Whether you’re writing an entry, professional, or executive level resume, the pros of hiring a resume writing service greatly outweigh the cons. There’s nothing quite like having an expert help you develop a resume that pretty much guarantees any job you apply for.
This is even more true when you find a resume writing agency that offers additional services, like interview coaching and online profile optimization. Unfortunately, not all agencies and professionals offer services like these, and some are much better at writing a solid resume than others.
It’s important to do your research, and you can start by reading into professional and executive resume writing service reviews. During this research period, look for these 4 things before hiring a pro to help with resume writing and career coaching.
10+ Years in the Industry
Don’t trust a resume writing company that has just entered the industry. Try to find one that has at least a few years of experience, ideally 10 or more years. A company that just opened is not as likely to employ high-quality writers, but instead they’ll have resume writers that are outsourced from overseas.
Chances are these people won’t have college degrees (and they might not even have the proper certifications for resume writing). A company that has the experience has the right funding and resources to employ top-notch resume writers with bachelor degrees or higher.
Evaluate the Company Website (and Make Sure They Have One)
You need to think of your resume as a marketing tool, and the product that is being marketed is you. That basically means that a resume writing service is a marketing service. The best way to check out their marketing skills is to visit their website and see how it looks. If you are impressed with the way they market themselves through their site, you’ll probably be impressed with the way they market you to potential employers.
Check Into Certifications
Before you hire an agency to help brush up or completely redevelop your resume, you need to make sure that their writers are certified in resume writing. There are specific certifications that go along with this, including ones from the National Resume Writers’ Association, the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, the Resume Writing Academy, and Career Thought Leaders.
Consider the Cost
Resume writing services vary dramatically in price from one professional agency to another. The cost of the service depends on a few things, like the type of resume you need (entry, professional, or executive), the quality of the writers, and whether or not any additional services are included.
Most companies provide different levels or packages depending on your needs. If you simply need an entry-level resume to get an entry-level job, this will be the cheapest option. However, if you’re looking for something more in-depth and intensive – like an executive resume – this might break the bank a bit. The more costly packages often include other services, like interview coaching, career counseling, and the guarantee of landing an interview.