Resume writing is an art form, and all resumes are not created equal

By Joe Olvera ©, 2010

Lynda Lucas believes that the most critical element that should go into anyone’s resume is the truth! “In order to show our clients in the best light, they’ve got to be telling us the truth,” Lucas said. “You can’t lie on your resume, because, eventually, you’ll be discovered.”
Such was uncovered recently in a high-profile case in El Paso, when Dr. Paul Shrode, El Paso County’s Medical Examiner, is alleged to have lied on his resume. Shrode, allegedly falsified his resume by claiming that he is “board certified in forensic pathology” when, in fact, he is not. Although Shrode is a licensed physician, and, thus, needs no other credentials to be the Medical Examiner, he incorrectly credited himself. Some have called for Shrode’s resignation because of the inconsistencies in his resume. “In Resumes by Tammy, our focus has always been to push quality over quantity,” Lucas said. “We will make every effort to accommodate someone when it comes to turnaround time – which may be from three to five days – however, we will never sacrifice quality or jeopardize our reputation for excellence just to make a sale.”
Lucas, who has been in the resume-writing business for more than 18 years, said she and her daughter, Tammy, started the business in 1990 with the vision of bringing top-quality resume services and customer support to job seekers at all levels worldwide. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), a certification which is offered by the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Her daughter, Tammy, was the first in the country to have a Certified Federal Resume Writer and Career Coach on her staff.
“Our process ensures that your resume is unique,” Lucas said. “We conduct in-depth interviews that delve deeply into your educational background and employment history. We explore and define your goals, identify your skills, accomplishments and areas of expertise. We also help to determine the value you bring to the table. Thus, we design documents that focus on your goals, showcase your successes and help highlight your value as an employee – and that demand attention! We guarantee it!”
Not only does Resumes by Tammy focus on civilian employment, but, it also works with military personnel who may be on their way to civilian life. Lucas said that her firm salutes men and women in uniform by helping them make the transition from military green to corporate grey. She said she sees military experience as an asset, with attributes that were honed in the military, such as dedication, leadership, team-work, positive work ethics, loyalty, self-confidence, self-discipline, initiative, problem-solving abilities and cross-functional skills.
Lucas believes that a powerful, high-impact resume by her firm can accomplish four goals: To dramatically reduce your job-search time; boost your earnings potential; raise your confidence level, and, set the tone for a positive, job-winning interview.
“Resume writing is an art and all resumes are not created equal,” Lucas said. “Resumes are vital because you’re talking about your career. A good education and a good resume can buy you that car, or that house. But, you’ve got to have a good vehicle to showcase your career and work-experience. If you don’t have a good resume, you might not get that all-important job interview.”
Lucas said her fees range anywhere from $49.95 for a basic resume, $135 for a more intense resume, and, and, finally, up to $250 for a federal resume, which is more difficult and complex than the others.
“Not everybody needs a resume,” Lucas said. “However, when a potential employer asks for one, you’ve to be ready. Nowadays, even those who hire laborers are asking for resumes, so, it’s a growing necessity. However, before we let loose a resume, I’ve got to check it personally, to make sure that it meets my high standards.”