These days, we often hear about the importance of "fit" when searching for the right role. But this word is heard often when a jobseeker is looking for a exceptional résumé writer/coach that can help further their career goals.
Nonetheless, it is important to have a résumé that can highlight your brand and expertise. If you want a professional résumé, then you need to find a skilled résumé writer who aligns with your goals, needs, and values.
>> But how do you know when you have located the right résumé writer who can help set you apart in a competitive labour market?
>> Will that résumé writer be able to create a stellar brand marketing document?
>> Will the résumé writer be able to help position you for your next career move?
Is the résumé writer...
✅ Skilled
✅ Specialized
✅ Strategic
✅ Solid Communicator
✅ Savvy
If you have answered "yes", then keep reading on to find out more.
Finding a Master Certified Resume Strategist is important to help you achieve your career goals. Why take on job search alone?
Let's look at the statistics:
The average job opening attracts 250 résumés. (Glassdoor)
Only 2% of applicants will be called for an interview for the average job opening. (Glassdoor)
The overall average time it takes to fill a given position = 42 days. (SHRM)
The interview process lasts an average of 22.9 days. (Glassdoor)
It takes 5-6 weeks on average to secure a job offer. (MRINetwork
Career opportunity is the leading reason why people change jobs. (LinkedIn)
According to the Undercover Recruiter:
Recruiters spend an average of 3.14 minutes reading a candidate’s résumé. They've generally made a decision within the first minute.
1 in 5 recruiters will actually reject a candidate before they have even completed reading their entire résumé.
5% of applicants are dishonest when describing their previous roles or length of time they spent in a job.
10% of job seekers have applied for 50 or more jobs without hearing back.
The bottom line:
You need to leverage all the powerful tools, career services, and customized strategies to equip you for your next career move.
It starts with affirming your focus and creating a compelling brand marketing portfolio.
Here is a 5-point checklist to determine if the résumé writer is the right fit:
1. Does the résumé writer have accredited credentials?
Find out if the résumé writer is a Master Certified Résumé Strategist by an accredited association such as Career Professionals of Canada. Other credentials include Master Résumé Writer by Career Thought Leaders or CDI. A writer with master-level expertise has undergone rigorous training and will likely offer you a top-quality custom résumé package that helps you stand apart.
A writer who is certified in career coaching can help you set clear goals, address career issues or gaps, and carve out an action plan aligned with your career goals, values, and needs. The writer/coach can help you to see a new holistic perspective about your career while challenging you to think critically about your career goals, values, and direction.
2. Assess the résumé writer’s specialties.
Some résumé writers are generalists, while others create résumés for only certain fields or industries. Some work primarily with certain populations, like career changers or specialize in writing for certain fields or industries.
Most résumé writers either write for entry-level and/or mid-level or executives while many offer diversified experience writing for all levels, including career changers. A highly skilled writer can cater to diverse clientele across various fields, levels, and industries.
I integrate a powerful Master-level résumé strategy in my brand marketing documents and specialize in dealing with clients undergoing complex career transitions. Whatever career challenge you are facing, together we can uncover a results-driven strategy to helping you overcome obstacles and regain solid traction with your career.
3. Evaluate the résumé writer’s intake process and their work procedure to determine the alignment.
I work virtually, while some résumé writers offer in-person consultations. However, my virtual approach is STRATEGIC, allowing me the flexibility to cater to a broad clientele globally within efficient turnaround times. I also offer a complimentary phone consultation along with constructive feedback and a quote based on your career goals and requirements.
Does the résumé writer's process work for you? For instance, if you like to talk over the phone to describe your accomplishments, avoid choosing a résumé writer who solely works from questionnaires, but implements a more balanced and collaborative approach. Know how you work and communicate best so you can find a writer that aligns with your style.
4. Evaluate the quality of services and offerings along with the résumé writer's track record.
>> Evaluate the breadth and quality of career services along with resources offered.
I offer relevant and complete career packages that jobseekers need along with a new job search resources page to navigate the hidden job market.
>> What qualities or values does the résumé writer possess?
I am committed to high-quality workmanship and offer old-fashioned customer service to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your brand marketing package. My approach is tailored to the client and is highly collaborative, which many clients appreciate.
>> What are your career package requirements and can the résumé writer deliver?
My career packages include a résumé, cover letter, and reference page along with a coaching call. The LinkedIn Package includes a LinkedIn profile (Word/PDF) supported by next steps/resources, a coaching call, and my Complete LinkedIn Success Kit.
All documents are created and edited until they are polished to the client's satisfaction. Your customer satisfaction and success matters to me.
>> Is the price affordable within your budget? My rates are affordable.
>> Is the turnaround time reasonable? I offer a 7 business day turnaround time for all résumé packages and 5-7 business day turnaround time for LinkedIn. Rush service is also available at a quoted rate.
>> Check out the résumé samples and success stories –– what are the results that the résumé writer has produced over time?
Testimonials convey success stories by clients of all fields and levels.
>> Are there additional career resources offered that you could leverage?
Labour market trends change. The job market is increasingly competitive. I provide a wealth of innovative career tools and resources on a wide range of topics that are in demand to keep today's jobseekers well-informed.
This year, I have launched a Complete Job Search Action Kit that includes a workbook, podcast, and 45-minute coaching call.
5. What is the résumé writer's added value?
Assess the resume writer's added value and how this aligns with your particular goals. You may be seeking a Master writer with coaching expertise, which will help you enormously with your career development.
I am a multi-certified Master Résumé Writer with a proven track record of creating stellar, keyword-optimized and ATS-friendly résumé packages.
I have specialized expertise in career transition coaching as well as NLP coaching. And I can speak from experience of what it is like to undergo a downsizing and then translate obstacles into opportunities for growth.
As a "career intuitive," I have strategically positioned numerous jobseekers across the globe for their next career milestone. I am highly trained in helping various jobseekers -- regardless of the career situation or obstacles involved. I will introduce you to an NLP-based approach of how to perceive your career, understand your value, and navigate your own career path, while helping you remove "psychological barriers" to success.
My toolkit includes relevant career blogs , updated career products, as well as free career resources that aim to inform jobseekers about labour market trends and developments.
Canada Career Month is here. Let's talk about your career and, of course, your new résumé portfolio that will help you stand fiercely apart from the competition. Exciting career possibilities await you!
Got questions? Contact Creative Horizons Communications at 905.730.2374 or email creativehorizonsrésumés@gmail.com.
Creative Horizons Communications is a one-stop, award-winning holistic career services firm based in Halton, Ontario. Serving jobseekers of all fields and levels locally and across the globe, we specialize in helping people confidently navigate challenging career transitions.