Need a resume writing service? Here are 7 factors to weigh

Writing a resume can be a daunting task. As a way of advertising ourselves to potential employers, it can even be one of the most important documents of someone’s life. A resume is a first impression, a showcase of education and unique skills, and an account of past work, all listed on a piece of paper that’s meant to represent you. It’s a big responsibility and so it must be professional and comprehensive, yet also unique enough to stand out from a pile to get you hired.

Luckily, there are a ton of helpful resume services available to help ease the anxiety and stress that can come with the process. Writers who specialize in resumes are often up-to-date date on trends, will know how and where to use keywords, and can list and explain your information in an articulate manner. A skilled resume writer will also be able to cater resumes to specific career fields while allowing your unique personality to shine through.

While this may sound like the solution to all of your job-hunting needs, it is important to remember that not all resume writing services are the same. So, before you run out and find a resume writing service with the presumption that they can guarantee your dream job, here are seven factors to weigh. 

1. Is a resume writing service a good fit for you?

Before proceeding any further you should decide if a resume writing service is even a valuable and worthy investment for you. This decision essentially comes down to two factors: what kind of job you are applying for and how confident you are in your writing abilities.

First of all, while it is never a bad idea to have a resume handy, not all jobs will require one. Many secretarial, service industry, and customer service jobs, for example, will offer opportunities to people with little or no work experience in the field. These jobs will often provide an application form that serves as a makeshift resume, while the rest of the process comes down to how each candidate presents themself.

Secondly, it is important to remember that a resume is, simply put, a written compilation of a person’s skills and attributes. If you are a confident and articulate writer and only require a basic resume, it is a project that you can likely accomplish yourself. With the aid of the vast resources found on the internet, it is not difficult to find a format and an example resume to model your own around.

2. When choosing between services, remember that you get what you pay for

If you have decided that a resume writing service will be beneficial to you, the next thing to consider is what kind of service suits you best. For example, clerical services are often more affordable, but because they don’t specialize specifically in resumes, they may not be as knowledgeable nor attentive in creating a document unique to you. By going with the cheaper option instead of a resume writing service, you often forego the niche knowledge that resume writers have while also running the risk of paying someone else to simply plug your information into a cookie-cutter template.

Aside from choosing the right kind of service, you also need to decide what exactly it is that you need. The rate for just a resume from a resume service will generally cost over $100, and it goes up in price from there if you’d also like a cover letter and/or an online profile, such as with LinkedIn. These services will cover everything you need to land that interview, just expect to pay accordingly.

3. Resume writers are not magicians

Handing over a big responsibility to a professional can bring a sense of relief, but it is important to also be realistic about your expectations. While a professional resume writer may be able to organize, format, and choose all the right words, they are still working with the information that you provide. This means that even the best-written resume is only as good as the experience of the person it represents. A resume may appear eye-catching, but it will not land you a job if the credentials listed are not sufficient for the job desired.

4. Be sure to connect with a real person

Some services may see you as just another project, and this impersonal approach runs the risk of presenting you that cookie-cutter resume you probably could have written yourself. Dealing one-on-one with a writer, however, allows them to get a real feel for who they are portraying in the resume, and the direct communication will also allow you to know you’re both on the same page and to feel confident about what the result will be.

5. Ask for a free consultation

Many resume writing services will offer free consultations upon request, so take advantage! These consultations not only allow both you and the writer to determine whether you are a good fit for one another, but can also provide insight into the cost and length of the project and can clear up any initial concerns before committing. Use this opportunity to ask any questions you may have so that you leave feeling confident about the writer’s abilities and your decision.

6. Look for samples and credentials

One way to know you’re working with an experienced and knowledgeable professional is if they belong to a writer’s association. Writers who belong to associations such as the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches, the Career Directors International Professional Association, or the National Resume Writers’ Association, stay informed about the latest trends and tips that keep your resume current. Checking out samples of a writer’s previous work will also show you what other clients have received and will give you one of the best gauges of their ability and style.

7. Be realistic, and weary, of the promises companies make you

Companies may make extravagant claims such as that their work is “100% ghostwritten” or guaranteeing that you’ll get an interview. However, be realistic about what’s being offered and what’s just a marketing scheme. For example, a resume should never present an author, so guaranteeing a ghostwritten resume is superfluous. Also, since an interview can never truly be guaranteed, any company that does so is actually offering rewrites. This could potentially be beneficial but remember that if the resume wasn’t well written the first time, it likely won’t be the second or third time either.

Job hunting can be a stressful process and finding a resume writing service suited for you can initially seem like an additional hurdle. However, remembering these seven tips will help you navigate your options to find your best fit. A good resume writer will be able to present you in the best possible light, and that confidence of knowing you’re putting your best foot forward will shine through in-person to help you land the job you desire. 

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