This is a question we get a lot. It seems rather easy to do it yourself if you have access to a word processing program and printer and feel comfortable writing your job history.

I always wrote my own resumes over the years, for 10 successful job changes up the career ladder, as well as in 4 different states. Inherently I knew a few things about resumes ? number one being to write each resume to fit the specific job and employer. I rarely wrote what I call a ?generic? resume. One time in my career I sent 6 resumes out at one time to 6 different employers, but all were for the same job title. I was successful in landing my desired job in a short period of tiime.

I never thought resume writing would be difficult for folks, but after 23 years as a hiring manager and supervisor of staff looking to move ahead, I was amazed by people?s indifference, lack of knowledge and level of discomfort in writing their resume. Most did not have a resume, and those that did, were poorly done. Some applicants actually panicked at the thought of having to bring or send a resume. As a hiring manager, I was more apt to select a candidate who presented herself well on paper, as well as in the interview. A well written resume speaks to the applicant?s interest in the position and subliminally implies how well the applicant will do in the job.

I saaw very few of what I would call good resumes, and only a handful of excellent resumes. If you are seeking a job where there is a lot of competition, it is critical to have a resume that stands out. If you want your resume to stay in the pile at the top, and not hit the trash can, your resume must catch the manager?s eye. Most people include too much information in their resume ? you should never lie on your resume, but there is no law that says you must include everything (that?s what employment applications are for).