How much are you losing?

Normally, most clients who call me see the value in having a professional craft their resume and associated career marketing documents, especially in today’s competitive economy. Yesterday, however, I had my first price-based rejection. “How much does a resume cost,” the caller asked. When I told him the range from a new graduate to a CEO, he responded gruffly, “That’s too much,” and hung up. 

I didn’t get a chance to respond, and probably wouldn’t have, as having one’s resume professionally done isn’t for everyone–it’s by nature an elite service that helps to separate individuals from the pack. 

However, to others who might be thinking similarly, I want to pose this question: How much are you losing? By this I mean how much money are you not making every month while you are unemployed? $6,000? $8,000? More? And where are you getting the money to make up for that difference? Credit cards? Other loans? 

A resume is an investment. Just like that new suit you buy to clinch an interview. If a few hundred dollars helps you find work sooner, in reality, it’s saving you thousands. And, it’s an expense that can be purchased with your credit card. 

Think about it: people spend the same on tickets to ball games, dining and drinking out every month and other seeming essentials that don’t necessarily go by the wayside when you’re unemployed. But unlike a resume, those won’t help you get a job. 

Again, having one’s resume done isn’t for everyone. But if you’re wondering if it’s worth it, weigh the cost of unemployment against the investment.