Resume "experts"

In 2002 - after a bit of consulting work and lots of waiting - I considered hiring one of those resume experts we find on the job boards.

I had previously used the Resume Doctor and for $50, my resume was reviewed and some very general comments were offered on my resume - nothing specific and nothing that popped out as "yes, that makes so much sense". About the best thing the service offered was to indicate that my "career objective" was either unnecessary or should be somewhat general unless I had pinpointed the exact title and job description I wanted. I have a variety of skills and am suited to several types of jobs.

So, for $250 I asked for the executive package. I submitted my resume and was sent an e-version of some questions about what I did at each of the jobs listed on my sample resume. What was turned around was an over marketed and quite untouchable. After a month without any responses to my job search (I had been receiving at least 5 calls and 2 e-mails of inquiry before that) - I contacted the company (10minuteresumes, a.k.a. pongoresume) and they indicated they would "work with me again" to re-write my resume but would not refund my money. They did not stand by their work and they cannot guarantee the resume they produce for you will improve your chances.

I showed the resume to a few friends and they said it felt over-marketed and out of touch for the mid level management roles or individual contributor roles I was looking for.

I returned to my original version - made some minor modifications and maintained an average level of responses.

Bottom line - if you show your resume to 10 people, you'll get 20 opinions. Most of the job boards give some pretty darn good advice on resume standards. The book I have referenced before - Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters offers some great advice and if you connect with David Perry on LinkedIn - you will get some pretty regular updates on advice, tips, motivational stuff.

here is his website link: http://guerrillajobhunting.typepad.com/

Today's affirmation: I am resilient