Here's a typical question from a Resumix (Navy) resume writer about the need for professional resume writing and the on-line builders:

QUESTION FROM A RESUMIX RESUME WRITER:
"The job posting instructs me to fill out a resume on the Navy's Resumix application builder. No KSA is needed. However, the resume builder does not allow me to write a profile or summary section. I think I could do functional subheadings under each job has that matches/calls out the skills and qualifications in the purchasing job posting.

I have a dumb question -- if this Resume Builder (Resumix) is so restrictive, why do people pay professional resume writers to do something they could do themselves?" ANSWER FROM RESUME PLACE:

People pay for professional writing, editing and consulting on their electronic resumes because the Resumix, for instance, is a keyword builder. If you don't include the right skills and keywords for a particular job or occupational series, the resume may never COME UP in a database search. That means you might not be considered for a position for which you are very qualified. We understand that KSAs are not written separately, but they should be known and covered within the text of the resume.

Yes, the Navy's Resumix "resume builder" is restrictive, and your resume needs to be in their format. The Navy Resumix is 5 pages (which is really a lot of space) and you can write up to 6,000 characters for each job description. You can also write accomplishments for each position, which will make your resume stand out above your competition. You can also use your idea of creating functional subheadings within each job. You just have to copy and paste it into the Resume Builder when you're finished.

The Resumix system is a "keyword / skills" system where the human resources staff search for qualified candidates with keywords. So your keywords for your particular occupational series / job is VERY IMPORTANT. A professional resume writer can help find the keywords, write your accomplishments so that you STAND OUT in a database query, as well as a SELECTING OFFICIAL's review of up to 30 resumes in a pile.

People need help with writing a competitive electronic resume, whether it is the Resumix system, Quickhire, Avue or USAJobs on-line resume format. You need to show you are qualified for the job, include keywords from the announcements, impress them with accomplishments, write the content in active voice and fit it into the Resume Builder. Federal job seekers also need to know they are applying correctly since the instructions are sometimes confusing and even contradictory. We can help interpret the instructions and make sure you've applied correctly.

AVERAGE PRICES FOR RESUMIX OR OTHER ELECTRONIC FEDERAL RESUME:

Average prices:

$125 per hour for GS-11 and below positions
$150 per hour for GS-12 and higher positions

Average number of hours:

6 to 7 hours for writing an electronic resume for two occupational series
3 hours to review and critique your electronic resume draft

GET STARTED NOW:

In order to know how many hours it will take to write your Resumix or electronic resume, we need to start with an Project Assessment and Estimate. We will analyze your current resume and review the resume against your career objectives and/or announcement. With your assessment, we can give you an estimate of our full-service writing.