The Resume Writer
On Paper - Credentials and Industry
Background
Practically anyone can create a good-looking
resume these days, what with computers and
laser printers doing the aesthetics. That's
fine for the first 7 seconds that an
employer takes to scan your paperwork. But then
comes the closer reading, and pretty
paper alone  won't land the interview. The
employer will be looking for credible
details in your resume to back up the
demands of the job opening. That piece of
paper will need to persuade him that you
just might have something to offer.
That is the tall order. To make
that persuasive case requires not only writing
skill, but an insight into management and
business that most resume writers simply lack.
To that end, we value resume writers
who are certified in their
profession, and steeped in industry experience.
The former, not because certification
is the be-all and end-all, but because it
provides the assurance of at least a
minimal level of resume writing expertise.
Since literally anyone can hang up a shingle
and call themselves a resume writer, it's nice
to know that a writer with the designation of
Certified Professional Resume Writer
(CPRW) is one who has demonstrated a
certain knowledge, talent and writing
expertise. Beyond the writing certification,
industry exposure is critical for the
resume writer to be able to flesh out your
particular experience and abilities, and then
translate that into the language that taps the
needs and desires of the hiring official. We
are particularly impressed when a resume
service is able to pair the client with a
Certified Professional Resume Writer of similar
occupational background.
The Resume Writer
In Action - Quality of
Workmanship
We're former resume writers,
ourselves (see "Who
We Are"). After ten years in the business,
you learn a thing or two about writing a
resume. Like how to draw relevant information
out of a client. Like how to put that client's
best foot forward on paper through subtlety of
language. Like how to use design and layout to
marketing advantage. In short: resume content
and organization. It drove us a bit crazy at
times because we're perfectionists.
Though we're no longer writing resumes,
those job skills, that perfectionism, is still
there--and we look for it in other
professional resume writers. Most of
the time, sadly, we don't find it. When we do,
we sit up and take notice. So quality of
workmanship, with regard to the content and
organization of the resume, is what we value
the most in a resume writer.
The
Resume Service - Price and
Value
Because we know what it takes to go from
telephone interview to finished resume--in
terms of time and anguish--we know fair pricing
when we see it. Which explains why the
resume writing services we detail
above are in the same relative ballpark when it
comes to pricing. The average pro is likely to
take 2 to 3 hours to write your resume - more
than that for executive clients and those
with extensive technical
experience or complex work histories.
Factor in time for the telephone interview (a
must, if you want a top-notch resume) and the
requisite emailing back and forth, and you'll
understand why a professional resume writer
will need to charge $150, $200 or more to stay
in business.
Then again, those resume service that charge
$1000? Don't think so. OK, with this
one exception for C-level execs.
The
Resume Service -
Timeliness
When you're between jobs and out of work,
every day seems a month and every month a year.
Time is of the essence, and we look seriously
at the sense of time conveyed by resume
services. Not every writer has to offer
rush service. But they do need to provide a
reasonable time frame for completing your
project.
 The Resume Service - Easy To
Work With
Some days it seems everything's a
hassle. Just when you really, really need
things to go right--like when you're out of
work or can't take another day under the
oppressive thumb of Attila The Hun, the night
shift supervisor at Acme Wing Nuts--well,
forget it. There you are fighting with the
navigation menus on a resume service website,
hunting for an elusive guarantee or a
nonexistent phone number.
We've been there. Hence, we put a good deal
of stock in resume writing services whose web
sites navigate smoothly. Where information is
readily available. Where pricing is up front
and clear. Companies who signal a level of
personalized service--like posting their phone
number--that make us comfortable shelling out
those bucks--fair as they are. In short,
resume services and resume
writers who are easy to work
with.
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.jpg "Resume Services | Monster.com")
.jpg "Resume Services | e-resume.net")
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