Find the Right Resume Writing Service to Set Yourself Up for Job-Search Success.
A good resume could mean the difference between getting an interview and not even receiving a call back. A professional resume writer can help you present yourself in the right way and give you a better chance at nailing that all important call back.
We offer ten handy tips to help you choose a resume writing service to help you put together a killer application and give you a chance at securing an interview. With your resume done right, you will be better equipped to get your foot in the door. The rest is up to you…
1. Professional Appearance
2. Company Reputation
When looking for a resume writer, there are some key questions you need to ask yourself. Consider the writer’s experience, qualifications and how long they have been in business. You should also consider if they have specific industry knowledge or experience relevant to the field you are interested in.
A key point to remember is to have a good read of the reviews on the company’s website. They may have a great looking website that reads well, which can give you a level of comfort, but the real test of their abilities is customer satisfaction. See what past customers say about their services, good or bad, and make a determination based on what you find. If others have experienced positive outcomes after dealing with the company, there is a good chance you could have the same experience.
3. Competitive Pricing
How much does it cost to land the job you want? This is, no doubt, a question every job seeker has asked themselves at some point. You need to consider your budget and how much you want to spend on a resume to give you a better chance at securing your dream job.
Have a look at several resume writing companies and compare prices and services to see how they match up. Some will cost more. Some will cost less. You need to work out your budget and how much you are willing to spend for the services offered to get your resume done right.
4. Do you get value out of the service?
In some cases, a job advertisement might be asking you to address selection criteria relevant to the position. This is a specialised service that requires a keen analysis of the job advertisement to determine what the company is looking for. Does the resume writer you are considering offer a selection criteria service?
Also consider if they offer a service to keep your resume up to date. As time goes on, and your experience grows, your resume naturally needs to grow with you. An ongoing resume update can ensure your resume is always current and contemporary, giving you a better chance of securing interviews as your career progresses.
5. Is the writer knowledgeable in your field or industry?
Having an understanding of a wide variety of industries is a real advantage for a resume writer. It’s important to find someone who has a breadth of understanding across a variety of industries. This will ensure a balanced approach in the development of your resume and a better chance of getting a call back.
While it may not be realistic to expect a resume writer to have worked in, or have specific qualifications in your industry, you could look for someone who has experience writing resumes for people in the same, or similar industries. They will at least have an understanding about the job and the industry from working with previous customers.
When applying for a job, small details like this can mean the difference between getting a call back or never hearing back.
6. Are they familiar with keywords and jargon?
Ever applied for a job and it seemed like your application disappeared into cyberspace? It leaves you wondering if your application was even received by the company.
It’s possible your application was eliminated early in the process because you did not include the right jargon for the industry or position. Considering job advertisements can yield hundreds of applicants, companies want to interview only the most relevant and qualified candidates for the position.
One of the ways companies do this is by filtering out unsuitable applicants. Application processes usually involve a series of review stages, where applicants are assessed by several people before the application even reaches the hiring manager.
Some companies even use an electronic Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which is designed to scan applications for keywords and jargon relevant to the industry or the position. Any application not featuring the right terminology is dismissed from the application process.
With this in mind, it is crucial for your resume writer to be aware of the right terminology for the job and industry you are interested in. That way, your application will have a better chance of making it through the assessment process and land on the hiring manager’s desk.
7. Get your resume evaluated by a REAL PERSON
One the keys to understanding if your resume is done right is to have it reviewed by a professional. A professional can examine your resume and provide an assessment based on contemporary styles and industry knowledge. They can also give you an understanding of the chances of your resume getting you a call back.
A good resume writer will be able to provide you with valuable feedback about your resume and offer constructive advice to bring it up to a standard that will make you more competitive in an application process.
8. Did you engage with them comfortably?
It’s a good idea to get to know your resume writer a little before you decide to work with them. Building a rapport with your resume writer will not only give them a deeper understanding of you as a person, it will make you more comfortable when sharing information with them about your career goals and aspirations.
By developing a rapport with your resume writer, they will be better positioned to tell your story with content that is authentic, defensible and tailored to your experience and work history.
9. Time
Time can be critical when hunting for jobs. You need to be aware of a resume writer’s turnaround times to ensure your resume will be ready when you plan on applying for jobs.
If there is no real urgency, it might be OK to wait up to 30 days or more for your resume to be ready. However, if you are applying for an advertised job, you might need your resume quickly to ensure you can submit an application before the closing date.
Be sure to have a good understanding of a resume writer’s turnaround times before you select someone to put together your resume. It could be the difference between getting your application in by the closing date and missing out altogether.
Time can be critical when hunting for jobs. You need to be aware of a resume writer’s turnaround times to ensure your resume will be ready when you plan on applying for jobs.
If there is no real urgency, it might be OK to wait up to 30 days or more for your resume to be ready. However, if you are applying for an advertised job, you might need your resume quickly to ensure you can submit an application before the closing date.
Be sure to have a good understanding of a resume writer’s turnaround times before you select someone to put together your resume. It could be the difference between getting your application in by the closing date and missing out altogether.
10. Do they offer guarantees?
A good resume writer will stand by their work and offer a satisfaction guarantee for their services. Have a good read of the terms and conditions on the company’s website to ensure you are fully aware of the guarantees offered, if any, and what it means if you are not satisfied with the finished product.
If the resume writer does not offer a guarantee, it might be advisable to look elsewhere for someone who will. That way, you will have better peace of mind and a sense of security that your resume will be completed to your satisfaction.
Once you have a good understanding of everything we’ve outlined here, you should be ready to find the right resume writer and, hopefully, avoid your application falling into the Application Tracking System abyss. Good luck and happy job hunting.