Recruiters recommend tailoring your resume and cover letter to every position you apply for, which is why a professional resume writing service is essential. Depending on your job application requirements, here’s the process your resume writer will take you through:
Step 1: Briefing sessionMost resume writers will start with a briefing session - either a questionnaire or quick phone call to find out more about you, your work experience, and the jobs you’re applying for. Prepare for your briefing with any papers and info you might need to refer to, including old resumes, qualification certificates, performance review notes, and a list of major jobs, projects, and references. Plus detail any key skills, including technical software and tools you can use. Give your resume writer as much information as possible so they can work with the material that’s most relevant to the job you’re going after.
Step 2: Resume writingOnce your resume writer has all the information they need, they’ll write your resume (also known as a CV or curriculum vitae). First they’ll choose a template or design for your resume and start by filling in the relevant information. They’ll personalise the resume template to include your contact information, a summary of your qualifications, your employment history, and your skills. Your professional resume writer will be in touch throughout the process if they need to clarify anything about your work history and skills.
Step 3: Editing and final draftOnce your new resume is ready, your writer will send you a draft for approval. You’ll need to make sure all the information is accurate and request any changes you’d like. Once you’ve finalised your resume, your professional writer will update the document and send you the final version (usually in both Word and PDF) so you can make changes later on if you need to.
Step 4: Cover letter writingMost job applications require a cover letter, along with your resume. When your resume and cover letter are both written by your professional resume writer, your application will have a consistent look and tone. Your writer will use your cover letter to introduce you, then demonstrate in a few brief paragraphs how your skills and experience match the job. Then they’ll encourage the reader to take a look at your resume and contact you for an interview.
Step 5: Selection criteria responseOne of the toughest job application elements is the selection criteria. A professional resume writer can tailor a range of responses to selection criteria using your skills and qualifications. Usually recruiters suggest the STAR methodology to outline the Situation you demonstrated the skill, Task - what your role was, Action - what action you took that demonstrates your skill, and Response - what was the outcome of your actions? Selection criteria responses for professional roles may need 300 words per response, so investing in a selection criteria writer can save you a lot of time.
Bonus: LinkedIn profile update
Potential employers may browse your LinkedIn profile before hiring you, so it’s important to update it when you’re looking to land a new role. If your LinkedIn profile needs a refresh, a professional LinkedIn profile writer can help. They’ll ask you questions about your skills, qualifications, and experience. Then they’ll research the keywords to help your profile get found and make connections in your industry. After they’ve written your LinkedIn profile, they’ll send it through as a Word document, all ready for you to upload the information to your LinkedIn profile.
