Resume Builders and Other Writing Software

Writing a resume can be a tedious task. There's so much information to include and organize (employment history, skills, education, career highlights, awards, etc.) that the process can easily overwhelm you if you let it.

Luckily, there are now tons of resources available that make resume writing much easier. In particular, online resume builders and downloadable writing software can do more than samples and templates ever could in guiding you through the writing process. So if you're looking for assistance in writing a resume, you may want to look into using an online or downloadable resume builder.

What is an Online Resume Builder?

An online resume builder is a tool that offers user-friendly, step-by-step guidance for writing resumes. Usually providing assistance through a wizard, you are asked questions about your career and background to help you create a resume specific to your field. The reason resume builders are so popular is that many help you sort out problems like determining whether to choose between a chronological, functional or hybrid style. Also, most offer spell check tools and other writing tips to help keep you on track.

Most effective online resume builders come with a price tag attached; you usually can expect to pay a one-time fee of anywhere from $10 to $15 to create one resume. And if you want to go back to edit existing resumes or create more, you may have to pay a monthly fee - but for that monthly fee you are likely to get extras like the ability to apply for existing jobs, post your resumes online, and even create cover letters and follow-up letters.

Resume Writing Software Packages

In addition to using online resume building services, you can download software packages that work similarly to help you write and edit your resume. Many of them, once downloaded, offer the same types of job-searching tools and help with resume distribution that the online resume builders offer.

In fact, there doesn't seem to be a huge difference between the resume software package and the online resume builder except that one you download to your hard drive and the other you have to visit the website to work from. And most fall into the $20 to $50 price range, which is not bad for the service you're receiving.

Don't Forget the Essentials

While the resume builders are great at helping you organize and write clean, error-free resumes, you still want to remember resume-writing essentials like conducting research on the company, and using action words instead of duty-oriented phrases during the writing process. Though the resume building website or software can give you writing tips, it cannot do the extra work for you that will heighten your chances of getting called in for an interview, so keep this in mind throughout the writing process.

Using a resume builder or downloadable writing program is a quick and easy way to create a professional resume. So the next time you need to write yours - and you're short on time and money - you might want to try one out. The added expertise and guidance may be just what you need to increase your chances of landing your next great job.