Professionally written resume - return on investment
How many times have you seen a job posting and thought to yourself – “I have the PERFECT background for this position!” So, you apply; nothing happens – no email, no call – nothing. You are dumbfounded; why wouldn’t you get a call? Can’t they see? Your background fits the position like a glove. I am sure that you would be a perfect fit; but what does your résumé convey? What does the hiring manager see when she opens up the email attachment? Is it something that looks thrown together? Is it something that has almost no aesthetic value?
Why is it that professionals take a DIY (do it yourself) approach to writing a résumé?
I recognize my strengths (and weaknesses); for example, I wouldn’t try to paint my own house; I wouldn't try to fix my own car. I recognize that some things are better left in professional hands. I want a pristine interior with no paint on the floor or in places that it shouldn’t appear; I want the paint to be even; I want it to be perfect! I want my car to RUN! Don’t you want the same for your personal brand? This is paramount to success – how can you compete in one of the tightest labor markets we have seen since the 80’s with a résumé that barely conveys your achievements? Responsibilities are a dime a dozen; the proof is in the pudding – results rule the roost.
You are not saving anything by trying to get away with a résumé that positions you as an amateur. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Everyday that you are not in a new position you are losing money. If you consider the fact that on average more than 50 people applying for every open position, you should consider the likelihood of your résumé making it to the top of the pile.
Candidates who understand the competitive nature of the market and who are truly serious about their search know the following:
- Their ability to stand out from the crowd will increase their interview rate.
- A professionally prepared résumé will increase their marketability.
Many people don’t really understand the value of a professionally prepared résumé. My experience tells me that the ROI on this investment might be higher than any other investment you can make in your career. Let’s start with some background stats.
According to the latest report from the US Bureau of Labor statistics, the average unemployed person has been out of work for 29.7 weeks and almost 59% of those unemployed have been unemployed for 15 or more weeks – we all understand that these statistics cover a wide variety of industries, careers and socio-economic factors. So for the sake of argument let’s say that the average white-collar worker is out of work for 15 weeks.
We recently polled 1,250 clients that engaged Careers Done Write over the last six months to see how long it took them to find a job. We found that it took an average of 11.2 weeks to find a job. We also asked what the salaries of the new job were and learned that the average salary was $76,433.11.
Plugging those data points into a simple spreadsheets shows us -
When was the last time you got a return of almost 1,000% on any investment? This doesn’t even account for the fact that a professionally written résumé is the gift that keeps on giving – we have also found, although don’t have stats to back this up, that our clients get more senior, i.e. higher paying jobs with our résumés. This means that year after year as they get compounded raises and bonuses, they continue to reap the benefits of their investment with us.
Of course a professionally written résumé isn’t right for everybody – but don’t fool yourselves – the return on investment is huge.
One final thought – we hear the phrase “focus on your core competencies” constantly in business. Hiring a professional to write your résumé is no different than the fact that doctors don’t cut their own hair and plumbers don’t represent themselves in court. What’s your core competency?
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of Careers Done Write, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
ResumesDoneWrite.Blogspot.com
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