Is your rèsume up to date?

WHY DO I NEED A RÉSUMÉ?

by Donna Tucker

Many job seekers ask this question. Isn't a company's job application good enough? No! When you submit a résumé, YOU are in control of the information; YOU decide just what and how much information to highlight.

ANY person employed in an office or administrative position, or who has risen to supervisory status in any field, needs a résumé. The primary function of a résumé is to highlight your particular skills and abilities for the benefit of the prospective employer without forcing him / her to muddle through a job-by-job description of the pertinent information. Obviously, a standard job application does not perform this function, nor does it tell the employer why he / she needs YOU.

Employers want to see a clear-cut sense of direction and a brief outline showing how your skills may apply to your objectives. This summary must offer a clear view of where your past is steering your present, allowing the employer to measure the proof you provide of your skills, achievements and ability to handle future responsibility.

When enumerating your achievements, use numbers whenever possible. "Increased sales through improved customer relations" is nice, but the person who "Increased sales by 60% in under two years" will be much more impressive, hence more likely to gain an interview and / or get the job.

The average job hunter also finds it very difficult to write about himself. "I don't know where to begin" is commonly heard in the business world. This is when a trained professional can be of help. Professional résumé writers know just how to customize your professional profile to your best advantage. A well-written résumé can produce more career options than you may have dreamed possible. Based on the information you have provided, the professional résumé writer will tailor your personal résumé into an easy-to-read format designed to catch the employer's interest.

And today, with so many options for résumé submission -- in-person, by mail, by fax, by e-mail or online -- the format may need to be different for each not only to effectively highlight your strengths but also to make it easily readable.

CareerPRO Résumé and Writing Centers offer the initial consultation at no charge to you. At that time, your professional résumé consultant will discuss your specific needs and objectives with you and decide what will be most effective for you. Fees are based upon style, format, length, your particular employment needs and the amount of work involved.

You should be prepared to invest anywhere from $175 to $500 in a professionally prepared presentation that will be guaranteed to achieve the desired results. Consider a sound career investment with CareerPRO Résumé and Writing Center, where you can work with a Donna in person or by phone.