How to Become a Successful Résumé Writer

By Wendi Weiner, Guest Contributor.

Career Professionals of Canada is the only Canadian association that supports independent résumé writers with training, certifications, and awards.

There are several US-based résumé writing associations that offer certifications and training, promote the industry, and maximize the credentials of résumé writers:

• The National Résumé Writers’ Association
• The Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches
• Career Directors International
• Career Thought Leaders (Resume Writing Academy)
• The Career Experts

Career associations and résumé writing associations offer different facets for résumé writers to enhance their continuing education, credentials, and stamina in the industry.

Some résumé writers will join more than one of these organizations to stay on top of industry trends, learn from other industry members, and collaborate.

Certifications for Professional Résumé Writers

As an active member of all the US associations, I have multiple certifications. They have collectively helped me grow my own personal network, friendships, and collaborations, as well as advanced my writing credentials.

Becoming a Certified Résumé Strategist (CRS), or obtaining any other certification in résumé writing, coaching, or branding shows a deep commitment to your craft, but it doesn’t stop there.

Professional Development for Résumé Writers

Through my years of board leadership for the National Résumé Writers’ Association, I served as a mentor for new business owners, i.e. new résumé writers who were looking to grow their business and experience in the industry. If you’re new to résumé writing, I encourage you to find a mentor and start getting the training and collaboration you need to strengthen your skills.

In a world of internet marketing, unregulated industries, and virtual workplaces, anyone can drop the term “expert,” but a true expert maintains an arsenal of tools that are constantly being revamped, updated, and fine-tuned. This is done through a serious commitment to professional development — training and seminars — not just arbitrarily terming yourself an “expert,” “wizard,” or “master.”

The best résumé writers have much more than just one or two certifications and active memberships under their belt. They are committed to enhancing their professional development in numerous ways – participating in résumé writing conferences, continuing education seminars, and other industry consortiums. They speak at events and are often being featured for their advice and expertise in publications, podcasts, and other media outlets.

Ethics in the Résumé Writing World

As a résumé writer, you must display ethics. For example, most professional résumé writers, strategists, and experts will not offer a guarantee. The reason for this is simple: a résumé writer cannot guarantee the success of a résumé because there are many factors that go into the job search process: networking strategy, interview skills, personal background (criminal record etc.), and even the fair market value of the position and salary being sought.

Most résumé writers represent their credentials truthfully. But, in an unregulated industry like résumé writing, it’s imperative for consumers to do their due diligence, research, and know the pitfalls. For example, self-ranked résumé writing lists with inaccurate information about résumé writers and résumé writing organizations are misleading. In a recent lawsuit filed against an unlawful competitor, I have taken a strong stance for the entire résumé writing industry to fight against deceptive advertising practices, negative SEO attacks, and other unethical tactics, and to boost the visibility and credibility of the résumé writers and the industry.

I am passionate about the résumé industry as a whole and building collaboration from within. If you are new to the résumé writing industry or you are interested in becoming a professional résumé writer, I encourage you to join all of the résumé writing associations out there and get involved. Our industry is extremely welcoming and through various memberships, you have the ability to maximize your professional development and professional activity.

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