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Resume Writer
Hi ladies! I’ve had three different resume coaches look at my resume and they all said it is well done. I just a free review from TopResume and they said it’s poorly written.
I really can’t afford a professional resume writer as I’ve been out of work since April and my savings are depleted. Can anyone recommend a good resume writer that doesn’t cost hundreds?
Top Resume--not a fan. If you need another set of eyes looking at your resume, I'm more than happy to help. I've written and rewritten hundreds, trying to help people out. I only give suggestions, never tell anyone how to write it. A resume is your story of quantifiable results, it's on you how you tell your story.
I just used TopResume. I have also been out of work since March. I opted for the monthly payments. I have had professional associates help me rewrite my resume and I used Bill Benoist Coaching, he does a DIY class on writing resumes, cover letters and updating your LinkedIn profile. I thought his class was reasonably priced and full of helpful information, but I still was not getting results. I just started using my TopResume resume and have been getting emails and calls. It may be coincidence but since I just paid to have my resume done, I’m opting to say it was because of that. LOL
They have you fill out a questionnaire to get an idea of what your looking for. You submit your resume and they rewrite it. Make sure you review whatever they send you. I had the person I was working with redo my resume and cover letter. I felt they weren’t quite relaying what I was looking for. I also received a description for LinkedIn. I combined that with what I already had on there from what I learned from Bill Benoist Coaching. My LinkedIn is http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/Debbie Cree
Check it out to see if you like what they provided. It is the section below my name and the paragraph at the top of “about”
One thing I would say to be aware of, with anyone that rewrites your resume, is to watch for descriptions etc that sound really good on your resume but my catch you off guard if an interviewer asks about it. In other words sometimes I feel they embellish a bit, which can back fire. Hope this helps :-)
I used TopResume earlier this year and I was only moderately satisfied with the results.
Have you tried JobScan.com? It has helped me make improvements to my resume because you enter the job description, your resume, and even the ATS system and it tells you what changes you need to make to get through the ATS.
Definitely do the networking thing, and if you're not having luck at larger companies, start targeting smaller places--maybe you won't know people who work there directly, but it's easier to show your value.
See if your college has networking groups, whether on FB or over Zoom, and go to those.
Have you looked at temp agencies? I've been able to at least get some money coming in via temp jobs, and my supervisors have served as references, too. It grows your network and your possible reach.
Hi Laura! I have used JobScan, but what frustrates me is that it's a paid service, and my unemployment benefits only go so far. I've had to cut back on so much just to make ends meet, I just couldn't afford to keep paying.
I have networked through my college and high school alumni groups, and now I'm targeting non-career path jobs just to get me in a door somewhere.
I'm actually working with two staffing agencies now, but the problem is that the pay isn't even as much as what I'm collecting from unemployment, and with two kids in college, I need a steady income. I can't do a short term temp job.
Hi Jennifer, I totally get that. There are several other services as well.
I write resumes myself, and I wouldn't trust TopResume. From what I've read, it isn't necessarily even reviewed by a person, and multiple people receive exactly the same feedback. They want to sell you a service, so they obviously can't say your resume is perfect as it is -- then you wouldn't buy what they're selling!
I'd be happy to take a look at yours for free + let you know my thoughts. Just let me know!
Career Alignment Coach here! I actually don't teach on resumes and here's why: everyone has a different opinion on what they should or shouldn't look like, should or shouldn't have on them and should or shouldn't do for your career. I don't recommend my clients putting all of their eggs in the resume basket and sending it to cold job postings, especially right now.
But spending your time and money having conversations and connecting with people through networking is going up your potential outcome substantially!
Not to say that a resume isn't a document you need to have because you'll need to hand that over to someone you've networked with when they ask "do you have a resume?" but it sounds like you've done enough work on getting that baby in a good place.
What's your networking strategy look like?
Thanks for responding. I'm using my network to find the hidden jobs, but not much luck there either. For example, my niece knows I'm job hunting and employed, but yet I found a job at her company that is perfect for me through a job board. People are just not responding or thinking of me. It's been frustrating.
I understand, it can be frustrating. I'd encourage you to keep up on the networking front, it's about relationship building and staying on their radars while providing value. Did you ask your niece about who the hiring manager is for that position you found on the job boards? Consider reaching out to that person on LinkedIn to create a connection point. Keep at it, it will happen!
Your resume needs to target the kind of job you are seeking. I would encourage you to search for articles on the Google XYZ resume. This is a results oriented resume format. Companies want to know the results of your accomplishments. Not a generic list of tasks.
Think in terms of you did x, that led to y, which resulted in z, for all your bullets. That’s what companies are looking for.
I hope this helps. You got this!
Hi Dana! What you see on my profile is not my resume, it's just a highlight of the work I've done. My resume is tailored with keywords for each job in which I'm applying. I've sent out results oriented resumes just about my entire career :)
Hi Jennifer, your question was about resumes, not profiles. That is what I was responding to. You don't need to pay for resume writers. You need to properly tailor your resume to the job you are applying for by keeping the employer's needs in mind.
Jennifer, If you want me to look at it for you, I'm happy to. I write resumes, and I will give you an honest opinion. No pressure; just an offer.
Thank you so much Rhonda! I'll message you.
I just used top resume. It was not good. Their biggest method for writing a resume is so that it will get past scanners. I tried to explain to the writer this was for executive positions and he said it would get flagged and would not pass inspection by his boss. I spent money on the cover letter and the resume. Totally not worth it! It was a total waste. The initial review did indicate I needed more polished formatting. The writer took what I had and made it a bit better. Don’t use for anything other than entry level positions. And then, why would you spend the money???
I'm not entry level, but I can't seem to get past the ATS. I am tailoring each resume with keywords. Also, I am networking to find the hidden jobs, not just relying on job postings.
I am also having a heck of a time getting past the ATS. I was laid off in July and as part of the severance, we were given career coaching services through a place called Career Minds. They re-worked my resume but several hundred applications later I'm getting nowhere with it.
Hi Heather. I feel your pain. I just finished reading and working through the book "The 2-Hour Job Search" and used the techniques in the book to get some calls on my calendar with people at the companies in which I'm targeting. It's all about networking and not sending online applications.
https://www.amazon.com/2-Hour-Job-Search-Second-Technology/dp/1984857282/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MTXWGWFMP6TL&dchild=1&keywords=the+2+hour+job+search&qid=1605032321&sprefix=The+2+Hour%2Caps%2C408&sr=8-1
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Why are you doubting the (3) resume coaches who have already looked at it? Move with their advice. Your "free" review from TopResume is a sales tactic to buy their service.
I haven't had one interview in over 200 resumes sent, so I was hoping for another set of eyes.
Make sure fonts are simple and there are no images or symbols in your resume. Sometimes, that doesn't come through in the ATS. But also consider that the market is extremely tight right now. If I can help in any way, please reach out.