Deciding you’d like to try a resume writing service is just the first step — the next steps are in your hands.
The job-seeker has a lot of power here, especially beyond just choosing which service to hire. Here are a few things to think about – including time frame, budget and specific job field goals — before investing in a resume writing service.
1. What’s your timeline?
Are you employed and looking to move to a new industry? Are you looking for your first job? Have you been out of work for too long? How quick you’re hoping to land your next gig is the first, and perhaps most important, question to ask yourself when considering professional resume services.
Many advertise very quick turnaround depending on the project size, as little as a day. But if you’re not in as much as a rush or if your resume and cover letter needs major work, consider going with a service that will spend a bit more time perfecting your work. You may be able to even interview potential writers before committing.
If you have the extra time to spend, spend it. If you don’t, there’s a service that can accommodate the rush, too.
2. Are you prepared to be involved?
It’s tempting to find someone who can drop your resume off to be transformed quickly, but that’s not exactly how this works. You need to be a part of the discussion. The very best resume writing services require your attention, including phone or email conversations, several rewrites and sometimes in-depth chats about your goals and expectations.
3. What’s your budget?
With so many different resume services out there, all with different pricing structures, a good approach is setting a budget before diving in. On average, prices range from $100-$400 for resume services, and that typically includes phone consultations, formatting, keyword optimization and multiple drafts to review.
It ranges from there, typically based on where you are in your career (for example, executive resumes cost more to revamp) or if you’d like to add on more services from the menu. Those include help with cover letters, social media revamps and even interview preparation, which can add $200 or so to your final bill.
The good news: you’re the boss.
4.What kind of shape is your resume in?
Ask yourself one thing: How long has it been since you’ve made any update to your resume?
We’re not just taking adjusting dates of work history. Every now and then, the content needs a refresh, including descriptions of job skills and accomplishments. Also key: everything from modern eye-pleasing formatting to word choice that pops.
It’s a lot but a lot of resume services can go deep with each and every one of your resume needs. Make a list of what you feel needs a refresh — or what is missing entirely — and research experts with each service that can address exactly what you feel your resume may be lacking. There will be a match for you.
5. Do you need more than just resume help?
In addition to helping you craft a cover letter to accompany your resume, many resume writing services offer something of a one-stop shop for employment. Many offer support when it comes to networking, self-promotion, interview coaching and career guidance.
Those options can be a boon for those who need a career overhaul — or even just some extra motivation.
6. What do you know about keywords?
Your resume can be chock-full of Impressive qualifications, from a great education to awards and a stellar work history. And all that makes a difference in a job search. But what can put one over the top is a resume fine-tuned by experts who specialize in integrating language that make them float to the top of search engines.
Many services offer such search engine optimization, or SEO, for your resume. Not all fields require such a specialized tool for your resume, though, so it may come down to the level of job you’re looking for.
7. Have you read through other reviews?
Just as a shiny new product may look good on paper or in your hands in a store, it pays to do a little bit of homework before buying, well, anything,
The same rule applies to resume writing services. Most have very thorough websites, but dig a bit deeper before making a decision. Read through reviews of both the company and its experts. Do the guarantees sound legit? Do their experts actually seem like experts?
A complete review of a service your considering can make a world of difference. Like we said, the power here is yours.
