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.
You can read more about requirements of the Certified Professional Resume Writer at the website
of the certifying body, The Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.
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.
You might be asking, then how come some writers are charging a hundred bucks or less? Answer:
they're gathering information solely via a questionnaire that you fill out. Gary Will, author of
WorkSearch, says: "Don't expect a top-notch resume from a service that works
from a form or questionnaire. That's fine for an initial outline, but the resume writing process
needs to be much more interactive -- either through a face-to-face meeting or a telephone
discussion. Typists work from forms, not resume writers."
Then again, those resume service that charge $1000? Don't think so, at least not for the average
mid-level professional. Those kind of prices become more justified when searching for
a resume
service for C-level executives.
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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