Résumé [Re] Construction: 5 Points to Ponder Before You DIY

Doing a résumé [re]construction project yourself could be a huge money saver.  Then again, it could be an unmitigated disaster.  These days it has never been easier to find free résumé [CV] templates and samples that can be downloaded or used from the Internet, and, unfortunately, many job seekers who have used them were woefully disappointed by the lack of positive results. While we all have unique skills, these tips will help you decide when to DIY your résumé [re]construction project and/or when to decide to hire a pro.

So, how do you know when to go it alone or go with a pro?  Here is a checklist:

1. Does the project require specialized knowledge?

Some projects take more than practice. If the project you are considering requires a special skill or inside knowledge, i.e. [re] constructing a résumé, that you don’t possess, hire a professional.

2. Will you need special tools?

To [re] construct a résumé, or a CV, it is unlikely that you will need anything more than good word processing software; however, it is critical that you fully understand the nuances of the software you are using.  HINT:  Leave the ‘fancy stuff’ to the professionals.

3. Will your project end up in a highly visible area?

Will you be sending the final document to prospective employers only?  Will you be posting the document on your own personal website?  Will the document be ‘searchable’ by Internet ‘crawlers’ and/or prospective employers?

4. What would a professional recommend?

This is where your personal aptitude for resourcefulness comes in.  At this stage you have a number of options:

• Ask someone you know and trust to review your document
• Ask your network to refer you to a professional
• Search the Internet for those who specialize in what you need -  HINT: Check for recommendations.

5. Will the savings be worth your time and trouble?

At some point, you will need to address the ROI [Return on Investment] of your résumé [re] construction project.  If you spend a week on a project, i.e. doing research and tweaking your final product, and it saves you $200, i.e. the average cost of having a résumé created for you by a professional, is that a good use of your time?

$200 / 37.5 hours = $5.33 per hour

In your final analysis, the only calculation you have to make is, “What is your ‘real’ cost of DIW [Doing it Wrong]?”  Perhaps you should consider it’s time to apply the ‘Priceless’ advertising slogan used by MasterCard:  

"There are some things money can't buy.  For everything else, there is MasterCard.”

Copyright © 2012, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved. Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2012, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino. “Career Matters” is a blog authored by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters. This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same. For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca