I love the sign on the wall.

PRICE, QUALITY, SERVICE

Pick Any Two!

From a resume writer, this is especially true!

Recently a prospective client named Lori called me with a request for a rush resume rewrite. She was needing virtually a one-day turnaround. It’s not something I’m wild about. I don’t like being pushed to produce a resume without having a little time for some thought fermentation; not to mention the time needed to perform the tedious task of reading every line and in many cases deleting fluff and redundancy and rewriting more than 70% of the bullets and text block. I declined, respectfully.

Thought fermentation is thinking, absorbing, asking thought provoking questions, analyzing, researching, employing creativity, reasoning, and in some cases creating unique strategies to make an otherwise ordinary career, stand up and take flight in a resume. And that’s where a good resume writer earns her/his fee and reputation. Don’t be fooled, it’s not just about putting down nice words on paper.

With Lori, I referred her to a terrific resume writing CPRW colleague with her own local practice. She responded with a similar reply:  “Sorry, Lori, but I echo Chet’s response completely.  I just don’t do rush jobs because it takes me time to produce the quality I find so important in this job market.”

Asking a resume writer to perform a resume rewriting  rush job, is not a good idea. Either reply will cost you. If they say yes, question their practices and ability. And whatever they charge, you might be getting the short end of ordinary. If they say no, you’ve probably found a good resume writer but you won’t be any further down the road of getting a quality resume rewritten overnight.

Putting yourself in the position of needing a quick resume is not what you want to do. Contracting for a good and effective resume means finding someone who practices thought fermentation. Asking for a discount price, quality product and needing it tomorrow is asking for Magic. And we all know Magic is an illusion!

Here’s a simple suggestion. If you have a resume, take time to update it annually, even though you may not be thinking of leaving your job now. It’s probably not necessary to have a professional writer do it. Just add accomplishments, promotions, metrics, and events that you don’t want to forget or otherwise lose sight of the details. This will save valuable time for you and a resume writer and ensure getting those details remembered properly.

If you don’t have a resume, go to a free resume writing website like Resume Desk where you can write your own resume, store it there and come back to it frequently to update or edit. Then when it comes time for you to have a professional resume writer spruce it up, just download it or email it to them to do the rewrite. You can’t go wrong. The resume will be better organized, your writing most likely will be clearer and shorter if you follow the tips and suggestions offered. The professional resume writer will find it much easier to write from, perhaps charge you less, and get it done sooner.

Otherwise, don’t expect Magic!

Happy Hunting!

Chet Baker