DIY Resume or a Professional Resume - Which is Better?

Many professionals struggle to decide whether it’s time to hire a professional resume writer or continue with a DIY resume. Some believe paying money to do something you can do yourself isn't wise, but it's also possible a professional can add valuable insight to an otherwise drab or boring resume.

Both methods can be successful on varying levels. If you find your resume isn't receiving calls or you never hear back from potential employers, it may be time to consider getting a fresh perspective on what you have to offer. However, choosing a writer that will do your resume justice and not simply rehash your skills and experience is essential. There’s no point in paying someone to do what you can do yourself.

It's important to remember not everyone is cut out to write impressive or even on-par DIY resumes. Some people simply lack the talent to package their professional skills in an appealing way. People who find DIY resumes to be a daunting or even impossible task may find that even if the work of a professional writer is only slightly better than their own, that difference can make all the world in receiving call backs and being invited in to interview.

Consider this: most would hire a mechanic to work on their cars. Some people hire professional accountants to do their taxes every year in order to avoid costly mistakes. The same can be said in terms of a DIY resume. If you would rather avoid mistakes that could cost you an interview, hiring a professional resume writer might not be a bad idea. Likewise, professionals can offer important insight into dated information and how to update your skills and expertise to ensure your resume is relevant and current within your field. If you're worried about the quality of your information, a professional writer can certainly add a new element to your resume.

However, if you are satisfied with the quality of your DIY resume and find you often see some sort of result, you may not need to hire a professional writer right away. Not all professional writers bring that new spark to your resume, and some may even just rearrange your information, which may not be worth hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Regardless of the method you choose, ensuring your resume is of the highest quality and caliber is essential in receiving calls and interviews. Being selective with the writer you hire can ensure you don't pay money for a sub-par, rehashed resume.

A DIY resume is perfectly acceptable to some, but not everyone has the talent to construct a powerful professional package. If you find yourself struggling to put together a resume that really impresses employers, a professional writer is a viable option — just remember to clearly state your expectations and desires to the writer beforehand.

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