Whether you are a new graduate, changing careers, or applying for a promotion, you need a quality resume. Resume templates are simply not the answer . You need someone who excels at business writing, knows trends, keywords to use, and how to display your skills to maximize your chances for an interview. The real question is how do you select the right professional resume writer or service?
We have you covered. This article will show you exactly what to look for in order to weed out the not so reputable resume writers or services.
Certifications
You see plenty of resume writers and services advertised on Craigslist, Kijiji, and other online places. Many people believe they are great business writers; however, they might not be suited or qualified for writing your resume. Successful resume writers have undergone training, written tests, and belong to organizations that prove their capabilities and knowledge. They know the latest trends and have buzzwords on tap, and coach you through potholes in your job history. Don’t be fooled, ask for the certifications.
Certifications Examples:
- CARW (Certified Advanced Resume Writer)
- CRS (Certified Resume Specialist)
- CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer)
Samples
Ask to view a resume example written by one of the professionals. Browse through the samples presented to you. Is the formatting correct? Are they using the latest best practices? Nothing is worse than having an outdated resume. Compare it to others you may find online. You want to be sure you are not getting some template plagiarized from the internet.
Experience
Does the resume writer have experience writing for your desired employment opportunity? Hiring someone who is only experienced in writing resumes for sales positions may not be a great match if you are in search for a software engineer position. Choose a resume pro who understands the concept of a targeted resume.
Comfort
You need to feel comfortable with the writer. They need to take the time to understand you and the best resume that will get you through the door. Whether you are speaking to them in-person, over the phone or online, you both need to build rapport and trust so that the professional writer can capture your skills and achievements by asking insightful questions.
Quality
Yes, the resume writing price is important, but not as important as getting the best resume that works. Steer clear of the low-end price point companies and the ones that offer a quick turnaround. These companies will be pushing out as many resumes as they can to make a profit. Remember, this is the most important document of your career. Working with a professional resume writer is an investment of both time and money, so do your homework.
Guarantee
Be sure the company or individual provides some sort of guarantee. This may not mean that they guarantee employment or an interview but that they offer as many edits and revisions as necessary to your resume in order to ensure you are happy with the final results and love your new resume. If the communication process between yourself and the writer has been smooth and thorough, then the number of edits should be minimal.
Conclusion
You are going to see hundreds, even thousands, of places online offering resume writing. You need to do your homework. Your resume is one of the most important career documents of your life. It is the single most important tool that can either make or break your chances of getting that interview. Every service you see online will claim to be “the best”. Don’t fall for the marketing. The items stated in this article will help you decipher who is the right choice for you. Choose wisely and happy job hunting.
