Professional resume writing is as demanding as any job. In many ways, it requires skills that go beyond normal office job positions. Writing a decent resume is tough enough; writing dozens for someone else in return for money is a different level altogether.
Some people get started on professional resume writing not because they love the job. Many do it because it allows telecommuting, is a great way to make money and is helps build personal connections. Whatever your reasons, you need to train yourself as with any other job and be prepared for hard work and attention to detail.
Learn
You'll be writing an assortment of resumes for different job positions. Accounting, software engineering, IT consultancy, medical transcription, web development... these are only a few specialized fields. Every sector has its own set of technical jargon, processes and job positions. Job titles in the construction industry, for example, greatly differ from those in the IT sector. As such, you must have sufficient business knowledge to write successful resumes so read up.
Don't just rely on templates
Templates are used to give structure to resumes but they don't make resumes. Using them to dictate how you write is a bad idea because there are certain job positions that may need you to include certain details or omit them. Relying solely on templates is, therefore, chancy as you run the risk of leaving out key bits of information or including unnecessary details.
Accumulate experience
Like any job, experience counts in professional resume writing. Recruiters are in favor of writers who have two or more years of experience. This shows that you've managed to stay alive in the field of resume writing and are dedicated enough to want to elevate your career.
Stay abreast of trends
Every year brings with it a set of trends that influence what recruiters are looking for in a resume. Currently, certain trends are being used although they haven't replaced traditional resumes. QR codes and infographics are the 'in' thing as so many people are using social media sites to conduct business, stay in touch with contacts and showcase talent.
Bear in mind that not every recruiter will warm to the idea of having a candidate deliver an infographic resume. So read up on industry trends, cross-check them and apply them where possible. Do check with clients first.
Get certified
There are certification courses for professional resume writing and it's a good idea to get certified. It doesn't guarantee work but clients and recruiters still put stock in seeing an official document stating that you've passed a course.
Don't get into the field for kicks
Whether you choose to make resume writing your primary source of income or are doing it to earn extra cash, avoid it if you're only in it for the short-term. A lot of people are turning to professional writers because they aren't proficient or don't have the time to write. If you are a good resume writer, getting into it for the short haul can have a lasting impact on clients. After all, you're being made privy to very private details about their lives. It's easy to develop a personal connection which your clients may share and leaving them bereft in their time of need can be tough on both sides.
