Angie’s List: Tips on resume writing

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Jobs are tough to get right now. So it's more important than ever that your resume stands out in the crowd. Some people are turning to a professional resume writer for help.

"I like to do things right. And I like to do them right the first time," said Cheryl Gordon, a client.

After 21 years on the job with an Indianapolis home builder Cheryl Gordon was laid off.

"Could you think about working for lets say a bank," said Mary Ann Finch Vandivier, a professional resume writer.

Part of her severance package includes the services of a professional writer.

"It's been kind of a struggle for me just to get started. You know to find out who I really am," said Gordon.

"The first thing I will do on a resume is brand a person at the top. And by that I mean, differentiate who they are from the next person who does the same thing," said Mary Ann.

Mary Ann has been writing resumes professionally since the early 90's. She said you need to write a resume differently now, than you did a decade ago.

"What's up front? What are they going to see," said Mary Ann.

She said it needs to work well on a computer. She said starting with an objective is old, she prefers to begin with what she calls "emphasis."

"I put emphasis, sales and account management. New business development, client management," said Mary Ann.

Mary Ann said you can put together an effective resume on your own. If you can think about yourself beyond your current job. She said be specific, back up any claims with facts and its ok for it to be longer than one page. Angie Hicks of Angie's List said if you've been out of the job market for a long time, using a professional can pay off.

"If you keep in mind, an employer might look at a resume for 10 or 15 seconds. They're scanning for key things that they need in an employee. So they can help position you for that," said Angie.

Mary Ann said if you use a professional, bring some information with you.

"I need your background. I need to know what you've done. I need dates. As important as that is for me, I need to know what you want to do next," said Mary Ann.

Mary Ann said her fee for writing a resume starts at $390. She said it takes about five business days to finish it. She said the biggest mistake you can make when writing a resume is lying. Tell the truth or don't include it.