How can you approach a mentor for resume writing advice?

Resume writing requires a very specific skillset so it is always advisable to get yourself a mentor who can walk with you to ensure the journey becomes rewarding and yields desired result. You can have the mentor from your immediate network - someone is senior enough, someone whom you can rely upon, someone who can give you ample time for your own personal growth. If you can't find a suitable mentor within your immediate network then LinkedIn definitely can provide you with suitable mentors who can coach you in this area. Before choosing the mentor especially on LinkedIn, you should look at his/her experience, credibility, reputation, and background to ensure your time and energy spent with the mentor is not a wasted one.

Finding mentor that is targeted to your career goal is important. You need to be strategic about it by performing a detailed research on your mentor and the kind of candidates he/she helps. If you find the right one, approach with a customized connection request and how you want he/she to help you land a job. Be prayerful in the end. Good luck. P.S. - Don't waste your mentors time if you haven't optimized your LinkedIn profile and have your resume positioned accurately.

Identify a suitable mentor in resume writing by seeking seasoned professionals with a track record in career services. Look for individuals whose expertise aligns with your goals, and assess their willingness to share insights. Approach potential mentors with a clear understanding of what you hope to learn and a respectful request for guidance. Establishing a mentorship with someone experienced in your field can provide invaluable support for honing your resume writing skills and navigating the nuances of the industry.

Seek someone in your network or on platforms like LinkedIn, MentorCruise, or SCORE. Consider their expertise, reputation, and availability. Choose a mentor with the right knowledge and genuine interest in helping. 🤝📄 #Mentorship #ResumeAdvice

The best approach is a more strategic one and less of a transactional one. Yes you're looking for help on the resume, but use this opportunity to get feedback from your targeted mentor on what their perception is of you, your strengths, and what you bring to the table. Don't ask them to rewrite it, take that 360 feedback they've given you, get some additional notes from them, and incorporate it into your qualifications and skills sections.

If you have already managed to zero in on your mentor then the next step is to draft a clear messaging stating what you need help with. More often than not, I see people being too vague and wide. This is certainly not helpful. The more focused you are, better the chances of getting the appropriate support. Briefly explain who you are, how you found the mentor, where do you want to go/what do you want to do, and the area where you need help - be it with the overall design or crafting a particular pointer, or review for grammatical errors, et al. Don't forget to thank your mentor. :)

By crafting a compelling message that highlights your potential and offers value in return, you can open doors to insightful resume advice and unlock your career potential. Don't ask for a full overhaul. 😏 Target your request. Do you need help with the overall structure, specific sections like skills or achievements, or simply refining your language? Mention your specific areas of concern to avoid wasting their time and ensure a focused conversation. Example: "I'm particularly unsure about how to best showcase my achievements in [area of expertise] on my resume. Any suggestions or examples you could share would be incredibly valuable." I hope that helps!

Email, message, or call your potential mentor. Introduce yourself, express interest, and specify advice needed—resume review, improvement suggestions, etc. Attach your resume and job description for context. Ensure a productive conversation by outlining your goals. 📧🤝 #Resumerevamp #Resumewriting

Initiate contact with a potential mentor by making a clear and concise request for guidance in resume writing. Clearly articulate your purpose, expressing admiration for their expertise and detailing the specific areas in which you seek assistance. Respectfully ask for their mentorship, specifying the level of commitment or time you envision. A straightforward and well-defined request demonstrates professionalism and sets the foundation for a meaningful mentorship.

When it comes to scheduling a meeting with your mentor then it is better to check what works best for you and your mentor, i.e., virtual meet-up, phone connect, or an in-person meet-up. Always block a calendar so that you and your mentor can plan other things around it because everyone is really busy and you need to be cognizant of other person's time. Before going for the meeting, please have some questions ready which you would want to be answered in the session. Not a bad idea to actually write down the questions because you might actually forget to ask them during your meeting. The whole idea is to make the meeting as productive as possible. :)

Ask about credentials before you invest in working with a professional. If you're working with a career coach or résumé writer, it's best to choose someone who has completed certifications like the Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW) or Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) programs through the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches. Make sure you're working with someone who works in this field full time and has a lot of experience – especially in your field. If you work with someone who is not certified, you're less likely to receive support that will work in the competitive job market.

After securing a commitment from a potential mentor, schedule a meeting and meticulously prepare questions to extract valuable insights. Tailor questions to their expertise and experiences in resume writing, demonstrating your commitment to learning. A well-organized meeting agenda not only ensures a focused discussion but also showcases your respect for their time. This proactive approach positions you as an eager learner, making the most of your mentor's expertise.

When you already have had the meeting with your mentor, it is time to consolidate all the feedback and the notes (I'm sure you would have taken some...) and ensure you are very clear on them. I have seen quite a lot of folks being confused with it. So, having clarity on the feedback is crucial here. Then please show ownership by implementing the feedback in your resume - one feedback at a time. Once you are done, don't forget to proofread your resume a few times to check for errors. Send one copy of the resume via email to your mentor as well and request comments/feedback as applicable. Don't miss out on showing appreciate to your mentor for taking the time out for you and keep him/her updated with the progress and results. :)

Ultimately, it's *your* job to do the work. When you partner with a professional like a résumé writer, it's up to you to collaborate and provide feedback. The more you engage and lean into the process, the better the final result will be. Take advantage of the expertise your coach or mentor has accumulated – ask questions and gather resources to make your job search as successful as possible.

Act on the mentor's advice promptly and diligently. Implement suggested improvements to your resume writing approach and processes. After making changes, follow up with the mentor to share your progress, inquire about any additional insights, and express gratitude. This proactive engagement not only demonstrates your commitment but also strengthens the mentorship relationship. Regular and constructive follow-ups foster a mutually beneficial connection, showcasing your dedication to continuous improvement in the realm of resume writing.

It is a personal decision based on ones need and preferences. If one is comfortable in writing his/her resume, he or she may not need mentorship for this particular aspect. But YES, mentorship can offer benefits betond resume writing like career advice, industry insights and guidance on professional growth.

Like most of the things in life, resume writing is something that requires a specific skillset. It is not impossible to do it on your own but having a coach/mentor/guide next to you is always invaluable. Apart from offering valuable guidance on resume writing and resume optimization as per ATS, mentor can a real gift as s/he can share insights about the industry, job market, references, et al. which can ultimately help you in your game. Focus on building a great relationship with the mentor. You can't grow all alone. You need your mentor/coach at all life stages to move onwards and upwards.

Just be prepared and do your own research on networking on LinkedIn. This will help you in understanding the logic and language in approaching Mentors.