Resume Secrets You Need to Know

Your resume has a job. That job is to position you as the best candidate in the entire application pool. Think of your resume as a marketing brochure—and the product you’re selling is you. Sounds easy enough, but if you’re like most job seekers, the task of writing about yourself is downright daunting.

You could go it alone or hire a professional. But not all professional resume services deliver the best outcomes. Most of the time, you fill out a questionnaire and, just like a vending machine, out comes your resume. There’s nothing personal about any part of the process. And chances are there’ll be nothing special about your resume either.

That’s a problem in a world where recruiters aren’t necessarily fair or unbiased. An effective resume also must make it past keyword scanners and applicant tracking systems before it has its 10 seconds of fame (yes, 10 seconds) in front of human eyes.

We Want Recruiters to Visualize the Value You Bring to the Party

Over video conferencing or by phone, Life Working® credentialed resume writers get to know each client really, really well. They’ll understand how to showcase your awesomeness and even point out talents you may not have thought about— but could be the soft skills that push your resume to the top.

“My favorite part of my job is hearing a person's story for the first time. I fall in love with all the clients I work with. I care about their success. It's not just that we're writing their resume; we care about them,” says Wilma Nachsin, president and founder of Life Working®. “And we know what sells.”

Before crafting a resume, Life Working® writers look at the job title and details of a handful of job descriptions. To get past the applicant tracking systems, they ensure your resume uses some of the exact words and phrases in the job postings and includes all technology programs, software applications, and certifications that may be in a set of search terms.

If you're going after similar jobs in similar industries, your resume could stay the same except for the job target in the top section of the first page. The job title would change to the exact wording with each role you’re applying for because often, the keywords the recruiters search for are in the job title. So, if you put the job title at the top of the resume where a job objective used to appear, then you've got the keywords nailed.

“I’m thrilled with my resume. I could never have done anything close to that on my own. It is a masterpiece and has given me the solid foundation to launch an effective job search. It gets compliments from everyone who sees it. I can't thank you enough for partnering with me on my professional "renovation." I feel so rejuvenated and genuinely excited about what's next.”
– SB, Life Working® client, July 5, 2022

Other Truths About SUBMITTING Resumes You Need to Know

1. Stock Cover Letters Don’t Work

Using a stock cover letter can sink your chances before the recruiter even looks at your resume. Recruiters have seen every stock cover letter ever printed. It’s a sure sign that you’re not original.

2. Generic Resumes Don’t Work

Employers are looking for the best match for the job and being too general will not work. You stand a much better chance of being considered by tweaking your resume to match the job descriptions more closely.

3. Cyberspace, a Friend or Foe?

On the Internet, there’s no place to hide. Employers want to find out as much as they can about you. You can bet they’ll be doing a thorough Google search and going through your Facebook and Instagram profiles. They may reach out to your past employers and work associates on the sly to gather more information on you. This is especially common if they find mutual connections on LinkedIn.

4. Your Personality Can Make or Break You

We would all like to think that we got the job based on our credentials and merits. However, the reality is that employers often make their final hiring decisions based on which candidate they like the most. Interview coaching can help.

5. Chemistry May Matter More Than It Should

As important as your experience, training, and other skills are, chemistry may be more critical. Building a good relationship with a recruiter or hiring manager may pay off now or later. For example, if you’re not a good fit for one role, the recruiter may keep you in mind for another job in the company tailor-made for you.

“It has been a pleasure working with you! I felt that you truly cared and listened.  You gave me hope and encouragement when I was discouraged about leaving a much-loved organization by directing my thoughts toward the future and the possibility of a great career ahead of me. Again, thank you for creating a resume for me that is strong and represents my experience and capabilities and for the bonus of Wilma’s added sparkle,”
–JB, Life Working® client, April 21, 2021 

Find out why working with a Life Working® resume writing expert will make all the difference in your job search. Our clients are often contacted for a phone screening interview within 24 hours of applying. For more information, check out our resume writing services and schedule your free consultation.