Once you’ve made the decision to trust the specialists with the assembly and formatting of your resume, the next step is figure out which certified resume writer is best for you.
Not all resume services are created equal, and it is important to find one that provides quality services and is suited to your career goals. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a resume service:
Certified Resume Writer?
If you’re an experienced professional looking for an executive-level position, you don’t want to trust your resume preparation to just anybody. Fortunately, several organizations exist that provide certifications for highly-qualified professional resume writers.
A certified resume writer will almost always display their credentials on their website or other promotional material, so be sure to look for certifications such as Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW), Master Resume Writer (MRW), or Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW).
Check References for the Resume Writer
Just as your job interview process will involve providing references to your prospective new employers, you should check up on the references of any resume writer you are considering. Many professional resume writers and services will make testimonials or quotes from satisfied customers available online or in printed brochures.
It is also both smart and appropriate to ask your certified resume writer for several past customers you can contact as references. Checking references will save you from wasting any time on a trial-and-error search for a qualified resume writer.
Writing Samples Help
You may not be a certified resume writer yourself, but as an experienced management professional, you have a general idea of what an executive-level resume should look like. Be sure to request one or two sample prepared resumes from any individual or firm you are thinking about hiring.
Seeing a resume writer’s work first-hand is the best way to weed out any amateurs early on, and will let you determine whether the writer’s style is suited to the kind of resume you want to create. Viewing sample resumes may also give you some ideas about features or formats to request during your own resume writing process.
What Documents Do You Need?
Resume writers may offer different services in conjunction with their core business of resume preparation. Some preparers will simply generate an executive-grade resume from whatever documentation and lists you send to them, while others will create the resume, publish it on custom letterhead, send it to prospective employers for you, and even handle the follow-up and thank-you letters.
It is a good idea to determine what services you might want in addition to the preparation of your resume and cover letter. Make sure that your prospective resume writer offers all of the services that you would like to have included, and take note of any other products that are available to be sure that you have every advantage as you launch the search for your new executive career.