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One of your first decisions in writing a resume is to decide how you want to start. This decision will greatly affect the final product so your choice should be well thought out.

Many people think they should be able to just sit down and write a resume. I often hear - "Anyone can do it - it's not hard...just write what jobs you've held, your education, and you're done, right?" While anyone can write a resume, few can write a good resume. For that you need specialized training.

Think for a minute about a television script. I could learn the basics of how to write a script after reading a few books or searching online for the information. However, to write a good script there is a lot more I would have to learn. I would expect to not be successful the first few attempts, and would seek out an experienced professional to teach me the finer points. The same is true about writing a resume. It is not about being smart or educated, it is about whether you have had the specialized training needed to produce an effective resume.

Keep this in mind when you are considering your resume writing options -Do It Yourself Options -

• Blank Page
You could start with a blank page and write your resume. I'm not sure why someone would choose this option in today's world...with computers at our fingertips you can find other options with minimal effort. Of course, if the closest you have to a computer is an old Royal this may be the best option for you. However, you will have to learn how to write a resume all on your own.


• Generic Template
Many people write their first resume using a generic template that is included in the word processing software. While this is a step above the Blank Page method, I don't recommend it. Resumes created this way look like..well, like a template....and employers can tell.


• Professional Template
These templates are written by experts in the field and are much better than the generic templates. There are many places on the internet you can get these, my personal favorite is The Damn Good Resume site. There aer samples listed in a number of categories: Customer Service, Office Work, Hospitality, Warehouse, Construction. Simply change the sample resume information for yours, and you're all set.


• Resume Writing Software
There are over 100 titles listed on Amazon for resume writing software. While each of these will write a resume, each product will present some challenges. Like all software, you need to make sure it will work on your computer and your operating system. I am not a fan of these packages, as many of them do not create a resume than can easily be edited outside the program. This may also limit your ability to use your resume online or via email.

Professional Options-

• College Career Center
Career centers on your college campus are a great place to start. The specific services offered vary from center to center. Most of them will offer at least resume writing, job leads and some form of career planning assistance. The quality of resume writing will vary depending on the staff at each center. In many cases you can get a great resume. However, in other locations, you would be better served writing it yourself.


• WIA Jobs Center
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) provides Federal funding to job centers in many communities. These maybe called many different names: Work Source, 1-Stop, Work Force are probably the most common. These are sometimes included in the services provided by State Employment offices. In other places they are separate non-profit organizations. These centers provide a wide variety of services to job seekers - classes, resume writing, on-site recruiting, etc.


• Professional Resume Writer
Professional resume writers are everywhere. Choosing a good one can be tricky - made even more so because every one of them you talk to will have different list of "must have" criteria for you to consider. There are 43 different types of certifications for resume writers, career facilitator and/or life coach - any one of which will be likely to provide you with a resume. Prices for a resume writer can range anywhere from $50 to several thousand dollars. So how are you to choose? You have to make some decisions before you even start looking:


• Certifications: Certifications do not by themselves mean you are getting quality. Some certifications only require the individual pay a small fee, with no glance towards their experience or skills. By the same token, some excellent resume writers have no certifications.


• Advertising: How and where resume writers advertise can give you clues as to if they are the right fit for you. Advertisements on major job board are expensive - and that will be reflected in the price. By the same token, a card at the local grocery store bulletin board is free - so you can expect the costs to be much less as well.


• Location: Writing is something that can be done anywhere. Resume writing is no exception. A talented resume writer can write a excellent resume without having ever met you in person. Some people do not feel comfortable with that and want a more personal connection so they choose a local writer. The choice is yours - neither is more likely to produce a better product.


• Writing vs Crafting: This is the one variable that can make a huge difference in the final product. Be sure you know which you are gettingAsk to see samples of previous resumes. They should each be individual and reflect the client, not the writer. Ask for references - call and ask former customers (at least 3-6 months past) for their opinion. Be sure to ask about the overall experience, as well as the end result. The bottom line is: Was the resume effective?

As you can see, there are many different options. There is no one single answer that is the best choice for everyone or every situation.