Ever
ask yourself who uses professional résumés? (Probably not.) Every jobseeker needs one, but not necessarily the
professional-grade quality. The average worker can squeak by with a budget
piece.
With upper job-market positions, a squeak-by
presentation is not prudent. Starting at the mid- and upper-management levels, a
low-budget résumé or vitae sends employers the message that shouts, it’s not worth my time, effort and expense!
In the olden-golden days, when you wanted to impress a
would-be employer, you used fancy or gilded paper, or perhaps had a brochure
designed. Moreover, the cover letter often rehashed key points you felt needed belaboring.
Electronic submissions and heavier workloads instantly eradicated those
options.
Today, if you want to impress the recipient, the résumé or vitae should be relevant, well
focused and readable. Meander off course, belabor the obvious or regurgitate
the mundane and you shoot yourself. In short, the best presentations say much
in few words.
When should a professional enter into the picture? The
answer to that largely depends upon your skillset. Here are five questions to
ask yourself:
1. Do I possess a solid command of written
communications? You might be able to elucidate orally, but can you express
yourself in writing? If you write to earn a living or majored in college
English, you are on solid ground.
2. To what degree do I excel in advertising?
(Selling your used Beamer doesn’t qualify.)
If you did well in this at college, again you are on solid footing. If not,
advertising may not be a default skillset. Inherent in this skillset includes
knowing the difference between “message
sent” and “message perceived,”
which are not identical.
3. To what extent do I see myself as a
commodity? This question speaks to your objectivity.
To a résumé writer, you are a commodity in search of a buyer. Now ask yourself again
if you are that objective. (Most jobseekers are not.)
4. Do I possess the skillset necessary to utilize
technology? For starters, we will assume you can perform basic keyboarding.
What about integrating ancillary disciplines such as manipulating layouts, inserting
various hypertext applications and effectively using Cloud access. (Today, such a skillset is essential.)
5. Finally,
there is the psychoanalytical aspect. Even if you have mastered all the above,
there remains hidden challenges. Can I instantly
spot red-flag words, antiquated terminology and subliminal messaging in my presentation?
To answer the
question, we turn to Clint Eastwood who may have said it best: “A man has to
know his limitations.” Should you come up short in these skillsets, then
selecting a résumé writer comes down to a matter of performing due diligence. Then,
partner with the one who will blow employers socks off.