As a professional writer — and the owner of a writing business — I can tell you that my day usually consists of a wide variety of different sorts of projects. Throw in running a business, overseeing remote employees, and well, my days are full, to say the absolute least. Stopping to take a breath the other day, I was reflecting on what projects and activities give me the most joy. Now, I can tell you that overall, one of my greatest sources of happiness is working for myself — but I know that not everyone is in the same boat, and that to some, their day-to-day is truly a grind. This is what spurred me to think in depth about my role as a resume writer — and why I love doing it.
1. You Get to Learn About Another Person’s Hopes and Dreams.
I believe in my heart that everyone aspires to something in life. Each one of us wants to feel valued, rewarded, and meaningful in some way. Now, maybe not all of us are destined to run Fortune 500 companies or lead a country, but I’d venture a guess that the majority of us want to make an impact — and not simply drift through life. As a resume writer, I get to hear about the goals and aspirations of others. I am allowed a glimpse inside their world, and I am very grateful that so many people have trusted me with this information. Think about it — there is a certain level of vulnerability that anyone would feel when opening up to another person about what makes them tick and where they see themselves in the future. I get to listen to those goals— and then I get to put myself in their shoes and wordsmith their resume, hopefully helping them take the next step in making their dreams a reality.
2. You Get to Help Families Do Better.
I have recently worked with several job seekers who have been frank about why they need a new job. “If I am considered for this opportunity, and then end up getting it, my family’s future will be changed.” How powerful is that!?! While this might also seem intimidating (and it is at times if I’m being honest), it’s also very motivating. I love having the chance to help a mom or a dad take that next step, because in turn, I realize that it doesn’t only mean the possibility of a bigger paycheck. There is more to it than money alone. Ultimately, maybe a son or a daughter gets to pursue a new hobby, or the family will have the means to go on a trip where they experience something new. Or maybe it’s more basic than that — maybe a step up the career ladder ensures that there is always food on the table, the bills are paid, and the family feels more secure. Maybe Mom and/or Dad simply get to have more flexible hours, weekends off, or are allowed more time to be with their family.
3. You Get to Help People See the Best Version of Themselves.
I know that to many people, talking about themselves, let alone writing about themselves, is one of the scariest things in the world. It’s hard at times to verbalize why you might stand out from the crowd or why you are special. I cannot even tell you how many job seekers will get on the phone and say, “I hate to sound like I’m bragging about myself…” I stop them immediately! Your resume is your chance to show a hiring manager that you rock! So, it’s always fun when a client receives the draft of their resume and they say, “Seriously? This is me?” It’s not about embellishment in this regard. Rather, it’s simply about considering a person’s experience through fresh eyes and helping them realize that they really are unique.
4. You Get to Help People Tell Their Story.
Think about it this way; would you be able to take 10, 20, maybe even 40 years of your life and tell that story in two pages? I know that most people would answer that question with a no, and that’s what can make resume writing so intimidating to many. But, that’s what I do for a living — I write succinct professional biographies that outline individual journeys and experiences. I know that drawing a line from point A to point B is not always easy, but I love learning about the progression, where people began, where they are at, and where they are going. And at the end of the day, no two stories are ever alike.
5. You Get to Help People Build Confidence.
It doesn’t matter if you are right out of college or have twenty years of experience and are looking to take the next step in your career, job searches are scary. However, I also know that talking through some insecurities or worries with a resume writer like me can be a confidence booster — and it can help a person organize their thoughts, identify strengths, and even address weaknesses prior to going into an interview. Secondly, while you may enter the resume writing process feeling like you might not measure up against others competing for the same role, it is also possible for those worries to melt away once you see what I end up writing (please see #3 and #4!).
6. You Get to Bear Witness to Success.
This one — #6 — is how I know that the resumes I write make a difference. Time and again, I have clients return to me to update the resume I wrote for them. I get to hear about promotions and recently-earned degrees, new accomplishments and achievements, increased responsibilities, awards — SO MANY EXCITING THINGS. It is one of the most rewarding things in the world to hear, “Amanda, because of your resume, I was able to get my foot in the door. I scored an interview, and then I got the job — and now, it’s time to take the next step. Can you help me again?” Yes! 100% YES!
There’s no denying — I love what I do. And I would welcome the chance to help you. Visit www.grammarchic.net or www.professionalresumewriters.net. Of course, feel free to give me a call: 803–831–7444.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.
