starting a resume-writing business
If you're looking for a job, or looking to change jobs, I may have a deal for you...
You may (or may not) know that I've got a freelance commercial/marketing writing business. I'm starting to branch out with it and do resume writing -- something I'm very good at (and hey, if it helps someone else, that's a very nice plus).
If you've got a great resume, I'm happy for you. But to be truthful, most people's resumes suck. Sorry to say that, but it's true. It has nothing whatsoever to do with how intelligent a person is or what job they're seeking. It happens because most people don't understand that the purpose of a resume is NOT to get a job -- it's to get an interview. Believe it or not, there's a HUGE difference between the two. Add to that the fact that most people can't be objective when selling themselves on paper and you end up with too many crappy resumes. And on top of all that -- resumes are HARD.
I can help with that.
I'm good at resumes. Really good. I've been a technical marketing writer for almost 15 years, and that means I'm both detail-oriented and good at marketing those details. Which is exactly what a resume needs.
The Deal
I'm formally launching my resume-writing business at the beginning of October, but I'd like to have some testimonials to go with it. So here's the deal -- I'm offering to rewrite your resume (or even write it from scratch) for $25 until I launch. That's about 1/3 of what a rewrite will generally cost and almost 1/4 of the price of one from scratch. And I'll do cover letters for $25 as well. The only catch is that -- assuming that you're happy with the result -- you write a short endorsement/testimonial for my web site.
And I'll add to the deal. If you send me your resume, I'll take a quick look at it and give you an objective view of how it looks, at no cost to you. If it's great, or just needs a tweak or two, I'll tell you. If it needs a lot of work, I'll tell you that, too. You can go fix any issues yourself if you want, or have me do it -- but that's your choice, with no pressure on you, either way. (Obviously, it's a brief look, and any comments on it will have to be somewhat limited, but it can't hurt, even if you're happy with your resume now.) This option is totally free, but may not be around after the launch.
Unsure?
I get that. But think of it this way -- a resume is a marketing document. 100% of its aim is to get you an interview. To do that, it's got to grab and keep the attention of a hiring manager who probably has 50 other resumes (and often more) to go through.
A resume is not a summary of your life and career. It's not a personal statement, and doesn't include anything that won't help you get the interview. There are a lot of things that you want the hiring manager to know, but not all of them -- not even most of them -- go into a good resume.
Ultimately, a successful resume must strongly demonstrate that you will be able to fulfil the employer's needs -- often by helping them make money or save money.
This is important, because it means that most resumes don't fit the need. Most resumes are filled with descriptions of the jobs that you've done. But that doesn't tell the employer what they really want to know, which is HOW you've done those jobs. And so the employer has to guess as to how well you might do in the new job. That makes them work and if your resume makes them work, you're already half way to the "no" pile. Maybe all the way.
So... if you're staring a job hunt in the face, or are in the midst of one, or thinking of changing jobs, take a look at your resume.
And think about my offer. After October, the price will go up significantly.
If you're interested, drop me a note at bdkellmer@gmail.com and we'll talk.