Here's one. There are enough people dissing resume writers out there without us tearing each other down. Are there good resume writers, and not-so-good resume writers? Sure. But instead of writing Facebook status updates and blog posts about how you have to rewrite the work of other resume writers, why not reach out to the original writer (if you know who it is -- and that's not often hard, if you check the "Summary Info" section of the Word document) and offer some assistance?
With millions of potential clients out there -- and surrounded by pundits who say you don't need a resume writer, or do-it-yourself resources -- when you publicly tear down the work of other resume writers, it makes the public doubt all members of the profession. That may not be your intention -- but that's the perception it creates.
It's hard for many people to decide to work with a resume writer, and it's even harder for them to judge what makes a "good" resume writer. I believe the fact that someone is asking for help at all is going to make them more successful. In my experience, there are few resume writers who will actually make a client's resume worse -- so if they take a client's resume that is a "two" and they make it a "six or seven," that client is going to benefit, even if it's not a "ten." And, frankly, most of these clients are not going to be unhappy, because having their resume worked on will give them more confidence.
YES, there is a difference between a $50 resume and a $5,000 resume. But there are clients who can't afford even a $500 resume. I've said it before -- there are resume writers who are not certified who are charging $100 for a resume that is better than some certified resume writers who charge $500. Our goal should be to elevate the profession. To encourage each other to continue our professional development. To share best practices. To educate one another. To educate prospective clients on what a good resume looks like ... and how to find those writers.
Next time you come across a poorly written professional resume, do two things:
- Research the original writer (again, you can often find this in the "Summary Info" section of the Word document). Google the person/firm. Reach out to the original writer and introduce yourself. Explain that the client came to you seeking a rewrite. (You may get some interesting information from the writer about the client that will help you serve him/her better.) Encourage the writer to join a professional association in the industry.
- Instead of writing a status update or blog post criticizing the work of that writer, turn it around and use the opportunity to educate the public about what DOES make a good resume. ("Are you making these four mistakes on your resume?" or "Is Your Resume Working?") Don't point out that the mistakes were made on a "professionally" written resume. After all, it's likely that do-it-yourselfers are making the same mistakes.
I believe there is enough business for everyone. We don't have to tear others down to build ourselves up. One of the things that impresses me most about the resume writing industry -- overall -- is that we are colleagues, not competitors. PLEASE keep this in mind the next time you are tempted to post something negative about another resume writer.
What are your thoughts on this?
