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By Don Goodman
November 15, 2010 4:14 PM EST
You need to be very careful when choosing a resume writing service as anyone can put up a sign they write resumes. In fact some companies are now tricking the public by ranking themselves "#1" in fake Top 10 Resume Writing Service lists. They then send the resumes overseas to be written and produce very bad, broken English resumes. Other firms deliver nothing more than a prettier format of what you have.
So here's how the industry works and what you should look for when selecting a resume writing service.
1. Avoid the scams.
Unfortunately, there are a number of scams out there. No one has ever reviewed resume writing services so avoid those who have Top 10 Resume Writing lists. These are generally companies overseas who have ranked their own site as #1 in resume writing.
A newer form are those sites that guarantee a job or they will not only refund your monies, but give you $50-$75 money back as well. Sounds great, but if you check out the terms and conditions, you will not be able to comply.
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2. Unless you think you are like everyone else, avoid the factories.
One way to identify a factory is by their very low prices as no one can make any money in this business charging less than $150 unless they have a production line setup. Some factories will also be "partners" with some larger organization which is usually nothing more than a royalty they pay for every sale. Factories often use cookie cutter templates to produce a resume, so unless you are comfortable with that, find someone who will spend the time to understand how you are unique.
3. How does the web site look?
If they cannot organize their web site and make it look attractive, then they can't do that for your resume. However, this is not the only criteria to use. I know a company with mediocre writers that is successful solely because they have an attractive web site.
4. The resume writing firm should have some credentials.
The most common one is the Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) designation that indicates they have at least passed some level of competency.
That being said, look for credentials beyond the CPRW designation. Do the people have impressive backgrounds? Many sites won't tell you anything beyond their CPRW designation. Great writers have great accomplishments so look to see if they have been published in books and, most importantly, find out about their business background. Did they attend a good school - did they rise through the business ranks? Being in HR is good and being an executive is even better as they have been the decision makers behind the hiring process and have demonstrated the skills to excel.
5. Look at their samples.
If you don't like their samples, you surely won't like their work. Look to see if they are focusing on skills and accomplishments as opposed to producing pretty resumes that just list job duties.
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