5 Things to know before hiring a Resume Writer

Whether you’re merely updating your resume or creating an entirely new one, resume writing can be a very stressful task. That’s why many job seekers resort to hiring a resume writing service.

Here are five little-known facts to know before using a resume writing service:

1. You probably don’t need one

Hiring a professional resume writing service isn’t always the best choice for everyone. It really depends on how much experience you have and what you’re looking for. If you’re unsure, consider the questions below:

• Are you looking for a raise or promotion? Hiring a professional writer is a good idea if you’re looking for more money, responsibilities and a higher title.
• Are you qualified for the position you want next? A resume writer isn’t a magician — he or she can’t make you stand out if you don’t have the skills to begin with.
• Are you good at writing? Resume writing is, in its purest form, a lot of writing. You don’t have to be an incredibly talented writer
• Do you make more than $40,000 a year? It’s important to consider where you’re putting your money and whether it’s a smart financial decision.

2. You might be misled if you don’t read the fine print

Many services provide some sort of guarantee, whether it’s doubling your interviews, offering unlimited revisions or giving you a refund if you’re unhappy with the turnout. However, if the company did a poor job writing your resume the first time, chances are the quality won’t improve the second time around.

While these promises may sound reassuring, it’s important to read the fine print, as these guarantees are often not as amazing as they sound. For example, an “interview guarantee” usually means you’ll get a chance to have your resume rewritten, not that you’ll somehow get an interview no matter what.

3. The process is not as easy as you may think

A common misconception about resume builder services is that they do all the work for you. Also expect to do a lot of back-and-forth collaboration with your writer via phone and email.

And remember, you’ll have to offer them feedback once they send you their first draft. But the reality is that they can’t even start working on your resume until you’ve filled out an extensive form detailing all the necessary information about your work history, skills and professional achievements.

4. The writers aren’t always as qualified as you think

Remember, the writer’s job is to create a compelling document that’s more than just a history of your career. Services typically charge anywhere from $100 to $400, depending on how advanced your resume needs to be.

Another trap to avoid is the "$25 resume and a 24-hour turnaround time." Many services offer unbelievably low rates — but only because they need to in order to sustain a profitable business model. More often than not, a low rate means you’re getting an inexperienced writer who is willing to be compensated for much less.

5. The process may take longer than you expect

Many resume writers require about week or longer, depending on factors like how much revision is needed, their bandwidth, or your job experience level. But writing a quality resume paper takes time, especially with so many people on the job hunt today.

In some ways, using a resume service actually means you’re prioritizing quality over speed, so keep this in mind if application deadlines are on the horizon. It’s natural to think that if you’re forking up money for a resume service do all the heavy lifting, things will be done before you know it.