Is Hiring a Resume Writer Really Worth It?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who think hiring a resume writer is a big waste of time and money. If you're one of these people, please keep reading. I can assure you that it will be well worth your time. Why hire a professional resume writer? Resume writers who are committed to their field are also committed to seeing that their clients get results from their work together. Meaning, they go WAY beyond creating a document that contains a laundry list of core duties and responsibilities and plastering non-value info in a resume template. A resume writing expert doesn't use templates. I'm sure you're aware that employers have no problem tossing out resumes when there are hundreds more for the taking. It's also no secret that an employer's time is valuable and limited, which is why many dread having to review resumes. Employers wade through the "fluff" resumes and hone in on ones that present value. Cookie-cutter resumes starting off with the infamous "Objective Statement" or resumes that make general statements like "possesses excellent communication skills," "fast learner," "team player," etc. isn't going to cut it. Your resume needs to present employers with key information that exhibits your value and emphasizes your skills and abilities through career achievements and contributions you've made up to this point. For this reason, MANY people miss out on the opportunity to stand out when they don't work with a resume writing expert. Career achievements demonstrate talents and attributes in problem solving, project management, time management, team leadership, employee relations, and communicating effectively, just to name a few crucial areas. But keep in mind that any achievements you state in your resume you must also be able to support. Anyone can claim to have achieved great things, but not everyone can support they've actually done them. Be prepared to support your claim! Employers seek out candidates who have taken the time to go beyond submitting a "template" or "mediocre" resume. The candidates who do are the ones who understand the employer's time is a precious commodity and they've taken the steps necessary to help make the resume reviewing process less of a strain. Now that you have an idea of what message your resume needs to get across to potential employers in order to see results from it, can the resume you have right now compete against it? If not, it's time to seriously consider working with a resume expert. How to Choose the Right Resume Writer:

• Do your homework. There are thousands of career service professionals out there who provide resume writing services. But not all resume writers are created equal. If a writer claims to be a certified, verify it. Unfortunately, there are some dishonest people out there claiming to be credentialed when in fact they're not.
• Visit their website. Find out to see if they specialize in your field or industry. Look for testimonials attesting to the quality of their work and how they've made a difference for their clients.
• Contact at least three resume writers. Based on your research and conversations, you'll have a better understanding of how each writer can help you and if they're a "good fit" or not. It also puts you in a position to make a well-informed decision.

Hiring a resume writer is a great deal more than just hiring someone type up our resume. It's an investment in you, your career, and leading you in the right direction. The ultimate goal is to land interviews for positions you know will prove to be ones that you find both personally and financially rewarding.