Our resumes equate to a snapshot of your success, experiences and credentials. There is no need to be shy nor reluctant to confidently list what makes you qualified for a career move that you’re pursuing. During my tenure as a career services professional, I would see resumes that exuded confidence. Other resumes prompted a conversation of motivation that would encourage the candidate to move forward and toot their own horn and list their skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Writing resumes that warrant an interview invite is a niche skill that not everyone can do.

Winnie E. Caldwell is not only the blogger of The Wire Hanger By Winnie that deems herself a dreamer and doer. She is also a sought after resume writer that initially started offering résumé revising as an option to give back to the supporters of her blog if they donated to her GoFundMe campaign to build her blogging brand. Winnie resume services have become a full circle for her. She took resume writing classes years ago and remained current through research and mentors that are hiring professionals. Winnie is a St. Louis, MO native that has that “Show Me” state mentality. She applies that same intellect to the clients she works with when revising their resumes. In the interview below Winnie shares how she helps her clients confidently shine bright in an application tracking system and get noticed.

Career Tipper: How do you help professionals not undersell themselves on their resumes?

Caldwell: My resume services here at The Wire Hanger By Winnie are simple. Looking for a new job/career is a full-time job itself. So when new clients reach out to me for resume revising, I make sure to ask what his/her goals are. Once we have that understood, I critique the resume, rewrite it and return a revamped resume to the client. With the return of a new resume, I show the client what I saw in him/her that they didn’t identify themselves! I had one client tell me; I took her resume from a high school diploma to making her think she got her Masters Degree! A revamped resume alone builds confidence for my clients to accomplish career goals.

Career Tipper: How can professionals get their resume noticed when submitting their resume through an Applicant Tracking System?

Caldwell: Great question! I learned, from reading other blogs, about the Applicant Tracking System. For those that aren’t familiar with the logistics of an applicant tracking system; it is an electronic service that employers use to decipher potential candidates. The great thing that has worked in my favor is having the skill of using useful keywords. In blogging, keywords are important. Keywords are how people find you online if they are utilizing  search engines for something in particular. Keywords are also important when creating a resume/cover letter. In example, the words, multi-task or outgoing, won’t help your resume to stand out. Use words that are directly related to the position you’re applying to. If you are looking for Hotel Management employment, within your resume, use frequent words such as, Hospitality, Hotel Management, Front Desk, etc.

Career Tipper: What perspective should professionals have about the overall presentation of their resume?

Caldwell: Professionals should have the perspective of a hiring manager. Is your resume legible? Is your resume fluffy? Is your resume too lengthy? Those are things to consider. Remember, you are an applicant for the position. What are you bringing to the table? Instead of just stating that you’re innovative, tell how you’re innovative. Did you develop a new program for your current employer? Did you acquire grants or sponsorships? Your resume is for show and tell. It’s an honor that I get to show my clients how they are a worthy hire through a resume rewrite.

Feel free to contact Winnie via email at Winnie@TheWireHangerByWinnie.com or through her blog at  www.thewirehangerbywinnie.com to schedule a resume review.