6 Ways To Choose A Resume Writer

Competition for jobs, the jobs that everyone wants, is fierce. You already know that. You also know having a solid resume is the best way to get the attention of recruiters and potential employers.

So you’ve decided to invest in a professionally-written resume.

But, with hundreds of resume writers out there how do you know which one to hire?

There are several ways to find out about a resume writer’s qualifications and to see if he or she is a good fit for you.

1 Get Referrals

Talk to your friends and family. Ask them who they’ve worked with, whether or not they were happy with the results. Find out what they liked and didn’t like about the resume writer they hired. Even if you don’t get a recommendation, you may find out who to avoid.

2 Look For Certification(s)

A resume writer who is serious about his or her craft will likely have at least one certification. Certifications are important for two reasons in particular. First, to earn a certification resume writers will have had to pass some combination of tests and coursework. They are tested on things like grammar and proofreading. For the coursework portion, they have to create a resume, and sometimes a cover letter, based on the written profile of a client supplied by the certification body.

Second, most certifications require a certain number of Continuing Education Units (CEU) over two or three years to maintain certification. This practice helps to ensure that the resume writer is continually learning.

There are several certifications including Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW); Certified Master Resume Writer: Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW); and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).

3 Professional Development

As with any profession, those who want to stay on top of their game invest in professional development. Resume writers are no different. There are many learning opportunities for resume writers including national conferences. There also are many online courses in resume and LinkedIn profile writing. Some carry additional certifications; others do not.

Before hiring a resume writer ask him or her how they keep up with industry trends. Find out if they’ve completed any training or attended any conferences in the last few years.

4 Initial Consultation

Look for a resume writer who offers an initial complimentary consolation. This will give you a chance to ask questions and get a “feel” for the resume writer. Talk about your needs. Ask about the process.

Many writers use some combination of questionnaires and phone consultations. Some work strictly by email. Some work only over the phone. Make sure the writer’s process works for you.

A reputable resume writer will happily refer you to another writer if you have conflicting styles. For example, you prefer to work one-on-one over the phone but he or she uses questionnaires with clients.

5 Clearly Defined Process

Save time by reviewing the writer’s website before you initial call. Most will have a clearly defined process outlined somewhere on the site. It will include whether consultations are done in-person or over-the-phone.

Many resume writers work from a home office, but there are still some who maintain or have access to office space. Be aware that meeting a resume writer in person may incur additional costs.

Again, ask about these things during your initial consultation.

6 Do Your Research

Interviewing 10 resume writers will likely be a waste of time. Yours and theirs. It doesn’t hurt to talk to two or three before making a decision. A professionally written resume done by a certified writer will be an investment in time and money. Read through their websites carefully. Then arrange a brief initial consultation.

Job Guarantee

If a resume writer guarantees he or she can get you a job run away. And don’t look back. A solid achievement-based resume can open doors, but it’s unlikely that you will get a job based solely on your resume.  The job search itself is up to you.

The resume writer has no control of which jobs to which you apply. (As a former recruiter, I can say that most job applicants are not qualified for the jobs they are pursuing.) Nor is he or she going on job interviews on your behalf. You are the one who needs to sell yourself to the recruiter and the employer.

Your resume is an investment, be sure to choose wisely. Working with a resume writer will be a collaborative effort. Make sure the professional you hire is not only qualified but a good fit for your personality and communication style.