• Posted by: Heather Eagar
• On: 11/29/2007 20:20:34
• In: Job Seeker - Resume

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It’s already Holiday time and you’re sitting there wondering where the year went, right? Perhaps you’re looking at what you’ve accomplished over the last 12 months and where to set your sites on for next year. Part of your big plan could be to get a new job.

If that’s the case, how’s your resume looking? Is it ready to live up to the expectations of garnering you interviews? If not, or if you’re not sure, then you need to take action. There’s nothing worse than starting off your job search all gung-ho with a lack-luster resume that prevents you from reaching your goal. It’s also quite frustrating.

Start slowly

Realize that you don’t have to do everything all in one setting. You have shopping to do, cards to send out, and you might not have time to sit for a few hours in a row. That’s okay. It might even be better for your resume.

First, take an objective view of your resume. Does it grab your attention? Does it showcase your expertise so that a stranger would appreciate and understand your capabilities? Remember: your resume is a sales document for the position you believe is a perfect fit. Go ahead and boast in the utmost professional manner.

Take some notes

In your ‘spare’ time, brainstorm your achievements. Have a little notepad with you wherever you go so when something pops into your head, you can write it down.

The next step is to actually quantify those achievements. Think in terms of dollars, percentages, things of that nature. These numbers have the ability to really set you apart from your competition.

There is an easier way…
It is totally understandable if you don’t want to spend your vacation and holiday worrying about your resume. There are tons of other fun things for you to spend your time. So what are your options?

Buy a resume builder

If you want to create you resume quickly, yet somewhat efficiently, then a resume builder might work for you. Now, this is not for everyone and you have to be sure you get a reputable one.

There is a catch, however: you still have to do all the brainstorming. The resume builder might be able to format your resume and give you ideas on wording for specific situations, but you’re the one who has to enter the achievements. This is a difficult, yet vital, aspect to any successful resume.

Hire a professional writer

This is the ‘easiest’ and most likely the best way to write a powerful resume. It is also the most expensive. Is it worth the money? Satisfied customers will tell you that it absolutely is. Do you still have to do some work? Of course. The writer knows what questions to ask in order to get the best information out of you.

The plus-side to hiring a resume service is that once you give them the data, you are done. You get to sit back and let them do the really hard work.

So, as you’re having some quality family-time these next several weeks, be sure to make time for your resume. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, have your resume ready to work for you this upcoming year. Then you can reflect upon what a good decision that was this time next year.