Is an Online Resume Builder Right for You?
Posted on August 12, 2009 | Filed Under Other | 3 Comments
Online resume builders are growing in popularity every month. Many of them are free (or very reasonably priced) and easy to use. But are they worth using? In this post, I’ll take a look at one such service, called Pongo Resume.
PongoResume.com Review
With a web-based resume builder like the one you’ll find at PongoResume.com, you can make a high quality resume in about 10 minutes. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions about your occupation and desired job, and the resume builder creates a template just for you. The resume builder generates fill-in-the-blank sentences to help you find the right words to describe your experience.
Once the resume has been created, Pongo lets you change resume formats by clicking a button. There are 32 different resume styles you can choose from.
There’s really no hassle at all, or hours spent trying to get the spacing to look just right. You can save the resume in many different formats – Word, text, PDF or even a web page in html – however the employer wants it, and it will always look good.
You can even save different versions of your resume and create a new cover letter for each job you apply to, and this efficient online resume builder will keep track of which one you sent to which employer. Talk about resume targeting made easy!
In short, PongoResume.com is a quick and easy to use resume builder. You can even email and fax your resume straight from the system, but it looks like it comes from you.
The free trial (no credit card required) lets you test drive the resume builder so you can see how easy it is to build your resume and then decide if you want to buy. At $9.95, it is a small price to pay to be able to write your resume (and cover letter) in just 10 minutes!
In Summary
I definitely recommend you check out Pongo Resume if you’re looking for some help building a resume. I used to offer a resume writing service here, but I have to say, I think this is a better option for most people.
The Pros:
- Super easy to use.
- Great tips & advice for each section
- Suggested phraseology
- Flexibility
The Cons:
I wish it was free, but really at $9.95 a month, you can’t complain too much… even in today’s economy. Especially, since you can try it out for free before you have to pay a single cent.
Since the program is standardized, it’s also not quite as flexible as doing things yourself from scratch, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you don’t really know what you’re doing! 
Overall, I have to recommend this online resume builder. It’s truly a great way to get a quality resume built.
Create your resume now using the free online resume builder trial! I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Written by Kathi MacNaughtonOutline for a Resume – The Beginning of an Effective Resume
Posted on May 11, 2009 | Filed Under Resumes | Leave a Comment
Using an outline for a resume will help you approach your resume writing in an organized manner, and that’s extremely important… whether you plan to write the resume yourself or hand it off to a professional resume writing service.
So what would an effective resume outline include? Well, here is what a resume should cover:
- Identifying, or Personal, Information
- Career Objective or Summary Statement
- Educational Background
- Work History
- Significant Achievements
- Skills
In summary, a resume outline gives you the tools for what goes into a successful resume. While different resume formats may use each of these outline sections in different ways, the information in each section of this outline for a resume is used in each type of resume.
For more information on what goes into each section in the resume outline, see: Outline for a Resume
Written by Kathi MacNaughtonResume Objectives Tips – Why You DON’T Need a Resume Objective
Posted on May 11, 2009 | Filed Under Resumes | Leave a Comment
One of the most valuable resume objectives tips I can provide to you is that the tried and true resume objective is NOT an essential part of a winning resume. What’s that? I hear you ask. Is it true that objectives are old and tired, rather than being tried and true?
The simple answer to this debate–in my opinion and many other experts’ opinions–is an unqualified yes. Here are two main reasons why I am recommending that you do not include a resume objective on your resume:
- They often sound self-serving, because they are YOU-focused, rather than being employer-focused.
- They can be way too limiting, unless they are so vague as to be meaningless.
Now, don’t click away yet… I’m trying to give you some resume objectives tips that will help. Here’s what I mean…
Two Self-Serving Resume Objectives
- “To work for a company with a great workplace culture and great pay.”
- “To work in a job that challenges me, so that I can keep growing.”
Employers want to know what you’re going to do for them, not what you want them to do for you. Do you see how little the objectives above say about what you have to offer?
If you do decide to use a resume objective, you must make sure that it is not self-serving or too limiting, and that it is uniquely stated. Make it specific and work to reflect the employer’s perspective, not your own. Demonstrate the value you’ll bring to the organization.
You’ll find many more examples of good and bad resume objectives, plus lots more resume objectives tips at our Resume Objectives Tips Central
Written by Kathi MacNaughtonResume Wording Dos and Don’ts for People Who Want to Win the Job
Posted on May 11, 2009 | Filed Under Resumes | Leave a Comment
If your resume hasn’t been getting you job offers, then it’s clearly time to check your resume wording to be sure it’s working. Using the right words on your resume can be a key path to job hunting success. Do you know how to pick the right resume key words and resume action words? No? Then, this lesson is designed just for you…
2 Resume Wording Dos That Will Help You Succeed
- DO include enough information on each job to show your full breadth of knowledge.
- DO use symbols, such as “#”, “$”, and “%”, and numbers. They’ll stand out and grab the attention of the reviewer.
2 Resume Wording Don’ts That Can Hang You Up
- DON’T use vague wording such as “a few months.” Specific dates are more powerful.
- DON’T go into too much detail on each job; save that for the interview. Think “highlights.”
There are many more resume wording dos and don’ts at our Resume Wording Information Center
Check it out today…
Written by Kathi MacNaughtonGreat Resume Writing Information & Tips
Posted on May 11, 2009 | Filed Under Resumes | Leave a Comment
There’s tons of resume writing information on this website… it’s a veritable education in resume writing. But it IS a lot of information. Want the down & dirty version? 
OK then… take a look at this mini-hub of articles I built at a site called Squidoo.com:
Resume Writing Information Center
If you want to succeed in a career, you need to know how to make a resume that works in today’s job market. There’s so much you need to know – how to write resume objectives, what resume format to choose, what kind of resume wording works best, is a resume outline necessary and more…
But what if you could find all this information in one place and what if it could make a huge difference in your job hunting success? Well, as I said above… you CAN!
This hub of resume writing information at Squidoo.com comes from an experienced hiring manager and recruiter… me! This is resume help you can rely upon and great resume tips you can take to the bank. Check it out today:
Resume Writing Information Center
Written by Kathi MacNaughtonkeep looking »
My name is Kathi, and I created this website to share my expertise and knowledge about writing resumes and succeeding in career changes & job hunts. Thank you for visiting. I hope you'll take the time to explore not only this blog, but also the rest of my site. There's lots of info here! You can 