By
Guest Author:
Madeline
Miller
Founder/Manager,
Compu-Type
Résumé Service
How
to choose a résumé writing service? The simple answer is get the
best available! The most important step in getting a job is getting
in the door for an interview. A résumé that stands out from others
is the best thing you can do to get that opportunity. Job placement
still comes down to what you have to offer (e.g. skills, experience,
accomplishments), but presenting yourself in the best light
available is key. I have found that many clients are not capable
of composing a résumé that adequately highlights their abilities.
They usually have problems drawing out their strengths and matching
them with what employers are looking for (i.e. organizational,
teamwork, communication skills). Very often, I have had clients
contact me with a résumé they themselves composed which did not
get results in the job market. After working with them to
restructure their résumé – incorporating and illustrating viable
skills and utilizing more professional jargon – the difference in
the number of interviews offered has been notably significant.
Remember, also, you need a strong targeted cover letter to
complement and frame the résumé in a manner that makes it seem
like the job description was written just for you. The three key
elements in choosing a résumé writing service are: capabilities
and experience, cost, and the “personal touch.”
Capabilities
and Experience
The
résumé service you select should be able to handle the full range
of preparation services, including résumés, cover letters, and
personal statements. In today’s economy that also means it
must have a website. Check out the features on their website and
make sure they have the following as a minimum:
*
Interactive worksheets for submitting your résumé
information
*
Toll free number for direct communication for technical assistance
*
Résumé and cover
letter samples so you can judge the quality of the work
Be
sure to avoid websites that are cluttered and confusing because if
you use them that’s how your résumé
will end up looking. It’s important to get the “best résumé
service in the nation” rather than just the “best local résumé
service.” With the Internet, this is now possible. Know
who will be creating the résumé. Will it be the company
“expert” or will it be a less proficient staffer. The old axiom
“there’s no substitute for experience” still rings true. Use
an established résumé company with a minimum of 10 years
experience in résumé preparation.
Cost
The
cost of a résumé is small considering the money already invested
in one’s job preparation (e.g. $100,000 for four years of
college), as well as the importance of a good résumé in securing
that dream job. However, you should conduct comparative shopping to
make sure the cost for the service you are considering is in the
right ballpark. As a student, you should expect to pay $80 to $100
for a quality résumé. For a professional, expect to pay from $110
to $150 for a high quality personalized résumé sufficiently
outlining your strengths. A cover letter should cost $40 to $50.
Make sure the company guarantees your satisfaction. But beware of
services that offer unusually inexpensive costs. Most of the time,
you get what you pay for.
The
“Personal Touch”
Only use a résumé
service that can provide you with personalized service – one where
you can have direct communication with the résumé provider though
the creation cycle by both e-mail and phone. It’s important to
have this interaction so that your résumé truly puts you in the
best light. You have to feel comfortable with the service.
Resume Service
