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Resume Writing Business
One way for a good writer to make some extra money is to start a resume writing business. If you think about it - almost every working adult could use a good resume, especially with all the turnaround in the work place these days.
People may be looking for a job for the first time, after college or after raising children. People may be looking for a promotion within their company or outside with a new company, or even change careers altogether. Perhaps they're getting back into the job market after a break, sabbatical, or looking for employment after losing their job due to a layoff.
As a resume writer, you can help your clients present their strongest skills, background and employment history in a way which helps to sell them to potential employers.
Why a Resume Writer?
There are plenty of how-to books around on how to write a resume, so why would anyone hire a resume writer? A resume writer is more objective and can often see details in a resume that the client cannot. Also, by being a savvy writer you have skills people who do not do it on a regular basis. A resume writer has experience that comes from writing numerous resumes, and can bring those ideas to the client for a new, and fresher approach.
When you start a resume writing business, always keep in mind that you will be part resume writer and part career coach. You need to understand the job markets thoroughly and bring this perspective into the resumes that you write. Go online and do some research, even find resumes posted online to help guide you in your business.
How to Write a Resume
In order to tout yourself as an experienced resume writer, you have to actually get the experience. Resume writing strategies change over time, so make sure you're up to date so you can offer the best you can. There are various types of resumes – chronological, functional, targeted or combination, and you should be familiar with all of them. Read the how-to books yourself, and practice writing resumes. Ask your friends if you can update their resume for free. Be comfortable with chronological, functional and combined resumes. A newer format is story telling – strange but true.
Technology has affected the resume-writing world. Computers scan resumes for keywords to see if the potential employee's experience matches a company's needs. Understand keywords and how to write a resume which incorporates them and help your client stand out. Resumes are no longer just paper products. Resumes are sent by e-mail and may need to be sent in various formats in order to be opened by various word processing programs or text displaying programs. Read up on how to tailor resumes for the digital world.
Some Resume Writing Tips
In your resume writing business, there are a few tips that will enhance any resume you write.
+ Spelling and grammar must be perfect. One of the easiest ways to weed through a pile of resumes is to find a misspelling.
+ Tailor the resume to the specific job, company or field. You want to emphasize the fit between candidate and the job, eliminate vague objective statements.
+ Be specific. Too many job seekers list their job responsibilities, not their accomplishments. Detail what your client successfully did. Use strong action words. When possible, use quantitative data to show success, i.e. decreased expenses 10% by consolidating vendors.
+ Offer additional services such as cover letters, follow up letters and thank you notes.
Develop a Portfolio of Resume Examples
As you write resumes, either for practice of for pay, keep a copy in your portfolio. If the copy is from a real client, ask for permission or change details to maintain the client's privacy.
New clients will ask for examples of your work, and it will be quite impressive when you can pull out a book. Likewise, if you have a website, it is helpful if you can show several examples of your resumes online for easy access.
Finding Clients
Contact placement offices, labor department offices which help people find work, local colleges or universities and employment agencies. Place ads in fliers, post at coffee houses and grocery stores. Put a small ad in a local free newspaper. You can even post your services on Craigslist.
With minimal equipment – a computer (laptop may be best), laser printer and phone - you can start a resume writing business that helps customers launch their careers or expand them.
Helpful Resources
Complete Guide to Writing Effective Resume Cover Letters: Step-by-step Instructions
The Resume.Com Guide to Writing Unbeatable Resumes
Gainfully Employed-A Guide to Résumé Writing, Job Hunting, and Effective Interviewing
The Resume Makeover: 50 Common Problems With Resumes and Cover Letters - and How to Fix Them
How to Succeed as a Small Business Owner ... and Still Have a Life
Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business
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