Thousands of professionals seek assistance with their career marketing portfolios (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, professional biography) each year. They know having a resume that sets them apart from their competition is essential.
Did you know that a quick Google search for “resume writing services” yields more than 3 million results, including ‘top’ service provider lists?
While top or best resume writing lists can be useful, the accuracy of these lists varies. For job search success, it is critical to consider their criteria, potential marketing motivations, and subjectivity, while also doing your due diligence to ensure you avoid claims that sound too good and ensure you find a balance between cost and quality.
Not all resume writers / resume writing services are created equal. What should you look for in a professional resume writing service provider and what should you steer clear of?
“Top or Best” Services Lists Factual or Fictional?
When reviewin
g the ‘top or best’ service lists, remember, the criteria and methodology to choose who is included vary among the different organizations or websites that compile the lists and it is important to recognize that many “top 10 or best services” lists could potentially serve as a marketing strategy to attract business to their own services.
However, the accuracy and credibility of the rankings may vary, and it is always good practice to research multiple sources before making a decision on which service is right for you.
Most of these lists are compiled based on opinion, pricing, turnaround time.
Remember, no matter what industry, there will always be players who are willing to offer their services at a lower price. Before considering a service based on price, ask yourself: what are you sacrificing when you choose the lowest price service? Are you getting the same level of reliability, customer service, or quality that another writer could provide at a slightly higher fee that include a more robust set of features or services. It is best to find a balance between cost and quality, and not rely solely on a price tag.
In addition, when evaluating such lists, consider looking for transparency in their criteria, independent reviews, and testimonials on LinkedIn from actual clients to ensure you are making an informed choice based on your unique needs and preferences.
How to Determine If the Service is a Scam
One of the telltale signs that a resume writing service could be a scam is if they make claims that sound too good to be true. Statements such as ‘guaranteed job offers’ or ‘100% success rate’ should be approached with skepticism.
Be wary of individuals who advertise low prices and that offer to complete your resume within hours —these service providers are also often fraudulent or a resume mill (a term used to describe a company or service that churn out generic, cookie-cutter resumes without personalization or customization.)
Writing a quality resume takes time and effort, and anyone who rushes the process is likely dumping your information into a pre-formatted template, making your document look and sound like hundreds of other candidates.
Resume mills tend to focus on quantity rather than quality, aiming to generate as many resumes as possible in a short amount of time. As a result, the resumes produced often fail to effectively showcase a candidate’s qualifications and may even hinder their job search efforts.
How Should You Choose a Resume Writing Service?
When choosing a resume writing service, take the time to research resume writers. A great place to start is looking for social proof.
Legitimate resume writers have qualifications to back up their experience and many credible writers have certifications from nationally recognized organizations, including
Career Director’s International.
The National Resume Writer’s Association.
Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches.
Like any profession, skills vary. That said, be cautious of resume writers without training, certifications, or experience.
Always check for social proof online and/or LinkedIn from previous clients.
When your goal is to take the next step in your career, you need a writer who will go beyond just taking information off your existing resume. You need a writer who will ask questions about your goals, experience, skills, and more in order to gain a full picture of who you are as an individual—and then craft a document that shows off those unique qualities in an attractive way that will ignite interest from an employer.
What a Certified Master Resume Writer Can and Can’t Do for You
A certified master resume writer can greatly enhance your chances of securing a job by creating a resume that highlights your strengths and valuable qualities. However, a resume writer cannot guarantee you a job offer or an increase in salary.
A resume writer can assist in effectively communicating your value and potential to a hiring manager. Ultimately, your success depends on several key factors, including your job search strategy and your communication + networking skills.
Navigating the world of resume writing services can be challenging but understanding the criteria of how ‘top or best’ resume writing services lists are created, how to spot a scam, and knowing what to look for when choosing a writer can help you make a decision that meets your needs.
In today’s competitive job market, it has become increasingly important to make an impactful first impression with your resume and that means choosing a resume writing service / professional resume writer that will help position you for your next role and give you the edge you need to secure your dream job. A little proactive research (beyond a simple Google search) can set you on the path to job search success!
Looking for more information on criteria for selecting an executive resume writing service, check out the following article by CareerSteering
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