Resume Writers - Who To Trust!

Resume Writers - Who To Trust! Qualify a Resume Writer Before Engaging in Services Conduct a Google search for resume writing in your area and you are sure to locate several dozen sites.  But buyer beware   there is a major  difference between ‘resume writers’ and experienced, professional resume writers with supporting credentials. How do you know who to trust? To start, review each resume writers website, LinkedIn profile, and offerings very carefully. Can you locate details on the resume writer and their experience? How comfortable are you entrusting a part of your job search to a person you know nothing about. Ensure you know exactly WHO will be managing your resume project. Next, analyze the resume writers training and involvement in the career / job search community. Some resume writers (big box shops or anonymous writers) have no formal training in employment, job search strategies, or resumes. This begs the question about the standard of work. If individuals are not engaged in the resume writing industry AND pursuing ongoing professional development in the career industry then how can they effectively support job seekers with the critical task of applying for jobs: which is ever evolving? Other red flags to watch out for: Websites are sales focused, long winded, and include poor grammar or spelling.  Yikes. If the web site is packed with disjointed information, mistakes, or lack of value think about what your resume will look like! Prices  are  too good to be true.   Ever heard the expression you pay for what you get?  An inexpensive resume will be a hastily compiled template which can hinder your job search.  Top professionals appropriately charge for level of expertise and the many hours spent compiling customized career documents. The  resume  samples are old-fashioned templates  that all look exactly the same (basic and boring). If you read resume samples online and you are not immediately intrigued or compelled  move along!   Avoid resumes that are task-focused.   Look for resume samples that include results-driven statements and unique value propositions…which are critical to job search success. The writer is nowhere to be found on social media including LinkedIn.  Todays resume writing professionals recognize the importance of social media (particularly LinkedIn) as part of a healthy job search approach.  Professional services should also include assistance with LinkedIn profiles and other current job search trends (like ATS). When approached, writers or shops speak unfavorably  about their competitors to try and win sales.  True professionals do not push down others to get ahead; they are proud to be a part of the industry, have established relationships with peers, and promote the value of others.    I myself enjoy recommending other top resume writers if  I am personally unable to assist. Ultimately your best investment is to search for resume writers with  supporting  credentials and reputable background in the career services community.   Professional resume writers have secured industry designations and will share personalized biographies so that you get a good sense of work style and commitment  to the industry. Top professionals can also support expertise with awards, media contributions, publications, ongoing professional development, continuous  learning, and client recommendations (check out their LinkedIn profile for specific client comments and feedback). Learn more about “Who Can you Trust in the Resume Writing Industry?” by Sharon Graham, Executive Director of Career Professionals of Canada.Engaging a trusted professional will almost certainly reduce your job search, saving you missed salary and lost income. Getting your resume done right with a certified resume writer, the first time, will save time and money. Although certified resume writers may charge more they offer the greatest return on investment! A list of  prominent resume writing credentials include: MCRS (Master Certified Resume Strategist) CERM (Certified Executive Resume Master) skilled in writing for the executive market; myself included CRS (Certified Resume Strategist) CARW (Certified Advanced Resume Writer) NCRW (Nationally Certified Resume Writer) CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer) Each of the above certifications are offered through different associations, including:Career Professionals of Canada (CPC), Career Directors International (CDI), and National Resume Writers Association (NRWA). Finally, the best tip of all.  Associations share their directories online where you can search for a credentialed resume writer in your immediate area. So save the Google searches for something else. Go to the source to seek out the very best! I regularly receive calls from desperate job seekers who are unhappy with the resumes they got completed at big box shops or writing experts.  Please do your homework before hiring help.