Job candidates in this economic downturn are often turning to professional writers to create resumes that will grab the attention of employers. In today’s job market, a good resume should help you land the right interview, for the right job, to start working sooner rather than later. With select industries experiencing major changes, such as automotive, financial services, banking, real estate, and others, many people find that the job search time required to find a new position is much longer than in recent years. So why consider a professionally written resume?
The field of resume writing has attracted many people working as writers with a wide range of talents and abilities. The quality of writing varies widely. A careful selection process will help you find the best writer. It is advisable to review your samples of your work, and that the samples look personalized, and not “one size fits all” templates. Also, contact clients and other references to verify claims. There are five governing bodies in the United States that certify resume writers. Check out their websites and see what constitutes certification. You will find that some groups are more rigorous than others.
Things to do when considering using a professional resume service include the following:
1. Find certified writers in your area by contacting trade associations or checking their websites. Examples include CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer), Master Resume Writer through the Career Management Alliance, or certification as a human resources professional (Professional in Human Resources or Senior Professional in Human Resources) through the Human Resources Certification Institute.
2. Carefully review any provided resume sample. The resume creator should be able to provide multiple samples. Look for writing styles and resume formats that are attractive, that you like, and that represent you well.
3. Seek resume writing recommendations from recruiters and members of your peer group. Good writers develop a reputation, and people are often more than willing to talk about them.
4. Ask for detailed references and check them. Don’t expect to receive long client lists due to confidentiality, but there are usually a few clients who are willing to serve as a reference.
5. Ask the writer if they will permanently store your resume. Many people scroll their resume and then may need them at any time. It’s nice to be able to contact someone who has your resume available for quick updates and fast shipping.
6. Someone willing to consult with you on the phone is good. Not all resume writers like to talk on the phone or have consulting skills.
7. The writer must capture his true self. A misleading resume is always a deal breaker.
8. Your resume writer should understand your industry or profession. The resume should realistically capture the attention of employers.
A well-written resume is a vital element in your successful job search. Take some time, do your homework, and find the best professional resume writer for you.