Guest
post by Susan Geary
As 2009
comes to a close, I’m reminded that tax season is not far off. I know I have
options in tax preparation: I can do it myself and hope I don’t make an
expensive mistake. I can buy software and hope that I understand exactly what
the program is asking me to do, or I can bite the bullet and shell out a few
hundred bucks and get help from someone who knows convoluted tax code inside
out. I don’t have time to keep up with the changes from one year to the next. And
figuring out my tax burden is just not fun for me. Many people feel the same
way about writing a résumé.
Tax
preparation and résumé preparation are not that different. Both processes work
best when you save vital documents, such as mileage and receipts for the IRS;
and performance evaluations from previous jobs for your résumé. Not saving
documents can be a liability, because it’s difficult to remember what to
accurately list on your résumé or tax returns. Also consider how much is at
stake if you’re ever audited. Yet many jobseekers fail to understand the long
term expense if a self-written résumé doesn’t generate interviews.
Additionally,
I scratch my head at folks who look at résumé samples and copy sentences word
for word thinking that’s going to grab the attention of a recruiter. I know I’d
never copy anyone else’s tax return in order to get mine done, because it just
won’t work. We all have a unique background. The same is true for the job
search. Do you really have any idea what you might be leaving off? And what if
the résumé you copied is out-of-date and has information no longer necessary?
If you’ve
ever tried to complete your own taxes chances are you had to complete
worksheets. A good resume starts with good information gathering as well. Both
industries rely on worksheets, and client interviews for the best outcome.
While taxes
need to be filed every year, thankfully we don’t need to apply for a job every
year! Although a résumé should be updated once a year, or you should at least
keep a running list of accomplishments and compile them in a folder. This
should include annual performance reviews, job descriptions, awards, sales
figures, and anything else where you helped your company make money, save
money, become more efficient, etc. And just like your taxes, you’ll need to
quantify in dollar ($) figures or percentage (%) points. Numbers are important!
Tax
Filing fees are tax deductible. The same holds true for expenses related to the
job search, which includes professional résumé services and software programs.
So don’t forget to save those receipts if you do decide to invest in professional
services.
About Susan
Susan Geary is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and owner of 1st Rate Résumés since 2000.
Susan has worked in radio, television, and the airline industry before becoming
a professional resume writer and job search coach. Currently, she serves as Blue Ridge PBS's resume expert and
correspondent on Job
Quest and is the host of WVTF's
highly-rated Morning
Edition, which can be heard throughout the greater Commonwealth of Virginia.
