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HOW TO CHOOSE AN EXECUTIVE RESUME WRITING SERVICE
When you did a search for executive resume writers, you were probably shocked at how many firms appeared. In fact, you need to be very careful when choosing an executive resume writing service as anyone can put up a sign that they write resumes. So here’s how the industry works and what you should look for when selecting an executive resume writing service.
1. Avoid the rip-offs. The Internet has made it easy for anyone to get into the executive resume writing business. The latest scams are those companies that advertise “BEST 10 RESUME SERVICES” or “TOP 10 RESUME WRITERS” that purport to show you the best ranked resume services as determined by an outside independent firm. THESE ARE FAKES. The companies are based overseas and created a fake web site ranking themselves #1, so stay away from these folks.
Other firms to look out for are those that will try to sell you a multi-thousand dollar “marketing program”. Some will try to sell you on the notion that they have access to the “hidden job market” of unadvertised jobs. Many of these firms are a spinoff of Bernard Haldane, which was shut down by the government in 5 states because of so many complaints, and have reopened under new names. The bottom line is no one has access to the hidden job market (that’s why it is hidden) and you can find the same mailing, coaching and posting services for far less money from other reputable providers.
2. Unless you think you are like everyone else, avoid the factories. You can identify a factory as they are the ones that boast that they are “partners” with Monster, Career-Builder or some other large organization which means nothing more than that they pay a royalty for every sale. Factories are designed for the masses and often use cookie-cutter templates to produce a resume, so unless you are comfortable with that, find someone who will spend the time to understand how you are unique.
3. How does the web site look? If they cannot organize their web site and make it look attractive, then they can’t do that for your resume. However, this is not the only criteria to use. I know a company with mediocre writers that is successful solely because they have an attractive web site.
4. The resume writing firm should have some credentials. The most common one is the Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) designation that indicates they have at least passed some level of competency. But the CPRW alone does not mean they can write good executive resumes.
That being said, look for credentials beyond the CPRW designation. Do the people have impressive backgrounds? Many sites won’t tell you anything beyond their CPRW designation. Great writers have great accomplishments so look to see if they have been published in books and, most importantly, find out about their business background. Did they attend a good school – did they rise through the business ranks? Being in HR is good and being an executive is even better as they have been the decision makers behind the hiring process and have demonstrated the skills to excel.
5. Look at their samples. If you don’t like their samples, you surely won’t like their work. Look to see if they are focusing on skills and accomplishments as opposed to producing pretty resumes that just list job duties.
6. Check out their resume writing process and make sure you get to speak to someone. A good resume cannot be written just from a questionnaire, and a good resume writing firm will insist on speaking to you. This way they can ask you insightful questions that highlight the skills and achievements that impress an employer. If they don’t interview you, this means that their writers are not strong enough to have an intelligent conversation with you.
The best resume writing firms will use both a questionnaire and a phone interview. The questionnaire will jog your memory and make you think a bit about things that you haven’t thought about in a while. In fact, it not only helps you get a better resume, it helps you prepare for a job interview. High level executives would insist on a questionnaire and a phone interview and there is no reason that you shouldn’t be able to get the same VIP treatment.
Having said that, ask how long it takes to fill out the questionnaire. There is a trend to lead someone through a “personal branding” exercise that demands 4-12 hours of extra work. I am a big believer in personal branding but good executive resume services do not require such a cumbersome process. The questionnaire should take you about 1-2 hours to complete. Yes, you should be willing to put some time into this process as this is the most important career document you will have, so don't take shortcuts and try to avoid the questionnaire portion completely.
7. Get a free resume evaluation. If they don’t offer one, then they are probably too weak to provide a good critique, or they rely on high volume and are one of the “factories” that use templates.
Then notice if they call you or send you an email evaluation. Email evaluations are usually standard templates with a few words changed and anyone can produce them. The Ladders is notorious for emailing a lengthy, well-written evaluation that is 99% canned with a couple of sentences added. A really good company is not afraid to talk to you to understand your needs and indicate how they could help.
8. Call the company. Do you speak to a sales person or a resume writer? If you are speaking to a sales person, then they probably are more of a factory that does big volume and uses “cookie-cutter” templates.
If you are speaking to a resume writer, ask them about their background and what they have done in their career (see #4).
9. Do they offer a guarantee? A good service will stand behind their work and offer to revise your resume for free if it is not working. You’ll want to choose a resume writing service that stands behind their product. Also check to see if there is some seal of approval. Look for the BBB Online Reliability seal that shows they are a safe and reliable site.
10. Ask about the price. Yes, the price is important but not as important as getting a resume that works. First, check to see that all items are included. For example you will need an ASCII resume (text format) to put your resume into emails or web sites. Some companies offer this for free, and others charge as much as $100 extra.
Surpisingly, executive resumes do not have to cost a lot. Executive resumes generally cost from $399 to $1500 and just choosing the higher priced resume service doesn’t guarantee quality or results. (I personally do not believe an executive resume has to be expensive).
The Internet is a wonderful thing, but it has allowed anyone to offer executive resume writing services, regardless of their background. Use this 10-point checklist and you will be guaranteed to choose the right executive resume writing service for you.
Don Goodman, President of About Jobs (www.GotTheJob.com) is a nationally recognized Career Coach and Resume Writer. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business and Stanford University's Executive Program, Don has helped thousands of people secure their next job. Read his blog at http://www.GotTheJob.com/blog/ or contact him at 800-909-0109 or by e-mail at dgoodman@GotTheJob.com.
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