Once you have made the decision to get professional resume help, the next step is to find a resume writing service. To get the best result, make sure that the company you hire specializes in writing, not just formatting resumes.
A professional resume writer knows the best way to market your skills to companies, the right buzzwords to use and how to structure your work history if you have gaps in your work timeline. Below, learn how to find the best resume writing service for you.
Get Referrals: Do you know someone who has recently revamped his resume? Ask if he used a resume services company. You can also get referrals from career center personnel, recruiters and, if you are being laid off, from your corporate human resources department.
Request a Free Initial Consultation: Especially if you have resume gaps or are looking for a job in a different industry, talking to the actual person who would be writing your resume ahead of time will give you a sense of whether they have the strategy and expertise to make you look great on paper.
Ask to Look at Samples: You can assess quality by looking at examples of past work, especially for industries that are the same or close to the one you want to be hired in. Look not only at the writing, but also the organization, formatting, layout and printing quality.
Look for a Certified Resume Writer: A number of organizations certify resume writers so you can be sure that the person you hire is experienced and up to date with the latest in resume effectiveness strategies. Following are certifying organizations and the types of certifications they offer:
- The Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches
This organization can connect you to Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW).
- The Career Directors International Professional Association
This organization has four levels of resume writer certification:
- Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW)
- Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW)
- Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW)
- Certified Federal Resume Writer (CFRW)
- The National Resume Writers’ Association
This organization can connect you to Nationally Certified Resume Writers (NCRW).
Sometimes, you may not need to find another writer to work on your resume. You can put a great resume together all on your own. Next, learn the ins and outs of writing your own resume.