The search for a qualified, professional resume service can seem daunting. However, there are several screening "red flags" that can help you weed out the amateurs.
First of all, it's important to find a career industry specialist certified by a professional organization. Avoid jack-of-all trades generalists, such as print/copy or secretarial services that provide resumes as one of numerous menu items. These services may provide either only typesetting or fill-in-the-blank cookie cutter resume templates. But keyboarding by an untrained clerk is vastly different from strategic writing by an experienced professional resume writer.
Another type of service to avoid are the low-end "resume mills." Impersonal resume factories focused on quantity and a fast turnaround, these Internet-based companies often appear professional with sophisticated websites and credible verbiage. However, these services employ low-paid and often inexperienced subcontractors to mass produce mediocre-to-poor template-based resumes.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Does your business provide only resume development services?
- Do you offer a free consultation or critique?
- Who will write my resume (a credentialed professional and service owner or a contract/salaried writer)?
- Is the writer a certified resume writer?
- How many years of experience does he or she have?
- Can I see sample resumes written by the writer who will develop my resume?
- Will I be able to talk with the writer on the phone?
- Is your company a member of the Better Business Bureau?
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