{"id":1626,"date":"2013-12-31T07:26:05","date_gmt":"2013-12-31T07:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ktproject.ca\/?p=503"},"modified":"2023-07-10T06:31:05","modified_gmt":"2023-07-10T06:31:05","slug":"how-to-write-an-effective-consultants-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ktproject.ca\/how-to-write-an-effective-consultants-resume\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write an Effective Consultant\u2019s Resume"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

And Make it Easy for Clients to Choose Your Services<\/em>
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INTRODUCTION<\/strong>
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There are oceans of information on the internet and in other resources for writing an employment curriculum vitae (CV) or resume (see Figure, 1<\/em>), but a search for information about a consulting resume will draw fewer hits.  This article will address that gap by providing insight into the similarities and differences between these two types of resumes and will also offer some practical ideas for preparing an effective resume that makes it easy for clients to choose your services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines a consultant as a person who gives professional advice or services.  If that is your occupation, then shouldn\u2019t your resume clearly demonstrate your professionalism? If it does not, then you may be making it easy for clients to not<\/em> choose your services.
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FIRST THINGS FIRST<\/strong>
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As with any writing, it is of paramount importance that it is done with the audience in mind.  That means you need to use their terminology to describe the solutions or services that they need.  The purpose of an employee resume is to make a strong first impression and to be selected for the next step in the hiring process\u2014an interview.  The purpose is not to dazzle the reader with your previous employers and work history. When a consultant is hired however, there may be a personal or telephone interview, or no interview at all, depending upon the need.
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This is because a consultant may work as a self-employed contractor, through an agency, or as an employee for a consulting company.  A consultant may also work on one or more assignments, either full or part-time, for short or long-term. The location may be at the client\u2019s workplace or job site or another location such as at their supplier\u2019s facility.  The consultant may be an entrepreneur, technical specialist, subject matter expert (SME), or a retiree who wants to continue working full or part time.
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For anyone who has only submitted resumes, the process of reviewing submissions and choosing candidates may be hard to imagine.  When a consultant\u2019s services are needed, usually right away, how is the best candidate selected?
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This process was vividly illustrated to me by Colin McDougall during a communications class in the SAIT Welding Engineering Technology (WET) Program.  He said that resumes are like plastic containers of food. Before eating anything from your fridge at home or the office, you may ask yourself what is it<\/em>, or when did I it put here<\/em>, and will it be OK to eat<\/em>? 
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The result is often that the food is discarded and fresh food is prepared or purchased.  Reviewing resumes often takes the same approach: if in doubt \u2013 throw it out<\/em>.
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THE SIMILARITIES<\/strong>
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The referral is a preferred hiring method for employees and consultants, but it is not always possible. In many cases, resumes are required for the initial consideration of candidates.  For that reason, both employee and consultant resumes must be focused and polished.
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An unprofessional resume can be deleted in one mouse click.  With that in mind, what decision-maker would want to interview or hire someone with an unprofessional resume that has:
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