I had a full resume by the time I graduated from high school at the age of 16. Very little of it consisted of coursework; instead, it was full of paid work and volunteer experience. I worked as a proctor in my school’s library and in the computer lab. I even took a job in the school mailroom plus some evening/weekend shifts as the receptionist. Let me be clear at this point, my first two years of high school were spent in an awesome boarding school. I’ll have to tell you more about those years one day.

So fast forward through several volunteer positions and even a job as a telemarketer in my senior year. I was determined to learn as much as possible to ensure I had the skills and experience to earn as much as possible.

Here’s what I know...

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. It's the document that can open or close the doors to your dream job. In today's competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is essential.

Some individuals decide to take a DIY approach to resume writing for several reasons including budget and downplaying the critical nature of the document. They might use AI tools like ChatGPT or Teal, which I’ve heard good things about. While these tools can be helpful, they certainly aren't free from limitations. It's the classic "garbage in, garbage out" scenario. AI can assist, but it needs quality content to work with. 

Are you certain that what you’re inputting is solid to ensure the output is just as solid?

A major issue with the DIY approach using AI is that it often results in resumes that lack the personal touch. Resumes become bland and generic, which doesn't help candidates stand out.  

Other common areas of concern I see with DIY resumes include misspellings, verb tense issues, and a lack of brevity leading to 7-page awkwardly-formatted resumes.

This is where the importance of working with a professional resume writer helps. These experts know the ins and outs of crafting a resume that showcases your unique skills and experiences. They understand that a resume isn't just about listing your work history, but can make the difference between your immediate declination and you being considered for the next round in the process.

One common issue I've seen in my 12+ years of recruiting experience is that even with a shiny, professionally written resume, some candidates struggle to articulate what's on it. This highlights the importance of having a resume that's not just well-written but also truly reflects your unique skills and experiences while telling the story of the value you would to an organization.

• Personalization: Tailoring your resume to your specific strengths, experiences, and career goals is invaluable.
• Avoiding Common Issues: A professional can spot and correct common issues like misspellings, verb tense problems, and a lack of brevity.
• Reverse Chronological Order: Work experience should be presented in reverse chronological order. A professional knows this and ensures your resume follows this industry-standard format.
• Professional Summary: Many resumes lack a strong professional summary, which is your chance to make a great first impression. A professional knows how to create a compelling summary connecting the dots between your value and what the organization needs.

What are your plans for this weekend? I ask because our new Six-Figure Resume Revamp mini-course is just what you need. Three modules packed with expert advice, a workbook to accompany the course, AND our favorite resume template! You get all of this for a fraction of the price most resume writers charge. 

Carve out the time and knock it out. You'll be glad you did. 

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