We live in a time when you can find all kinds of Do-It-Yourself advice for pretty much anything you could pay someone to do for you. Sometimes, it actually is a good idea to do something yourself, but the trick is to be honest about it. If you are thinking of writing your own resume, here are some points to consider:
- Are you confident that your writing skills are professional level?
- Do you have the word processing software and the ability to utilize it for a professional resume?
- Do you have specific jobs you are applying for so your resume and cover letter will show your suitability for the position?
- Do you have a good grasp of what employers are looking for in a resume?
If you can say “yes” to those questions, then of course I would say, “yes, it is a good idea to write your own resume.” But if you can’t, you may want to do some more thinking about it. The Job Search Resources page and blog posts on writing resumes are two places to start expanding your frame of reference.
For example, if you do not have a specific job you are applying for, the distribution and networking of a professional resume service will be beyond your capability unless you have done extensive networking already. You may decide it is worth investing in the service even if you are a professional writer because you aren’t sure what employers are looking for. It’s really your call.
People write their own resumes all the time, and some of those resumes are good enough to get them the job. If you want to be one of the DIY resume writers, take advantage of the free resources here and do the best job you can on your resume. Good luck!