ho with a lack-luster resume that prevents
you from reaching your goal. It's also quite frustrating.
Start slowly
Realize
that you don't have to do everything all in one setting. You have
shopping to do, cards to send out, and you might not have time to sit
for a few hours in a row. That's okay. It might even be better for your
resume.
First, take an objective view of your resume. Does it
grab your attention? Does it showcase your expertise so that a stranger
would appreciate and understand your capabilities? Remember: your
resume is a sales document for the position you believe is a perfect
fit. Go ahead and boast in the utmost professional manner.
Take some notes
In
your 'spare' time, brainstorm your achievements. Have a little notepad
with you wherever you go so when something pops into your head, you can
write it down.
The next step is to actually quantify those
achievements. Think in terms of dollars, percentages, things of that
nature. These numbers have the ability to really set you apart from
your competition.
There is an easier way...
It is
totally understandable if you don't want to spend your vacation and
holiday worrying about your resume. There are tons of other fun things
for you to spend your time. So what are your options?
Buy a resume builder
If
you want to create you resume quickly, yet somewhat efficiently, then a
resume builder might work for you. Now, this is not for everyone and
you have to be sure you get a reputable one.
There is a catch,
however: you still have to do all the brainstorming. The resume builder
might be able to format your resume and give you ideas on wording for
specific situations, but you're the one who has to enter the
achievements. This is a difficult, yet vital, aspect to any successful
resume.
Hire a professional writer
This is the
'easiest' and most likely the best way to write a powerful resume. It
is also the most expensive. Is it worth the money? Satisfied customers
will tell you that it absolutely is. Do you still have to do some work?
Of course. The writer knows what questions to ask in order to get the
best information out of you.
The plus-side to hiring a resume
service is that once you give them the data, you are done. You get to
sit back and let them do the really hard work.
So, as you're
having some quality family-time these next several weeks, be sure to
make time for your resume. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone,
have your resume ready to work for you this upcoming year. Then you can
reflect upon what a good decision that was this time next year.