Open Forum

I am considering spending $350 to have TopResume go over mine and clean it up.  Has anyone used their service?  I took advantage of the free review offered here and have some issues that need to be addressed.  Thanks for any help you can give.

That seems incredibly expensive to have someone look at your resume. Plus, I assume their advice would be general and not towards the museum field. The best resume advice I got was when I went to the Mountain Plains Museum Association Conference last Fall. They had sessions for EMPs (emerging museum professionals) and had resume review from directors and people in the field. I'm not sure if you are in the MPMA, but other regional museum associations may have something similar. 

My goodness. I agree with the others, that seems like a lot. If you don't have colleagues/friends who can take a look, or just want an outside opinion, I would imagine there are those on in the online museum community who would be willing to take a look at it. I would. I'm not a professional editor (though I love editing) and my hiring experience is limited to entry-level staff, but I would be willing to give feedback for you to take or leave as you see fit. I'm out of the office next week, but feel free to send it my way. I think my email is in my profile. 

Good luck!
Elizabeth

Hello Kevin,

That is expensive! AAM published a book called 'A Life in Museums' by Gregg Stevens and this has sections on formatting your CV and writing cover letters. I've used the book and found it very helpful.

Tania Batley

Hello Kevin,

You should think of your resume as you do your cover letter.  Each application deserves a resume targeted - emphasizing your education, skills and characteristics - to the requirements of the job you are applying for.  Be sure to include the jargon used in the position description and/or typical for the position.  Finally, use your resume to tell your story - who you are, why you are highly qualified for the position, your aspirations - in the form of the details of your education and experience followed by a list of where you received your education and your employers.  Please contact me if you would like additional information.