Creating a resume involves more than simply documenting work experience and education. It should tell a compelling story, conveying what the candidate has done and their potential for future success. The narrative should be: “I’ve excelled at this before, and I can do it again.” This philosophy is particularly vital when crafting resumes for those seeking a career change, as it emphasizes the transferability of their skills and experiences.
Taking on the task of writing resumes to help others secure employment is a significant responsibility. It involves understanding the candidate’s career journey, their aspirations, and how best to align their past experiences with their future goals. A good resume is not just focused on listing job roles; it’s about crafting a narrative that positions the candidate as the ideal choice for their desired role.
Here’s a pro tip: Although job seekers can access resume samples in multiple ways today, a good resume writer can still find an audience. Some job seekers dislike writing, and they’ll welcome your writing and resume design skills. Writing their own resume will be more of an emotional challenge for others. They have fixed feelings about closing one chapter and starting another. As a professional resume writer, your advantage should be to add expertise and feedback to help them along the way.
For those new to resume writing, I suggest you start by writing a resume for yourself. By the way, this might be a page you’ll use for a business plan. Next, write resumes for friends or acquaintances. This hands-on approach is an excellent way to build credibility and experience. It also allows you to understand the nuances of different industries and roles and how to tailor a resume accordingly. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to receive direct feedback, which is invaluable for honing your skills.
Moreover, investing in your education in this field is essential. Enrolling in a resume writing course, like the one mentioned here, can provide you with current best practices, industry standards, and advanced techniques. You’ll need to learn various aspects of resume writing, from understanding applicant tracking systems (ATS) to crafting compelling career summaries.
As your skills and confidence grow, you can start expanding your services to a broader audience. Building a portfolio of successful resume transformations can be a powerful tool in attracting new clients. Showcase before-and-after examples (with permission) to demonstrate the impact of your work. This tangible proof of your ability can be more convincing than any marketing spiel.
Remember, every resume you write can potentially change someone’s life by helping them land their dream job or embark on a new career path. This realization brings a sense of purpose and responsibility to your work. As you develop your resume writing business, you’re not just providing a service; you’re playing a crucial role in shaping people’s careers and, by extension, their lives.
Starting a home-based business writing resumes, especially for those seeking a career change, is a fulfilling and potentially lucrative venture for individuals over 50. It capitalizes on your experience, offers flexibility, and meets a growing demand in the job market.
I invite your feedback on this idea. Have you found success in the resume writing field? I’d like to know more about how you’re getting the word out about your business.
