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The genesis for this article originates from a question posed
by Jack Mulcahy on LinkedIn. Jack operates a résumé service out of
Philadelphia. Leave it to someone in the trade to pose the right question.
Those serious in locating a résumé writer will find this enlightening.
Real résumé writers
are by definition an odd lot. While résumé writers come in all shapes and
sizes, they tend to be round pegs in square holes. The better ones tend to
flexible, knowledgeable on a wide range of occupations, and possess a broad
array of intangible skills and tangible disciplines.
The ugly truth is that most of them are not suited for
nine-to-five employment for a variety of reasons. They may be too opinionated,
too creative, or perhaps, merely frustrated writers. Whatever the reason, they
are different.
This does not imply they are bad people—merely different.
Most of us get into the profession simply because regular employment was either
too mundane or restraining, and/or too political. The balance stumble into the
business because they were unable to find gainful employment for themselves.
Stay clear of this last lot.
A résumé writer does not have to have the hands of an eye
surgeon, or the biochemical knowledge of an endocrinologist, but the individual
does need to possess many other skills and disciplines. What follows represents my short list of abilities:
1.
The résumé writer needs to possess insight as to what will not work in the employment
marketplace.
A writer acquires this
intangible attribute over time. It is not based on personal preferences or prejudices While it is possible to apply intuition as to what might work, the
writer has to know—usually through trial and error—what will not generate interviews.
Over time, a résumé
writer learns red flag words and
annoying phraseology that turn off the majority of job recruiters. For example,
suppose a client wants to use “seasoned
veteran” to convey depth of experience. The recruiter will read this as “old fart.” In short, the message sent was not the message received.
2.
A skilled résumé writer needs to be able to gauge the
subliminal impact of the material.
To accomplish this feat
of résumé magic, the writer has to be able to mentally shift gears, and think like
a recruiting specialist. The best way to describe this is what I call résumé feng shui.
The overall visual
ambiance (or feng shui) has to appear
inviting to read. When this does not occur, the material is often shuffled to the read-no-further
pile.
There are mounts of
issues contributing to poor feng shui.
For starters, these include (a) blocks of gray type, (b) lengthy sentences, (c)
bland layout, (d) overly busy layout, and/or (e) informational gluttony.
3.
A résumé writer has to know when and when not to use acronyms and overused
buzzwords.
This involves the
ability to make judgment calls. If the individual is seeking a position consistent with education
and experience, then relevant acronyms and buzzwords apply.
If the job candidate is
making a drastic career change, that same terminology may appear awkward or out
of place—perhaps contrived.
4.
A résumé writer has to be both left- and right-brain
disciplined to apply Standard English.
Having a knowledge of
English is considered a given, however it is more complex than the given implies. Applying written
communications is a two-sided issue.
First, there are the
mechanics of writing, which include grammar, spelling, syntax and punctuation.
These are strictly left-brain
functions. On the flipside, there is the aspect of applying those mechanics to
the writing process. We call this creativity.
Creativity is a right-brain function.
5.
A résumé writer should possess knowledge of software and
technological issues.
What we are talking
about here goes well beyond keyboarding.
Software compatibility and portability issues continue to evolve, along with an
array of applications.
Not every job seeker
has cutting-edge software and hardware. Even those who do are not inherently
proficient in using it. The résumé writer has to be able to address these
issues so the end-user can apply it to a job search.
6.
The résumé writer has to be able to address the wide range of
psychoanalytical and high-stress factors confronting job seekers.
Wouldn't it be neat if
all job candidates were like carpenter ants! All the psychoanalytical and high
stress factors would disappear. Regrettably, we are not ants, and therefore, we
routinely confront unique and in some cases bizarre situations.
Job seekers fall into
two broad categories: Those who are stressed out and close to meltdown, and
those who are half crazed running in multiple directions. Both of those broad
categories include individuals prone to exhibit irrational behaviors.
For most, job hunting
is not part of their daily routine. Any time a daily routine is disrupted, the brain’s
chemistry begins doing strange things. Any time the mind performs a foreign task,
this can manifest itself into irrational behaviors.
7.
The professional résumé writers will not resort to using
preformatted layouts.
The primary reason for
avoiding preformatted layouts is that no one or two so-called “perfect” layouts
can accommodate unique situations. Furthermore, they tend to be highly
restrictive.
A few occupations such
as medical doctors and college professors tend to have highly structured
curriculum vitaes. This is due to institutional mindset, which dictates this is the way we do it, because this is
the way we’ve always done it.
The further you move
away from institutional mindset, the more flexibility and creativity you are
allowed to apply. Preformatted layouts inhibit both. Thus, knowing how to fit a particular format to the client, works better than having
the client twist around to fit into a preconceived format.
8.
The résumé writer needs to be able to provide ancillary
services.
There is a broad
assortment of ancillary requests from clients. These include email covers,
references, appropriate wardrobes, portfolios, and even eating habits. Some
need help setting up email accounts, while others require pointers on job
hunting techniques.
The biggie, of course
is interviewing. With 80% of the population next to clueless when it comes to
proper interviewing techniques, the finest résumé on the planet will not compensate
for that deficiency.
Statistically, if a job
seeker bombs five consecutive interviews in a row, it is time to take a closer look
at the ancillary issues affecting a job search.
9.
An experienced résumé writer will encourage clients to take a
holistic approach to job hunting.
That is easier said
than done. As previously indicated, job seekers are not always rational. For example, some job candidates make no connection between
what they eat and how they mentally perform in interviews. It boils down to
correct it now, or let it bite you later.
Some individuals become
downright belligerent and outright hostile whenever it is suggested they change
their eating habits, wardrobes, modify their job-hunting strategies, or change
their references. For those willing to listen, the résumé writer has to be
ready to spring into action and provide substantive guidance.
When the résumé writer you select possesses the forgoing
interdisciplinary talent and skills, the job candidate is reasonably safe.