Many people question the differences between resume services, and it’s no wonder: The internet is full of companies that claim to “fit you” with minimal investment.
Considering you’ll be spending more waking hours on your career than any other activity (and your salary depends on this decision!), it makes sense to thoroughly review these services.
Make sure your efforts result in a powerful, door-opening resume when looking for a writer who offers:
1) – Verifiable Credentials. Certification is a MAIN distinction between dedicated professionals and “hobbyist” writers. Becoming a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW), or Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) requires a candidate to pass a rigorous exam judged by industry experts, with a high failure rate.
Some companies claim certifications that they have not earned, so be careful. Check the status of CPRW, CERW, or NCRW by visiting the associations on their online portals (Google for Professional Association of Resume Writers, Career Directors International, or National Resume Writer’s Association) to look up the writer’s name and credentials.
2) – Samples. Look carefully at resume samples to discern the extent of the writer’s business knowledge. A clear strategy should be evident on every resume, along with a deep understanding of the industry and career objective.
If the writer doesn’t show you a sample work, consider moving on to another.
3) – Real experience in recruitment / job search. True resume experts combine their professional training with REAL WORLD experience as a hiring manager or recruiter.
You can also look for corporate experience on BOTH sides of the hiring table; former job seekers offer a valuable perspective that cannot be learned in other ways.
4) – Dedication to Continuous Development. Here’s a tip: The writers who achieve the best results tend to belong to at least one professional career industry association.
By participating in these organizations, most members take advantage of continuous development opportunities to learn the latest strategies that will drive results for YOUR resume.
5) – Published Work. If you pick up a resume book on Amazon.com or your local library, chances are it contains the work of a select few writers compared to each other WORLDWIDE by the publisher.
In other words, the resume writers whose work has been chosen for publication are among the cream of the crop.
6) – Guarantee. Look closely at the type of guarantee or other quality check a resume writer offers. Are they behind their work?
If so, this means that you, the client, will receive an expertly crafted document that is fully fine-tuned to meet the hiring manager’s expectations.
7) – Professional level prices. This may seem like an odd criteria, but think about it: writers who charge less than $200 are literally telling you that they don’t want to or can’t spend enough time on your project. Many will simply reformat your information without in-depth consultation.
Make no mistake about it: a masterpiece resume that truly markets your strengths requires critical analysis of your objectives, PLUS content.
A skilled writer will consider presentation, keywords, and placement of information, as well as possess knowledge of their field. It is a process that takes a long time!
Keep in mind that there are many great resume writers out there, along with some that may not meet your expectations.
The best thing you can do is carefully evaluate each company’s credentials and offerings, as your future earning power and career happiness will depend on it.