How to Select a Professional Resume Writer

If you're in the market for a new job, your resume is not only an important marketing tool, it's your life line. A well-written, professional resume is the crucial key to unlocking doors of opportunity. A professional resume writer is an invaluable resource in crafting a superior resume. But, how do you choose a good resume writer?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your current resume
• An idea of the types of jobs for which you wish to apply
• Access to the Internet
• Telephone and email for communication

1. Do your homework!
   Start by asking your friends, family, and associates for a referral to a good resume writer. When you are in the market for a service such as this one, a referral from a trusted friend or colleague is always a good way to start. Speak with colleagues in your industry to see if any of them have a referral to a resume writer who truly understands your industry.

2. Use the Internet to locate resume writers. Most professional resume writers will have an online presence. Spend some time looking over the website to gather information about the services offered. Review examples of the resume writer's work. Make sure that the writer's fee structure is in line with what you hope to pay. Find out what sort of guarantee the writer offers. A good resume writer will stand behind his or her work.

3. Be sure the resume writer has good credentials. Does the resume writer have a degree or certification which indicates a level of expertise and ability to turn out good resumes? Does he or she have a background in human resources (PHR/SPHR Certification)? What makes this person a resume expert? Good resume writers have experience working in a related field...Recruiting, Job Development, Vocational Counseling, Human Resources Management. A good resume writer should also have good verbal skills. Some resume writers are Certified Resume Writers.

4. Contact the resume writer and ask questions about his or her service. Will he or she be writing the resume or will a ghostwriter be doing the work? What process does the writer use to gather information for the resume? Does the service include the creation of a cover letter? What sort of revisions and/or updates are available? Does the resume writer guarantee his or her work?

5. If the resume writer seems like a suitable match for your resume needs and seems competent, you should feel confident hiring him or her to write your resume. Sit back and relax, knowing your resume--and career path--are in able hands!

Tips & Warnings

• Do not be afraid to ask the resume writer questions about the service.
• Ask for references and samples of the writers work. The writer should be happy to supply both.
• Review drafts carefully and be sure to offer your feedback. This will help the writer create documents that meet your unique needs.
• If you are pleased and satisfied with the end results, be sure to give the writer referrals.
• Beware of resume writers who use ghostwriters. If you are paying for the services of a professional resume writer, be sure a professional is actually doing the work.
• Beware of writers that expect you to pay the entire fee in full before beginning work. Most writers will require a deposit of some sort, but will not accept final payment until you are happy with the documents.
• Beware of writers who offer you a guarantee that they cannot deliver. No resume writer can guarantee that you will get a job. Promises that are too good to be true are often tactics to get you to sign on for services that are too expensive.