The Employment Report

Not everyone has a way with words. Most people have pretty excellent oral communication skills. After all, speaking is the primary way we communicate. As a species we were talking to each other — even if it was no more than grunts and spits — long before we started writing stuff down.

But, for some reason most people lack the sprocket in their brain that can turn the words they say into text on paper.

If you’re one of those people, then perhaps you should consider finding a writer to help with your résumé and cover letter. Even if you’re fairly competent at writing, you really want the words used to not only jump off the page, but to grab the reader by the lapel, slap him three times and force him to call you for an interview.

There are many ways to go about this; it just depends on the level you’re at. If you’re on the executive level, a résumé writing service may be best for you. These services have experts trained in the art of writing high-profile résumés and cover letters that will assist you in obtaining a high-powered job.

However, if you’re not on that level, and can’t afford a writing service, you need to reach out to your network of friends and family – a Cyrano de Bergerac to your Christian, if you will. A person who can “woo” the companies with words in your stead will be a valuable asset.

You can offer to “pay” this friend in many ways. Have him or her over for dinner or buy your ghost writer a beer the next time you go out. Compensation for friends is usually easy.

The point is a well-written résumé and a sharply-worded cover letter are your best hopes for rising to the top of a very large pile at the recruiter’s office. Don’t be afraid to admit your weaknesses as a writer, and seek help from a more experienced wordsmith.