Who is Really Writing Your Resume? How to Assess a Resume Writing Service

If you’re considering hiring a resume writing service, you’re not alone. A professionally written resume can make all the difference, especially in today’s highly competitive job market. 

While you can revamp your own resume for your next job search, it’s worth your while to have an expert prepare it for you. A resume is the most critical part of the job search toolkit. It showcases all of your professional strengths and helps you land an interview among dozens — if not hundreds — of top-level applicants. 

But a good resume isn’t easy to write. You need to capture your best attributes in a compelling and condensed way while also appealing to employers whose expectations are changing every day. A resume writing service can help you land the perfect mix of skill-based and culture-based elements they’re looking for in an employee — all in an attractive package. 

Before you put down any money — at a range of anywhere between $100 and $2,000 — you need to make sure you’re investing with the right service. We’re sharing a few facts that will help you assess a potential resume writing service and determine the best value for your money. 

Do They Have Experienced Writers & Staff  

Just like any other industry, experience speaks volumes. The right professional resume writing service will employ experienced writers who have worked in their industry for years. These writers should have a firm grasp of how each industry has changed over the years — and what it takes to succeed in today’s job search climate.

Don’t run if a service features some newer writers, however — those with a few years of experience can still have a firm grasp on what makes and breaks a resume, and will also have the added benefit of being up-to-date on the latest techniques and what to include.

What Value Can They Give? 

Before you commit to any service, you need to know what kind of value they can provide. Take a look at their website to get an understanding of what they promise with each resume. Do they offer a personalized consultation? Do you get a chance to make revision requests? Each resume review should be done according to your unique needs. 

Some services may also offer additional services to polish cover letters or LinkedIn profiles.  

Resume Writer Expertise 

Finding the right service isn’t just about their years of experience. The ideal professional resume writer will have an in-depth understanding of what it takes to build a resume that will not only get past an initial review but will also impress an employer at the highest level. 

Each industry and job will look out for specific skill sets. They may expect to see certain certifications, jargon, or phrases in your application to make sure it’s a good fit. In these cases, employers may use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through applications. These programs will rank applications based on how they use these keywords and even eliminate applications that don’t use the right ones. 

To avoid your resume being dismissed — even if you’re a good fit for the role — a good resume writer will be able to identify the right keywords and make sure they’re included. They can optimize your resume to pass these ATS tests with flying colors. 

Specialized & Niche Resume Writers

While you may not be able to find a resume writer who has worked in your particular industry, the right service will have writers from a wide range of backgrounds. 

A resume writing service company should be able to offer professionals who have worked on resumes in your line of work — and have an intimate understanding of what works in that industry, from language to trends to employer expectations. Someone with experience and specialization can give you the edge that another generic resume writer can’t provide. 

Choosing the Right Resume Writing Service for Job Search Success

Deciding to invest in a professionally written resume can give you an advantage in a competitive job market. But before you offer up your hard-earned money, it’s important to ensure that the resume writing service is giving you the value you deserve. 

The best way to test out a potential resume writing service is to get a consultation. Most of the time they are free, giving you a sense of their expertise and what they can offer for your resume. Ready to invest in your career with a powerful resume? Request a free consultation with our writers today.