Chances are, you’re a newbie writer that’s why you’re reading this. You want to be fully equipped with the necessary know-how in landing your first writing job. Whether you want to take a crack at full-time employment, contractual, or freelancing, a well-constructed resume goes a long way in helping you get that job.

As you browse through the job markets or peruse through different freelance writing platforms, you spot a job opening that strikes your attention. You click it and read the ideal candidate for the position and what the task entails. At the end of the job description, it tells you to send a cover letter along with your resume.

Now before your excitement gets the better of you, you should take a good look at your resume and make an honest assessment. Do you have one of those template-ready resumes that you copied from the Internet? Does your resume truly highlight your skills and qualifications? Does it have a format that screams of professionalism?

Many young professionals are not aware that writing a stellar resume is no easy feat. Many job seekers are even afraid or are too intimidated to write their own resume so they run to professional resume writers for assistance and consultation. In a world where jobseekers are jostling one another for a coveted position, the dread is real. Employers are becoming more meticulous in filtering job candidates by scrutinizing applicant resumes.

There’s nothing wrong with soliciting the help of professional resume writers, but you don’t have to dish out a few bucks if you can get access to the right tips and tricks in composing your own resume and give a reason for employers why they should hire you.

How to begin is just a matter of simple research. The Internet is filled with resources that will help you with this task. Like every other form of credentials, a writer’s resume should be specialized and must highlight your skills. Here are a few tips to help you start working on your resume.

1) Do your research.

The research will always be your first step. How can you draft a good resume when you have no idea about your target job and company? You have to put in the work and make an effort to know what a prospective employer is looking for in order to tailor-make your resume. It benefits as you as well, as you get a better feel for the company and gives you certainty if this is the employer you want to work for.

A common regret among young writers is working for a company that they are not happy with. As early as your job-hunting stage, research the company’s profile and how they fit in with your goals.

2) Comply with your resume’s content for each job target.

To be honest, many job seekers don’t bother to tailor their resume for each job position they target. It is too taxing and they feel that it wouldn’t matter. There is a certain attitude where they leave consequences to fate in the notion that if they are qualified and if the job is meant for them, the offer will come to them no matter what.

But why leave it to chance? This tip requires you to get out of your comfort zone for a bit. It is always easier to submit a template-ready resume, but you do so at your own risk. Remember that headhunters and employers are now more meticulous and they have grown very particular with how you highlight your skills and describe yourself. They have a knack for identifying a canned description to that of a well-crafted, original resume.