Many people dread the project of writing and updating their own resume. “I am an above-average writer, but I am not good at writing about myself,” you might say. “I have no idea what keywords to highlight.”
“This is my first time on the job market in 15 years. I don’t even know what a resume is supposed to look like!”
Do any of these quotes sound like they would come from your mouth? You’re not alone. Professional resume writers hear these same concerns on a daily basis.
Why Pay?
Many surveys have shown that after being presented with self-built and professional resumes of candidates with identical backgrounds, employers said they would likely offer a higher salary to the prospect with the professionally written document.
And don’t worry about recruiters being able to tell if you paid a professional service to write your resume. The fact you made an investment into your job search will convey your dedication and commitment to landing a new opportunity.
About Certifications
A quick online search for professional resume writing services will uncover a seemingly endless list of potential partners for your project. The competitive job market has created a boom for such services, many of which are legitimately aiming to advance your career opportunities with a concise, powerful resume.
One credential you should look for when choosing your service is the Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) designation. The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches has been around for 25 years and puts writers through an intensive testing phase to earn the certification.
Free Resources
If you choose to build your resume yourself, many free resources are available to help you in your mission. You can find many free online critiques that will digitally parse your uploaded resume and give you tips on what’s working and what’s not.
You can also find experts in local employment centers who provide free resume-writing tips and services. If you’re a college student, check in with your school’s career services department, which usually staffs a few specialists skilled in crafting effective resumes.
